40 Articles
Aivan F. Pecasales, Algien A. Parker, Cris U. Urcinado, Elbert R. Vido, Jhon Ruzkin G. Maturan, July Therese B. Ilogon, Marinel E. Josol, Mariver B. Semblante, May B. Mutya, Roey C. Sumaoy
Academic stress is a growing concern among senior high school students, influencing their mental health, coping behaviors, and academic performance. This study examined the levels of academic stressors, coping appraisal and resources, and coping strategies among senior high school students in Surigao del Sur, Philippines, and explored their relationship with self-perceived academic performance. Using a descriptive quantitative survey design, data were collected from 300 students enrolled in public and private schools through a validated Likert-scale questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, including weighted means and standard deviations, were applied to analyze the data. Results indicated that students often experienced academic stress, particularly due to heavy academic workloads, performance expectations, and examination pressure. Respondents showed a moderate level of coping appraisal and available resources, suggesting uncertainty in effectively managing academic demands. Additionally, emotion-focused coping strategies such as relaxation and distraction were more commonly used than problem-focused strategies like time management and help-seeking. The findings emphasize the need for targeted stress management programs and coping enhancement interventions in schools to strengthen students’ emotional resilience and academic adaptability. The study contributes to a broader understanding of how Filipino senior high school students respond to academic pressures and provides insights for educators and policymakers in promoting student well-being and performance.
Adeusi Amos Sunday
Agency theory is a widely recognized framework used to explain the relationship between principals (capital owners or shareholders) and agents (capital users or managers) in modern corporate entities. This study reviews the past and present perspectives of agency theory in auditing and examines how the theory explains the demand for independent and statutory auditing as a monitoring mechanism in corporate entities. The separation of ownership and control in modern companies often creates conflicts of interest because capital users may pursue personal goals that differ from those of capital users. These conflicts are commonly associated with information asymmetry, incomplete contracts, and differing risk preferences between principals and agents. As a result, auditing has emerged as a fundamental governance mechanism designed to enhance accountability, transparency, and reliability in financial reporting. The study adopts a conceptual research design based on an extensive review of secondary sources, including academic journals, professional publications, and relevant literature on agency theory and auditing. The literature review highlights the evolution of agency theory from its early foundations to its modern applications in auditing and corporate governance. Historically, auditing was influenced by the police theory of auditing, which emphasized fraud detection. However, as corporate entities became larger and more complex, auditing practices evolved to focus more on providing assurance on financial statements, strengthening internal controls, and supporting corporate governance structures. The findings reveal that agency theory provides a strong justification for the existence of auditing because it helps reduce agency costs, mitigate information asymmetry, and improve the credibility of financial information. Independent auditors play a crucial role in verifying financial statements and ensuring that management actions align with the interests of capital owners. The study also highlights criticisms of agency theory, including its emphasis on self-interest and its limited focus on capital owners while overlooking other stakeholders. Summarily, the review concludes that agency theory remains highly relevant in contemporary auditing and corporate governance. The study recommends strengthening governance mechanisms, promoting auditor independence, and encouraging future empirical research to explore the impact of technological developments and evolving governance systems on auditing practices.
Adeeko, J.D, Akanji, J.O, Dairo, I.K, Dauda, S.O, Fagbemide T.M, Gbenga-Julius, O, Oyekunle, O.B
Purpose: AI is reshaping the world of digital marketing and changing the way consumers are engaging with personalized content. This research examines the influence of AI marketing knowledge, algorithmic recommendations, trust in AI-mediated advertising, type of institution and entrepreneurial involvement on student consumers’ behaviours. Design/Methodology: Using a convergent mixed methods design, survey data on 327 students from six tertiary institutions in Southwest Nigeria was complemented with qualitative interviews. Findings: Results of quantitative analyses (ANOVA, regression, PROCESS Macro) and qualitative analysis grounded in TAM, TPB, Effectuation, and Opportunity Recognition indicate that AI awareness (β = 0.19, p < .001), recommendations (β = 0.22, p < .001), and trust (β = 0.24, p < .001) are significant predictors of purchase frequency, impulse buying, and platform engagement. Entrepreneurial students from both groups responded more strongly, with student entrepreneurs use algorithmic cues to prompt micro-venture possibilities. Practical Implications: The findings indicate that marketers and platform developers can leverage AI-powered persuasion with transparency to enhance consumer learning and youth-focused digital entrepreneurship in developing countries. Originality/Value: This paper conceptualizes the consumer–entrepreneur dual identity as a boundary modifier, rethinking AI-enabled marketing as a persuasion tool and informal market-learning system.
Honey Grace Abasola
This study examines the job sustainability of Filipino accountants in the virtual workforce by analyzing their demographic and professional profiles, perceived opportunities and risks, coping mechanisms, and the relationships among these variables, with the aim of developing a structured sustainability plan. Using a quantitative descriptive–correlational design, data were collected from 30 Filipino accountants engaged in virtual accounting services in Naga City through a structured questionnaire utilizing a five-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize respondent characteristics and levels of perceived opportunities, risks, and coping mechanisms, while Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between demographic variables and coping strategies related to technostress, isolation, and workload. Findings indicate that the virtual accounting workforce is predominantly composed of young, early- to mid-career professionals who report high levels of perceived opportunities, particularly in professional networking, skills development, global market access, and entrepreneurial prospects. However, respondents also experience significant risks, including technostress, workload pressures, job insecurity, and professional isolation. Results further reveal that coping mechanisms vary across demographic groups, suggesting that individual and professional attributes influence how virtual accountants manage job demands. Based on these findings, a sustainability plan anchored in economic, social, and professional dimensions is proposed to enhance career resilience, digital adaptability, and long-term employability. The study concludes that while virtual accounting offers substantial opportunities, sustainable career development requires continuous upskilling, adaptive coping strategies, and supportive institutional frameworks, contributing localized evidence to the limited literature on virtual accounting in the Philippine context.
