Volume 11, Issue 6, June 2023 Edition - GSJ Journal Publication

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BLENDED LEARNING AND ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT IN ICT AMONG THE STUDENTS IN KOLEHIYO NG PANTUKAN []


Blended learning is occasionally used to denote different blends, such as mixing multiple instructional methods, pedagogical approaches, and technological platforms (Hrastinski, 2019). Student academic engagement is the most significant factor in the learning process since the students develop a stronger feeling of accountability for their activities and they are more empowered to achieve their goals (Enerio, 2021). Thus, the purpose of this study is to determine whether student academic engagement in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is visible under blended learning. This study also conducted to identify the level of blended learning and Kolehiyo ng Pantukan students’ academic engagement in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). In addition, it aimed to determine the significance of blended learning as independent variable and academic engagement as dependent variable. This study utilized the quantitative research method using adopted survey questionnaire as the main instrument in gathering data. A total of three hundred fifty (350) students of Kolehiyo ng Pantukan were randomly selected as the respondents of this study. The tools used for this study were mean, pearson correlation, and probability. The study revealed that the level of blended learning among the students in Kolehiyo ng Pantukan is strongly agree which implies a high level of blended learning. On the other hand, the level of academic engagement in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) among the students in Kolehiyo ng Pantukan is agree which implies a high level of academic engagement. The results shows that there is a significant relationship between blended learning and academic engagement in ICT among the students in Kolehiyo ng Pantukan. Therefore, blended learning positively affects the Kolehiyo ng Pantukan students’ engagement in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This means that even in combined online learning and face-to-face classes during the COVID-19 pandemic, students can still maintain their engagement or participation in their studies, specifically in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Keywords: Blended learning, Student Academic Engagement, Research topic, population, method, application of results or findings


THE INFLUENCE OF A SOCCER EVENT SPONSORSHIP ON CONSUMER ATTITUDES, PERCEPTIONS AND SPONSORSHIP AWARENESS []


This study investigates the influence of a soccer event sponsorship characterised by supporter involvement on consumer attitudes, perceptions and sponsorship awareness. An explanatory design was adopted and a pre-designed questionnaire was administered on a randomly selected soccer supporters' sample. Descriptives and correlation statistics were used to understand the influence of soccer event sponsorship on consumer attitudes and perceptions, and the influence of supporter involvement on sponsorship awareness. The study findings revealed that soccer event sponsorship has a positive impact on consumer attitudes and perceptions. Furthermore, the results revealed that supporter involvement has a positive influence on sponsorship awareness. This study provides empirical evidence on how consumer attitudes and perceptions are influenced by a soccer event sponsorship when the sports supporters are involved in the team selection. The study shows how a single-day soccer event sponsorship uniquely structured around a brand sponsorship, supporter involvement and football clubs can be an effective marketing or promotional tool that influences consumer attitudes and perceptions. Since this study was cross-sectional, there is a need for future studies to measure the relationship between the constructs using a longitudinal design, and large samples.


Self-Regulated Learning Strategies and Academic Performance []


This study aims to investigate the relationship between Self-Regulated Learning about goal setting and task strategies; ascertain the level of students' academic performances in distance learning; assess if there is a significant relationship between the student’s academic performance and the self-regulated learning strategies. The research participants were the 30 Grade 10 students, Section Taurus in Cagayan de Oro National High School filled out the questionnaire of 20 items. The researcher's Self-made questionnaire was validated through Cronbach Alpha and had two (2) dimensions: (a) goal setting and (b) task strategies. The data was analyzed using a descriptive quantitative correlational design. The relationship involving SRL and Grade Point Average (GPA) in 2nd semester of participants was examined using Pearson Product Moment of Correlation where goal setting has (r= 0.189, p= 0.317>0.05), task strategies (r=0.156, p=0.410>0.05). Results showed that students are indicated negative about self-regulated learning strategies. The student's academic performance is rated as Outstanding and Very Satisfactory. In conclusion, students did not use Self-Regulated Learning Strategies, yet still achieved high grades, suggesting that these strategies may not significantly impact academic performance. However, students with a strong foundation of prior knowledge may benefit from learning strategies to apply their knowledge effectively. The study found no significant relationship between goal setting, task strategies, and academic performance, indicating that Self-regulated learning strategies may not affect the students’ academic performance.


