Abstract:

The Sierra Leone local council is charged with the responsibilities to govern and look over the welfare of its citizens in its localities but has been faced with a lot of challenges ranging from limited finance, insufficient staff capacity, insufficient material resources, mobility, and little compliance from bigger MDAs in terms of control. Hence has raised effectiveness issues in council operations. With the implementation of participatory budgeting in Port, Loko District Council calls for a study with the objective to investigate the effectiveness and linearity of participatory budgeting in the achievement of community development goals in the Port Loko District Council. Purposive sampling was done and administered a survey questionnaire to 420 respondents in the Port Loko District. Simple linear regression and correlational tests were used to interpret and analyze the primary data using SPSS 16.0 software package. The data analyses found out that there was a mean agreement rate of 1.95, which indicated that the respondents agreed that participatory budgeting was effective. The hypothesis test, if the effectiveness of participatory budgeting in Port Loko District Council has an impact on the achievement of community development goals, the major finding in this research is that effectiveness of participatory budgeting significantly affects the achievement of community development goals in the council district and concludes that participatory budgeting implemented in the Port Loko District Council in relation to the achievement of community development goals is effective, has a positive relationship and a strong correlation between them.

References:

[1] ACT, L. G. (2004, 03 1). The Local Government Act, 2004. Retrieved 11 01, 2020, from The Local Government Act, 2004-Sierra Leone Web: http://www.sierra-leone.org/Laws/2004-1p.pdf.

[2] Eisenstein, L. (2016, 3 6). The Importance of Effective and Efficient Local Governments. Retrieved 06 23, 2021, from Diligent Insights: https://insights.diligent.com/workload-management/the-importance-of-effective-and-efficient-local-governments/.

[3] LGA. (2020). Participatory Budgeting. Retrieved 11 1, 2020, from Local Government Association: https://www.local.gov.uk/topics/devolution/engaging-citizens-devolution/approaches-civic-and-democratic-engagement-0.

[4] Campbell, M., Escobar, O., Fenton, C., & Craig, a. P. (2018, 7 3). The impact of participatory budgeting on health and wellbeing: a scoping review of evaluations. Retrieved 06 24, 2021, from BMC Public Health: https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-018-5735-8.

[5] Sesay, J. B. (2018, 11 4). Local Councils, Service Delivery and their Welfare! Retrieved 11 09, 2020, from Sierra Express Media: https://sierraexpressmedia.com/?p=86005.

[6] Dauda, S. J. (2019). Personnel Management in Local Government Performance— A Case Study of Bo City Council, Sierra Leone. International Journal of Management and Fuzzy Systems, 1-6.

[7] Accounting Dictionary. (n.d.). What is Effectiveness? Retrieved 11 4, 2020, from My Accounting Course:https://www.myaccountingcourse.com/accounting-dictionary/effectiveness.

[8] Kolmar, C. (2020, 11 16). Efficiency vs. Effectiveness: what’s the difference? (with examples). Retrieved 06 23, 2021, from ZIPPA: https://www.zippia.com/advice/efficiency-vs-effectiveness/.

[9] Principle of Management. (2016, 05 30). Principles of Management Efficiency and effectiveness. Retrieved 11 04, 2020, from Principles of Management: https://www.peoi.org/Courses/Coursesen/mgt/fram9.html#:~:text=Efficiency%20and%20effectiveness%20are%20often%20considered%20synonyms%2C%20but%20they%20mean,is%20doing%20the%20right%20things.&text=This%20includes%20management%20processes%20as%20well%20as%2.

[10] Brun-Martos, M. I., & Lapsley, a. I. (2016). Democracy, governmentality, and transparency: participatory budgeting in action. Public Management Review, 1006-1021.

[11] Schneider, S. H., & Busse, a. S. (2018). Participatory Budgeting in Germany – A Review of Empirical Findings. International Journal of Public Administration, 259-273.

[12] Harkins, C., & Egan, a. J. (2012, 03). The Role of Participatory Budgeting In Promoting Localism And Mobilising Community Assets. Retrieved 11 2, 2020, from Glasgow Centre for Population Health: https://www.gcph.co.uk/assets/0000/3145/GCPH_Participatory_Budgeting_FINAL.pdf.

[13] Piña, G., & Avellaneda, a. C. (2017, 02). Local Government Effectiveness:. Retrieved 06 24, 2021, from Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318348239_Local_Government_Effectiveness_Assessing_the_Role_of_Organizational_Capacity.

[14] Nelson, K. L., Gabaris, G. T., & Davis, a. T. (2011, 11 2). What Makes Municipal Councils Effective?: An Empirical Analysis of How Council Members Perceive Their Group Interactions and Processes. Retrieved 06 24, 2021, from SAGE Journals: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0160323X11424913?journalCode=slgb.

[15] Osman, M. M., Bachok, S., Bakri, N. I., & Harun, a. N. (2017, 1 4-5). Government Delivery System: Effectiveness of local authorities in Perak, Malaysia. Retrieved 06 24, 2021, from Science Direct: https://pdf.sciencedirectassets.com/277811/1-s2.0-S1877042814X00480/1-s2.0-S1877042814055219/main.pdf?X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEDoaCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJIMEYCIQC4jw7lvp7wjCniSScskWcwt02f8urvh5AfDCnGnX81XgIhAL6yXN2a69c50B3irOfx1UXn9xHQfJrmBy2e8v6EHDx8.

[16] Straza, M. (2018, 12 17). Community Development: What It Is, Its Importance, and How to Contribute in Your City. Retrieved 11 1, 2020, from
Straza Consulting: https://www.consultstraza.com/community-development-what-it-is-its-importance-and-how-to-contribute-in-your-city/.

[17] OCHA Services. (2015, 12 29). Sierra Leone: Port Loko District Profile (29 December 2015). Retrieved 06 18, 2021, from reliefweb: https://reliefweb.int/report/sierra-leone/sierra-leone-port-loko-district-profile-29-december-2015.

[18] Kanu, K. (2017, 08 11). US$2,750,000 JSDF Grant to Sierra Leone to Strengthen Community Mobilization and Service Delivery. Retrieved 06 18, 2021, from Cocorioko: https://cocorioko.net/us2750000-jsdf-grant-to-sierra-leone-to-strengthen-community-mobilization-and-service-delivery/.

[19] Bevans, R. (2020, 02 19). An introduction to simple linear regression. Retrieved 06 08, 2021, from Scribbr: https://www.scribbr.com/statistics/simple-linear-regression/.

[20] Frost, J. (n.d.). Interpreting Correlation Coefficients. Retrieved 06 08, 2021, from Statistics By Jim: https://statisticsbyjim.com/basics/correlations/.

Abstract:

Sick leave is time spent away from work due to illness or injury. A preliminary review of sick leave records for 2012 for the 6 clinics in Nkulumane showed 3 clinics experienced higher sick leave incidents than the other 3 clinics. The study sought to establish the prevalence and associated factors for sick leave in the City of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. An analytic cross-sectional study was carried out among Bulawayo City Health employees working in 20 health facilities. A total of 144 respondents and 3 key informants were interviewed. An interviewer-administered questionnaire, key informant interview guide, and a checklist were used to collect data, which was analysed using Epi Info. The prevalence of sick leave was 34%. Employees who took sick leave less than six months ago were 4.3 times more likely to go on frequent sick leave than those who did not (POR 4.3, P-Value 0.002). Employees who reported good team climate were less likely to go on frequent sick leave (POR 0.29, P-Value 0.002). Feeling unappreciated at work was a risk factor for frequent sick leave (POR 2.61, P-Value 0.01). The cost of sick leave for the City of Bulawayo in 2012 was $US20 840. Periodic refresher meetings on conditions of service, training of managers and other employees on good teamwork, and production of a standard template for recording sick leave by clinics may assist in curbing frequent sick leave incidents.

References:

[1] The Collins Online Dictionary: www.google.com accessed 17/07/2013.

[2] Coggon D; Ntani G; Vargas-Prada S; Martinez J.M; Serra C and Bernavides F.G, 2013, International Variation in Absence from Work Attributed to Musculoskeletal Illness: Findings from the CUPID Study: Occupational and Environmental Medical Journal, 70(8): 575-584

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3710073/.

[3] Brulin, C., Goine, H., Edlund, C. 1998, Prevalence of Long-Term Sick Leave Among Female Home Care Personnel in Northern Sweden. J Occup Rehabil 8, 103–111.

https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023063506148 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1023063506148#citeas.

[4] Henrekson M and Mats Persson. 2004, The Effects on Sick Leave of Changes in the Sickness Insurance System. Journal of Labor Economics, 22 (8) 87–113. www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/380404.

[5] Smith M; Sick Leave Abuse, A Chronic Workplace Ill?

http://humanresources.about.com/od/laborrelations/a/sickleaveabuse.htm.

[6] Mindtools: Reducing Sick Leave: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMM_56.htm.

[7] Law and Justice Zimbabwe: Labour Act of Zimbabwe: http://www.mywage.org/zimbabwe/main/decent-work-check/work-and-illness/sick-leave.

[8] Donders N.C.G.M; Bos J.T; Van der Velden K and Van der Gulden J, 2012, Age Differences in the Associations between Sick Leave and Aspects of Health, Psychosocial Workload and Family Life, A Cross Sectional Study: BMJ Open: 2 (4), http://europepmc.org/article/PMC/4400637.

[9] Priya C, 2020: Ishikawa (Fishbone or Cause and Effect) Diagram:

http://learnersdestination.com/ishikawa-fishbone-or-cause-and-effect-diagram/.

[10] Dørheim SK, Bjorvatn B, Eberhard-Gran M, 2013. Sick leave during pregnancy: a longitudinal study of rates and risk factors in a Norwegian population. BJOG.120(5):521-30. doi: 10.1111/1471-0528.12035. Epub 2012 Nov 7. PMID: 23130975. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23130975/.

[11] Backhausen M, Damm P, Bendix J, Tabor A, Hegaard H, 2017, The prevalence of sick leave: Reasons and associated predictors – A survey among employed pregnant women. Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare.10.1016/j.srhc.2017.11.005. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321238369_The_prevalence_of_sick_leave_Reasons_and_associated_predictors__A_survey_among_employed_pregnant_women.

