| 1 |
Author(s):
Edime Yunusa, Ugbede Shaibu, Julius Olugbenga Owoyemi (Ph.D.), Thomas Imoudu Gomment (Ph.D.).
Page No : 1-30
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Socio-Cultural Factors Affecting the Use of Modern Family Planning Methods by Married Men in Omala Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria
Abstract
The use of contraceptives is one of the modern family planning methods across the globe, but not free of the influence of socio-cultural factors. Hence, this study examined the socio-cultural factors influencing the practice of family planning among married men in the Omala Local Government Area. The specific objectives of the study included ascertaining if married men in Omala LGA were aware of modern family planning methods, an investigation into the assessment and utilization of family planning methods, determining the perceived benefits of the practice of family planning methods, identifying the perceived hindrances to its usage and examined the strategies to improve on the practice of family planning among marked men in Omala LGA. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test the research hypothesis. The theory of the Health Believe Model was used to buttress the study and by utilizing survey research design, a total of 306 copies of the questionnaire were distributed among the respondents of which 235 copies were completed and returned. The results showed that 51% of the married men in Omala LGA were not aware of modern family planning methods while 34% of the respondents had no access to the utilization of modern family planning methods. The results also revealed that the socio-cultural factors affecting modern family planning methods among married men in the study area were cross-cultural differences, religious beliefs and practices, gender roles, fertility desire and number of living children, childbearing practice, partner discussion and approval. It was found also that reduction in the economic and emotional burden of parenthood, improvements in maternal health and child survival etc were the perceived benefits of modern methods of Family Planning. It was also discovered that the perceived hindrances to the practice of family planning methods included lack of knowledge, limited supplies, high cost of contraceptives, cultural and personal objectives etc. The study further found that adequate sensitization programmes by both health workers and religious organisations should be carried out among their followers on the importance of family planning practice and thereby enhancing their reproductive health. The study concluded that there were significant socio-cultural factors influencing the practice of modern family planning methods in the study area and therefore recommended that the local government through healthcare centres should create awareness programmes as also suggested by the respondents on the use of modern family planning methods in the area.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Don Christian Afulike, Nnanyelugo Okoro (Prof.), Innocent Paschal Ihechu (Ph.D.), Udochukwu Emmanuel Ndukwe.
Page No : 31-47
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Media Frames of the Operation of JTF and the Implications for Civilian Involvement in the Fight Against Terrorism in North-East, Nigeria
Abstract
This research, which examined newspaper framing of the operations of Civilian JTF in combating terrorism in North-East Nigeria between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019, was aimed at filling the gap in existing literature on newspaper framing of civilian efforts in combating terrorism in Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to find out the dominant frames and sources of news frames used in reporting civilian JTF's involvement in fighting terrorism as well as the interpretations that media frames gave on the issue. Using framing theory, the work undertook a content analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis (involving textual analysis) of four national newspapers: Vanguard, Punch, Daily Trust and Leadership. These newspapers were chosen because they have national spread and are regularly published over a period of time. Using simple random sampling, the study sampled a total of 432 issues of the selected newspapers and found that the reports from the selected newspapers on the involvement and operations of civilian JTF in combating terrorism in Nigeria were frequent. Out of the 432 issues of the selected newspapers, 309 (71.5%) issues were on the topic under study. It also found that the newspapers did not give prominence to the issue under investigation as the majority (68.2%) of the news items were hidden in inside pages. In addition, it was also found that the newspaper emphasized the military/government frame. Findings from the textual analysis revealed that the sampled newspapers all gave different manners of approach in their interpretation of the involvement of the Civilian JTF in the fight against terrorism, which resulted in emerging thematic frames such as: Victory frame, Fear frame, Relief frame and Strategy frame. Therefore, the work recommended that Nigerian newspapers should not only increase their reportage of governments/civilian efforts at combating terrorism but also place news items on terrorism prominently. It equally suggested that the press should improve their investigative reporting so as to help the government and civilian efforts in combating terrorism.
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Author(s):
Otu Joseph Ayi, Yusuf Lawal (Ph.D.), Apeh Innocent Idoko.
Page No : 48-60
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A Study of Common Errors in Hypothesis Formulation and Testing among University Students in Social and Management Sciences
Abstract
Formulating and testing hypotheses have been major issues for students, especially in the field of social and management sciences. This study examines these issues. Content analysis was used whereby five (5) projects of undergraduate and postgraduate students were analysed to identify errors in hypothesis writing and testing. The study findings revealed that there are common errors such as inadequate representation of specific variables of the project topics and wrong use of statistical tools in testing hypotheses. The study recommended that students should spend ample time reading literature on research and hypothesis formulation and testing. In addition, supervisors should have adequate knowledge of formulating and testing hypotheses so as to guide those they supervise in following the acceptable principles in the field of social and management sciences.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Okechukwu Felix Nwachukwu, Ugochukwu Anokwuru Okoji .
