The Society of Research Administrators International (SRA International) is the premier global research management society providing education, professional development and the latest comprehensive information about research management to professionals from over 40 countries. In this time of increasing international research collaborations, SRA International maintains the largest network of research managers in the world. Being part of this growing vibrant network gives you access to the changing research management landscape and fosters relationships among collaborating institutions. SRA International’s major strength is its diversity. We are the only research management society in the world whose membership spans the entire spectrum of research institutions including: colleges and universities, research hospitals and institutes, government agencies, non-profit funders of research, and industry. Whether you are a Vice President for Research, a mid-level research manager or new to the profession, and you are responsible for pre- or post-award grant and contract administration, regulatory compliance, technology transfer, or clinical trials management, SRA International is your reliable source for education and professional development. The diversity of our members, member organizations and program offerings make us the premier research management society. Focus and Scope The Journal aims to provide an outlet for research and scholarship on management-related themes and topics. With contributions from around the globe, the journal includes empirical, conceptual and methodological articles across the full range of business and management disciplines, including: Accounting and Finance Human Resource Management Innovation and Entrepreneurship Marketing Organizational Management Strategic Management Technology and E-Business International Business Anthropology Sociology Economics Education Criminology Linguistics Law History Communication Studies Political Science Human Geography Psychology
BUSINESS KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CHALLENGES OF MICRO-BUSINESS OWNERS IN BORONGAN CITY, EASTERN SAMAR
This study examines the profile, capabilities, and operational challenges of micro-businesses in Borongan City, Eastern Samar. Most enterprises have been operating for 1 to 5 years, are predominantly sole proprietorships engaged in retail, and rely on personal savings as their main source of capital, with initial investments generally below P100, 000 and a workforce of 0 to 1 employee. Micro-business owners demonstrate adequate marketing and financial management skills, strong customer service capabilities, and sufficient knowledge of digitization. However, they face persistent constraints, including high interest rates on financing, unreliable electricity supply, frequent regulatory changes, and difficulty in finding skilled workers. These findings highlight both the strengths and vulnerabilities of the sector and point to the need for targeted support in access to finance, infrastructure improvement, regulatory streamlining, and human resource development.
Dymphna Ann C. Calumpiano , Ronalyn G. Cebreros
THE VISUAL LITERACY OF GRADE 10 LIFE SCIENCES LEARNERS IN CYTOLOGY
In Life Sciences Education, the use of educational external representations (ERs) such as diagrams, models and animations is increasingly appearing in learning and teaching resources. However, their effectiveness is limited if learners experience learning difficulties due to lack of visual literacy and spatial ability skills to work with ERs. This quantitative study explored the level of visual literacy of 225 Grade 10 Life Sciences learners in cytology across six high schools in Pretoria, South Africa. Through quantitative research method a Life Sciences visual literacy questionnaire and a spatial ability test were used to collect data. Collected data was analysed descriptively and inferentially through SPSS Version 23. The results showed that most Grade 10 Life Sciences learners lack average visual literacy skills. Furthermore, the results showed that gender doesn’t play a role on the learners’ performance in visual literacy skills as both genders performed approximately equally in both tests. Teachers need to incorporate different ERs that would stimulate different senses, and which will also enhance learners’ visual literacy and spatial ability skills in their lessons. It is recommended that the use of ERs should be reinforced by providing the ERs to both teachers and learners and helping the teachers with necessary workshops to equip them with skills needed to explicitly teach learners using ERs that will stimulate different senses.
ENTREPRENEURIAL MARKETING STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
Marketing strategies like other business strategies are identified by Resource Based theory as unique resources which cannot be copied and which gives the business competitive advantage. However, Small and Medium Enteprises (SMEs) are constrained by resources and therefore find it difficult to adopt sophisticated marketing strategies. As a result, they rely on innovative, cost efficient and marketing strategies that utilizes networks called Entrepreneurship Marketing strategies (EMs). However, the link between EMs and SMEs performance in Ondo State has not been adequately studied. Consequently this study investigated entrepreneurship marketing strategies and SMEs performance in Ondo Stat, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the effects of product innovation marketing strategy, digital marketing strategy and relationship marketing strategy on SMEs performance in Ondo State, Nigeria. Survey research design was utilized in the study. The population of the study comprised all the 158,350 registered SMEs in Ondo State (SMEDAN, 2024). Data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 399 SMEs (owners / managers). The sample size was determined through Taro Yamane formula while stratified sampling technique was adopted. Data collected was analyzed through multiple regression analysis. Results revealed that product innovation marketing strategy, digital marketing strategy and relationship marketing strategy have significant positive effects on SMEs performance though with different magnitudes. Based on the findings, the study concluded that entrepreneurship marketing strategies improved the performance of SMEs in Ondo State, Nigeria. The study recommended among others that SMEs entrepreneurs / owners in Ondo State, Nigeria should increase the level of adoption of product innovation, digital marketing strategies and relationship marketing strategies for optimal performance in the sector.
Taiwo Ibitomi, Durotimi Amos Dada, Morohunmubo Olayinka Akirinlola, Charles Ayodeji Ojo
IN VITRO REGENERATION PROTOCOL OF BANANA CV. BHIMKOL (MUSA BALBISIANA, BB GENOME) THROUGH EMBRYOGENIC CELL SUSPENSIONS (ECS) FROM IMMATURE MALE FLOWERS
Musa balbisiana is the diploid BB genome of Musa species belonging to Musaceae family. The cultivar Bhimkol (Musa balbisiana cv. Bhimkol) is found all over North-Eastern region of India. Although considered as a wild diploid species, this particular banana cultivar has been utilised as an important food in these parts of the country. In Assam, this fruit is utilised especially utilized as a nutrition supplement for infants. The banana pulp of Bhimkol is processed and marketed locally as a baby food nutrition supplement powder such as Bhimshakti and Bhimvita. This is one of the most important reasons which this banana cultivar a very important crop in this part of the country. There is a need for generation of a novel and an efficient in vitro regeneration protocol of M. balbisiana cv. Bhimkol using the male inflorescence of Bhimkol for carrying out any genetic improvement studies. Hence, this research, we report an efficient as well as reproducible in vitro regeneration protocol using the embryogenic cell suspension (ECS) cultures developed from the male inflorescence of M. balbisiana cv. Bhimkol.