Solid Waste Disposal Practices at the Kaneshie Market, Accra, Ghana []


Solid waste disposal practices have been a challenge for many developing countries including Ghana. This study seeks to investigate the solid waste disposal practices at the Kaneshie Market in Accra, Ghana. In view of this, we used a mixed method approach (qualitative and quantitative design) with a total of 100 respondents made up of 50 traders, 23 drivers, 17 hawkers and 10 others were randomly selected to respond to questions on solid waste disposal practices at the Kaneshie Market. Questionnaires were prepared and administered based on the objective of the study. Three key informants also responded to our interview guide. The study conducted revealed that 41.2% of the respondents allow waste collectors to come for their waste while 35.3% dispose of their solid waste in dustbins, 17.6% indiscriminately throw waste away, while 3.9% burn the waste. We conclude that the city authorities in collaboration with the metropolitan environmental health officials need to organize sensitization exercise to educate the people who dispose of their waste indiscriminately. More so, since more people allow waste collectors to come for their waste, city authorities in collaboration with the Ministry of Sanitation of the country should prioritise waste segregation for the production of organic fertilizers in order to reduce the tonnes of refuse that are being dumped at landfill sites.


The analysis of the relationship between instructional materials usage, and students' Academic Achievement in Mathematics. []


This study examined the analysis of the relationship between instructional materials usage and the impact on Student`s Academic Achievements in Senior Secondary School Mathematics in Taraba state. Nigeria. The study adopted simple survey design. A review of related literature to the study was carried out. Data collected and collated were based on a set of Scales in the Questionnaire Mathematics-Instructional Materials - Related Scales (MIMRS) consisting of twenty four (24) items and was administered to eighteen (18) public schools across the State; three LGA from each senatorial zone of the State, consisting of nine (9) LGAs with sample size of 900 students. These instruments were validated and found to be reliable at 0.89 and 0.91 respectively. One hypothesis were generated and tested at 0.05 significant level and Data were analyst using Chi-square and Spearman rank correlation Statistical Method through SPSS statistical Software computer package. The Null hypothesis was rejected and the alternative upheld. Findings revealed that there is significant strong positive relationship between instructional material usage and Students Achievement in senior secondary school Mathematics. Hence from the findings made, the researcher drew conclusion and made useful recommendations which he hope if adhere to, will help to stimulate and enhance academic achievement in senior secondary schools mathematics.


The Use of Facebook and the Study Habits Among Students []


Study habits represent an essential factor influencing the learning of the students. Understanding the variables influencing students learning is essential to resolve the underlying problem. Facebook has been one of the social media platforms where students spend most of their time. It was proved in previous studies that students who frequently use Facebook every day tend to be distracted and have lower GPAs. The study intended to investigate the relationship between the use of Facebook and study habits. The study used the descriptive survey method of research to identify the level of the use of Facebook and the study habits of the students. The data was collected from 30 students from a private college institution in Cagayan de Oro City. The analysis revealed a significant relationship between Facebook usage for academic purposes and study habits. This result implies that as the students use of Facebook for academic purposes increases, there is a tendency for their study habits to improve as well. However, the use of Facebook for non-academic purposes and the study habits of the students were discovered not significant. It implies that using Facebook for personal reasons does not interfere with a students ability to stay organized or prepare for assignments. The researchers recommend organizing seminars, symposiums, and discussions to inform the advantages and disadvantages of using Facebook. The researchers also encourage the student to use Facebook more for academic purposes.


Incentivizing communities for ecosystem services in the Nepal Himalayas []


Payment for Ecosystem Service (PES) is one of the instruments increasingly used and recognized as a tool to sustaining ecosystem services flow while contributing to local livelihoods of the resource dependent communities. It is described as a free market-based approach to conservation where ecosystem service consumer pays to the producers/managers. However, a ‘’true PES’’ based on free market is either difficult to establish, or hardly existed in practice. Several arguments resonance against purely market-based PES schemes that commoditize ecosystem or nature under neoliberalism and does not necessarily benefit the poor. Our study in the Hindu Kush Himalaya, thus suggests to shift from a purely market-based mechanism to incentive-based mechanism for ensuring long term benefits to local mountain communities by rewarding their efforts on managing and restoring the ecosystems. We also argue that the concept of PES, if well integrated into the policy instrument could effectively ensure continued supply of ecosystem goods and services in Nepal Himalaya.