Page No : 61-69
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Man as Nature’s Prodigal: A Study of Environmental Degradation in South East Nigeria, 1990-2022
Abstract
Man’s degradation and abuse of the environment has become accelerated and much more difficult to manage due to increased human population and industrialization. Against this background, the study examines the role of man in environmental degradation in South East Nigeria between 1990 and 2022. This research, by its nature, adopted the qualitative research methodology because it cannot be subjected to quantitative analysis. The research findings showed that there were several environmental degradation challenges facing South East Nigeria, including soil erosion, land and water pollution, solid waste disposal and air pollution. These were caused mainly by human factors, especially technology and industrialization. The work argued that the South East people had a healthy relationship with the natural environment before the advent of British colonial rule. This relationship changed as a result of colonialism and its attendant effects in the area. Thus environmental problems in South East Nigeria developed over time as human socio-economic relations changed in global context.
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Author(s):
Ifekanandu Chukwudi Christian (Ph.D.), Ihuoma Chukwudi Ifekanandu.
Page No : 70-91
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Frugal Innovation and Business Success of Food and Beverage Firms in South-South
Abstract
This study examined frugal innovation and business success of food and beverage firms in South-South Nigeria. The study employed the correlational research design. The population of this study consisted of all the 82 registered food and beverage firms in South-South Nigeria. The unit of analysis was made up of managers of the selected food and beverage firms in South-South Nigeria. The sample size was determined using the Taro Yamene’s formula. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit data from the respondents. The data collected were analyzed statistically while the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) was used to test the formulated hypotheses. The SPSS software program version 24 was used to correlate the data collected on the study variables. The findings revealed that value innovation has a significant relationship with business success (sales growth and profitability growth) of food and beverage firms in South-South Nigeria. This study also reported that cost cutting advancement has significant positive with business success (sales growth and profitability growth) of food and beverage firms in South-South Nigeria. The study equally revealed that technological innovation has a significant relationship with business success (sales growth and profitability growth) of food and beverage firms in South-South Nigeria. Based on these findings, it was concluded that frugal innovation is a significant predictor of business success of food and beverage firms in South-South Nigeria. Based on the findings and conclusion, it was recommended that food and beverage firms in South-South Nigeria should practice frugal innovation as it would enhance business success of food and beverage firms in South-South Nigeria.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Tadios Chisango, Tapiwa Gladys Simango, Rumbidzai H. Chibanda, Itai H. Mafa.
Page No : 92-110
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The Inclusion of Women with Disabilities in Internal Savings and Lending Schemes (ISALS) by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, and Small and Medium Enterprises Development in Harare Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe
Abstract
Women with disabilities remain among the common social groups in communities that face sidelining and exclusion from development interventions, often referred to as the ‘unseen’ and ‘left behind’ group. Most research focuses on development initiatives for all women generally whilst following on interventions by the civil society to the relative exclusion of disabled women. Hence, this study was influenced by the need to examine the services of the government through the Ministry of Women Affairs in ensuring inclusion of women with disabilities in development initiatives in particular Internal Savings and Lending Schemes (ISALs) that are being carried out in Harare. The study was informed by the intersectionality approach and used a qualitative research approach in which a case study design was employed. The study involved fourteen participants who included women with disabilities, Community Development Officers/Coordinators (CDOs/ CDCs), Provincial Development Officer (PDO) and other professionals from disability rights agencies. Qualitative data was gathered through interviews, and findings were analyzed using thematic analysis. The major services that were found included mobilizing and training women in communities and monitoring ISAL activities. It was revealed that inclusion of women with disabilities in ISALS is still low and in gradual progression. The study also showed major challenges that the ministry faces in their efforts to include women with disabilities in ISALs, which include shortage of resources to fund reasonable accommodation and inclusive ISALS, lack of support from the families and communities of women with disabilities, stigmatization, and discrimination. The researchers went on to make recommendations towards the implementation of ISALS to promote full inclusion of women with disabilities.
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Author(s):
Ukata Philip Festus (Ph.D.), Agburuga Vivian.
Page No : 111-123
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Impact of Fuel Subsidy Removal On Lecturers` Salary: Implication on Job Performance Of Selected Tertiary Institutions In Rivers State.