Dr. Alemar De La Rosa Betito, Ms. Maria Lorna Rajeev
This study examined the relationship between artificial intelligence capability and organizational performance, with innovation capability as a mediating variable across the education and corporate sectors. Using a quantitative, non-experimental descriptive-correlational design, data were collected through an online survey from 400 respondents, consisting of 200 from the education sector and 200 from the corporate sector. The research instrument was subjected to expert validation and pilot testing prior to its actual administration. Data were analyzed using weighted mean, Pearson correlation, independent samples t-test, and mediation analysis. The findings revealed that artificial intelligence capability, innovation capability, and organizational performance were all rated high in both sectors, although the corporate sector consistently obtained higher mean scores than the education sector across all variables. Significant positive relationships were found between artificial intelligence capability and innovation capability (r = 0.67, p < .001), innovation capability and organizational performance (r = 0.70, p < .001), and artificial intelligence capability and organizational performance (r = 0.64, p < .001). Further analysis showed that innovation capability significantly mediated the relationship between artificial intelligence capability and organizational performance, indicating partial mediation. The study concludes that artificial intelligence capability is a significant organizational resource that enhances organizational performance both directly and indirectly through innovation capability, while sectoral context also influences the extent to which these capabilities are developed and translated into performance outcomes. The findings provide practical insights for organizations seeking to strengthen AI adoption, innovation practices, and performance improvement strategies.
Dr. Mohd Saipol bin Mohd Sukor, Dr. Nor Akmar Nordin, Wong Yang Li
The widespread integration of digital technologies into workplaces has highlighted the importance of understanding how employees, rather than just systems, are prepared for transformative digital processes. While the concepts of digital readiness and digital transformation (DT) have been widely studied at the organizational level, assessing how individual employees are ready to succeed in DT initiatives remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by proposing a practical conceptualization and framework of Employee Digital Transformation Readiness (EDTR). To achieve this, a systematic literature review was conducted using the PRISMA protocol, covering peer-reviewed studies from 2010 to 2024. Articles were sourced from Web of Science database, as well as in the most important publishers’ databases, resulting in the identification of 22 articles on “e-readiness”, 504 articles on “digital transformation”, and 178 articles on “digital transformation readiness”. The review revealed six key dimensions that shape EDTR namely digital literacy and skills, psychological readiness, behavioral intention, managerial and organizational support, resistance to change, and employee innovativeness. These findings reflect the multidimensional nature of employee readiness and the interplay between personal capabilities and contextual enablers. Based on these insights, the review proposes a comprehensive framework to assess and enhance employee readiness for digital transformation. Additionally, the study offers recommendations for theory development and organizational practices aimed at fostering digital resilience and employee-driven transformation. Although limited by its scope and selection criteria, this review lays the foundation for further empirical validation and broader exploration of how employees contribute to successful DT outcomes in practice.
Grace Idowu Oyalabu, Julius Olaniyi Adeoye
Globally viewed, the idea of single parenthood has become a new trend in raising children. In Nigeria, most especially in the South-West, before now the issue of single parenthood was more or less an aberration, but it has presently become a norm in raising modern children. The study categorised those that can be referred to as single parents, identified various causes of single parenthood, analysed the effects and explored measures through which the menace of single parenthood can be stemmed most especially in South-West Nigeria. The study made use of systematic review and sourced secondary data from relevant books, journal articles, periodicals, newspapers and the internet. The study found that female parents are more involved in single parenthood than male parents. The findings also revealed that divorce, separation, death of a spouse, economic challenges, mental health, teenage pregnancy, rape, domestic violence and low level of education form the main causes of single parenthood in South-West Nigeria. The study also showed that financial challenges, undue love advances, strained relationship with family members and friends, social isolation, child low education performance, shame, stigma and guilt form parts of the effects of single parenthood in South-West Nigeria. The study concluded that there is presently high rate of single parenthood in South-West Nigeria than before and stemming the tide of single parenthood in the region will require the concerted efforts of the government, non- governmental institutions and other relevant stakeholders.
Ganiyu Akeem Adewale, Oshotoye Bradford Adedayo
This study investigates the relationship between entrepreneurship education (EE) and graduate entrepreneurial intentions (GEI) among Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Southwest Nigeria. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 450 final-year students from selected TVET institutions. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses. Results reveal a moderately positive correlation (r = 0.45, p < 0.01) between EE and GEI. Regression analysis indicates that EE significantly predicts GEI (β = 0.38, p < 0.01), explaining approximately 14.4% (R² = 0.144) of the variance in GEI. Specifically, components of EE such as business plan development and entrepreneurial mindset training significantly contributed to higher GEI scores. However, access to funding and mentorship emerged as crucial mediating factors, with students reporting a lower propensity to start businesses despite receiving EE due to perceived limitations in these areas. The study concludes that while EE positively influences GEI, its effectiveness is constrained by systemic challenges within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The findings emphasize the need for TVET institutions to strengthen their EE programs by integrating practical, hands-on experiences, fostering stronger industry linkages, and actively facilitating access to funding and mentorship opportunities to effectively cultivate graduate entrepreneurial intentions and contribute to economic development in Southwest Nigeria. Further research should explore the qualitative experiences of graduates and the long-term impact of EE on actual entrepreneurial ventures
Olumuyiwa Abiodun, Salauddin Saimon, Syeda Faiza Sogra, Syeda Morsheda Sogra
This paper discusses the development of Supply chain 4.0 to Supply chain 5.0 where models focus on automation as a result of efficiency to models that focus on human-centric whose focus is on resiliency, sustainability, and ethical mindset. Supply Chain 4.0 combines the use of technologies like IoT, cyber-physical systems, analytics of big data, and robotics to maximise the visibility of operations and responsiveness, it is mainly aimed at maximising throughput and lowering costs. However, Supply Chain 5.0 builds on all these by adding collaborative robots, blockchain verification, digital twins, and AI-driven multi-criteria optimization that manage the economic performance and the environment and social goals. The revolution entails intricate technological incorporation issues, employee adjustment, as well as reorganisation of the enterprise to meet the needs of hybrid man-machine cooperation and sustainability requirements. Other socio-economic and regulatory considerations, such as the problem of replacing workforce, development of skills, and adherence to the new environmental and labour standards, are discussed in this analysis, as well. The next steps include interdisciplinary cooperation in the field of engineering, environmental science, economic, and social policy to create supply chain systems that balance operational efficiency with ecological stewardship and social equity. New trends involve decentralised manufacturing, incorporation of renewable energy and proactive participation of workforce and proactive compliance regulation, all of which define supply chains as dynamic socio-technical ecosystems, able to sustain performance despite systemic disruptions.