Limasunep Longkumer , Abhik Gogoi, Neha Maske, Salvinder Singh
AI-ENHANCED MARKOV CHAIN MODELS FOR LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY PREDICTION IN INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
Infrastructure projects in developing economies face escalating socio-economic and environmental risks that threaten long-term sustainability. Traditional risk management approaches, predominantly static and deterministic, prove inadequate for capturing the dynamic and probabilistic nature of risks in complex environments. This study addresses this critical gap by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) classification algorithms with Markov Chain models to enhance predictive accuracy and support sustainable project outcomes. Employing a mixed-methods design with 442 stakeholders across eight Niger Delta infrastructure projects, we developed AI-enhanced transition probability matrices using supervised machine learning techniques. The Complex Tree classifier achieved 100% accuracy in stakeholder role prediction, while regression analysis demonstrated that AI-Markov integration explained 78% of variance in sustainability performance (β=0.88, p<0.001). Comparative ANOVA testing revealed that AI-enhanced Markov Chains significantly outperformed traditional Bayesian Networks (Cohen's d=0.68, p=0.021) and Bow Tie analysis (d=0.86, p=0.009) in tracking temporal risk evolution. The integrated framework enabled dynamic recalibration of risk forecasts, with steady-state convergence occurring within 10-15 assessment periods across all case studies. These findings demonstrate that hybrid AI-probabilistic models offer substantial advantages for sustainable infrastructure delivery in volatile environments, though implementation barriers including data infrastructure gaps and stakeholder skepticism remain. The study contributes a robust methodological framework for adaptive risk management while providing actionable insights for policy reform and capacity building in developing regions.
Emmanuel Adie, John Wasiu, Ibrahim Abdulrazaq
LEARNER AND EDUCATOR PERSPECTIVES ON PRESCRIBED DRAMA: A CASE STUDY OF GRADE 10 XITSONGA HOME LANGUAGE IN LIMPOPO, SOUTH AFRICA
This study investigated the drama book experiences of Grade 10 Xitsonga Home Language learners in the Mafarana Circuit, Mopani West District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The purpose of the study was to explore the factors that influence Grade 10 Xitsonga Home Language learners' ability to effectively read, comprehend, and respond to drama-related questions, especially those not directly derived from the prescribed drama book titled Ntsandzavalayi by E.M. Zwane. Using a qualitative research approach and an exploratory case study design, the study employed non-probability purposive sampling to select one school, twelve Grade 10 learners, and two educators. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The study findings revealed that learners face significant challenges in engaging with the prescribed drama text. These include difficulties in relating to the cultural context of the drama, linguistic barriers due to complex vocabulary and textual errors in the book, and an over-reliance on provided summaries and answers, which inhibit critical thinking and independent analysis. Educators predominantly used textbook-driven, teacher-centered methods, which further limited learners' ability to respond creatively to unfamiliar drama questions.
Hlungwane Hlayisani, Dr. Khosa MA, Dr. Chauke WS
GRADE 10 ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE LEARNERS’ COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE IN BOCHUM WEST CIRCUIT, LIMPOPO PROVINCE
English First Additional Language learners face challenges to develop communicative competence. Hence, this study explored factors that negatively impact on learners’ communicative competence in enhancing their English First Additional Language (FAL) proficiency. The study used a simple random sampling to sample 16 Grade 10 learners from one secondary school in Bochum West Circuit. The qualitative approach was used in which semi-structured interviews were employed to collect data. The data was analysed thematically. The results indicate that learners are impacted negatively by linguistic and cognitive factors (lack of vocabulary knowledge, pronunciation, knowledge of grammar rules, and code-switching), and psychological factors (lack of confidence, anxiety, and shyness). The findings highlight that an overemphasis on formal aspects of language such as grammar and written skills often undermines learners’ ability to participate confidently in spoken and social communication. In conclusion, improving EFAL learners’ communicative competence requires a balanced approach that values both linguistic knowledge and the ability to use language effectively in context. The study recommends that teachers should design activities that require learners to negotiate meaning, such as discussions, debates, and problem-solving tasks. This aligns with the idea that language competence includes not only grammatical accuracy but also appropriate use in context. It also recommends that DBE formally introduce group presentations, dramatisation, and debate in various circuits in a form of competitions.