[12] Rasmussen OB, Sørensen AU, Nielsen CV, 1996, Sick leave for pregnant women in the municipality of Fjend 1987-1990 Ugeskrift for Laeger.158(49):7069-7073. PMID: 8999614. https://europepmc.org/article/med/8999614.

[13] Holmgren, K., Dahlin-Ivanoff, S., Björkelund, C, 2009, The prevalence of work-related stress, and its association with self-perceived health and sick-leave, in a population of employed Swedish women. BMC Public Health 9, 73. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-9-73 https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2458-9-73#citeas.

[14] Fahlén, G., Goine, H., Edlund, C, 2009, Effort-reward imbalance, “locked in” at work, and long-term sick leave. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 82, 191–197. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-008-0321-5 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00420-008-0321-5#citeas.

[15] Isacsson A, Hanson BS, Janzon L, Kugelberg G, 1992, The epidemiology of sick leave in an urban population in Malmö, Sweden. Scandinavian Journal of Social Medicine ;20(4):234-239. doi:10.1177/140349489202000408 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/140349489202000408.

[16] Roelen C.A; Koopmans P.C; Schreuder J.A; Anema J.R and Van Der Beek A.J, 2011: The history of registered sickness absence predicts future sickness absence, Journal of Occupational Medicine: 61(2):96-101 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21173042/.

[17] Jacob L, Koyanagi A, Smith L, Tanislav C, Konrad M, van der Beck S, Kostev K, 2021, Prevalence of, and factors associated with, long-term COVID-19 sick leave in working-age patients followed in general practices in Germany. Int J Infect Dis. 2021 Jul 2; 109:203-208. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.06.063. Epub ahead of print. PMID:34224870. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34224870/.

[18] Hultin H; Lindholm C; Malfert M and Moller J, 2012: Short Term Sick Leave and Future Rate of Sickness Absence and Unemployment: The Impact of Health Status: BMC Public Health: 12(861) https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2458-12-861#citeas.

[19] Hinnka K; Kuoppala J; Vaananen-Tomppo I and Lamminpaa A, 2013: Psychosocial work factors and sick leave, occupational accident, and disability pension; a cohort study of civil servants: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine:55(2):191-7 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23364212/.

[20] Stapelfeldt, C.M., Jensen, C., Andersen, N.T, 2012, Validation of sick leave measures: self-reported sick leave and sickness benefit data from a Danish national register compared to multiple workplace-registered sick leave spells in a Danish municipality. BMC Public Health 12, 661. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-12-661 (Self https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1471-2458-12-661#citeas.

[21] Van Poppel MN, de Vet HC, Koes BW, Smid T, Bouter LM, 2002, Measuring sick leave: a comparison of self-reported data on sick leave and data from company records. Occup Med (Lond);52(8):485-90. doi: 10.1093/occmed/52.8.485. PMID:12488520. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12488520/.

Abstract:

Business leaders must be strategic about their operations to ensure success in different operating environments. The COVID-19, which emerged as a public health pandemic that affected businesses in different sectors differently. Passenger transport businesses were directly affected after the movement of people was banned for extended periods, during the lockdowns. The lockdowns represented a disruption in the operating environments. The study sought to assess the effect of strategic management on the survival of passenger transport operators during the COVID-19 induced lockdown disruptions in Harare, Zimbabwe. Data were collected using survey questionnaires distributed to representatives of 100 passenger transporters in Harare, from which questionnaires were returned. Results showed that 84 percent of the passenger transport operators have formal organizational structures of which about 73 confirmed the practice of strategic planning. Therefore, there is high adoption of strategic management by passenger transport operators in Harare. The most effective strategies for enhancing business survival in disruptions are diversification and competitive strategies. The logistic regression model results showed that the existence of a formal structure minimized the negative impact of the COVID-19 lockdown disruptions on the survival of passenger transport operators in Harare.

References:

[1] Sahin, A. R., Erdogan, A., Agaoglu, P. M., Dineri, Y., Cakirci, A. Y., Senel, M. E., Tasdogan, A. M. (2020). 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak: A Review of the Current Literature. Eurasian Journal of Medicine and Oncology, 4(1), 1-7. https://ejmo.org/10.14744/ejmo.2020.12220/.

[2] Bouey, J. (2020). Assessment of COVID-19’s Impact on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Implications from China. Santa Monica, California: RAND Corporation.

https://www.rand.org/pubs/testimonies/CT524.html.

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[4] Abubakar, A. (2020). Coronavirus (COVID-19): Effect and Survival Strategy for Businesses. Journal of Economics and Business, 3(2), 661-671. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3599117.

[5] ILO. (2020). COVID-19 and the world of work: Impact and policy responses. Geneva: International Labour Organisation (ILO). https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---dgreports/---dcomm/documents/briefingnote/wcms_738753.pdf.

[6] Kapesa, T., Kufakunesu, F., & Cheza, A. (2021). Financing the ‘working of talents’ Ventures: The Role of Innovative Finance. In S. D. Chingarande, J. Thondhlana, R. Madziva, & A. H. Anderson (Eds.), Matarenda/Talents in Zimbabwean Pentecostalism Empowerment, Gender, and Development in an African Movement (pp. 49-75). Leiden: Brill. https://brill.com/view/book/9789004446670/BP000006.xml?language=en.

[7] TechnoServe. (2020, June). TechnoServe. Retrieved August 19, 2020, from https://www.technoserve.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/COVID-19-and-Entrepreneurs-Supporting-Business-Survival-and-Recovery-20200601.pdf.

[8] Wiley Online Library. (2020). Wiley Online Library: Zimbabwe: Coronavirus Lockdown. Retrieved August 24, 2020, from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-825X.2020.09393.x.

[9] David, R. F. (2011). Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases (13^th ed.). New York: Prentice-Hall. http://www.mim.ac.mw/books/David%27s%20Strategic%20Management%20Concepts%20and%20Cases%2013e%20.pdf.

[10] Thompson, A.A., Strickland, A.J., and Gamble, J.E. (2007). Crafting and Executing Strategy: The Quest for Competitive Advantage: Concepts and Cases. 15^th Edition, McGraw-Hill Irwin Publisher, New York.

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[11] Beckman, S., & Rosenfield, D. (2008). Operations strategy: competing in the 21^st century. Boston, Mass. McGraw-Hill, Irwin. https://www.amazon.com/Operations-Strategy-Competing-Rosenfield-2008-01-01/dp/B01K3HSQMS.

[12] Bozkurt, Ö.Ç., & Kalkan, A. (2014). Business Strategies of SME’s, Innovation Types and Factors Influencing Their Innovation: Burdur Model. Ege Academic Review, 14, 189-198. https://econpapers.repec.org/article/egejournl/v_3a14_3ay_3a2014_3ai_3a2_3ap_3a189-198.htm.

[13] Ololube, N. P., Aiya, F., Uriah, O. A., & Ololube, D. O. (2016). Strategic Planning: A Universal Remedy for the Successful Management of 21^st-Century University Education (UE). Management, 6, 76-88. http://article.sapub.org/10.5923.j.mm.20160603.03.html.

[14] Sumer, K., & Bayraktar, C.A. (2012). Business Strategies and Gaps in Porter’s Typology: A Literature Review. Journal of Management and Research, 4, 100-119.  https://doi.org/10.5296/jmr.v4i3.1721.

[15] Mirabeau, L., & Maguire, S. (2014). From autonomous strategic behaviour to emergent strategy. Strategic Management Journal, 35, 1202-1229. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.2149.

[16] McDowell, W. C., Harris, M. L., & Geho, P. R. (2016). Longevity in small business: The effect of maturity on strategic focus and business performance. Journal of Business Research, 69, 1904-1908. https://doi:10.1016/j.jbusres.2015.10.077.

[17] Carlisle, Y. M., & McMillan, E. (2017). Complex adaptive systems and strategy as learning. In Global innovation and entrepreneurship (pp. 43-60). Gewerbestrasse, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing. https://DOI:10.1007/978-3-319-43859-7_3.

[18] Hill, C. W., & Jones, G. R. (2013). Strategic management: An integrated approach (10th ed.). Boston, MA: South-Western Cengage Learning, Ohio. http://books.mcferet.com/Charles%20W.%20L.%20Hill/Strategic%20Management_%20An%20Integrated%20%28868%29/Strategic%20Management_%20An%20Integr%20-%20Charles%20W.%20L.%20Hill.pdf.

[19] Christensen, C. M. (1997). The Innovator’s Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail. Boston, Massachusetts: Harvard Business School Press.

https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=46.

[20] DaSilva, C. M., Trkman, P., Desouza, K., & Lindič, J. (2013). Disruptive technologies: a business model perspective on cloud computing. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, 25(10), 1161-1173. https://10.1080/09537325.2013.843661.

[21] Downes, L., & Mui, C. (1998). Unleash the Killer App – digital strategies for market dominance. Boston: Harvard Business School Press. https://hbswk.hbs.edu/archive/unleashing-the-killer-app-digital-strategies-for-market-dominance.

[22] Majumdar, D., Banerji, P. K., & Chakrabarti, S. (2018). Disruptive technology and disruptive innovation: ignore at your peril! Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, 30(11), 1247-1255. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09537325.2018.1523384.

[23] Christensen, C. M., Bartman, T., & Van-Bever, D. (2016). The hard truth about business model innovation. MIT Sloan Management Review, 58(1), 31-45. https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/the-hard-truth-about-business-model-innovation/.

[24] Drejer, A. (2017). The Effects of Disruption on Strategic Management: Illustrated by the case study of a Danish SME. In 7^th Annual International Conference on Business Strategy In the Age of Disruption. Aalborg, Denmark: BizStrategy2017. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/The-Effects-of-Disruption-on-Strategic-Management%3A-Drejer/68584c947bf79d59fefc4f19a43cd3966885f28c.

[25] KPMG. (2016). Succeeding in disruptive times: Three critical factors for business transformation success. KPMG Global Transformation Study. KPMG International Cooperative. https://assets.kpmg/content/dam/kpmg/pdf/2016/06/Succeeding-in-disruptive-times.pdf.

[26] Lichy, J., & Birch, C. (2016). Do universities need to re-think their business models in a rapidly changing world? In Innovative business education design for 21st-century learning (pp. 111-130). Gewerbestrasse, Switzerland: Springer International. https://DOI:10.1007/978-3-319-32622-1_9.