MONITORING AND EVALUATION FRAMEWORK AND PERFORMANCE OF SINAPISI-RWANDA/HIGA UBEHO PROJECT IN KICUKIRO AND GASABO DISTRICTS, RWANDA []


The general objective of this study was to investigate the effect of monitoring and evaluation framework on the performance of Sinapisi-Rwanda/Higa Ubeho project in Kicukiro and Gasabo Districts, Rwanda. More specifically, this study sought to establish the influence of logical framework on performance of Sinapisi-Rwanda/Higa Ubeho project in Kicukiro and Gasabo Districts, Rwanda, to assess the influence of conceptual framework on performance of Sinapisi-Rwanda/Higa Ubeho project in Kicukiro and Gasabo Districts in Rwanda and examine the influence of results framework on performance of Sinapisi-Rwanda/Higa Ubeho project in Kicukiro and Gasabo Districts. The study used descriptive and correlational design. The target population of the study was 112 respondents made up of 107 group leaders of the Internal Saving and Lending Groups (ISLGs) and 5 staff members. Since the target population was relatively small, all the 112 respondents were used as the sample size. Hence, census sampling technique was used. Primary data was gathered using structured questionnaire and interview guide. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests, as well as presented through tables. Pearson correlation analysis reported positive and significant relationships for logical framework (r=0.453, p=0.000), conceptual framework (r=0.373, p=0.000) and results framework (r=0.512, p=0.000). The regression model analysis reported that logical framework (β1=0.243, t=5.089, p=0.000), (β2=0.252, t=5.568, p=0.000) and results framework (β2=0.253, t=7.521, p=0.000) have positive and significant effects on project performance. This is because all the regression coefficients were positive and the p-values were less than 5%. Hence, all the three null hypotheses stating “no effect” were reject and the alternative hypotheses supporting a significant effect were upheld. This meant that M&E framework plays a significant effect on project performance in Rwanda. This study has shown that monitoring and evaluation framework improves project performance significantly. Hence, the researcher recommends that project managers must include different frameworks in their M&E to ensure effective project performance.


EVALUATION OF VILLAGE TOURISM TRAINING HELD BY BBPPMD JA-KARTA USING THE CIPP MODEL: A CASE STUDY IN 5 VILLAGES, PANDEGLANG DISTRICT, BANTEN, INDONESIA []


In accordance with the Ministerial Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia No. 22 of 2020 concerning the Organization and Working Procedures of Technical Implementation Units within the Ministry of Village Development of Disadvantaged Areas and Transmigration, the Balai Besar Pelatihan dan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Desa, Daerah Tertinggal dan Transmigrasi Jakarta oversees 5 (five) working areas, namely Special District Jakarta, West Java, Banten, Lampung, and West Borneo. One of the working programs of the Balai Besar Pelatihan dan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Desa, Daerah Tertinggal dan Transmigrasi Jakarta is the implementation of Village Training, Development of Disadvantaged Areas, and Transmigration. In November 2022, the Balai Besar Pelatihan dan Pemberdayaan Masyara-kat Desa, Daerah Tertinggal dan Transmigrasi Jakarta conducted a Tourism Village Training in Pandeglang Regency, Banten Province. The training was initially carried out in Pandeglang Regency, Banten Province, targeting 5 Pilot Tourism Villages. To assess the achievement of the training in terms of context, input, process, and training outcomes, as well as the implementation of follow-up action plans by participants after the training in the community, research evaluation needs to be conducted. The CIPP evaluation model is known for its advantages in comprehensive evaluation. This paper is a proposed conceptual model to evaluate training and how much it affects performance.


SCHOOL CANTEEN MANAGEMENT AND FOOD SERVICES SATISFACTION AMONG THE STUDENTS IN PANTUKAN []


The goal of the study was to find out if there was a link between how the school canteen was run and how happy the students were with the food service. As statistical tools, the r-value of 0.693 (Pearson r) and the p-value of.001 (Pearson p) was used. The r-value of 0.693 (Pearson r) and the p-value of001 (Pearson p) were used as statistical tools. The indicators of school canteen management are staffing, food services, facilities, and financial stability.The level of food service satisfaction regarding nutritional value, price, taste, and food consistency The findings revealed that school canteen management, food taste and consistency, and levels of food service satisfaction, all significantly contribute to student satisfaction. Hence, the school canteen managers are encouraged to improve the service quality provided to students based on food service satisfaction.Keywords: School canteen Management, food services satisfaction, method, application of results or findings.