Ramokone Audrey Thaba , Hlaviso Motlhaka
FROM SHORTLISTING TO REJECTION: THE ROLE OF AI IN PITCHING OUTCOMES OF NIGERIAN YOUTH ENTREPRENEURS
Background: Despite the increasing availability of grants and early-stage financing opportunities for youth entrepreneurs in Nigeria, a lot of them never make it past the pitching stage. So far research has concentrated predominantly on finance access and entrepreneur characteristics, and less so on pitching procedures and investor confidence with the latter being increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of pitching outcomes. Aim: In this study, we explored the effects of quality of pitch preparation and entrepreneur pitch competence on pitching success for young Nigerian entrepreneurs, with the investigation that investor confidence as mediator, and artificial intelligence capability as moderator. Setting: Based on the principles of pitching theory and an entrepreneurial signaling lens, the study concentrated on Nigerian youth entrepreneurs who have been involved in grant competitions, accelerator programmes, or investor pitch sessions. Methods: The study employed a quantitative research design. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire survey of young entrepreneurs, of which 637 valid questionnaires were obtained after data screening. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied to examine the proposed relations of pitch preparation quality, pitching competence, artificial intelligence capability, investor confidence, and pitching outcomes. Results: Results show that the quality of pitch preparation and pitching ability significantly increase investor confidence, which in turn has a strong positive impact on pitching success. Artificial intelligence capability also positively moderates the effects of the quality of preparation of a pitch on investor confidence and of the pitching competence on investor confidence. Conclusion: The research shows that rejection at the pitch level is in many cases a consequence of poor preparation, poor delivery, or poor credibility signaling rather than a dearth of novel concepts. Preparation augmented by AI may increase investor trust and funding opportunities. Contribution: This study contributes to the literature on entrepreneurship and technology by identifying investor confidence as a key mechanism through which pitching capabilities influence funding outcomes and by showing that AI enables entrepreneurial pitching.
Olumide Gbenga-Julius, Oyebowale Blessing Oyekunle, Tayo Michael. Fagbemide, Justinah Oluwayemisi Akanji, Saidat Omowumi Dauda
COMMON ERRORS IN EFAL WRITING: CASE STUDY OF SOUTH AFRICAN TVET STUDENTS
Writing skills are an essential element of communication throughout students’ academic journey, as they develop the ability to structure ideas and emotions effectively and convey meaning through clear, well-developed content. The study investigated the common errors committed by English First Additional Language (EFAL) students in writing. The aim of the study was to explore errors students commit in their academic writing. The study was premised on the interpretivist paradigm and employed a case study design. The study population consisted of two campuses of the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college in Limpopo Province, South Africa, and was selected through convenience sampling. The participants were 30 EFAL level 4 students, and their 6 lecturers were sampled purposively. The data collection instruments used were document analysis and open-ended questionnaires. The main errors discovered include problems with grammar, cohesion and coherence problems, lack of ideas, problems with punctuation, problems with tenses, spelling problems, poor vocabulary, poor sentence and paragraph structure, and lack of language and editing skills. The study recommends that TVET students attend writing workshops, engage in peer tutoring, integrate reading and writing activities, and that lecturers provide ample opportunities for students to practice academic writing as novel solutions to the problem.
Fankomo Nthabiseng Charity , Molotja Wilfred, Hlaviso Motlhaka
PROXY WARS AND PERIPHERAL BATTLEFIELDS: THE ISRAEL–IRAN CONFLICT AND EMERGING SECURITY RISKS IN AFRICA
The Israel–Iran conflict has escalated recently, with Israeli airstrikes and Iranian reprisals increasing the risk of broader regional confrontation. Although centred in the Middle East, the conflict’s repercussions are increasingly visible across parts of Africa. Using a qualitative, document-based case study approach, this article examines the emerging security risks facing African states. It analyses how proxy warfare dynamics, ideological spillovers, and transnational militant linkages, including Iran’s renewed engagement in Sudan, maritime insecurity in the Red Sea, and Israel’s expanding diplomatic and security ties in East Africa, may draw segments of the continent into the conflict’s periphery. The study argues that Middle Eastern rivalries can shape militant alignments and security calculations within Africa, particularly in areas where governance fragility creates opportunities for external influence. It concludes by calling for a more anticipatory African policy response grounded in geopolitical awareness and institutional resilience to mitigate the risks of entanglement in external power competition.
Kingsley Chigozie Udegbunam, Dr. Onyinye Nkechi Onwuka, Sophia Daniel Sonime, Uduak Uduak Ituen
DEVELOPING A STRUCTURED MEDIATION FRAMEWORK FOR ELDERLY RIGHTS PROTECTION IN INDIA WITH REFERENCE TO MAHARASHTRA
India, in recent years, is experiencing 12% in the elderly and ageing populations. An increase in longevity among the population demographics is considered to be one of the indicators of positive social development, but it is leading to emerging socio-legal challenges. The elderly individuals face emotional abuse, are financially exploited, face neglect, property-related disputes, abandonment, and are denied Healthcare and social support. There is the existence of the Senior Citizens Act of 2007 and Maintenance and Welfare of Parents, but many of the senior citizens still are not able to access timely, effective justice. The traditional litigation process in India is expensive, lengthy, and emotionally exhausting, making the legal system inaccessible for the vulnerable elderly population. The main aim of the article is to examine the nature of Elderly rights violations that are faced by elderly persons in Maharashtra, especially Mumbai, and it is going to evaluate the role of mediation as an effective way of resolving disputes. The article is going to prove that mediation is a more accessible, compassionate, and cost-effective approach that helps in resolving elderly-related disputes while there is preservation of family relationships by promoting restorative justice. The study is going to explore the legal framework, policy reforms, and institutional challenges that are necessary to integrate within the mediation process so that the elder justice system in India is enhanced.
Adv. Varsha T. Kumare, Dr. Venoo Rajpurohit
FEDERATED LEARNING-BASED ADAPTIVE ROUTING FOR PRIVACY-AWARE MULTI-DOMAIN NETWORK OPTIMIZATION
Traditional routing algorithms depend on centralized data collection, which poses scalability and privacy challenges in large and distributed network environments. With the advent of Federated Learning (FL), routing models can now be trained collaboratively across multiple network domains without sharing raw traffic data, preserving privacy while maintaining global performance optimization. This paper presents a Federated Learning-based Routing (FLR) Framework that enables distributed routers or domains to collaboratively learn optimal routing policies. Each local model is trained using network telemetry such as delay, bandwidth, and packet loss, and only the learned parameters are shared with a global aggregator for model fusion. The aggregator applies Federated Averaging (FedAvg) to derive a global routing model that is redistributed to participating domains, enabling privacy-preserving and adaptive routing optimization. The proposed method ensures scalability and adaptability across heterogeneous domains. Simulation results show that the proposed FL-based routing achieves up to 26% lower average delay, 48% reduction in packet loss, and 7% higher throughput compared to centralized machine learning approaches, while significantly minimizing privacy leakage and communication overhead. The results validate that FLR can efficiently adapt to dynamic traffic patterns and heterogeneous domains, maintaining near-optimal routing performance without direct data exchange.