[27] Charbonneau-Gowdy, P. (2017). Moving outside the box: Researching e-Learning in disruptive times. Electronic Journal of e-Learning, 15(1), 59-69. https://researchers.unab.cl/en/publications/moving-outside-the-box-researching-e-learning-in-disruptive-times.

[28] Kaplan, A. M., & Haenlein, M. (2016). Higher education and the digital revolution: About MOOCs, SPOCs, social media, and the Cookie Monster. Business Horizons, 59(4), 441-450. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000768131630009X.

[29] Texila American University Module on Strategic Management. (2019). Texila American University. http://www.texilaamericanuniversity.com/dbllp/go-zambia-school-of-management.html.

[30] Mathiyazhagan, T., & Nandan, D. (2010). Survey research method. Media Mimansa, 34-45. https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.464.5585&rep=rep1&type=pdf.

[31] Ursachi, G., Horodnic, I. A., & Zait, A. (2015). How reliable are measurement scales? External factors with indirect influence on reliability estimators: 7th International Conference on Globalization and Higher Education in Economics and Business Administration, GEBA 2013. Procedia
Economics and Finance, 20(1), 679 – 686. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212567115001239.

Abstract:

The Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), according to its mandate under the Act of 1999 and its authority, in line with Section 55 and 39, on November 15, 2016, issue a regulation (No. CBL/RSD/004/2016) on payment of Inbound money transfers, which was ordered by former President of the Republic of Liberia, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The objective of this regulation was to support the effective management of the foreign exchange market. The regulation applies to all licensed financial institutions involved in money transfer services, such as Western Union and MoneyGram. The regulation did not apply to inbound money transfers that are made using recipient accounts at commercial banks. Conclusion: The theoretical framework presented in this research suggests that commercial banks, be precise, the Liberia Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI), are more likely to suffer a decrease in commission on inbound money transfers throughout the three years (3) of restrictions.

References:

[1] The Central Bank of Liberia (2016). Gazette Published by Authority/ Regulation on payment of inbound money transfer (2016. N0.83). Retrieved From: https://www.cbl.org.lr/doc/inbound.pdf.

[2] African Star (2016). Article. Liberia Places Restrictions on Money Transfers Retrieved From: https://www.africanstar.org.

[3] The Central Bank of Liberia (2016-2019). Annual Reports. Retrieved From:

https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/57060550/january-1-2016-to-december- 31-2016.

[4] K.J Sileyeh (2019) Research designed methodology Retrieved from: https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/68505.

[5] Chami et al (2005). Immigrant Remittance Retrieved From: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5124172_Are_Immigrant_Remittance_Flow_a_Source_Capital_for_Development

[6] Ministry of Foreign Affairs Article (2016). In-Bound Money Transfers to Be Paid in Dual Currency/SWIFT/Transfers/Exempt. Retrieved From: https://www.mofa.gov.lr/public2/2press.php?news_id=2352&related=7&pg=sp.

[7] Free currency rates (2016). Online Currency Converter Retrieved From: https://freecurrencyrates.com/en/exchange-rate-history/USD-LRD/2016_20.

[8] Creswell, J. W. (2003). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approach (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

[9] Mouton (2001, p. 55) Research design Retrieved from: https://silo.tips/download/chapter-3-research-methodology.

[10] Shona McCombes (2019). Suggestion on descriptive research design. Retrieved From: https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/descriptive-research/.

[11] DeMarrais (2004). Study methods and Data Collection Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/291456164_Qualitative_interview_studies_Learning_through_experience.

Abstract:

The Nigerian Society is purely Patriarchy in Nature, and since this patriarchal nature is evident in traditionally social, cultural, economic, and religious realms or settings, there is a need for Women's Empowerment that directly influences these sectors. This Study assessed Women's Empowerment programs in Ekiti State, Nigeria. A descriptive Survey design was adopted. Sample size of 500 respondents were selected from 10 local government areas in the State. The Analysis was conducted using Statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 23. The set null hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 level of significance. The set null hypotheses for Psychological Empowerment (B = 0.399, t = 22.853; P< 0.05), Social Empowerment (B = 0.318, t = 15.160, P<0.05), Economic Empowerment (B = 0.305, t=`11.955 P<0.05) and Political Empowerment (B=0.732, t= 21.221, P<0.05). The findings revealed that Social, Economical, Political, and psychological empowerment has significant contributions to Women's Empowerment programs in Ekiti State. The study recommended that Social Empowerment, Economic Empowerment, Psychological Empowerment, and Political Empowerment are key contributors to Women's Empowerment.

References:

[1] Renu J., and Renu, D. (2015). Corporate social responsibility and the empowerment of women: An Indian perspective. Social Responsibility Journal. 3(4):40–48. https://www.iosrjournals.org/ Corsun DL, Enz CA. Predicting Psychological Empowerment Among Service Workers: The Effect of Support-Based Relationships. Human Relations. 52(2),205–224. https://journals.sagepub.com/.

[2] Akhter R, and Ward KB. (2019). Globalization and gender equality: A critical analysis of women’s empowerment in the Global Economy. 13:141-73.

[3] Kabeer N. (2015). Gender equality and women’s empowerment: A critical analysis of the Third Millennium Development Goal 1., Gender & Development, 13(1):13-24. https://www.tandfonline.com.

[4] Dasarathi, B. (2016). Empowerment of Indian Women a Challenges for 21st century. In Women Empowerment Principle. 18 (2), 1 – 4.

[5] Mayoux L, Hartl M. (2019) Microfinance and women’s empowerment: Virtuous spirals. Gender and Rural Microfinance: Reaching and Empowering Women. International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

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[7] UNIFEM (2013). Progress of the World Report. Retrieved April 2015 from http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.phpURL_ID=13081&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECION=201.html.

[8] Tremblay, M., and Pelletier, R. (2015). More Feminists or More Women? Descriptive and Substantive Representations of Women in the 2014 Canadian Federal Elections. International Political Science Review, (21)4, 381-405.

[9] Nussbaum, M. (2014). Sex, laws and inequality: What India can teach the United States. Daedalus, 131(1), 95-106.

[10] Lama, S. T. (2001). The Hindu goddess and women’s political representation in South Asia: Symbolic resource or feminine mystique. International Review of Sociology, 11(1), 5-20.

[11] Banerjee, S. (2013). Gender and Nationalism: The masculinzation of hinduism and female political participation in India. Women’s Studies International Forum, 26(2), 167-179.

[12] Bird, K. (2013). The Effects of Gender Parity in Elections: The French Case. In: Gaffney J. (ed.), The French Presidential and Legislative Elections of 2014. Aldershot, UK: Ashgate. empowerment, and rights(pp.128-138). Boston, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press.

[13] Peterson, S., and Runyan, A. (2015). Global Gender Issues: Dilemmas in World Politics. Boulder Westview Press.

[14] Chaudhuri, S., and Heller, P. (2012). The plasticity of participation: evidence from a participatory governance experiment. Paper presented at the Workshop on “Measuring Empowerment: Cross Disciplinary Perspectives” held at the World Bank in Washington, DC on February 4th and 5th. Retrieved in April 2015 from http://poverty2.forumone.com/library/view/13892/.

[15] Okemakinde, T. (2014). Women Education: Implications for National Development in Nigeria. European Journal of Globalization and Development Research. 9 (1) 553-564.

[16] Agu, S. (2014). Gender Equality, Education and Women Empowerment: The Nigerian Challenge. Multidisciplinary Journal of Research Development, 8; 1:66-72.

[17] Rodgers, Y. M. (2017). Women’s Empowerment in the Labor Market: Why Is it Smart Economics? Rutgers University, Nidhiya Menon, Brandeis University.

[18] Banerjee, A., Dean, K., and Zinman, J. (2015). “Six Randomized Evaluations of Microcredit: Introduction and Further Steps,” American Economic Journal: Applied Economics 7(1): 1-21.

[19] Lastarria-Cornhiel, S. (2006). “Feminization of Agriculture: Trends and Driving Forces,” Background Paper for the World Development Report, 2008. Washington DC: World Bank.

[20] Food and Agriculture Organization, International Fund for Agricultural Development, and International Labour Organization (FAO/IFAD/ILO). 2010. Gender Dimensions of Agricultural and Rural Employment: Differentiated Pathways Out of Poverty: Status, Trends, and Gaps. Rome: FAO.

[21] Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). 2016. Gender and Land Rights Database. Rome: FAO.

[22] Hossain, N. (2012) ‘Security and the Pathways of Women’s Empowerment: Finding from a Thematic Synthesis of the Pathways of Women’s Empowerment Research’. IDS Working Paper No. 406. Sussex: Institute of Development Studies.

[23] Kabeer, N. (2011) ‘Between Affiliation and Autonomy: Navigating Pathways of Women’s Empowerment and Gender Justice in Rural Bangladesh’, Development and Change 42.2: 499–528.

Abstract:

This study is undertaken to investigate the impact of socio-economic development on sustainable business development among small and medium scale business in Nigeria. The significance of socio-economic development in achieving sustainable business development among small and medium scale business, especially in a developing country like Nigeria, cannot be over-emphasized. This study employed a survey research design as data were elicited from the respondents who agreed to fill out the questionnaires. In this study, several socio-economic development indicator variables such as Self-reliance in Development, Policy Delivery Mechanism, and Access to Health Facilities were employed among others. The findings elicited from this study revealed that socio-economic development recorded a positive impact on sustainable business development among small and medium scale business in Nigeria.

References:

[1] Ibrahim, U.A. (2015). External influence on the performance of small-scale businesses. Nigerian Journal of Management Technology & Development, 6(2), 94-98.

[2] Essien, B.S. (2014). The Nigerian business environment and growth constraints of micro and small-scale manufacturing industries. American International Journal of Social Science, 3(6), 69-76.

[3] Evbuomwan, G. O., Ukeje, E. U., Moses F., Out, B. A. G., Amoo, E. A., Essien, L. … Abba, M. A. (2003). Agricultural Development, Issues of Sustainability. In Nnanna, O. J., Alade, S. O., & Odoko, F. O. (22.), Contemporary Economic Policy Issues in Nigeria. (pp. 185-194). Abuja: Central Bank of Nigeria.