Sherzod Hayitaliev
Against the backdrop of advancing the "dual carbon" strategy and deepening digital economy development, the remanufacturing industry—core to the circular economy—has embraced promising growth opportunities. Online channels have become crucial sales platforms for remanufactured electronics. However, the current online market faces challenges including low purchase conversion rates, consumer distrust, and cognitive biases, which hinder high-quality industry development. This study investigates the influence mechanisms of online remanufactured electronics purchasing behavior, focusing on the mediating role of purchase attitudes in perceived value, online trust, perceived risk, and purchasing behavior. Using a questionnaire survey method, 1,268 valid samples were collected. SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 24.0 software were employed to validate questionnaire validity through content validity testing, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Mediation effect analysis was conducted to examine the transmission effects of purchase attitudes. The questionnaire demonstrates strong content and structural validity, with a KMO value of 0.882 and a cumulative variance contribution rate of 73.52%. All items exhibit factor loadings above 0.6. Purchase attitude functions as a single mediator among perceived value, online trust, perceived risk, and purchase behavior, with perceived value showing the most significant effect (indirect effect = 0.187, p < 0.01), followed by online trust (indirect effect = 0.162, p < 0.01), while perceived risk has the weakest effect (- 0.145, p < 0.01). Purchase attitude serves as the critical bridge connecting core influencing factors to purchase behavior. The refined questionnaire provides a reliable tool for subsequent research, and its findings offer actionable insights for online remanufacturing electronics enterprises to optimize marketing strategies and enhance consumer conversion rates.
Marion P. Naldo
This study aimed to assess the potential of Out-of-School Youth (OSY) in Barangay Balogo, Sorsogon City, to meet the technical skill requirements of Sorsogon Electric Cooperative II (SORECO II) and to develop a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)-driven training program that addresses the skills-to-jobs mismatch within the community. Specifically, the study determined the demographic profile of OSY in terms of age, gender, and educational attainment; assessed their readiness in communication, vocational, technical, and life skills; identified the skill requirements for lineman and meter reader positions at SORECO II; and analyzed the relationship between OSY skill readiness and job requirements. Findings revealed that most respondents were high school graduates, predominantly male, and either unemployed or engaged in low-skilled informal work. The results further indicated that OSY demonstrated moderate readiness in communication and vocational skills, showing strengths in teamwork and safety awareness but gaps in technical competencies and job-specific qualifications required for utility fieldwork. Based on these findings, the study proposed a CSR-driven training program designed to enhance technical skills, improve employability, and align the capabilities of OSY with the workforce needs of SORECO II. The proposed program offers a strategic approach to corporate social responsibility by simultaneously addressing community employment challenges and strengthening the local talent pool for sustainable socio-economic development.
Anthony Ly Dagang, Charlyn E. Saway
Customer loyalty is becoming increasingly crucial in Bukidnon's booming café industry, which is molded by tourism, local businesses, and changing customer tastes. However, as the number of cafés continues to grow, businesses must go beyond simply offering quality products. Building strong customer relationships, maintaining a positive brand image, and integrating local cultural heritage to create loyal customers remains a challenge. This study is conceptualized to examine the customer-centric initiatives, brand image strategies, and heritage integration as determinants of customer loyalty in Bukidnon cafés. A quantitative, descriptive–correlational research design was employed. Data were collected from 237 café customers using a structured questionnaire validated through factor analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the concepts used in this study, while multiple regression analysis was used to determine the influence of customer-centric strategies, brand image, and heritage integration on customer loyalty. The findings showed customers rated highly the cafes’ customer-centric strategies, branding image and heritage integration Moreover, customer loyalty was also high. Customer-centric strategies and heritage integration significantly influence customer loyalty, and customer-centric strategies emerged as the strongest and most significant influence. However, when taken to isolation from the other variable, brand image is not statistically significant. It is concluded that while brand image is important for initial attraction, it appears to play a secondary role in sustaining loyalty. Customer loyalty develops through genuine experiences where customers feel acknowledged, valued, and connected to something meaningful. It is recommended that café owners may integrate business strategies that develops strong customer relationships and incorporating local cultural elements to increase customer loyalty.
Malikakhon Anvarkhujaeva,, Muhd Fairos b Mohd Shah
This study examines the role of psychological safety and conflict resolution protocols in enhancing crisis management effectiveness within virtual Project Management Offices (PMOs) during periods of global economic volatility. As organizations increasingly rely on virtual teams, challenges related to communication, trust, and conflict management have become more significant, particularly in high-pressure and uncertain environments. Despite extensive research on these constructs individually, there is limited empirical evidence on their combined influence in virtual project settings. A quantitative research approach was adopted, with data collected through a structured survey administered to project managers and team members working in virtual PMOs across multinational organizations. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine the direct and indirect relationships among psychological safety, conflict resolution protocols, trust, communication quality, and crisis management effectiveness. The findings reveal that psychological safety has a significant positive effect on trust and communication quality, which in turn enhances crisis management effectiveness. Furthermore, structured conflict resolution protocols contribute to reducing conflict escalation and improving decision-making processes, particularly in conditions of economic uncertainty. Trust is a key mediating variable that strengthens these relationships. This study contributes to the project management literature by integrating psychological and structural perspectives within virtual environments. Practically, this study provides valuable insights for PMO leaders to foster psychologically safe work environments, implement structured conflict resolution frameworks, and enhance team resilience and crisis response capabilities in remote project settings.
Brian Wakasala, Christine Osinde, Lydia Nyongesa
This study critically examined the emerging issues transforming finance in Kenya in the 21st century, emphasizing the interplay between technological advancement, financial inclusion, regulatory evolution, and sustainable finance. Kenya emerged as a global leader in digital financial innovation, with platforms such as M-Pesa, mobile banking applications, and digital credit solutions fundamentally altering the delivery and accessibility of financial services. The main objective of the study was to analyze the emerging trends in finance in Kenya in the 21st century. This study adopted a qualitative descriptive research design to explore and synthesize emerging trends in the Kenyan financial sector in the 21st century. The study was primarily based on desk research, utilizing extensive secondary data (scholarly literature, policy reports, and regulatory publications). An integrative literature review approach was employed for studies published between 2007 and 2024. The findings of the study reaffirmed the foundational role of mobile money particularly M-Pesa as a transformative force in Kenya’s financial system. The article recommended that more digitization should be encouraged so that the boundaries between financial firms and their customers become increasingly fluid. In conclusion, Kenya’s financial landscape has undergone transformation in the 21st century, driven by mobile innovation, digital platforms, and a forward-looking regulatory environment.