EXPLORING DIGITAL PLATFORMS IN COLLABORATIVE LEARNING AND COMMUNICATION DEVELOPMENT AMONG ACADEMICS IN MALAYSIAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
Purpose: This study investigates how academics in Malaysian public universities employ digital platforms to enhance collaborative teaching practices and communication competencies. Theoretically, the research aims to move the discourse beyond basic digital literacy to "strategic communicative competence," shifting the focus from technical proficiency to strategic medium selection. Design/Methodology/Approach: Adopting a qualitative interpretivist approach, the study utilized semi-structured interviews with 12 academics selected through purposive sampling from leading Malaysian Institutions. The research design was grounded in two theoretical frameworks: Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) and Media Synchronicity Theory (MST). Thematic analysis was employed using a hybrid coding approach to identify patterns regarding technology adoption and communication dynamics. Findings: The findings reveal a "stratified digital ecosystem" where educators blend mandated institutional Learning Management Systems (e.g., Moodle) with productivity suites (e.g., Google Workspace) and interactive tools (e.g., Padlet). The study identifies that successful integration depends on "strategic synchronicity alignment," where academics match media capabilities to pedagogical goals. Furthermore, digital platforms serve as a "safe harbor" that democratizes participation for introverted students and facilitates borderless communication by integrating global experts into the virtual classroom. Originality: This research contributes to the field by applying Media Synchronicity Theory (MST) to the educational context, providing a vocabulary for academics to understand why certain collaborations succeed or fail based on the match between tool speed and task depth. It distinguishes itself by defining the specific "stratified digital ecosystem" utilized in Malaysian public universities and linking platform usage directly to the development of professional soft skills like text-based precision and "netiquette". Practical and Social Implications: Institutions should adopt "blended ecosystems" that prioritize pedagogical purpose over technical instruction, ensuring technology serves as a strategic tool rather than a superficial addition. This approach democratizes learning by reducing social anxiety for introverted students while fostering the intercultural networking skills essential for the 21st-century workforce.
QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE INFLUENCE OF INSECURITY ON MICROENTERPRISES IN ENUGU METROPOLIS, NIGERIA
The study assessed the Qualitative Influence of Insecurity on Microenterprises in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to examine the Influence of the Destruction of Property on Microenterprises and evaluate the Influence of Forced Displacement on Microenterprises in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria. A qualitative research design was adopted for the study. The data were gathered using semi-structured interviews and/or discussions in a focus group, where participants could give their experiences in detail. The data were analyzed using the multiple linear regression technique. The result of the study revealed that Destruction of Property has a significant influence on Microenterprises with a p-value of (0.000<0.05), and Forced Displacement has a significant influence on Microenterprises with a p-value of (0.000<0.05), in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria. The study concluded that insecurity through property destruction and forced displacement significantly constrains microenterprise resilience in Enugu Metropolis, affecting income stability, employment capacity, and business confidence. The study recommended, among others, that the state government, local government authorities, and relevant agencies should establish a microenterprise recovery fund to provide quick, low-bureaucracy support for affected businesses after incidents of vandalism, arson, looting, or damage.
Ghasi, Nwanneka C., Ezeabii, Ijeoma C., Egbo Doris Ebenouvbe,
ROLE OF NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION IN ENHANCING CLASSROOM INTERACTION IN ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE CLASSROOM
Non-verbal communication is a crucial aspect of teaching and learning, especially in language classrooms where effective communication enhances learners’ understanding and participation. This study explored the effects of the teachers’ non-verbal communication on learners’ participation in English First Additional Language classroom based on the non-verbal communication classification by Marcinowicz et al. (2010), which includes eye contact, facial expressions, touch, interpersonal distance, gesture, posture, tone of voice, and dress. This study explored how teachers' non-verbal communication influences learners' participation in EFAL classrooms and suggests strategies for improving teaching effectiveness through enhanced non-verbal communication. The study applied a qualitative research approach using semi-structured interview as data collection instruments with twelve learners who were purposefully sampled to explore the nuanced and subjective nature of communication and learner participation. The results showed that using non-verbal communication strategies such as eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, tone of voice, and dress by the teachers enhance the quality of learning and build a good relationship between teachers and learners. These strategies can create a fun learning atmosphere, motivate learners, and strengthen their understanding of the learning material. The study recommends that the Department of Basic Education should provide teachers with training on non-verbal communication techniques and encourage reflective teaching practices to help teachers evaluate their non-verbal cues and incorporate non-verbal communication as part of teacher assessment and development programmes. The study also recommends that the school curriculum should incorporate non-verbal communication as part of teacher assessment and development programmes to promote culturally sensitive communication to avoid misunderstandings in diverse classrooms. Future research can investigate how cultural or linguistic backgrounds of teachers and learners affect the interpretation of non-verbal cues.