[4] Glenn, M. W., Magraw, Jr. D. B. (2005). Principles and approaches to sustainable development and chemicals management for a strategic approach to international chemicals management Centre for International Environmental Law (CTEL). Retrieved from https://www.ciel.org/wpcontent/uploads/2015/03/SAICM_PrinciplesStudyFinal_July05.pdf.

[5] Daly, H. E. (1990). Towards some operational principles of sustainable development. Ecological Economics 2(1), 1-6.

[6] Babafemi, I.D. (2015). Bank management and rural economic development in Nigeria. Australian Journal of Business and Management Research, 4(9), 22-31.

[7] Ranjani, K.S. (2012). Regulating microfinance institutions in India: A Conceptual framework. Synergy, 10(1), 78-89.

[8] Nixon, J. (2009). Sustainable Economic Development; Initiatives, Programs, and Strategies for Cities and Regions. Urban sustainability associates. Retrieved from https://globalurban.org/Sustainable%20Economic%20Development.pdf.

[9] Adeola, A. (2016). Impact of external business environment on organisational performance of small and medium scale enterprises in Osun State, Nigeria. Scholedge International Journal of Business Policy & Governance, 3(10), 55-166.

[10] Eruemegbe, G.O. (2015). Impact of business environment on organization performance in Nigeria: A study of union bank of Nigeria. European Scientific Journal, ESJ, 11(10), 478-494.

[11] Ndife, C.F. (2014). Business environment and survival of the tourism industry. Journal of Business and Management, 16(10), 78-83. Retrieved from https://eujournal.org/index.php/esj/article/view/6553.

[12] Obasan, K.A. (2014). The impact of business environment on the survival of small-scale businesses in Nigeria. International Journal of Management and Business Research, 4(3), 165-170.

[13] Ikharehon, J.I., & Briggs, A. (2016). The impact of strategic factors on the performance of small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria: A study of some selected small and medium scale enterprises in Abuja. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 6(2), 140-149.

[14] Chukwuma, N.K., & Chukwuma, E. (2015). Implications of economic factors on small scale business performance in Nigeria: 1970 - 2013. International Journal of Research in Business Management, 3(10), 23-30.

[15] Orogbu, L., Onyeizugbe, C.U., & Chukwuma, E. (2017). The economic environment of small and medium scale enterprises: implications on economic growth in Nigeria. Journal of Economics, Management, and Trade, 19(4), 1-12.

Abstract:

The ultimate purpose of the prison industry over the years was for the incarceration of criminals to serve their custodial sentence, which was later fused with rehabilitation programs to reform criminals to become better citizens after being released from custodial sentences. However, the outcome of the reformation of convicts after released from the prison has been a sad story than expected success cases. Hence, the theoretical proposition of the paper with respect to the prison industry of Ghana is to resolve recidivism, promote inmates’ skill upgrade and labour reformation programs to become socio-economic beneficial during and after a custodial sentence.

References:

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[3] Johnes, J., Portela, M. & Thanassoulis, E. (2017). Efficiency in education. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 68, 331-338 https://doi.org/10.1057/s41274-016-0109-z.

[4] Chowdhury, M. N. M., Uddin, M. J., Uddin, N. & Uddin, S. (2018). The human capital development and economic growth in Bangladesh. Journal of World Economic Research, 7(2), 52-63 doi:10.11648/j. jwer.20180702.12.

[5] Diebolt, C. & Hippe, R. (2019). The long-run impact of human capital on innovation and economic development in the regions of Europe. Applied Economics, 51 (5), 542-563. https://doi.org/10.1080/00036846.2018.1495820.

[6] Isola, W. A. & Alani, R. A. (2007). The human capital development and economic growth: Empirical evidence from Nigeria. Asian Economic and Financial Review, 2 (7), 813-287 http://www.conscientiabeam.com/pdf-files/eco/3/2(7)%20813-827.pdf.

[7] Barra, C. & Zotti, R. (2016). Investigating human capital development – growth nexus: Does the efficiency of universities matter? International, regional Science Review. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1177/0160017615626215.

[8] Dauda, R. (2011). Effect of public educational spending and macroeconomic uncertainty on schooling outcomes: Evidence from Nigeria. Retrieved from:

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[9] Hanushek, E. A., Schwerdt, G., Woessmann, L. & Zhang, L. (2017). General education, vocational education, and the labour-market outcomes over the life-cycle. Journal of Human Resources, 52, 1 (winter), 48-87

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[10] Psacharopoulos, G. & Patrisos, H. A. (2018). Returns to investment in education: A decennial review of global literature. Policy Research Working Paper 8402, World Bank, Washington, DC https://doi.org/10.1080/09645292.2018.1484426.

[11] Poças, A. I. (2014). Human capital dimensions– education and health –and economic growth. Advances in Business-Related Scientific Research Journal, 5(2), 111-120

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[13] Hanushek, E. A. (2016). Will higher education improve economic growth? Oxford Review of Economic Policy, 32(4), 538-552 http://hanushek.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/publications/Hanushek%202016%20Oxf%20Rev%20Econ%20Policy%2032(4).pdf.

[14] Ebenehi, A. S., Rashid A. M. & Bakar, A. R. (2016). Predictors of career adaptability skill among higher education students in Nigeria. International Journal for Research in Vocational Education && Training, 3 (3), 212-229

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[15] Eigbiremolen, O. G. (2014), Human capital development and economic growth: The Nigeria experience. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Science, Vol.4, issue 4, 25-35

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[26] Moon, B. & Maxwell, R. S. (2004). Assessing the correctional orientation of corrections officers in South Korea.  International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 48(6), 729-743 https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624x04266681.

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[34] Henkhaus, L. E. (2019). The child left behind: Parental incarceration and adult human capital in the United States. AEA Papers and Proceedings, 109, 199–203. https://www.aeaweb.org/articles/pdf/doi/10.1257/pandp.20191092.

[35] Mueller-Smith, M. (2015). The criminal and labour market impacts of incarceration. Retrieved from: www.psc.isr.umich.edu.detail.

[36] McGrew, A. & Hanks, A. (2017). It’s time to stop using inmates for free labour. Retrieved from: www.talkpoverty.org/2017.

[37] Archibong, B. & Obikili, N. (2020). Prison labour: The price of prisons and the lasting effects of incarceration. African Economic History Working Paper Series, 52, 1-95. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/Delivery.cfm/SSRN_ID3775731_code2329399.pdf?abstractid=3635484&mirid=1.

[38] Chapman, I. (2019). Prison inmates are fighting California’s fires, but are often denied firefighting jobs after their release. CNN.

[39] Amadeo, K. (2020). What is human capital? Definitions, examples and impact of human capital. U.S. World Economies.

http://thebalance.com/human-capital-definition-examples-impact-4173516.

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to assess the reward system for technical and supporting staff in Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) in Plateau State. The study was guided by two objectives and one hypothesis. The study used a descriptive design approach, while a self-developed structured questionnaire titled Covid-19 Pandemic and Reward System Questionnaire (CARS-Q). The data were analyzed using simple percentages, mean rating standard deviation, and independent t-statistics. The results revealed that covid-19 allowances, access to palliatives, provision of personal protective equipment, payment of salaries, provision of relevant information, and staff training were the types of reward systems provided to technical and supporting staff of JUTH during the covid-19 Pandemic. It was also fund that these rewards were not distributed to the staff equally. The results indicated that the technical staff were better rewarded during the Pandemic than the supporting staff. The study concluded that there were differences in the reward system provided to technical and supporting staff of JUTH during the covid-19 Pandemic. The study recommended amongst others that the government and management of JUTH should ensure that both technical and supporting staff are rewarded equally during a pandemic so as to enhance their level of efficiency in service delivery, government and management of the Hospitals should make provision for equality in the payment of covid-19 allowances, insurance benefits and overtime allowances for staff of JUTH during a pandemic and that the hospital should provide flexible working opportunities for the staff for maximum performance.

References:

[1] Ngethe, J.M., Iravo, M.E. & Namusonge, G.S. (2012). Determinants of Academic Staff Retention in Public Universities in Kenya: Empirical Review. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 2(13), 205-212. https://africantheses.org/abstracts/1453-156782.

[2] Byrne, Z.S., Miller. B. K. & Pitts. V. E. (2010). Trait entitlement and perceived favorability of human resource management practices in the prediction of job satisfaction. Journal of Business Psychology, 25, 451-464. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10869-009-9143-z.

[3] Qureshi, T.M., Akbar, A., Khan, M.A., Sheikh, R.A., & Hijazi, S.T. (2010). Do human resource management practices have an impact on the financial performance of banks? African Journal of Business Management,4(7), 1281-1288. https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJBM/article-abstract/5FE192E25870.

[4] Ramarajan, L., & Reid, E. (2013). Shattering the myth of separate worlds: Negotiating non-work identities at work. Academy of Management Review, 38(4), 621-644. https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=44033.

[5] Mendis, M.V.S (2017). The Impact of Reward System on Employee Turnover Intention: A Study on Logistics Industry of Sri Lanka. International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research. 6(9) 67-72. http://www.ijstr.org/final-print/sep2017/The-Impact-Of-Reward-System-On-Employee-Turnover-Intention-A-Study-On-Logistics-Industry-Of-Sri-Lanka.pdf.

[6] Kuvaas, B., Buch, R., Weibel, A., Dysvik, A., & Nerstad, C. G. (2017). Do intrinsic and extrinsic motivation relate differently to employee outcomes? Journal of Economic Psychology, 61, 244-258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joep.2017.05.004.

[7] World Health Organization. (2020). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation report- 72. Geneva: World Health Organization. https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers.aspx?referenceid=2785804.

[8] Eliza, L. W. & Kin, F. (2020). Workplace safety and coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic: a survey of employees. Public Health and Care Facility, 12(2). https://doi.org/10.2471/BLT.20.255893.

[9] Rotich, R. (2020). Effects of reward management practices on employee retention in telecommunication firms in Kenya. International Journal of Economics, Commerce, and Management. 8(2), 500-526.

[10] Salah, M.R. (2016). The influence of rewards on employee’s performance. British Journal of Economics, Management & Trade,13(4), 1-25. DOI: 10.9734/BJEMT/2016/25822

[11] Oyoo, M.O, Mwandihi, N.K, Musiega, D. (2016). Influence of reward systems on employee retention in faith-based health organizations in Kenya: a case of Mukumu Hospital, Kenya. International Journal of Commerce and Management Research, 2(10), 42-51. https://www.citefactor.org/article/index/136326.