Hassad Hassan, Noor Salwani Hussin, Shuhairimi Abdullah, Suzana Sulaiman
This study examines the role of social entrepreneurship in empowering social entrepreneurs among Asnaf Persons with Disabilities (OKU) in the state of Perlis, Malaysia. Drawing on the Social Network Empowerment Model and Social Capital Theory, the study investigates how interactions within social networks, access to resources, and participation in social entrepreneurship activities enhance participants’ capacity, agency, and economic independence. This qualitative case study involved seven (7) active Asnaf OKU social entrepreneurs and two (2) officers from the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) Perlis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis, and analyzed using thematic analysis with NVivo 12 software. Findings indicate that social entrepreneurship serves as a crucial channel for the mobilization of social capital, particularly relational and cognitive capital, enabling participants to overcome infrastructural barriers, social stigma, and financial constraints. Interventions from NGOs and support from JKM were instrumental in capacity building and market access. Nevertheless, participants continue to face challenges related to physical mobility, lack of dedicated start-up funding, and bureaucratic procedures. The study suggests that empowerment programs for Asnaf OKU should shift from a paternalistic aid-based model to a community centered social entrepreneurship ecosystem, supported by inclusive policies. The implications highlight the importance of strategic collaboration frameworks among government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector to develop a holistic, sustainable, and effective support system for Asnaf OKU social entrepreneurs.
Anthony Ly B. Dagang, DBM, Laiza Kristal D. Achas, MBA
Developing strong financial management skills among senior high school students in the Philippines remains a growing concern, as gaps persist: many learners understand financial concepts but struggle to apply them in real-life situations. This study examined the influence of students’ engagement in the Young Finpreneurs Program and their financial self-efficacy on financial management skills. Using a descriptive-correlational design, the study collected data from 100 senior high school students in the province of Misamis Oriental through a structured, validated survey questionnaire. The study measured engagement in simulations, seminars, and workshop, financial self-efficacy and financial management skills in terms of financial control, monitoring, planning and decision-making. Findings revealed high levels of engagement in simulations, seminars, and workshop, as well as strong financial self-efficacy and high financial management skills. Multiple regression analysis showed that both engagement in the Finpreneurs Program and financial self-efficacy significantly influenced financial management skills, with financial self-efficacy as the strongest predictor. The study recommends that students actively participate in financial education programs, entrepreneurship and confidence-building activities. Schools and educators are encouraged to provide support. Furthermore, the Department of Education may embed financial literacy as a core competency across all learning strands, not only in the Accountancy, Business and Management strand, to ensure that all students develop essential financial skills. Future researchers are encouraged to examine long-term effects through longitudinal and comparative studies to improve practices and strengthen lifelong financial responsibility.
Anthony Ly Dagang, Dennison Chiong
The rapid rise of social commerce platforms has significantly transformed consumer purchasing behavior, particularly through applications such as TikTok. While there are several studies towards traditional e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada, this study focuses primarily on the TikTok Shop and how social factors like trends and influencer credibility influence the purchase intention of buyers. The study utilized a descriptive-correlational research design, with data collected from 342 participants through a validated, factor-analyzed, structured survey questionnaire. The findings revealed that participants rated trends, influencer credibility, technological competence and financial management highly, identifying them as prominent elements with their purchase intention in the TikTok platform environment. Correlation analysis showed that external factors, personal factors, and purchase intention were significantly related, while regression analysis revealed that both external factors and personal factors significantly influence purchase intention. The study concludes that TikTok’s interactive environment, together with users’ personal capabilities, plays a crucial role in shaping consumer purchase behavior on social commerce platforms. It is recommended that businesses and online sellers strategically leverage emerging trends and collaborate with credible influencers to strengthen consumer trust and enhance purchase intention. Future researchers are encouraged to explore other variables, such as content quality and price sensitivity, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing purchase intention among TikTok Shop users content quality and platform trust.
Louis Alozie, Nneka Chizoba Alozieuwa, Oby Modest Ogbuoka
This study analyzes the nexus between external debts and the growth of the Nigerian economy from 1993 to 2023, focusing on key macroeconomic indicators. The objectives include: (i) examining the relationship between external debts and economic growth, (ii) assessing the impact of debt servicing on growth, (iii) analyzing the effect of exchange rate fluctuations, and (iv) evaluating the influence of inflation on economic performance. The study adopts an ex-post facto research design, leveraging secondary data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin and World Development Indicators (1999–2024). The data, being time-series and publicly available, ensures reliability and eliminates human bias. Using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) estimation method and the Breusch-Pagan-Godfrey (BPG) test for heteroscedasticity, the findings reveal that external debt stock (Coefficient = -0.08, p-value = 0.03) and debt servicing (Coefficient = -0.20, p-value = 0.00) negatively and significantly impact economic growth. Additionally, economic growth exhibits significant responsiveness to debt burden (Coefficient = -0.05, p-value = 0.01). The study concludes that excessive external borrowing and high debt servicing costs constrain Nigeria’s economic expansion, while exchange rate volatility and inflation further exacerbate these challenges.
Koay Huey Sian, Navaratnam Vejaratnam
This paper discusses the variables that mediate Service-Oriented Organizational Citizenship Behaviour (SOOCB) with salespersons in Malaysia banking sector with regard to Empowering Leadership, Job Satisfaction and Service Climate. Since the banking industry is turning to more service-oriented and competitive, one would want to know what drives the employees to do more than their usual job description to deliver outstanding customer service. The primary goal of the study is to explore the relationships between these organisational and individual factors and voluntary service-oriented behaviours of the employees contributing to the enhancement of the quality of services and customer satisfaction. The quantitative research design was used, and 250 salespersons working in six major local banks based in Klang Valley, Malaysia were used to collect data using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire contained developed measurement scales borrowed out of past researchers. The statistical package that was used in data analysis was the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), which performed the following data analysis, descriptive, reliability, correlation, and regression analyses. The reliability scores indicated a high internal consistency in all the measurement scales where Cronbach alpha had a value of 0.928 to 0.960. The results indicate that Empowering Leadership (b 0.620, p < 0.01) and Job Satisfaction (b 0.276, p < 0.01) significantly positively affected SO-OCB. But Service Climate (b = -0.060, p < 0.01) was not significant in its prediction. These findings indicate that empowerment of employees by leaders and promotion of job satisfaction leads to increased service-oriented citizenship behaviours. Service climate by itself, however, might not have a direct effect on these behaviours in the banking sector. The research provides theoretical and practical input. It enriches the current knowledge on service and relationship marketing and offers great information to managers on how to improve service performance. Particularly, it has been pointed out that empowering leadership practices and high job satisfaction should be adopted to enhance customer service results. Lastly, the study considers some limitations and recommends future studies.
Akujuobi, G. C., Obeta. A. O.