THE IMPACT OF MULTI-PURPOSE NOZZLE DESIGN ON MOSQUITO FOGGING SPRAY CHARACTERISTICS
Nozzle design affects fogging flow velocity patterns and acoustic characteristics, aiming to enhance mosquito control strategies essential for reducing diseases like dengue fever. Achieving optimal smoke dispersal through dense foliage and narrow spaces necessitates careful selection of nozzle types and diameters. The research focuses on the impact of audible sound on mosquito fogging spray properties in the presence of smoke and fog, examining the effect of nozzle design on fogging flow velocity patterns and characteristics, and the frequency response of noise distribution using different nozzle configurations. Utilizing CATIA V5, ANSYS Mechanical 2022 R2, and MATLAB software, various nozzle designs—including cone flat, square-flat, and cone-square-triangle—were analyzed. Results indicate that cone nozzles achieve the highest velocity thrust, outperforming flat, square, and triangle nozzles. The flat-cone nozzle excelled in smoke dispersal, maintaining high sound pressure levels (SPL) and acoustic pressure, particularly at a resonant frequency of 1700Hz, ensuring effective smoke penetration and distribution in dense foliage and narrow spaces. Wavelet analysis revealed that flat-cone and cone-square-triangle nozzles produce higher and denser wavelet pockets, enhancing turbulence and mixing for improved smoke distribution. These findings underscore the effectiveness of the flat-cone nozzle for comprehensive fogging coverage. The study recommends future research on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and sensors into nozzle designs to develop smart nozzles that adjust spray patterns in real-time based on mosquito activity. This integration would maximize efficiency, minimize environmental impact, and optimize pesticide use by focusing resources on areas with high mosquito activity while reducing unnecessary applications. Such advancements could lead to more efficient mosquito control, minimizing the negative effects on the environment and non-target organisms.
Nozzle design, smoke dispersion, velocity patterns, acoustic characteristics, noise distribution, wavelet analysis.
Pavinar Krishnamurthy, Syamir Alihan Showkat Ali, Zary Shariman Yahaya
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Research Administration
Dengue Epidemic Control in Malaysia- Challenges in Engineering Control
In Malaysia, dengue fever has a high death rate, ranking as one of the most severe arthropod-borne infections that may be contracted. In Malaysia, the reproduction of dengue mosquitoes has developed into a significant problem for the country's public health. However, prevention efforts against the dengue fever pandemic must be started as soon as possible. In Malaysia, there are certain protocols to follow for the majority of difficulties, and both tropical and subtropical influences may be felt in Malaysia, particularly in the country's metropolitan and semi-urban areas. Dengue fever may be passed thru infection by bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, specifically has recently fed on a person who is already infected with the disease. There is no transmission of dengue disease from one individual to another. It is only possible to get the disease by the bitten of infected mosquitoes only. The primary research problem begins with a current trend problem in the dengue epidemic, which is increasing day by day in Malaysia and necessitates a specific method of engineering control, particularly in improving the product to prevent the dengue epidemic. This presents a challenge for the researchers because need a proper engineering method of solution as a quickly as possible study. In addition, the primary focus of the research is on the rapid proliferation of Aedes mosquitoes due to the presence in engineering control. The purpose of this research is to find a way an Integrated Study of dengue prevention and engineering control method for aedes mosquitoes breeding to stop the spread of the dengue virus, which occurs when an infected Aedes mosquito bites a person and transmits the disease in certain dengue breeding locations, such as Selangor, Malaysia. Moreover, to battle aedes mosquitoes with the appropriate strategy and integration of engineering methods will help eliminate Aedes breeding spots phenomena. This study would then decrease the total number of dengue cases in the integrated study of dengue prevention in engineering control method for aedes mosquitoes breeding. The integration of engineering control will allow the machine to be improved following the most appropriate techniques and methods practiced in dengue vector control to decrease the number of cases that are becoming critical in Malaysia.
Dengue prevention, current engineering control, mosquito breeding spot, aedes aegypti, fogging machine
Pavinar Krishnamurthy , Syamir Alihan Showkat Ali, Zary Shariman Yahaya
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Research Administration
THE ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF TRADE IN NIGERIA: A DISAGGREGATED ANALYSIS FOCUSING ON LONG-RUN EFFECTS
The examination of the economic impact of trade in Nigeria; a dis-aggregated analysis within the period of 1986 to 2023 is carried out in this research. The variables utilized comprised of GDP, proxied for economic expansion, exports and imports made up of oil and non-oil each, inflation rate, exchange rate and equally gross capital formation. The outcomes of ADF test, showed the presence of mixed order of integration. Consequently, the key findings of this research using ARDL indicated that exports with respect to oil and non-oil have significant positive impact on the expansion of Nigeria’s economy, whereas oil imports negatively and insignificantly influenced the output expansion in Nigeria. Lastly, non-oil imports affected the output expansion in Nigeria positively and significantly. In view of these discoveries, we recommend that federal authority should focus on investing oil revenue wisely, improving local processing/refining, and stabilizing policies against price shocks so as to avoid the "resource curse" by leveraging oil wealth for broader development.
Odo Stephen Idenyi, Edore Julius Ovuefeyen, Atuma Emeka, Nnali Omezue Agbagbuenyi
CONSTRAINTS TO SUPERVISION OF POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH FOR QUALITY OUTPUT BY BUSINESS EDUCATORS IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN THE SOUTH-EAST, NIGERIA
The study determined the Constraints to Supervision of Postgraduate Research for Quality Output by Business Educators in Public Universities in South-East, Nigeria. The specific objectives considered Supervisors-related and Students-related constraints to supervision of postgraduate research for quality output by Business Educators in public universities in South-East Nigeria. Population for the study was 78 Business Educators across the public universities in South-East Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was adopted, using a questionnaire design with a 4-point Likert scale to elicit responses from the focus population. The standard deviation was used to determine the homogeneity or otherwise of the opinions of the respondents. The t-test was used to test the null hypotheses. Analysis was carried out using statistical packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The result revealed that supervisors-related constraints to supervision of postgraduate research have a significant effect on quality output by Business Educators in public universities in South-East Nigeria [t-stat=7.319, p<0.001]. Students-related constraints to supervision of postgraduate research have a significant effect on the quality of output by Business Educators in public universities in South-East Nigeria [t-stat=16.200, p<0.001]. The study concluded that improving postgraduate research quality in Business Education in public universities in South-East Nigeria requires a dual-focus approach: addressing supervisor-side bottlenecks while simultaneously strengthening student preparedness, responsibility, and research competence. The study recommended that University management and relevant regulatory bodies should set and enforce realistic supervision loads per supervisor, while students should be equipped with necessary skills for research procedures.