[12] Dhanya, M. R., & Prashath, R. T. (2019). A study on drivers of employee engagement and employee retention in the healthcare sector, Tiruchirappalli Corporation. Journal of the Gujarat Research Society, 21(7), 222-233. www.gujaratresearchsociety.in/index.php/JGRS.

[13] Wang, J., & Wang, Z. (2020). Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis of China’s prevention and control strategy for the COVID-19 epidemic. International Journal of Environmental Resources and Public Health,177,89-96. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32225019.

[14] Chen, S., Yang, J., & Yang, W. (2020). COVID-19 control in China during mass population movements at the new year. Lancet,3,764–6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32105609.

[15] Sim, M. R. (2020). The COVID-19 Pandemic: Major risks to healthcare and other workers on the front line. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 77(5), 281–282. http://doi.org/10.1136/oemed-2020-106567.

[16] Schroeder, J., Risen, J. L., Gino, F., & Norton, M. I. (2019). Handshaking promotes deal-making by signaling cooperative intent. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 116(5), 743-768.

[17] Giusti, E. M., ’Pedroli, E. D., Aniello, G. E., Badiale, C. S., Pietrabissa, G., Manna, C., Stramba Badiale, M., Riva, G., Castelnuovo, G., & Molinari, E. (2020). The psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreaks on health professionals: A cross-sectional study. Frontiers in Psychology, 11(1684),67-73. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01684.

[18] Liu, Q., Luo, D., Haase, J. E., Guo, Q., Wang, X. Q., Liu, S., Xia, L., Liu, Z., Yang, K., & Yang, B. X. (2020). The experiences of healthcare providers during the COVID-19 crisis in China: A qualitative study. The Lancet Global Health, 8(6),790-798. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214109X(20)30204-7.

[19] Quaedackers, J. S., Stein, R., Bhatt, N., Dogan, H. S., Hoen, L., Nijman, R. J. & Bogaert, G. (2020). Clinical and surgical consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic for patients with pediatric urological problems. Statement of the EAU guidelines panel for pediatric urology, Journal of Pediatric Urology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpurol.2020.04.007.

[20] World Health Organization (2021). Naming the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the virus that causes it. World Heal Organ [Internet]. Available from: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance/naming-the-coronavirus-disease(covid-2019)-and-the-virus-that-causes-it.

[21] Kondratuk, Tammy B.; Hausdorf, Peter A.; Korabik, Karen & Rosin, Hazel M. (2004). Introduction of employee retention – A conceptual framework. Journal of Vocational Behaviour, 65 (2), 332-349. http://wthtjsjs.cn/gallery/88-whjj-oct-2020.pdf.

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Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to assess the economic impact of the solar milling plants to the local people in Katete District, Zambia. The specific objectives were to assess the performance of the solar milling plans, the effect of solar milling plants on mealie meal prices on the local market, the effect of solar milling plants on job creation in the district, and to find out challenges that co-operators are facing in managing the solar milling plants in the district for economic development, suggesting measures to be put in place to see to it that the program was sustainable. The research employed a qualitative research design, and extensive literature reviews were conducted in order to have a broader understanding of the research. The data was collected using the structured questionnaires and interview guide. The main findings of the research were that the hypothesis was rejected because there were no immediate economic benefits of the solar milling plants to the local people of Katete District. Following the results of the research, the solar milling plants were underperforming and underutilized in the district. Solar milling plants had no effect on the price of mealie meals in the district. Solar milling plants had a 40% effect on job creation in the district, and the study concluded that there were no immediate economic benefits brought about by solar milling plants in the district at the time of the study.

References:

[1] http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-01/31/c_137790052.htm.

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Abstract:

The banking landscape in Uganda is such that there is a section of commercial banks that has consistently posted impressive performance figures, particularly over the last five years, while the performance of the others leaves a lot to be desired. This study’s purpose was to examine the effect of differentiation strategy on the financial performance of commercial banks in Uganda. The study employed a cross-sectional design characterized by a quantitative approach. The target population in this study constituted 210 Senior Managers and Chief Executives of 10 selected commercial banks in Uganda that have been rated as the best performing commercial banks in the five years (2015-2019). A sample of 144 individuals was calculated for this study using Yamane’s (1967) formula, and the probability sampling technique of stratified proportionate random sampling was used in selecting Senior Managers of the selected commercial banks, and these were surveyed using a structured self-completion questionnaire. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively using statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations; and inferentially using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings showed a positive and statistically significant relationship between product differentiation strategy and financial performance in terms of ROI (β = 0.5841, ρ<0.05). The study concluded that product differentiation strategy is an important factor in the financial performance of commercial banks in Uganda particularly in terms of ROI.

References:

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[2] Vives, X., Competition and Stability in Banking: The Role of Regulation and Competition Policy. 2016, New Jersey: Princeton University Press.

[3] Adib, A. and F. Habib, Strategic planning for spatial development in the historical tissue of Yazd city with a tourism approach. European Online Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2016. 5(3): p. 595; Available from:

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[5] Porter, M.E., Competitive strategy: Techniques for analyzing industries and competitors. 1980, New York: Free Press; Available from: https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=195.

[6] Sumer, K. and C.A. Bayraktar, Business Strategies and Gaps in Porter’s Typology: A. Journal of Management Research, 2012. 4(3): p. 100-19.DOI: 10.5296/jmr.v4i3.1721.

[7] Tavitiyaman, P., H.Q. Zhang, and H. Qu, The effect of competitive strategies and organizational structure on hotel performance. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 2012; Available from:

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[8] Amar, M.Y., The influence of product differentiation strategy on operational performance at Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Journal of Economics, Business, & Accountancy Ventura, 2015. 18(3): p. 343-350; Available from:

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[9] Demba, R., V. Ogal, and J. Muli, Effect of differentiation strategy on performance by selected car rental business, a case of Nairobi City County, Kenya. The Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 2018. 5(4): p. 1880-1895; Available from: https://strategicjournals.com/index.php/journal/article/view/898/990.

[10] Adegbite, I.O., et al., The impact of service differentiation on creating competitive advantage. African Scholars Journal of pure and Applied Science (JPAS-9), 2019. 15(9): p. 142-155; Available from: https://www.africanscholarpublications.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AJPAS_Vol5_No9-9.pdf.

[11] Ghahroudi, M.R. and S. Sagheb, The Impact of Differentiation Strategies on the Women Fashion-Clothing Performance. Journal of Economics and Business, 2018. 1(4): p. 381-400.DOI: 10.31014/aior.1992.01.04.35.

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[13] Acquaah, M. and A. Agyapong, The relationship between competitive strategy and firm performance in micro and small businesses in Ghana: The moderating role of managerial and marketing capabilities. Africa Journal of Management, 2015. 1(2): p. 172-193; Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/23322373.2015.1025684.

[14] Kharub, M., B. Patle, and G. Sharma, The Relationship between Differentiation Strategy and Firm Performance: A Mediating Role of Quality Management. Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, 2017. 4(2): p. 66-71; Available from: https://www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-jmce/papers/Conf-17026-2017/Volume-3/13.%2066-71.pdf.

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Abstract:

The study shows that there are unpredictable factors influencing loan default in small-scale enterprises in Port Loko Municipality. A fishbone diagram which is a cause an effect tool was used to determine these factors. A brainstorming activity was used to get the views of participants with regard to the Research Question. The research question was to respond to a research objective which was “Are there unpredicted factors influencing loan default in small scale enterprises in Port Loko Municipality in Sierra Leone?”. Reviews of necessary literature were done to aid the study. In the review, matters relating to loan default and possible causes were addressed. It is unfolded that there are some loan defaults that are as a result of the borrowers’ lapses and others that are lender-oriented causes. The population size of one hundred and a random sample size of sixty people were used as participants to carry out the brainstorming activity. The population is comprised of small-scale enterprise owners and workers of credit or Microfinance institutions in the Municipality. Brainstorming participants proved that the death of clients or borrowers, internal insecurity, outbreak of diseases (Pandemic), Natural Disasters, and accident all significantly influence loan default of small-scale enterprises.

References:

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Abstract:

The study evaluated how electronic business impacted the performance of a selected small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kumasi. A convenient sample of 50 SMEs in wholesale and retail of consumer goods in Kumasi were selected at random to be surveyed; however, only 30 responded. Structured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data from the participants to answer the research questions. The results were statistically analyzed to draw conclusions. The results revealed that, to a large extent, the businesses used e-business methods in several ways to undertake five categories of business activities which include advertising, customer support service, marketing, payment system, and order and delivery. Several factors influenced the adoption and use of e-business methods by the businesses, but the most influencing ones were the businesses’ customers’ low use of e-business and telecommunications services not being very dependable. It was also discovered that the adoption and use of e-business made positive impact on the businesses’ performance. It is therefore recommended that more SMEs be encouraged and assisted to fully embrace the use of e-business.

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[57] Yin, R. K., 2003, Case Study Research: Design and Methods (3rd ed.). Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

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Abstract:

With the current global pandemic and the consequent social distancing rule limiting business and market operation, it has propelled a shift in the way businesses and organizations operate from the traditional physical market place to the adoption of information technology for business digitalization. These have also affected the attitudinal aspect of consumers and shoppers, particularly on the prospect of consumers going back to their old habits once the global crisis is over. This study, therefore, examines the conditions for consumer preference of the changing digitalized business environment in the Post-COVID-19 Era and its predictive value in the future. The study adopted a survey research design, using an online questionnaire as a research instrument among residents in Lagos. From the findings of the study, it was revealed that the perceived benefit of business digitalization, combined influence attitudes of consumers behaviour and perceived convenience is the most significant of conditions for the preference of the changing digitalized business environment that affects attitudes of consumers. On the prospect of the digitalized business environment in the post-COVID-19 business environments, the study revealed that a 1 percent change in the conditions for consumer preference of online constructs is likely to have an 8.4 percent effect on consumer’s attitudes. This, therefore, is an indication that a 1 percent change can have a significant effect on consumer’s buying behaviour. Conclusively the study recommended that online retailers should consider improving their technological infrastructure in order to offer more convenience for Customers online shoppers.