The growing demand for safe, effective, and eco-friendly skincare alternatives has spurred interest in plant-based formulations. Noni (Morinda citrifolia) and Lemon (Citrus limon) possess documented bioactive properties beneficial for skin health, but their combined application in soap remains underexplored. This study aimed to formulate, characterize, and evaluate herbal soaps from Noni extract and Lemon juice to determine their suitability as natural skincare products. Three soap batches were produced via cold-process saponification with varying Noni:Lemon ratios (N90/L10, N80/L20, N70/L30). Physicochemical properties (pH, moisture content, total fatty matter, foam stability) and antimicrobial efficacy (against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were assessed using standard laboratory protocols. A controlled laboratory experiment coupled with a consumer trial involving 30 adult consumers was conducted, while 28 dermatologists provided independent expert assessments of skin compatibility and product safety. All formulations met standard quality benchmarks. The N80/L20 soap demonstrated superior broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, with the lowest Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values. Consumer evaluation revealed the N80/L20 formulation as optimal, receiving the highest scores for gentleness (4.2/5), moisture retention (4.4/5), and overall skin compatibility (4.4/5). It was the most preferred for long-term use (70%) and generated the fewest adverse skin reactions. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant difference in suitability between formulations (Repeated Measures ANOVA, F=9.87, p=0.0002), with N80/L20 being significantly superior. The 80:20 ratio of Noni to Lemon juice produces a soap with an ideal balance of antimicrobial potency, skin-friendliness, and user acceptance. This study validates the synergistic potential of these botanicals, offering a promising, natural, and multifunctional alternative to conventional skincare cleansers.
Narina A. Samah, Yew Siau Lee, Yong Lai Tee
Co-curricular activities play an important role in supporting holistic student development, yet their educational value is often underrepresented in empirical research. In Malaysian schools, music-based co-curricular programmes such as brass bands are commonly evaluated through performance outcomes rather than through their contribution to students’ identity formation, discipline, and sense of belonging. This study aims to profile how sustained participation in a Malaysian secondary school brass band functions as an educational practice that shapes students’ personal and social development. Adopting a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, rehearsal observations, and reflective field notes involving students who had participated in the brass band for at least one academic year. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring patterns related to identity development, disciplined practice, and social belonging. The findings reveal that brass band participation contributes to (a) the construction of positive student identity beyond academic achievement, (b) the internalisation of discipline through collective responsibility, and (c) the development of strong peer belonging and emotional support. This study highlights the pedagogical significance of co-curricular music programmes and supports their recognition as meaningful spaces for human-centred education. The findings provide practical insights for school leaders and educators seeking to strengthen holistic learning through structured co-curricular engagement.
Normaziana binti Hassan, Shuhaila Md Shahid, Zaidi Yusof
The Malaysian batik industry has long depended on wax resist techniques, yet environmental, health, and technical challenges have encouraged the search for safer alternatives. A major breakthrough came in 2020 with the introduction of batik tanah liat (clay resist batik) by Kraftangan Malaysia, providing an eco-friendly and cost-effective substitute for wax. Between 2020 and 2025, Clay Resist Batik advanced from experimentation to wider adoption through training programs, entrepreneurship, and retail development. This study explores the localized adaptation of clay resist techniques through the Batik Merbok initiative in Kampung Hilir, Merbok, Yan, Kedah. Villagers collaborated in a community-based effort to develop motifs such as mangroves, paddy stalks, zebra doves, Sanskrit inscriptions, and architectural forms, enriching the artistic repertoire of batik while reinforcing Merbok’s cultural identity. The initiative highlights community-based collaboration, with villagers contributing to motif development, workshops, and knowledge exchange. This collaborative model supports intergenerational skill transmission, strengthens artisan agency, and ensures that creative outcomes remain locally grounded. Using qualitative and practice-based methods, this study analyses technical processes, material constraints, and design outcomes. Despite challenges related to dye adhesion and colourfastness, Clay Resist Batik incorporating localized motifs demonstrates strong potential as a heritage-rooted innovation capable of sustaining cultural continuity and creative livelihoods.
Abdul Hakim Md Yusop, Azlineer Sarip, Faizah Mohd Fakhruddin, Irmawati Norazman, Nor Amira Syairah Zulkarnaini, Noraini Rusbadrol, Roziana Shaari
Integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into business strategies has gained significant momentum as organizations respond to increasing demands for sustainability, ethical conduct, and social responsibility. Human Resource Management (HRM) is increasingly recognized as a critical enabler in embedding ESG values within organizational practices by fostering a supportive culture, engaging employees, and aligning workforce strategies with sustainability objectives. This systematic literature review (SLR) synthesizes findings from 216 peer-reviewed studies to explore HR's role in driving ESG implementation. The review highlights HR's significant contributions, including promoting diversity and inclusion, delivering sustainability-focused training, and embedding ethical governance practices. Additionally, it identifies emerging trends, such as integrating ESG indicators into HR functions like recruitment, performance management, and leadership development. However, the study also reveals gaps in the literature, including the absence of standardized ESG frameworks for HR, limited empirical data on implementation outcomes, and challenges such as resource constraints and organizational resistance. This paper concludes by proposing future research directions, including developing comprehensive ESG-HR frameworks, industry-specific studies, and applying digital tools to enhance ESG alignment. By consolidating current insights, this review underscores the critical role of HR in advancing ESG strategies and contributing to sustainable organizational success in Malaysia.
Ben Udoh Ph.D, Illediagu Ebere Jennifer Ph.D, Joseph Ikechukwu Attamah Ph.D, Maxwell Maduabulochukwu Ofili, Nwankwo Ndubuisi Uzoije Ph.D, Prof. Emmanuel Kalu Agbaeze
The Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme is an ancient business training scheme in South East Nigeria. It is founded on practical learning, trust and mentorship. The youngsters are taught trade skills by the elderly business owners and are given a start-up aid on termination of training. This system has seen the growth of many small businesses in the region. This paper is an analysis of the Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme and how it contributes to the development of entrepreneurs. It targets transfer of skills, business survival and wealth creation among the young entrepreneurs. The research takes a mixed-method approach. The former apprentices and masters, who had served in few states in South East Nigeria, participated in the survey. The real business experiences, challenges, and results were captured through interviews. The results were interpreted using descriptive analysis and thematic review. The results indicate that the scheme enhances effective business competencies, discipline, and awareness of risks. The settlement enabled most of the beneficiaries to own small businesses. Close mentoring relations between the mentors and apprentices promoted business continuity and community reactions. Poor access to finance and limited formal education were still the major challenges. Informal apprenticeship systems are found to enhance the development of enterprises in the study. This model can be adjusted by business managers and policymakers to train the youth, manage succession and inclusive growth. The results can be enhanced by correlating the scheme with formal training and financial assistance.