Constraints, Postgraduate, Quality, Research, Supervision
Ezeabii, Ijeoma C., Ghasi, Nwanneka C., Aneke, Marcellinus N.
TEXT COMMUNICATION CYCLE: A SOCIO-PRAGMATIC STUDY OF SELECTED REPORTS ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)
This study introduces and theorises the Text Communication Cycle as a linguistic framework for analyzing the socio-pragmatic dimensions of communication has been applied to oﬃcial reports, speciﬁcally focusing on the yearly Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) reports. This research aims to unveil the evolving communicative strategies employed by the United Nations in its eﬀorts to inform, persuade, and mobilize global stakeholders towards achieving the 2030 Agenda by examining the communicative intents, encoding strategies, transmission channels, anticipated reception, and feedback mechanisms embedded within these crucial documents. A socio-pragmatic lens is applied to selected SDG reports from 2020 to 2025, analyzing linguistic choices, narrative structures, visual communication, politeness strategies, implicatures, speech acts, and framing. Findings reveal signiﬁcant adaptations in the UN's communication strategies over time, particularly in response to global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and escalating climate change. This theoretical and empirical investigation provides a robust methodology for future research into the communicative dynamics of global governance and sustainable development.
Text Communication Cycle, Socio-pragmatics, Sustainable Development Goals, Discourse analysis, Global governance communication.
DETERMINANTS OF MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND CULTURE TOWARD ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC INDUSTRIES IN LIBYA: PLS-SEM APPROACH
This study examines the determinants of knowledge management (KM) practices and their impact on organisational performance within public industries in Libya. Drawing on the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Knowledge-Based perspectives, the research investigates the roles of administrative leadership, training, incentives, and oversight and monitoring as key antecedents influencing management practice and organisational culture, which in turn affect organisational performance. A quantitative research design was employed using survey data collected from employees in Libyan public sector organisations. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was applied to assess both the measurement and structural models. The findings reveal that training and incentives significantly influence management practice and culture, while administrative leadership and oversight and monitoring demonstrate direct effects on organisational performance. Furthermore, management practice and culture play a mediating role in enhancing organisational outcomes. The results highlight the critical importance of enhancing a supportive organisational culture, strengthening leadership capabilities, and investing in employee development and incentive systems to improve knowledge management effectiveness. This study contributes to the limited empirical literature on KM in developing economies, particularly within the Libyan public sector, and offers practical implications for policymakers and organisational leaders seeking to enhance performance through knowledge-driven strategies.
Knowledge Management Practices, Organisational Performance, Administrative Leadership, Organisational Culture, Public Sector, Libya
Abdulqadir Mohammed Amhimmid Suwayd, S. M. Ferdous Azam, Jacquline Tham
IMPACT OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INCENTIVES ON CORPORATE INNOVATION PERFORMANCE: ANALYSIS OF THE MEDIATING EFFECT BASED ON R&D INVESTMENT
Innovation-driven development relies on enterprises as the primary agents of innovation, with talent being the cornerstone of corporate innovation. As the principal custodians of innovation within enterprises, executive incentives are regarded as a crucial mechanism for resolving principal-agent conflicts and enhancing corporate innovation performance. This study examines the impact of executive compensation incentives on corporate innovation performance and its underlying mechanisms, using Chinese A-share listed companies from 2014 to 2023 as the research sample. Findings reveal that executive compensation incentives exert a significant positive influence on substantive innovation performance, strategic innovation performance, and overall innovation performance, with the most pronounced effect observed on strategic innovation. Executive compensation incentives can increase corporate output in substantive and strategic innovation by promoting greater investment in R&D personnel and capital. R&D investment partially mediates the relationship between executive compensation incentives and corporate innovation performance. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that executive compensation incentives exert a stronger influence on innovation performance in enterprises located in eastern and central regions, as well as in non-state-owned enterprises. Consequently, companies should implement targeted executive incentive schemes tailored to their regional characteristics, ownership structure, and specific developmental requirements.
executive compensation incentives, substantive innovation performance, strategic innovation performance, research and development investment
HYBRID PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA
The study examined the effect of Hybrid Project Management on Environmental Sustainability in Enugu State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to examine the effect of Blended Project Management on Environmental Sustainability and evaluate the effect of Adaptive Project Management on Environmental Sustainability in Enugu State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted for the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire design with a five-point Likert scale and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Simple linear regression analysis was employed to test the study's hypotheses. The result revealed that Blended Project Management has a significant positive effect on Environmental Sustainability with a p-value of (0.019 < 0.05), and Adaptive Project Management has a significant positive effect on Environmental Sustainability with a p-value of (0.024 < 0.05), in Enugu State, Nigeria. The study concluded that Hybrid Project Management has a significant positive effect on Environmental Sustainability in Enugu State, Nigeria. The study recommended, among others, that Government ministries, development agencies, and private project organizations in Enugu State should formally integrate Hybrid Project Management (HPM) frameworks into their operational strategies.