References:

[1] Kirk, C. P., & Rifkin, L. S. (2020). I’ll Trade You Diamonds for Toilet Paper: Consumer Reacting, Coping and Adapting Behaviors in the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Business Research.

[2] Bray, J. P., 2008. Consumer Behaviour Theory: Approaches and Models. Discussion Paper. Unpublished.

[3] Furaiji, Fatimah and Łatuszyńska, Małgorzata and Wawrzyniak, Agata, An Empirical Study of the Factors Influencing Consumer Behaviour in the Electric Appliances Market (2012). Contemporary Economics, Vol. 6, No. 3, pp. 76-86, 2012.

[4] Sheth, J. (2020). Impact of Covid-19 on Consumer Behaviour: Will the Old Habits Return or Die? Journal of Business Research.

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[6] Baker, S. R., Farrokhnia, R. A., Meyer, S., Pagel, M., & Yannelis, C. (2020). How does household spending respond to an epidemic? Consumption during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic (No. w26949). National Bureau of Economic Research.

[7] Laato, S., Islam, A. N., Farooq, A., & Dhir, A. (2020). Unusual purchasing behaviour during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic: The stimulus-organism-response approach. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 57, 102224.

[8] Stanciu, s., Radu, r. I., Sapira, v., Bratoveanu, b. D. & Florea, a. M. (2020). Consumer Behaviour in Crisis Situations. Research on the Effects of COVID-19 in Romania. Annals of the University Dunarea de Jos of Galati: Fascicle: I, Economics & Applied Informatics, 26(1).

[9] Addo, P. C., Jiaming, F., Kulbo, N. B., & Liangqiang, L. (2020). COVID-19: fear appeal favouring purchase behaviour towards personal protective equipment. The Service Industries Journal, 40(7-8), 471-490.

[10]  Ansari, B., & Ganjoo, M. (2020). Impact of Covid-19 on Advertising: A Perception Study on the Effects on Print and Broadcast Media and Consumer Behaviour. Purakala with ISSN 0971-2143 is a UGC CARE Journal, 31(28), 52-62.

[11] Choi, T. M. (2020). Innovative “Bring-Service-Near-Your-Home” Operations under Coronavirus (COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2) Outbreak: Can Logistics Become the Messiah? Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 101961.

[12] Richter, C., Kraus, S., Brem, A., Durst, S., & Giselbrecht, C. (2017). Digital entrepreneurship: Innovative business models for the sharing economy. Creativity and Innovation Management, 26(3), 300-310.

[13] Figiel, S., & Kufel, J. (2016). Food product innovations and the main consumer trends. Acta Scientiarum Polonorum. Oeconomia, 15(3).

[14] Al Kailani, M., & Kumar, R. (2011). Investigating Uncertainty Avoidance and Perceived Risk for Impacting.

[15] Branstad, A., & Solem, B. A. (2020). Emerging theories of consumer-driven market innovation, adoption, and diffusion: A selective review of consumer-oriented studies. Journal of Business Research.

[16] Marotta, G., Nazzaro, C., & Stanco, M. (2017). How the social responsibility creates value: models of innovation in Italian pasta industry. International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business, 9(2-3), 144-167.

[17] Sakas, D., & Tomaras, P. (2019). Strategic Innovative Marketing. Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics.

[18] García-Pozo, A., Sánchez-Ollero, J. L., & Ons-Cappa, M. (2016). ECO-innovation and economic crisis: a comparative analysis of environmental good practices and labour productivity in the Spanish hotel industry. Journal of cleaner production, 138, 131-138.

[19] Reyes-Mercado, P. (2016). Eco-innovations in emerging markets: Analysing consumer behaviour and adaptability. Springer.

[20] Agwu, M.E and Atuma, Okpara and Ikpefan, Ochei Ailemen and Iyoha, F.O. (2014) Adoption Triggers and Barriers of Mobile Banking Services in Nigeria. International Review of Social Sciences, 2 (9). PP374-386 ISSN2309-0081.

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[26] Kristayulita, K. (2017). Errors analysis solving problems analogies by Newman procedure using analogical reasoning. International Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 9(1), 17-26.

Abstract:

Over the decades, the perception of cooperatives has revolved from that of considering them as food security agents and determinants to that of social and economic agents to cooperators, community, and national development. The study, therefore, critically reviewed the related literature on agriculture cooperatives as poverty alleviating agents. An integrated strategy in the research review approach was used to support the study. The findings revealed recent developments in cooperatives that are putting agriculture cooperatives on the map as agents of poverty eradication and social and economic development in third-world countries. Currently, there is a societal expectation that cooperatives have not only a responsibility to better the lives of the members but also the entire community and nation as a whole. The study concluded that achieving future sustainable social and economic development requires full recognition of all the key economic players in the business ecosystem. The study, therefore, recommends full support of the agriculture cooperatives if they are to play a positive and integral role in mitigating the poverty levels in third-world countries.

References:

[1] Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry (2018). Cooperative’s development. Annual Report.

[2] Siame, M., (2016). Performance of Zambia's Cooperatives, A Case Study of Kabwe, Lusaka & Kafue Based Cooperatives. Mulungushi University. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324954678_.

[3] Jeanne, B. (1993). No practice, no improvement: A true story. https://doi.org/10.1002/pfi.4170320110.

[4] Pekka, H., et al. (1993). The development of cooperatives and other rural organisations, the role of the World Bank, World Bank Technical papers number 199, Africa technical department series. The World Bank, Washington, D.C.

[5] Moses, O. G. (2013). An Investigation of the Impact of Co-Operative Movement in Rural Development in Kenya. International journal of business and commerce, Vol. 3, No. 2.

[6] OECD/ILO, 2019, Informality and Poverty in Zambia: Findings from the 2015 Living Standards and Monitoring Survey, ILO, Geneva/OECD Publishing, Paris,

https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264310117-en. Retrieved in 2019.

[7] Hannah Snyder (2019). Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines, Journal of Business Research, Volume 104, November 2019, Pages 333-339, ISSN 0148-2963.

[8] Dean, T., Sarason, Y., and Dillard, J. F. (2006). Entrepreneurship as the nexus of individual and opportunity: A structuration view, journal of business venturing, 21(1).

[9] World Bank, 1986; The World Bank annual report 1986, Washington, DC. © World Bank. https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/992001468740700461/the-world-bank-annual-report-1986.

[10] UNDP, 2004; Annual Report.  https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/librarypage/corporate/undp_in_action_2004.html.

[11] Kirzner, I. M. (1973). Competition and entrepreneurship, University Chicago Press.

[12] Mole, F. K., and Mole, M., 2010; Entrepreneurship as the structuration of individual and opportunity: A response using a critical realist perspective: Comment on Sarason, Dean, and Dillard, Journal of Business Venturing, Volume 25, Issue 2, 230-237.

[13] Sarason, Y., Dean, T., and Dillard, J. F. (2006). Entrepreneurship as the nexus of individual and opportunity: A structuration view, journal of business venturing, 21(1).

[14] Dimov, D. (2011). Grappling with the unbearable illusiveness of entrepreneurial opportunities, Entrepreneurship theory, and practice, Vol 35(1).

[15] Sarasvathy, S. D. (2008). Effectuation, Edward Elgar.

[16] David Stokes and Nick Wilson (2017). Small business management and entrepreneurship. Cengage Learning EMEA, UK.

[17] FAO, 2013, The state of food and agriculture 2013. http://www.fao.org/3/i3300e/i3300e00.htm.

[18] International Co-operative Alliance (ACI), 2013, Cooperative identity, values & principles. https://www.ica.coop/en/cooperatives/cooperative-identity.

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Abstract:

One of the major key clinical indicators of hospital performance is length of stay (LOS). This denominator is calculated in averages. The role of this measure could be dual (as medical outcome or financial health indicator). Regardless, it can also be observed as either positive or negative variable depending on how it is measured. By this study, LOS was assessed on both counts: as a measure of financial health and also as medical outcome of hospital. The investigator concludes, after thorough evaluation of available data, from both structured interviews and responses to a set of questions in a survey, that truly length of stay impacts positively on medical outcomes and also could be a measure of the financial healthiness of hospital.

References:

[1] Baek H, Cho M, Kim S, Hwang H, Song M, Yoo S (2018) Analysis of length of hospital stay using electronic health records: A statistical and data mining approach. PLoS ONE 13(4): e0195901. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0195901.

[2] Segen's Medical Dictionary. (2011). Length of stay. (n.d.). Retrieved June 7, 2021, from https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/length+of+stay.

[3] Dennis O’Hare, (2016). How Allina saved $13million by optimizing LOS. Available at How Allina Saved $13 Million By Optimizing LOS (healthcatalyst.com) and retrieved on 18/07/2021.

[4] Michelle Pezzani, (2016). Patient-centered LOS reduction initiative improves outcomes, save cost. Available at Patient-Centered LOS Reduction Initiative Improves Outcomes, Saves Costs (healthcatalyst.com) and retrieved on 19/07/2021.

[5] Melody Griffith (2018). Reducing the length of stay impacts cost and outcomes. Retrieved 08/07/2021 and available at https://www.healthcatalyst.com/success_stories/reducing-length-of-stay-memorial-hospital-at-gulfport/.

[6] Lance Robinson, (2020). Care management and reducing average the length of stay: connecting the dots. Retrieved on 18/07/2021 and available at https://www.kaufmanhall.com/insights/article/care-management-and-reducing-average-length-of-stay.

[7] Gilbert, J. (2015). Hospital readmissions and length of stay. The Incidental Economist available at http://theincidentaleconomist.com/wordpress/hospital-readmissions-and-length-of-stay/andretrieved on 19/07/2021.

[8] Ong, M. S., Magrabi, F., & Coiera, E. (2018). Delay in reviewing test results prolongs hospital length of stay: a retrospective cohort study. BMC health services research, 18(1), 369. Retrieved on 18/07/2021 and available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5956538.

[9] Shawn Melvin, (2019). Steps to improving length of stay: strategic, tactical, and technical. Retrieved on 14/07/2021 and available at https://www.hospiq.com/blog/steps-to-improving-length-of-stay/.

[10] Christine Chang, (2019). Intervention to decrease hospital length of stay. Available at Interventions to Decrease Hospital Length of Stay (ahrq.gov) and retrieved on 18/07/2021.