Olubunmi Adebisi Akintayo, Saliu Mojeed Olanrewaju
This research work investigates the dynamic and long-run relationships among institutional quality, innovation diffusion and income inequality in Nigeria and South Africa using annual time series data. In order to take care of the gradual structural shifts embedded in developing and emerging economies, this study incorporates the Fourier unit root test and Fourier Augmented Autoregressive Distributed Lag (FARDL) techniques, which give room for smooth and unknown structural breaks. The Fourier unit root results confirm cross-country heterogeneity in the stationary properties of the series and reveal the importance of modelling gradual structural transitions in inequality dynamics. The short-run FARDL results reveal that enhancements in institutional quality reinforce income inequality in both countries, which implies uneven distribution of early institutional gains. Innovation diffusion reveals varying effects, worsening income inequality in Nigeria and reducing inequality in South Africa. Government expenditure on infrastructure and GDP per capita exhibit weak and statistically insignificant short-run impacts on income inequality. In the long-run, institutional quality maintains positive relationship with income inequality in both countries. While innovation diffusion keeps increasing inequality in Nigeria, innovation continues to impact a persistent equalising effect in South Africa. The Significance of the Fourier terms in both economies stresses the influence of smooth structural transitions in moulding inequality outcomes. Generally, the findings in the study substantiate the importance of inclusive institutional reforms and broad-based innovation diffusion in tackling income inequality in African economies
Anthony Ly B. Dagang, Saga Mae P. Cultura
Cooperatives have become part of how communities grow. However, a significant number of eligible employees remain non-members. This descriptive-correlational study addressed the gap by examining the factors that make membership in an institutionalized closed-type cooperative in Cagayan de Oro City attractive to employees. The main problem addressed was whether economic, social, and organizational factors influence employees’ decision to join and stay in the cooperative. A validated survey questionnaire was tested for reliability using confirmatory factor analysis. It was administered to one-hundred thirty-two (132) participants in a government agency. Results showed that organizational and economic factors play the biggest role in shaping membership attractiveness. Participants rated highly transparency in fund use, responsiveness to member concerns, and efficiency in service delivery. Economic programs including emergency loans, savings schemes, and dividends were seen as important benefits. In contrast, social factors such as camaraderie and participation in activities received moderate ratings, suggesting that they are expected. Regression analysis confirmed that organizational and economic factors significantly influence membership attractiveness, while social factors do not significantly influence. This means improving governance, service systems, and financial programs are the most effective ways to attract and retain members. Based on the findings, it is recommended for the cooperative to strengthen governance transparency and expand financial services. Moreover, there is a need for social activities to be improved to foster inclusivity and stronger sense of community. For future researchers, it is recommended to examine additional factors that could influence membership attractiveness. Additionally, to conduct longitudinal studies and use mixed-method approaches with advanced tools to track changes in membership attractiveness.
Adebanwa Edith Iferunwa, Dr Adebanwa Ayowole Abayomi, Fatumo Joseph Babatunde
This paper examined leadership styles and teachers’ productivity in selected secondary schools in Lagos State, Nigeria through a descriptive survey research design. The sample size consisted of 200 government secondary school teachers from Lagos Education District V. Five research questions were analyzed using simple percentages, while hypotheses were tested using Pearson correlation analysis. Using the Cronbach Alpha, the reliability test showed a value of 0.74. Hence, the findings revealed a strong preference for leadership styles that inspire, motivate, and foster a positive mindset. Effective team building, collaboration with colleagues, and enhancing team dynamics have significant and positive effect on teachers’ productivity. We concluded that leadership styles that promote job satisfaction, creativity, focus on team needs, and clear communication are crucial for enhancing productivity among teachers. Thus, we recommended that school administrators should adopt leadership styles that inspire, motivate, and foster a positive mindset among teachers in order to enhance their performance.
Castine Dane G. Saquing, Clifford Allen James A. Nullada, Diane M. Olavidez, Jairuce Celine L. Agustin, Princess Luisa Micaela C. Florendo, Zameya Kryzel T. Bongtiwon
Businesses play an important role in the growth of communities and the economy, with large and formal enterprises often receiving the most recognition. However, small-scale and informal businesses, particularly street food vending, play an equally vital role by providing accessible livelihood opportunities for individuals with limited access to formal employment. Despite this importance, street food vendors face persistent challenges such as financial vulnerability, operational difficulties, restrictive regulation, and their contributions often remain unrecognized, leaving them vulnerable to exclusion and neglect. Therefore, this study seeks to assess the level of adaptability of street food vendors to challenges and their perceived level of effectiveness of coping mechanisms that will provide insights to guide government interventions towards protecting their livelihood and promoting inclusive urban development. A descriptive design was employed, using data collected from 40 street food vendors in Bayombong and Solano, Nueva Vizcaya. Surveys were administered through a structured questionnaire using a 4-point Likert scale and an open ended question, with data analyzed through mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage, while qualitative responses were reviewed thematically to support numerical findings. Findings reveal that street food vendors demonstrate a high level of adaptability, particularly in managing financial strain, addressing operational issues, complying with regulations, and balancing family or interpersonal responsibilities. Their coping strategies such as emotional resilience, adaptation to regulation, and operational adaptation were generally perceived as highly effective. However, despite their resourcefulness and adaptability, many of these mechanisms tend to be short-term and insufficient for ensuring long-term stability. This underscores the need for structural and systemic government support, including the establishment of designated vending areas, provision of financial assistance, skills development programs, and the implementation of fair and inclusive regulatory policies. Strengthening these support mechanisms will enhance the resilience, sustainability, and overall welfare of street food vendors while contributing to inclusive urban development.