A Phenomenology on Food sanitation from the lens of the Home economics students. []


This qualitative-phenomenological study navigates the practice of food Sanitation of BTLED students. The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge of home economics students in food sanitation and discover how they handle the challenges they experience in food sanitation practices. This study gleaned through the theory of (Bandura et, al 1976) will determine the Knowledge, attitude, and practices of food handlers in food sanitation. There were five (5) BTLED students who participated in-depth interview and Focus group discussion. As to the participants' reasons why they face challenges in food sanitation, four major themes emerged: Inadequacy of know-how, Inadequacy of tools and supplies, Poor sanitation and hygiene and Risk of food poisoning. With regards to copying their problems in food sanitation, four major themes emerged: Keeping area equipment and utensils clean, observing good hygiene, implementing food hygiene standards, Taking the initiative to learn. Lastly, their insight in experience in food sanitation, three major themes: Food sanitation ensures food integrity, Food necessary tool of the trade and Food sanitation is a conscious effort. The results show the lack of knowledge about food sanitation and poor personal hygiene causes the problem and the student should enhance their knowledge and awareness in proper food sanitation. The study concludes that having enough knowledge and complete personal hygiene is a must. Keywords: Food sanitation practices, challenges in food sanitation, lack of knowledge, poor sanitation, personal hygiene


THE IMPACTS OF EMPLOYEE RELATIONS ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN []


The National Bank of Oman pays attention to employees and their relationships among them. This research came to study those relationships that arise between employees, which help to raise the organizational performance of the bank. The relationship of employees with each other is involved in improving the organizational performance of the bank, as employees are one of the important elements that the bank seeks to maintain and develop them. On the other hand, the factors affected by employees during the course of their work, which influence their impact on the organizational performance of the National Bank of Oman, are considered. The strategies used by the bank help these employees to improve their relations with each other and thus improve performance bank regulatory.


Regular Consumption of Aqueous Extract of Raphia Hookeri Fruit Pulp on Plasma Lipid Profile in Male Wistar Rats []


This research is aimed at the evaluating of the effects of regular consumption of aqueous extract Raphia Hookeri fruit pulp (mesocarp) on lipid profile in male wistar rats. A total of 36 apparently healthy male wistar rats weighing 130g to 190g were grouped into 4, group1 as control fed with feed and water while group 2 given 500mg/kg, group3 given 1000mg/kg, group 4 given 2000mg/kg body weight of the extract for 28days. The animals sacrificed and serum samples analysed for lipid profile via randox analysis. The statistical tool SPSS version 21.0 was used, one-way ANOVA followed by Post-Hoc multiple comparison test and p< 0.05 considered significant, values expressed as mean, standard error of mean (SEM). The outcome displayed an increased total cholesterol (TC) levels in groups 2, 3 and 4, but only group 3 was actually significant when compared to control. Triglyceride (TG) levels decreased across all treated groups, but groups 2 and 4 were significant when compared to control. High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) indicated a dose-dependent significant decrease when compared to control. The variations in the levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in groups 2, 3 4 showed remarkable decrease in all treated rats when compared to control. Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol levels in all the groups 2, 3, 4 did not vary significantly. It can therefore be concluded that aqueous extract of Raphia Hookeri fruit pulp when consumed regularly is capable to ameliorate effect hyperlipidaemias and normalise plasma lipid profile in male wistar rats.


A study of the impact of the Covid -19 Pandemic on Cement Production and the Performance of the Zambian Cement Industry. []


The construction sector in Zambia is a huge contributor in scale and share to gross domestic product (GDP) and economic development and it is a major employer of many engineering professionals globally (Agung & Wi-bowo, 2009). It provides the required materials to support the construction of infrastructure which defines a nation's degree of development. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the coronavirus disease of 2019 a pan-demic and this has resulted in a public health crisis that has affected many sectors of the global economy across the globe (Yashavantha & Jayabaskaran,2020). The rapid spread of the coronavirus poses a significant burden on both developed and developing nations globally and it has put unbearable pressure on humanity with very unpredictable economic consequences on many sectors including the construction industry (Hannes & Tis-togondo,2022). Cement producers in Zambia have been impacted and this makes it difficult for them to access key raw materials required to produce cement. In the construction industry, all the workers and technical engineers need to nearly be on site to perform activities and monitor the machine activity to ensure that production is done correctly and safely (CemNet, 2020). The cement industry is very different from other industries, and it requires the on-site presence of all project members. In view of the above, understanding how this industry addresses the impact of covid 19 on its operations is important in ensuring that appropriate interventions are put in place to ensure an uninterrupted supply of the product to both the domestic and export markets. Keywords: Cement, Covid – 19, crisis, utilization rates, value chain, supply chain, risks.