Environmental, Hybrid, Management, Project, Sustainability
Chukwu Chinaechetam, Okoye, Boniface. S. A., Agu Augustine Obinna
SECURITY DILEMMAS AND ALLIANCES IN A SHIFTING GLOBAL ORDER: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF GREAT POWER RESPONSES TO RISING MILITARY CAPABILITIES
This article is a systematic literature review guided by PRISMA on the reaction of the traditional great powers on growing military power in a changing international system, focusing specifically on the security issues and alliances as a consequence. In the case of peer-reviewed articles published in 1990-2024, databases Scopus, Web of Science, and JSTOR were viewed as exhaustively as possible. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were then applied to documents and an inductive-deductive approach of coding was implemented. The synthesis produced is grouped into seven thematic clusters these consist RussiaNATO dynamics, chinas expansion in IndoPacific, the structure of alliances that existed in the Cold War, post milennium alliances, historical myths, nuclear deterrent, and emerging technologies. The three strategic patterns; balancing, bandwagoning, and hedging patterns exist throughout and regularly within the data; however, more widespread in the current responses can be observed to be a combination of these practice into hybrid responses that integrate moral signalling, deterrence, and institutional participation. The position of realist explanations is not vanishing yet, but rather liberal institutionalist and constructivist approaches are remaining ever more popular, especially in explaining the persistence of alliances and identity responses. The cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, and hypersonic technologies provide more intricate conventional deterrence logic and alliance guarantees because of the clarity of decisions and the reduced decision-making timelines. The contribution that the review makes is a hybrid framework which is integrative but explicitly shows how technological innovation transforms every connection between the perceived threats, strategic tools and results. There is a research agenda that is a priority and which covers technology, middle-power hedging and institutional fragmentation which is presented in the conclusion together with policy implications of crisis management.
Security Dilemma, Military, Rising Powers, Global Power shift, Great Power Strategy.
ECOLOGICAL SELF: THE PASSAGE TO SELF REALIZATION
The environmental crisis reflects a deeper issue within our minds and spirits. The pressures of ecological degradation are so clear that protecting the environment has become essential. In this regard, deep ecology represents a new and significant ecological movement that emerges as a fresh perspective to address the unavoidable transformations humanity is facing. Arne Naess’ deep ecology theory seeks to address our sense of emptiness and anxiety, allowing individuals to restore a sense of connection with both living and non-living entities. Deep ecology plays a crucial role in enhancing our ecological awareness as we confront worldwide environmental challenges for several reasons. Ecological awareness represents an emerging mind-set that leads us toward sustainable development. It fosters a connection with nature, establishing ecological harmony since all elements are interconnected within the web of life. Therefore, the eco-centric approach to environmental ethics serves as a comprehensive method for addressing environmental issues, integrating thought, emotion, spirituality, and action. The relationship between humans and the environment relies on the ability to connect with otherness, allowing the self to expand and deepen. This realization fosters a stronger bond with all forms of life, enabling a transition from an ego (G) perspective to an eco (C) perspective. To achieve this transformation from ‘G’ to ‘C,’ we must cultivate our ecological awareness. It is essential for the world to undergo a significant shift toward an eco-centric mind -set rooted in ecological understanding, prompting us to care for and act on behalf of whole ecosystems, not just ourselves. When there is a balance between ‘G’ and ‘C,’ beings exist harmoniously within the universe. However, when the focus leans too heavily toward the ‘Self,’ or ‘ego,’ an imbalance occurs, leading to emerging issues. The notion of Self-realization stands out as one of Arne Naess’s key contributions to ecological philosophy. In Naess’s framework of deep ecology, it is an essential endeavour for grasping our role within nature, as it facilitates the transition from an anthropocentric worldview to an ecocentric one. Naess describes the process of identifying oneself with the ecological Self as Self-realization (Naess, 1987). He posits that through expanding one's self-conception and identification, one embodies the ecological Self. This illustrates that the act of identification is crucial in Self-realization, as well as signifies the acknowledgment of nature's intrinsic value. As rational beings, humans continuously seek to comprehend the essence of the self. The inquiry into the nature of self has long been a pivotal topic in philosophy, particularly within psychology and religion. In the realm of psychology, the self is characterized as the entirety of a person's attributes, encompassing their physical, mental, and emotional characteristics, which enable individuals to distinguish themselves from others. Our understanding of ourselves aids in interpreting and recognizing patterns within our surroundings. Conversely, religion proposes that the self or soul is a spiritual entity that can be either elevated or tarnished by one’s thoughts and actions. According to Naess, the identification of the self with the ecological Self is known as Self-realization (Naess, 1987). He argues that through the process of identification and widening of one’s self-conception, one becomes the ecological Self. It shows that the process of identification plays an important role in Self-realization, as well as represents the recognition of intrinsic value of nature. Humans, being rational, always strive to understand the nature of the self. The question of what is self has been an important concern of philosophy, especially in the fields of psychology and religion.In psychology, the self is defined as the sum of a person’s attributes that includes their physical, mental and emotional traits, and through which people define themselves as separate or different from other people. There are two major functions of the self: the executive function and the organizational function. The executive function of the self refers to the way our sense of self helps us regulate our actions. The organizational function of the self plays a role in organizing information. Our knowledge of ourselves helps us interpret and recognize patterns in our environment.
EFFECTIVENESS OF INTRINSIC AND EXTRENSIC MUSCLE STRENGTHENING EXERCISES WITH MFR OF PLANTAR FASCIA IN INDIVIDUAL WITH PLANTAR FASCIITIS
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue (fascia) that connects your heel bone to the base of your toes. The fascia is centrally, known as aponeurosis and is thin along the sides. The fascia consists of three parts, medial, lateral and the central part, respectively. Objective: The present study was done to find the effectiveness of combination of intrinsic and extrinsic muscle strengthening for plantar fasciitis. Methodology: A sample size of 30 subjects were selected by random sampling method and divided into three groups containing 10 in each group. Subject in group A were treated with intrinsic muscle strengthening, subject in group B were treated with extrinsic group of strengthening only. Group C was treated with combination of intrinsic and extrinsic muscle strengthening. Results: Myofascial release technique help to break the break adhesion and soft tissue contractures. the vicious cycle of tightness and weakness by broke by including strengthening of extrinsic and intrinsic muscle along with release of posterior muscle while ultimately increased ankle dorsiflexion. Conclusion: Thus the study conclude that the simultaneous stretching and strengthening of both the muscle groups is superior to strengthening of single muscle group alone.