Ahmad Faiz Azizi Ahmad Fauzi, Kherun Nita Ali, Muhammad Yusuf Nordin
This study presents a systematic and bibliometric review exploring how Virtual Reality (VR) enhances Construction Design Management (CDM) through improved visualization, collaboration, and safety integration. Using the Web of Science Core Collection as the primary database, 59 peer-reviewed publications from 1999 to 2025 were analyzed using VOSviewer for keyword co-occurrence, author and journal co-citation, and document clustering to map the intellectual and thematic structure of VR-CDM research. The analysis reveals that global interest in VR applications within CDM has accelerated significantly since 2017, driven by the industry’s digital transformation under Construction 4.0. The United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy dominate the research landscape, while developing nations, including Malaysia, remain underrepresented. Four dominant research clusters were identified: (1) design visualization and collaborative review, (2) BIM–VR integration, (3) safety management and training, and (4) human–technology interaction. The findings underscore VR’s transformative potential in supporting safe-by-design and prevention-through-design principles by enabling early hazard identification and participatory design reviews. However, adoption remains constrained by high costs, interoperability challenges, a lack of standardization, and limited empirical validation. This review concludes that VR serves as a pivotal enabler for proactive, data-driven, and safety-oriented design management in the Construction 4.0 era. Future research should integrate VR with Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Twins, and Extended Reality (XR) to create intelligent safety design ecosystems aligned with evolving regulatory frameworks such as Malaysia’s Occupational Safety and Health (Construction Work) (Design and Management) Regulations 2024.
Ch S S S Kumar, Dr. V. Krishna Mohan
The modern world is witnessing a wide spread expansion in the usage of organic products, be it food products, personal and health-care and cosmetics for the varied and valid reasons. Organic products are becoming more and more popular and people choose them for distinct advantages. The lifestyle pattern has been observed to be changing for the last decade convergent to the consumption of organic products including Ayurvedic medicines owing to the enhanced levels of health consciousness because of other environmental degradation. Consequently, there has been a rapid expansion in the organic market. Despite the existence of several manufacturers of Ayurvedic medicines for quite a long time, the organic producers and corresponding retailers and dealers have been facing difficulties for one decade only including Patanjali Ayurveda Limited. Although, there had been an exponential growth in Patanjali’s business graph, at the last couple of years have been witnessing a gradual decline in their sales. The study is aimed at investigating the dynamics of consumer behavior towards to organic products with reference to select Patanjali products in Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh, in the prevailing marketing conditions. On the face of it, the study has analyzed all the elements associated with the organic products including medicines encompassing the global scenario of organic product markets, status of Indian organic market and the role of consumer behavior. An overview of Patanjali Ayurveda Limited, its products and business operations and the role of culture, ethnicity, attitude and society in the consumption of organic products.
Dr. Paul Sang, Panitah Nafula Wakoli
Modern project management landscape of successful community-based initiatives is dictated by the intricate web of stakeholder dynamics.While traditional project management frameworks emphasize inclusive engagement and "win-win" scenarios, they often fail to account for the reality of hostile, resistant and disruptive stakeholders.The existing academic literature remains largely focused on the positivity bias of stakeholder participation. There is a significant gap in understanding how to manage stakeholders who are inherently non-cooperative. This research, therefore, seeks to investigate the nature of stakeholder hostility within Nairobi County and evaluate there effectiveness of adverse management strategies.Stakeholder management is a critical discipline across various fields, including project management, public policy, organizational change and community development. The success of any initiative is often directly correlated with the ability to effectively identify, analyze, prioritize and engage with all relevant stakeholders.
Mark Yogaraj S/O Kunasegaran, Masturina Darwiis Rooslan, Mohd Hafiz Noor Razali, Nazimah Hussin, Tashalini A/P Balu
This study presents the analysis and results of one group from the Strategic Financial Management class as we participated in the CAPSIM Business Simulation over eight competitive rounds. The simulation required the group to perform key managerial functions such as planning, organizing, leading and controlling while making integrated decisions across R&D, Marketing, Operations and Finance. Throughout the rounds, the team experienced both improvements and challenges that included forecasting inaccuracies, liquidity pressures, heavy dependence on the low technology product and delayed investment in the high technology segment. Through collaborative teamwork, data driven evaluations and continuous learning, the group achieved significant performance growth, clearer strategic alignment and stronger decision-making capabilities. The findings demonstrate the value of experiential learning in developing practical business skills.
Lakshmi Devi Pujari, Saayee Saahit CNV, Sridhar C. Naga Venkata, Swetha Reddy Ravula
Global logistics networks face increasing volatility driven by geopolitical tensions, climate disruptions, demand variability, and operational uncertainty. Although artificial intelligence has improved predictive capabilities in logistics, classical and standalone learning models remain limited by data sparsity, non-stationarity, and scalability constraints. This study proposes a hybrid logistics intelligence framework that integrates time-series forecasting, synthetic data generation, and AI-based optimization. The framework is designed to enhance forecasting robustness and translate predictions into actionable operational decisions. A FedEx case study demonstrates how historical shipment data, real-time telemetry, and synthetically generated disruption scenarios can be jointly leveraged to improve demand forecasting, routing efficiency, and service reliability. Performance is evaluated across real, simulated, and hybrid datasets. Results show that the proposed approach consistently outperforms traditional statistical and machine-learning methods in accuracy, robustness, and operational scalability.
Dr. Pham Thanh Hai, MA. Hoang Thi Thu Hoai, MA. Phan Thi Thanh
Sexual harassment (SH) remains a pervasive yet underrecognized issue in Vietnamese higher education, particularly regarding non-physical and culturally normalized behaviors. This study investigates students’ awareness and perceptions of different forms of sexual harassment at Campus II, University of Labor and Social Affairs. Employing a mixed-methods design, quantitative data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 364 students, complemented by in-depth interviews with selected students and university staff. The findings indicate that while most students are able to accurately identify overt and explicit forms of sexual harassment, such as unwanted physical contact or forced exposure to pornographic content, awareness of verbal, non-verbal, and technology-mediated harassment remains limited. Behaviors occurring in familiar contexts—such as joking among peers, interactions within romantic relationships, or physical contact by relatives—are often trivialized or perceived as normal, leading to the normalization of boundary violations. Notable gender differences were observed, with female students demonstrating higher sensitivity and accuracy in identifying sexually harassing behaviors than male students. The study highlights significant gaps in comprehensive sexuality education and consent awareness, underscoring the need for targeted communication, social work interventions, and institutional policies to enhance awareness and prevent sexual harassment in university settings.
Anuja Raveenther, Dayananda H.H.R.N.