Abstract
Inflation and hyperinflation rate have reduced the financial powers of lecturers, which was the reason for this study, Impact of Fuel Subsidy Removal on Lecturers’ Salary: Implication on Job Performance of Selected Tertiary Institutions in Rivers State. Two specific objectives, research questions and null hypotheses guided the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. From the population of 78 lecturers, census survey sampling was adopted. A four-point response options questionnaire was used for data collection, and it was validated by three experts. The reliability of the instrument was established using Cronbach’s alpha which yielded alpha coefficients of 0.82 and 0.83. Mean was used to answer the two research questions, while one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-test were used to test the null hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that the negative impact of fuel subsidy removal on lecturers’ financial power and the negative implication of the impact of fuel subsidy removal on lecturers’ job performance were on a high level. It was also concluded that the government did not do enough to mitigate the sufferings of lecturers before, during and after fuel subsidy removal by reviewing salaries upwards, in accordance with the economic practicality. Among other things, it was recommended that the federal and state governments should review lecturers’ salary upward in accordance with the inflation and hyperinflation rates in Nigeria, to enable lecturers meet their family needs and job performance.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Appah Ebimobowei (Ph.D.), Tekerebo Izonebi Joyce.
Page No : 124-147
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Internal Audit Practices and Quality of Financial Reports of Listed Consumer Goods Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria.
Abstract
The quality of financial reporting has remained an issue of significant concern among professional accountants, regulators, and other users of financial information. This is because financial reporting has been a principal means of communicating result of financial transactions and events which transpired within the organization. To that end, this study investigated the relationship between internal audit practices and financial reporting quality of consumer goods manufacturing in Nigeria. The research design used in this study was descriptive survey. The targeted population of this study consists of all the twenty-one (21) listed consumer goods manufacturing firms in the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) with a respondent total of two hundred and ninety (290). The sample size of the study consists of ten (10) consumer goods manufacturing firms that have branches in South-South, Nigeria using purposive sampling technique. The study employed primary data sourced from questionnaires administered to the respondents and two hundred and fifty-one (251) representing a response rate of 86.6% was used as sample size for the study. The study used content validity and Cronbach alpha reliability test was used to determine the statistical reliability of the instrument. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations and spearman rank correlation were used in data analysis. Findings indicated that a positive and significant relationship between internal audit control mechanisms and timeliness of financial reports, a positive and significant relationship between internal audit risk management and timeliness of financial reports, and a positive and significant relationship between management support and timeliness of financial reports of consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria. Based on the findings, this study concluded that, internal audit practices positively and significantly influence financial reporting quality of consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The study recommended amongst others that consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria should adopt the effective use of internal audit activities since it has positive and significant influence towards an improvement in financial reporting quality.
| 9 |
Author(s):
Hellen Njeri Ndung'u, Purity Mukiri Mwirigi, Kiende Karambu Gatimbu.
Page No : 148-162
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Lean Inventory Management and Performance of Milk Processors in Kenya.
Abstract
Dairy is a key contributor to the Kenyan economy and help in poverty alleviation and food nutrition in rural and urban areas. Dairy processing acts as a link between dairy farmers and the consumers in Kenya. However, milk processors have been facing numerous challenges that consequently affect their performance. Poor quality of milk, post-harvest losses resulting from inadequate cooling plants and seasonality of milk production in the country are among the problems the milk processors face. Raw milk, the main inventory for milk processors is highly perishable and requires processing immediately after collection. However, this has not been the case. In fact, 54% of the invested capacities of milk processors remain underutilized. This calls for leanness in inventory that will ultimately reduce waste and improve firm performance through reduced complaints. The study was guided by resource orchestration and lean theory. The study was a census and the unit of analysis was all milk processors in Kenya licensed by the Kenya Dairy Board. A pilot study was conducted to enhance the questionnaire’s quality. A Cronbach Alpha of 0.8 was used. Before the regression was run, diagnostic tests were conducted to check for assumptions of linearity. An analysis of variance was conducted to test the variables significance and ultimately a multiple regression analysis was run. Maintain zero inventory and use of technology to order inventory and maintain zero inventory had positive and significant coefficients while collaboration with suppliers and members in a supply chain had a negative insignificant coefficient. The study concludes that zero inventory and use of technology to order have significant positive correlation coefficients. This implies the two can help a firm reduce customer complaints and in return improve performance.
| 10 |
Author(s):
Henry Sonna Ojukwu, Ejike Daniel Chukwuma, Michael Ikenna Anyika, Owuamanam Chidimma Yvette.
Page No : 163-177
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Social Constructs of Population Health and Organizational Sustainability: A Study of Selected Federal Universities in Nigeria.
Abstract
Physical and mental health is contributive to organizational competitiveness and economic prosperity. Sadly, the knowledge of population health has remained underappreciated among Nigeria’s Federal Universities. To bridge this gap, this study evaluated the link between social constructs of population health and sustainability of Nigeria’s federal University. To achieve the study intent, the descriptive survey method was utilized. The population of this study comprise senior and junior staff that were randomly selected from Federal Universities which was 11, 823 staff. Formulated hypothesis was tested using Pearson product moment correlation. The analysis shows a positive relationship between population health determinants and sustainability of Nigeria’s Federal Universities with r = 0.591, n = 387 and p = 0.001 against P ≤ 0.05 thereby making the coefficient significant.