[11] Lance Robinson (2021). Care management and reducing average length of stay: connecting the dots. Available at Care Management and Reducing Average Length of Stay: Connecting the Dots | Kaufman Hall and retrieved on 20/07/2021.

[12] OECD (2021), Length of hospital stay (indicator). Doi: 10.1787/8dda6b7a-en (Accessed on 19 July 2021) and retrieved on 19/07/2021.

[13] John W. Creswell, (2003). Research Design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (2^nd ed.). Sage publication, London.

[14] (AFS) Audited Financial Statements (2018, 2019 & 2020).

[15] Alanna-Moriarty (2011). Definitive healthcare – Interactive dashboard with rich customization and self-service. Available at https://www.datanyze.com/people/Alanna-Moriarty/-1049632075.

[16] George Schieber et al, (2012). World Bank Report: Health Financing in Ghana at Crossroads. Available at https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/2729 and retrieved on 17/07/2021.

[17] Ryan, T. P. (2013). Sample size determination and power, John Wiley & Sons.

[18] Bryman, A, & Bell, Emma, (2007). Business Research Methods. Oxford University Press.

[19] DeVellis R. F. (2012). Scale Development: Theory and Applications, 3rd edn. Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA.

[20] Donald R Cooper, Pamela S Schindler (2010). Business Research Methods. Tata Mc Graw Hill Education Private Limited.

[21] George H. Pink & Louis C. Gapenski (2015). Understanding healthcare financial management (7^th edition). Health Administration Press, Chicago, Illinois.

[22] O’Gorman, K. & MacIntosh, R. (2015). Mapping research methods. Goodfellow Publishers Ltd. Oxford.

Abstract:

Small scale enterprises are an income stream for the unemployed and under-employed in Sierra Leone. The financing of such a venture is from the loan capital of Micro Finance Institutions and other credit agencies in the country. Default in the repayment of loan capital within prescribed conditions has been an issue because of the unethical practices of lenders and borrowers and hence concern for studies. The primary objective of the study is to do a review on the unethical business practices that causes loan default in small-scale enterprises in Port Loko municipality in Sierra Leone. Such studies will avail recommendations that shall be instruments to minimize the rate of unethical practices of borrowers and lenders within the Pot Loko Municipality. The Specific objectives of the study are to know the attitudes of Lenders and borrowers that influence loan default. Questionnaires were administered to respond to Researched Questions which were framed from the research objectives. Also, Reviews of others writers were done with regard ethical issues. The researcher Used the Likert Scale in preparing and administering the questionnaire. Opinions of Respondents were analyzed using the Structured Package for Social Sciences. The following analyses were done: i) Percentage Analysis, ii) Analysis of correlation by use of the Pearson Correlation. iii). Analysis of coefficient iv) Analysis of Model summary v) Analysis of Anova. From the study, the Researcher discovered that Unethical business practices like bribe-taking and other dishonest games are predominant between lenders and borrowers, and these practices have greatly influenced loan default in small-scale enterprises in Port |Loko Municipality in Sierra Leone and have a significant relationship on loan default.

References:

[1] Luis A. Aguilar (2021), Effective small business capital formation - Harvard law school forum for corporate governance Publication.

[2] Brian Barnier (2021), definition of capital - Article on Capital - Investopedia publications.

[3] Editorial team (2019), fourteen sources of fund for private businesses – Entrepreneur handbook - https://entrepreneurhandbook.co.uk-sources-of-funds.

[4] Leon Teeboom (2019), Role of Micro Finance Institutions - Chron Publications

https://smallbusiness.chron.com-role-microfinance-ins.

[5] Brau, James C.; Woller, Gary M. (2004), Micro Finance -Microfinance: A comprehensive review of the existing literature.

[6] Julia Kagn (2020), definition of Collateral – Loan Basics – Investopedia - https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/collateral.asp.

[7] Parlex Financial Dictionary (2012), Definition of Loan Portfolio - https://financial-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/loan+portfolio.

[8] Alexanra Twin (2021), Business Ethics – Business Essentials - https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/business-ethics.asp.

[9] James Chen (2021), – Definition of Investor - Trading skills and essentials https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/investor.asp.

[10] Valon Lluka (2010), Business Ethics defined file:///C:/Users/PASTOR/AppData/Local/Temp/Business_Ethics_Some_Theoretical_Issues.pdf.

[11] Financial Accounting Standard Board (2014), Definition of Going Concern-Financial Accounting Series - Presentation of Financial Statements Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40) - https://www.fasb.org-ccurl-ASU2014-15.

[12] Bankers Club (2020), diversion of fund –Diversion and Siphoning of fund - http://bankersclub.in/diversion-of-funds-and-siphoning-of-funds/.

[13] Skender Gojani (2015), Loan Agreement – European Academic Research Vol. II, Issue 11/ February 2015.

[14] Rosemary Carlson (2021), what is loan default – The Balance Publication - https://www.thebalance.com/what-does-it-mean-to-default-on-a-loan-4684116.

[15] Laura Holton- Definitions of unethical business practices – The ugly truth about Unethical Business Practices - https://myva360.com/blog/the-ugly-truth-about-unethical-business-practices.

[16] Kristy Anjala (2018), Unethical Behaviour of Credit officers - Bad target, Bad loan and Bad Behaviour – An Enquiry into Micro Credit Loan Officers in Sri Lanka.

[17] Reinhard H. Schmidt, Ethics in Micro Finance - https://www.bbvaopenmind.com/en/articles/ethics-in-microfinance/.

[18] Bas Swaen (2021), definition of conceptual framework- constructing a conceptual framework- https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/conceptual-framework/.

[19] Imed Bouchrika (2021), - definition of research methodology - How to Write Research Methodology: Overview, Tips, and Techniques – Guide 2 Research.

[20] Mcleod (2019), Likert Scale –Simply psychology https://www.simplypsychology.org/likert-scale.html.

Abstract:

Issues to do with gender imbalances and inequality of women in general and single women in particular in the political arena and entrepreneurship are nowadays a burning issue in all the countries worldwide. This is a major aspect of modern democratic governance such that low levels of female participation in politics are a major concern worldwide. The steps were taken by the United Nations Convention on stopping all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and other international organizations have laid the concrete basis for the emergence of women’s participation in politics and entrepreneurship. In Lusaka, Zambia, women’s political participation is not proportional to the 50% of the country’s population which women represent, thereby not translating into equal representation in political leadership positions. The study employed questionnaires to collect data. The findings demonstrate that there exists a significant gender gap in the political participation of women in all the wards in the Lusaka district and that factors affecting their effective participation were social, economic, political, cultural, and religious-based. The study, therefore, recommended the change of perception of the people, equal representation in governance, support from everyone, and also stopping of discriminatory practices to ensure the equal and full participation of women.

References:

[1] Noyoo.N 2008, Social Policy and human development in Zambia, Lusaka.Unza Press.

[2] Mwobobia. F .2012, The challenges facing small scale women entrepreneurs; A case of Kenya, International Journal of Business Administration.

[3] Osoro. K. Mokoro, A Nyamonga D and Areban 2013, constraints facing women Entrepreneurs in Kenya: A case study of micro and small enterprises in Kissi County.

[4] Omwenga. J Q, Mukulu E and Kanali 2013, Towards improving the performance of women entrepreneurs in small and medium enterprises in Nairobi County, Kenya Policy recommendations.

[5] Kavilu.S 2016, Kenya Women get support centre-East African Business.

[6] Evans. Klock, C, Demsenson, M and Musindo.A 2008, women entrepreneurs in Kenya factors affecting women entrepreneurs in Kenya Geneva International Labour organization.

[7]    Mathonsi .C, (2013), Women’s contribution to the economy; we cannot ignore the evidence.

[8]    Marelise, 2015, Lindiwe Zulu: Conditions for South Africa’s female entrepreneurs are criminals.

[9]    Chinomona, E.Maziriri, E.T 2015, Women in action: challenges facing women entrepreneurs in the Gauteng province of South Africa. International Business and Economics Research Journal.

[10] Deborah. A.E, Wilhelmina S, Oyelana. A and Ibrahim, S.I 2015, Challenges faced by women entrepreneurs to ensure small business success in Nkonkobe Municipality Journal of Economics.

[11] Nxopo.Z and Iwu, C.G 2015, The unique obstacles of female entrepreneurship in the tourism industry in western cape, Unisa Press.

[12] World Bank. (2009), Female Entrepreneurship program guidelines and case studies.

[13] Stevenson. L and Stonge. A 2011, Assessment of environment for three developments of women’s entrepreneurship in Cameroon, Mali, Nigeria, Rwanda and Senegal, Geneva: International Labour office.

[14] Zhu. L and Chu.H.M 2010.Motivations, success factors and problems encountered by Chinese women entrepreneurs; A factor analysis international Review of business Research papers.

[15] Choto.P, Tengeh. R and Iwu C 2014, Daring to survive or to grow? The growth aspirations and challenges of survivalist entrepreneurs in South Africa. Environmental economics.

[16] World Bank. 2011, Rwanda Country Profile.

[17] Rwanda, National Institute of statistics (2012), Access to Finance. Statistics-publication Vol 2 2012.

[18] Fin Scope,2016, Financial inclusion in Rwanda.

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[20] Ayanone, 2011, Rwanda: tres peu des femmes dans les affaire.

[21] Blaire, 2015 Rwanda, s gender gap; Banks must stop failing female entrepreneurs.

[22] Fellmark, 2012, Focus on Rwanda. A conference on gender research and activist. Proceedings of the 2011 conference of the Kigali Institute of education, Kigali, Shirley Randell international and associates.

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[31] Chinomona, E. Maziriri, E.T 2015 Women in action: challenges facing women entrepreneurs in the Gauteng province of South Africa. International Business and Economics Research Journal.

[32] Lose.T and Tengeh R.K 2015, The sustainability and challenges of business incubators in the Western Cape Province, South Africa sustainability.