In contemporary human resource management, increasing attention has been directed toward the role of digital transformation in shaping employee development. The banking sector in Sri Lanka is characterized by high competitiveness and a strong reliance on technology, rendering employee skills and adaptability essential for organizational success. This study investigates the impact of Digital Human Resource Practices (DHRPs) on employee development, concentrating on the dimensions of Digital Recruitment and Digital Onboarding, with Performance Management and Competence Development identified as key outcomes within the banking sector of Sri Lanka. The research employs a quantitative design and collects data from 229 employees across five major banks using a stratified random sampling technique. A structured self-administered questionnaire was utilized for data collection, and SPSS (version 27.0) was employed for data analysis. Statistical methods, including descriptive analysis, correlation, and multiple regression, were applied to test the hypotheses. The findings reveal that DHRPs significantly positively impact employee development, with both digital recruitment and onboarding contributing robustly to performance management and competence development. These results indicate that the effective implementation of digital HR practices enhances employees' skills, motivation, and confidence, ultimately bolstering organizational performance. This study contributes to the human resource management literature by validating the relevance of the Technology Acceptance Model, Human Capital Theory, and the AMO Framework within the context of digital banking. The practical implications emphasize the necessity for banking institutions to integrate digital HR practices into their strategic frameworks to foster a skilled and motivated workforce.
Gugulethu Chakamba, Hendra Lukito, Nor Azilah Husin, Nyan Phone Zaw, Robale Haji Abdi, Sanusi Inuwa
The rapid growth of digital marketing and e-commerce has significantly transformed online consumer buying behaviour, particularly among technology-oriented consumers. The study was so limited especially for the international university students. Digital tools including AI-powered chatbots, targeted advertisements, and online reviews have become essential in shaping consumers’ perceptions, trust, and purchase decisions. This study aims to examine the influence of AI chatbots, targeted advertisements, and online reviews on online consumer buying behaviour among international university students. A quantitative research approach was employed, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. A total of 105 valid responses were obtained from international students. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), incorporating descriptive analysis, reliability testing, correlation analysis, independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis. The results show that AI chatbots strongly influence how people buy things online, making them the most important factor in this study. Although targeted ads and online reviews were viewed positively, they did not have a meaningful impact on buying decisions when analyzed statistically. Additionally, the study found no significant difference in online buying behaviour between male and female respondents, while nationality was found to significantly influence online purchasing behaviour. The findings provide valuable insights for online retailers and digital marketers in designing effective digital engagement strategies, particularly for tech-savvy and multicultural consumer segments.
Lucky Gupta, Mahima Tomar, Mehak Pachori
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in financial technology (Fintech) has fundamentally transformed the sector by improving efficiency, decreasing costs, and fostering sustainable financial practices. Its influence is extensive, affecting areas like as fraud detection, automated trading, customer service automation, personalized banking and financial planning, algorithmic trading and market analysis, as well as risk assessment and credit scoring. AI-driven solutions enhance sustainability in Fintech by concentrating on domains such as green finance, fraud detection, risk assessment, and ethical investment. Green Finance and ESG Investing, sustainable Lending and Banking. Artificial Intelligence in Green Data Centers: FinTech companies are employing AI to enhance energy efficiency in cloud computing and renewable energy, addressing carbon costs through effective algorithms. By balancing data privacy, this systematic review of existing literature underscores AI's contribution to optimizing resource utilization, minimizing carbon footprints, and promoting financial inclusion. This report addresses barriers such as algorithmic bias, data privacy issues, and legal obstacles that must be solved to guarantee the sustainable use of AI in Fintech. This conceptual research examines the significant potential of AI, advocating for a balanced approach that incorporates ethical AI frameworks, governmental monitoring, and stakeholder participation to ensure long-term sustainability.
Regina Plaza Galigao, Ed.D., Ph.D.
The tourism sector of the Camotes Group of Islands comprises accommodations, transport rentals, entertainment options, food and beverage services, as well as tourism and hospitality and ICT infrastructure. In terms of lodging, resorts accounted for the highest percentage of accommodations. Motorcycles emerged as the favored mode of transportation. For entertainment, water parks and festivals recorded the highest percentage. Tours represented the most significant portion for tourism and hospitality across the four municipalities. In regard to ICT infrastructure, internet service providers showed equivalent results for Smart. The tourism management status of the town revealed a high mean score in terms of making reservations, while obtaining information was rated as reasonable. The visibility of the InfoPoint employees and the services offered by the four communities were considered adequate. Based on findings, the conclusion has brought significance to the theory of Tourism Management which comprises different frameworks. This study recommends identifying specific locations within each barangay that locals can enhance, which would serve as the next attraction for the area.
Navaratnam Vejaratnam
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is widely recognised as a critical psychological resource that shapes ethical behaviour, stress management, and decision-making in high-pressure occupations. Despite its extensive application in organisational and behavioural research, empirical validation of EI measurement models within policing contexts remains limited, particularly in developing and collectivist societies. This study aims to validate the Emotional Intelligence measurement model among officers of the Royal Malaysia Police using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Data were collected from 475 police officers and analysed using Structural Equation Modeling techniques via AMOS. Emotional Intelligence was conceptualised as a multidimensional construct comprising self-emotion appraisal, others’ emotion appraisal, use of emotion, and regulation of emotion. The CFA results indicate satisfactory model fit, strong standardised factor loadings, adequate convergent and discriminant validity, and high composite reliability across all dimensions. These findings confirm that the Emotional Intelligence scale is a valid and reliable instrument for use in law enforcement research and practice. Importantly, the validated scale offers practical utility for human resource selection, training, and development in high-stress public sector organisations.
Aroge, I. O., Enitilo, O., Ibikunle, T.D., Oguntuase, I.E.
This study investigated the influence of value creation on the productivity of listed pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria, a sector essential for ensuring the availability of quality pharmaceutical products. Despite their strategic significance, many of these organizations faced productivity challenges primarily due to the insufficient integration of structured value creation strategies within their operational and strategic frameworks. The research aimed to empirically assess whether deliberate value creation initiatives could effectively improve organizational productivity in the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry. A survey research design was employed, collecting data from a sample of 308 key stakeholders, including marketing professionals, directors, and executive managers crucial to strategic decision-making and operational performance. A structured, validated questionnaire served as the primary data collection tool, with reliability confirmed by a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient exceeding 0.7. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques to ensure robust interpretation and generalization of findings. The analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between value creation and productivity among the listed pharmaceutical firms. The regression analysis yielded an adjusted R² value of 0.195, indicating that value creation explained a substantial portion of productivity variation, with the overall model significant at F(4, 297) = 19.181, p < 0.05. These findings underscore the critical role of value creation in enhancing organizational productivity, leading to the conclusion that aligning value creation strategies with organizational objectives can significantly boost productivity and competitiveness in Nigeria's pharmaceutical sector.