Assessing the Impact of Arduino Programming Training on Socioeconomic Status and Livelihood Improvement among Grade 12 Respondents: A Comprehensive Analysis []


This research explored the impact of Arduino programming training on the socioeconomic status and livelihood improvement of Grade 12 students. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews, to assess the perceived effects of the training. The findings demonstrate that Arduino programming training positively influenced the socioeconomic status of students, leading to increased employment opportunities, income generation, and entrepreneurial prospects. The acquired programming skills facilitated the development of innovative solutions to community challenges, enhancing economic stability. Additionally, the training contributed to diversification in occupational choices and expanded income streams, ultimately empowering the students and fostering sustainable socio-economic development. These findings highlight the significance of incorporating Arduino programming training in the curriculum to equip students with essential skills for success in a technology-driven society.


INVESTMENT DECISIONS AND FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS: A CASE OF FREE METHODIST CHURCH IN RWANDA IN GIKONDO SECTOR (2017-2021) []


ABSTRACT Investment decisions for nonprofit making organizations do not necessarily follow the standard finance management practices that the profit-making organizations use. Further, most of the empirical research have concentrated primarily on profit-making organizations, and their insights are not necessarily applicable to nonprofit making organizations. The general objective of this study was to explore the effect investment decisions on financial sustainability of NGOs: Case of Free Methodist Church in Rwanda in Gikondo Sector. We used descriptive and analytical research designs. The population size was 56 and since the population was less than a hundred, then the entire 56 was used in this study. Hence, the census method was used. Data were collected from primary and secondary data sources using structured questionnaire, interview and documentary analysis. Pearson correlation analysis showed that capital budgeting (r=0.516, p=0.000), financing decisions (r=0.649, p=0.000) and fund allocation decisions (r=0.415, p=0.001) all had significant correlations since their p-values were less than 5%. The regression model showed that the R2 was 0.760, indicating that 76% of the variations in financial sustainability of NGOs can be attributed to the effective capital budgeting, financing and fund allocation decisions that these organizations make. We therefore recommend that NGOs in Rwanda should adopt financial management practices akin to those of the profit-making organizations. They should invest in employing qualified professionals including accountants and finance managers. Further, NGOs should diversify their sources of income by having different donors. Moreso, they can achieve this through investing in income generating activities.


THE IMPACT OF EXCHANGE RATE, INFLATION AND INTEREST RATE ON ECONOMIC GROWTH OF NIGERIA []


A nation aspiring to fulfill macroeconomic objectives in established and emerging economies must have economic stability; it is considered a crucial determinant or prerequisite for economic growth and development. This has been a major concern of the government and the citizenry, considering its impact on the people and the nation at large. In Nigeria, inflation has been a macroeconomic issue that has seemed intractable over time. As a result, the government has pursued numerous measures, including monetary and fiscal ones, with a view to stop or slowing down inflation growth to an acceptable level. The impact of persistent increases in the inflation rate, interest rate, and exchange rate on Nigeria's economy cannot be overstated. This study is therefore aimed at examining how Nigeria's economic growth is impacted by these three macroeconomic variables (exchange rate, inflation rate, and interest rate). To achieve this aim, the researcher examined the impact of these macroeconomic variables on Nigeria's economic growth. The research adopts the use of secondary data, which was sourced from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) periodicals, the National Bureau of Statistics, and the World Development Index (WDI), respectively. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis aim at drawing a reliable inference on the impact of independent variables on Nigeria's economic growth. The model is then estimated using ordinary least squares (OLS) techniques using the computer software Econometric View (E-View). Based on this, a multiple regression analysis model was employed to evaluate the proxy variables for economic growth on the one hand and the proxy variables for inflation, interest rate, and exchange rate on the other. The research established that the significance of effective monetary policies in the nation’s economy cannot be overemphasized; hence, a frantic effort needs to be made by the government to address the various monetary policies in the nation to curb the incessant and recurrent monetary issues so the nation can enjoy the benefits associated with exchange rate stability, as well as inflation rate reduction and control, and economic stability.