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Abstract:

This paper aimed at unearthing practices driven by the Adventist-Teacher recruitment process in order to determine achievement of the organization’s goals. The study was conducted in Adventist Schools in Bulawayo. The schools have a population of about 218 teachers. The study followed a mixed method of research, where quantitative-descriptive statistics were used to discuss findings. A sample of 106 teachers was chosen using the stratified sampling to respond to a self-administered questionnaire. Simple random was used to choose teachers from within each stratum among the three Secondary and Five Primary Schools. In the schools selected, the teachers’ list was used, and either odd numbers or even numbers were used as respondents. Through purposive sampling, three Secondary and five Primary School heads were chosen to respond to interview questions indicated in this study. It is important to note that teachers and school heads did not agree on issues regarding induction and mentoring. Primary data was collected and analyzed using SPSS. Tables and graphs were used in the presentation and discussion of findings. The study established the link between the Recruitment process- which aims at the integration of faith and learning- and Redemptive practices to be positive at Pearson’s r 0,696. The interaction of the Recruitment process and the cutting-edge practices recorded a Pearson’s r of 0,589. The recruitment process appeared to be operating below the ideal standard. The study revealed a poor teacher induction and mentoring process in the schools studied.

References:

[1] Nyabwari, B. G., Katola, M. T., & Muindi, D. (2013). Holistic Christian Education for Character Formation in Seventh-Day Adventist Church Sponsored Secondary Schools in Nyamira County, Kenya. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 256 - 263.

[2] Knight, R.G. (2018). Take-Aways: What Matters Most in An Adventist Education. From: www.Spectrummargazine.org/article/2018/08/30/takeaways-what-matters-most-adventist-education.

[3] Foot M. and Cook C. (2008) Introducing Human Resource Management 5^th edition London Prentice – Hall.

[4] Kenton, W. (2019). knowledge Capital. Investopedia. From: www.investopedia.com Economy Economics.

[5] Byrne,Z.S.(2015).Understanding Employee Engagement:Theory, Research and Practice. Routledge. New York East Sussex.

[6] Antons,D and Piller,F.T.(2015).Opening the black box of ‘Not Invented Here’:Attitudes, decision biases, and behavioral consequences.Academy of Management Perapectives,29(2),193-217.

[7] Luenendonk,M.(2021).What is Recruitment Definition, Recruitment  Process, Best practices. www.cleverism.com/what-is-recruitment.

[8] Savory,E.P.(2008). Andrews University. From: http://circle.adventist.org/files/download/Recruiting Strategies.pdf.

[9] www.adventisteducation,org./abt.html.

[10] Lopez de la Torre,J.A.(2003). Integrating Faith and Learnig at an Adventist Secondary School: A system-wide approach at Calegio Adventista de Sagunto. From; http://www.aiias,edu/ict/vol_31A/31Acc_225-242.pdf.

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[12] Tinkey,P.(2010).Student Perceptions of the Integration of faith and learning in a College Foreign Language Course (Doctoral dissertation,Duquesne University). From. https://dsc.dug.edu/etd/1285.

[13] Gaeddert, J. T. (2014). A Case Study of the Integration of Faith and Learning at a Christian College. From:www.pdf.Semanticscholar.org/c306/bfabe80bc9ecaldca95d583d3bdoea9e9dcec.pdf.

[14] Harris. (2004). The Integration of Faith and Learning: A world view Approach. Cascade Books. From: www.virtualsalt.com/integrat.htm.

[15] Wood,J.L.and Hilton,A.A.(2012) Spirituality and Academic Success:Perceptions of African American Males  in the Community College. www.researchgate.net.

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[17] Banke,S.et al.(2005). The Role of Spirituality in Christian School Leadership: A Qualitative Study. From: http://files.eric.ed.gov/fullt.

[18] Kilgour,P.W.and Christian, B.j.(2017).Old School or Cuttingedge? An Examination of Ellen G. White’s Views on education from a best practice twenty-first Century perspective.TEACH Journal of Christian education, 11(2), 34-41. From; http://research.avondale.edu.au/teach/vol11/1ss2//.

[19] Brantley, P.and Fryson, D. (2004).Can Education Be Adventist and Excellent, Too? From: https://www.adventistreview.org./2004-1518/Story2.

Abstract:

Corporate Social Responsibility has taken part in the operations of businesses, but there is a need for research on why CSR is and how advantageous it is for a firm in a competitive market. The paper investigated the use of CSR as a stronghold for firms in a competitive environment using Newmont Ghana Limited as a case study. The study further seeks to identify the impact of Newmont Ghana’s CSR activities and its impact on both the firm’s output and reputational image. These objectives are explored through the evaluation of the effect of Newmont Ghana’s CSR activities. Using a purposive and convenient sampling method, 120 questionnaires, both open and close-ended questions, were distributed to the employees of Newmont Ghana across all levels. The questionnaires were collected and analyzed. The outcome showed that corporate social responsibility gives Newmont Ghana an advantage in positioning and diminishing of competitive attack in the market. Also, the results showed that Newmont Ghana’s CSR activities have a positive impact on its reputation at both the local and national level. Also, CSR activities had a positive impact on its output as it draws in more investors and makes them perform better. The study recommended that firms should integrate CSR into their basic operations and to educate their employees on the firm’s social responsibilities, the general public should be educated on the different duties of all other actors, and the topic should be expanded to include all firms in the mining industry in Ghana and how they benefit from CSR.

References:

[1] World Bank, “World Development Indicators,” 2014.

[2] J. Bendell, “In whose name? The accountability of corporate social responsibility,” Development in Practice, vol. 15, no. 3–4, pp. 362–374, Jun. 2005, DOI: 10.1080/09614520500075813.

[3] Adeyemo S.A, Oyebamiji F.F, and Alimi K.O, “International Journal of Academic Research in Economics and Management Sciences,” vol. 2, no. 6, 2013.

[4] Kilduff M. and Krackhardt D., “Bringing the Individual Back in: A Structural Analysis of the Internal Market for Reputation in Organizations,” Academy of Management, 2014.

[5] Obasan Kehinde A and Hassan Banjo A, “A Test of the Impact of Leadership Styles on Employee Performance: A Study of Department of Petroleum Resources,” International Journal of Management Sciences, Research Academy of Social Sciences, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 149–160, 2014.

[6] Ceglinski P., “The Concept of Competitive Advantages. Logic, Sources, and Durability,” Journal of Positive Management, 2017.

[7] K. Moon and D. Blackman, “A Guide to Understanding Social Science Research for Natural Scientists,” Conservation Biology, vol. 28, no. 5. Blackwell Publishing Inc., pp. 1167–1177, Oct. 01, 2014. DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12326.

[8] A. Ahmed, “Ontological, Epistemological and Methodological Assumptions: Qualitative Versus Quantitative,” 2008.

[9] G. King, R. O. (Robert O. Keohane, and S. Verba, Designing social inquiry: scientific inference in qualitative research. Princeton University Press, 1996.

[10] P. Aspers and U. Corte, “What is Qualitative in Qualitative Research,” Qualitative Sociology, vol. 42, no. 2, pp. 139–160, Jun. 2019, DOI: 10.1007/s11133-019-9413-7.

[11] H. Mohajan and H. K. Mohajan, “Munich Personal RePEc Archive Qualitative Research Methodology in Social Sciences and Related Subjects Qualitative Research Methodology in Social Sciences and Related Subjects,” 2018.

[12] Floyd J and J. Fowler, Survey Research Methods. Newbury Park, CA: SAGE, 2002.

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[15] Ethan Kapstein and René Kim, “The Socio-Economic Impact of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited. Haarlem,” 2011.

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Abstract:

The moderating effect of managerial discretion on the relationship between product differentiation strategy and firm financial performance has not received necessary empirical attention. The study sought to examine the moderating effect of managerial discretion on the relationship between product differentiation and the perceived financial performance of commercial banks in Uganda. A cross-section survey design was formulated targeting a population comprised of 210 Senior Managers and Chief Executives of 10 selected commercial banks in Uganda, which were chosen because of their relatively consistent superior financial performance in the last five years. A sample of 137 individuals was calculated using Yamane’s (1967) formula, and the technique of stratified proportionate random sampling was used in selecting sample subjects. Data was collected from these individuals using structured questionnaires and analyzed descriptively (using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations) and inferentially using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The coefficient of the interaction term between managerial discretion and product differentiation strategy (MD*PD) was found positive and significant (β = 0.3421, ρ<0.05). Accordingly, the null hypothesis was rejected. It is concluded that managerial discretion is an important factor in the adoption of product differentiation strategies for purposes of enhancing the perceived financial performance of commercial banks in Uganda. The study recommends that commercial banks in Uganda should avail Chief Executives with the necessary and adequate latitude to implement product differentiation strategies if they are to maximize financial performance.

References:

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[2] Vives, X., Competition, and stability in banking. 2016: Princeton University Press; Available from: https://doi.org/10.1515/9781400880904.

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[4] Adegbite, I.O., et al., The impact of service differentiation on creating competitive advantage. African Scholars Journal of Pure and Applied Science (JPAS-9), 2019. 15(9): p. 142-155; Available from: https://www.africanscholarpublications.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AJPAS_Vol5_No9-9.pdf.

[5] Ghahroudi, M.R. and S. Sagheb, The Impact of Differentiation Strategies on the Women Fashion-Clothing Performance. Journal of Economics and Business, 2018. 1(4): p. 381-400. DOI: 10.31014/aior.1992.01.04.35.

[6] Violinda, Q., I.M.B. Dirgantara, and S. Sufian, Differentiation strategy and organizational culture: A case study of Semarang State University. International Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, 2016. 4(2): p. 8. DOI: 10.11648/j.ijebo.20160402.11.

[7] Acquaah, M. and A. Agyapong, The relationship between competitive strategy and firm performance in micro and small businesses in Ghana: The moderating role of managerial and marketing capabilities. Africa Journal of Management, 2015. 1(2): p. 172-193; Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/23322373.2015.1025684.

[8] Demba, R., V. Ogal, and J. Muli, Effect of differentiation strategy on performance by selected car rental business, a case of Nairobi City County, Kenya. The Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 2018. 5(4): p. 1880-1895; Available from: https://strategicjournals.com/index.php/journal/article/view/898/990.

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http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/1782.

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[21] Gorondutse, A.H. and M.S. Gawuna, Cost leadership strategy and performance of hotels in the Nigerian context. Journal of Applied Structural Equation Modeling, 2017. 1(1): p. 1-12.DOI: 10.47263/JASEM.1(1)02.