Plantar fascia, Intrinsic muscle, Extrinsic muscle, Myofascial-release (MFR).
Aishwarya S. Vernekar, Dr. G. Varadharajulu
TRIBALISM AND RESISTANCE: EXPLORING TRIBAL MOVEMENTS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHALLENGES IN ODISHA
Tribal communities in Odisha constitute approximately 23% of the state’s population and remain socio-economically marginalized despite significant developmental efforts. This paper analyses secondary data from the Odisha Economic Survey (2024–25), the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (2022), and the Census of India (2011) to examine disparities in literacy and poverty affecting Scheduled Tribes (STs). It further explores how tribal identity and cultural cohesion shape resistance movements against systemic exclusion. Findings reveal a persistent literacy gap of nearly 14 percentage points between tribal communities and the state average, and multidimensional poverty rates in tribal-majority districts exceeding 35–45%, significantly higher than the state average of 15.7%. Cultural identity emerges as both a unifying and mobilizing force, fuelling diverse forms of resistance, including legal action, protests, and alliances with civil society organizations. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions and further research into gender dimensions of tribal resistance.
Tribal communities, Odisha, literacy, poverty, resistance movements, tribal identity, secondary data analysis.
Yashaswini S, Dr. Priya Srinivasa, Dr. Pratibha Singh, Dr. Shankar R
EFFECT OF GREEN FINANCIAL PLANNING ON CORPORATE FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF MANUFACTURING FIRM SOUTHEAST NIGERIA
The study examined the effect of green financial planning on the corporate financial sustainability of manufacturing firms in southeast Nigeria. The particular goals are to assess the impact of Retirement Planning on corporate financial sustainability and evaluate the effect of Investment Planning on the corporate financial sustainability of manufacturing firms in Southeast Nigeria. For the study, a survey research design was chosen. Data was gathered using a five-point Likert scale and a structured questionnaire approach. Purposive sampling was used in the sampling process. The hypothesis was tested using Smart PLS version 4.0. Structural equation models were analyzed using SmartPLS 4.0. The result revealed indicating there is a statistically significant favorable effect of retirement planning and investment planning on the corporate financial sustainability of manufacturing firms in southeast Nigeria. We concluded that green financial planning has a significant positive effect on the corporate financial sustainability of manufacturing firms in southeast Nigeria. The study recommended that Manufacturing firms should develop comprehensive green financial strategies that encompass retirement planning and investment planning alongside other aspects of financial decision-making.
Corporate, Financial, Green, Planning, Sustainability.
Ozioko, C. Blessing, Ebisi Lilian Njideka, Osmund Chinweoda , Asogwa, Joseph Okechukwu, Oforbuike Francis Nwachukwu , Ugwu Chioma Pamela
THE INFLUENCE OF GENDER DIVERSITY ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC COMMERCIAL BANKS IN TANZANIA
This study examined the influence of gender diversity on employee performance in public commercial banks in Tanzania, addressing the existing gap on how gender-balanced workplaces shape behavioural and performance outcomes. Although gender diversity is widely recognised as a strategic resource for organizational competitiveness, many public commercial banks still experience challenges in effectively integrating diverse gender perspectives into daily operations. The purpose of this study was therefore to determine how gender diversity affects employee performance and whether human resource policy moderate this relationship. A descriptive research design was employed, and data were collected from 317 employees using a convenience sampling technique. The adequacy of the sample was confirmed through KMO tests ranging from 0.824 to 0.891. Data analysis involved SmartPLS, correlation, and regression analysis to examine direct and moderating effects. The findings revealed that gender diversity has a significant and positive influence on employee performance in public commercial banks in Tanzania. The results further indicated that perceptions of gender diversity and its effects on performance vary across gender, age groups, and levels of work experience. The study concludes that promoting and managing gender diversity is essential for enhancing productivity, job satisfaction, and employee engagement. It is recommended that public commercial banks strengthen policies and practices that support gender inclusiveness, minimize gender-related conflicts, promote person–job and person–organization fit, and utilize gender-diverse teams effectively. Enhancing gender diversity management will enable banks to maximize employee performance and remain competitive in the evolving financial sector.
Gender Diversity, Workforce Diversity, Employee Performance, Public Commercial Banks in Tanzania
BUSINESS PLANNING IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP: STRATEGIC, FINANCIAL, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES
Entrepreneurship has emerged as a key driver of global economic growth and business innovation. At the heart of entrepreneurial success is strategic planning, with the business plan often serving as its central framework. A well-crafted business plan not only provides a clear roadmap for new ventures but also supports better decision-making, attracts investment, and increases the likelihood of long-term sustainability. However, academic research presents a more nuanced picture, highlighting both the advantages and the limitations of business planning—especially in unpredictable or rapidly changing environments. This paper examines the theoretical foundations, practical relevance, and economic and psychological effects of business planning, while also engaging with contemporary debates in the field. Drawing on empirical studies, literature reviews, and real-world examples, it argues that business planning remains a valuable tool for entrepreneurs, provided it is applied with insight and flexibility.
Entrepreneurship, Business Strategy, Start-up Success, and Financial Forecasting.
Maryam Ali Al Salmi. Halima Hassan Al Balushi, Fatma Ahmed Al Roohi