Volume 13, Issue 6, June 2025 Edition - GSJ Journal Publication

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Church Administration and politics: the synergy, the contrast, and the role of the clergy. Is it healthy for the spirituality of the church? []


ABSTRACT This dissertation investigates the intricate relationship between church governance and politics, exploring the harmonies, differences, and effects on the roles of clergy and the spirituality of congregations. Utilizing historical, theological, and sociological perspectives, the research explores how church formations interact with political frameworks, both at an institutional level (e.g., the representation of the Church of England in the House of Lords) and through the activism of individual clergy (e.g., clergy participating in elections as a civic responsibility). It assesses the conflicts between pastoral duties and political involvement, especially in situations where institutional authority may overshadow spiritual commitments illustrated by instances where failures in safeguarding or economic turmoil lead to diminished trust. The study underscores different models: the Church’s function as a moral guide in societal discussions (e.g., opposing austerity measures or policies regarding refugees) contrasted with the risks of partisan affiliation or ideological dominance (e.g., efforts by Opus Dei to sway U.S. policies). Case studies encompass the Anglican-Methodist unity discussions, which emphasize collaborative governance rather than political fragmentation, and the reform efforts of the French Catholic Church following abuse scandals, where accountability in administration was positioned as a spiritual necessity. At the heart of this dissertation lies the inquiry into whether engaging in politics undermines the spirituality of the church. The results indicate that while prophetic advocacy might align with religious principles (e.g., clergy supporting underrepresented groups), forming structural alliances with governmental authority (e.g., bishops voting on secular matters) or pursuing hidden agendas (e.g., "radical incrementalism" by faith-based lobbyists) can often weaken theological identity. The research concludes with suggestions for achieving a balance between administrative efficiency, political representation, and spiritual truthfulness, recommending frameworks for training clergy and enhancing institutional transparency to maintain church vitality in divisive environments. Keywords: Church governance, clergy activism in politics, ecclesial spirituality, institutional authority, prophetic advocacy, governance reform.

A Comparative Simulation-Based Evaluation of the Performance of Elliptical Patch Antennas with Various Dielectric Substrates for Fifth Generation Wireless Networks []


This paper presents a comparative simulation-based analysis of elliptical patch antennas fabricated with three different substrate materials; FR4, Rogers RT/Duroid 5880, and Teflon to optimize antenna performance for 5G wireless applications. Using MATLAB, key performance parameters such as return loss, VSWR, gain, directivity, and bandwidth were evaluated. Results indicate that FR4 offered strong impedance matching with the best return loss and VSWR but exhibited the lowest gain due to its high loss tangent. Teflon demonstrated superior directivity and bandwidth with minimal dielectric loss, although its return loss was less favorable. Rogers provided the closest impedance to 50 Ω and the best minimum gain but showed limited directivity and bandwidth. The findings identify Teflon as the most balanced substrate for high-frequency applications, while FR4 remains suitable for cost-sensitive designs. This paper offers practical guidance for substrate selection in next-generation antenna systems.

Silent Reading and Storytelling Teaching Approaches: A Comparative Analysis []


In a world driven by knowledge, the ability to comprehend what we read shapes how we think, learn, and engage with ideas. This study embarks on a comparative analysis of silent reading and storytelling and their effectiveness in enhancing the reading comprehension of Grade 7 learners. Grounded in Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory and Paivio’s Dual Coding Theory. The research employed a quasi-experimental design using posttest-only non-equivalent groups across two sections of a private school in Davao del Sur. Over seven sessions per group, comprehension levels were measured using validated and item analyzed researcher-made multiple-choice assessments. Data gathered were analyzed using mean and Independent Samples T-test. Results revealed that students exposed to the storytelling approach achieved significantly higher comprehension scores compared to those who underwent silent reading. The storytelling group attained a "Proficient" level (M = 76.25), while the silent reading group remained at a "Developing" level (M = 63.21), with a p-value of .000 indicating high statistical significance. The findings affirm that storytelling, with its multimodal and interactive nature, provides a richer cognitive and emotional scaffold for learners, leading to deeper comprehension. Based on the findings, it is recommended that DepEd officials should develop and implement reading literacy programs that resonate with modern learners, integrating storytelling and silent reading strategies to improve comprehension levels in schools.

Employing Artificial Intelligence in the Service of Corporate Social Responsibility: Case of OQ, Oman []


The project discusses the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities of OQ, a leading energy company in Oman. In addition, the project aims to identify and investigate the issues and challenges of AI integration in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), examine how AI is currently utilized in OQ's existing CSR activities, assess the potential benefits of AI-based solutions, and provide strategic recommendations for seamless integration. Through a mixed-methods research approach involving literature review and primary data collection from OQ employees, the project identifies salient challenges in the form of low digital readiness, data privacy issues, and technical skills shortage. Findings indicate that while AI holds transformative potential for improving CSR efficiency and impact, its implementation requires overcoming institutional resistance and investing in employee upskilling. The results also suggest that AI can enhance CSR monitoring, reporting, and stakeholder engagement when aligned with ethical standards and national objectives. Moreover, this study contributes to the overall understanding of the ethical and effective application of AI on CSR in the framework of Oman Vision 2040, with significant implications for firms seeking to pursue responsible innovation towards supporting sustainable development. Keywords: AI, Artificial Intelligence, Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, OQ CSR

Effect of warehouse management on organizational performance at Magerwa public bonded warehouse (2020-2023) []


According to the research problem, warehousing accounts for between 2% and 5% of an organization's cost of sales. In today's fiercely competitive global business environment, organizations are focusing on return on assets, so cutting warehousing costs has become a crucial business issue. For this reason, we investigate the impact of warehouse management on business organizational performance at Magerwa public bonded warehouse. The specific goals of the study were to evaluate the impact of inventory management control on organizational performance at Magerwa Public Bonded Warehouse, examine the effects of inventory strategies used there on organizational performance, and examine the relationship between distribution planning and organizational performance at Magerwa Public Bonded Warehouse. In order to accomplish these goals, a study of relevant literature was conducted before 86 respondents—the target population were surveyed. Data was gathered using questionnaires, documentation, interview guides, and observation. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed, and the descriptive research design and correlational analysis were used to shed light on the little-known topic in order to answer the questions of what, how, or why the study should be conducted and to produce pertinent results. The study found that maintaining a constant warehouse management compliance led to a.500 percent increase in organizational performance at Magerwa public bonded warehouse. Increasing stock control, strategies employed, and distribution planning significantly improved performance. Stock control had the greatest effect, followed by strategies employed and distribution planning. ANOVA Test results showed a significant relationship between warehouse management and organizational performance at.000a. Based on the aforementioned findings, the Magerwa public bonded warehouse's organizational effectiveness and warehouse management are positively correlated. Because it helps guarantee that items are accurately recorded, stock control is a crucial component of distribution control in Rwanda. Therefore, in accordance with the findings, the researcher suggested that Magerwa Public Bonded Warehouse, which is Rwanda's bonded warehouse, classify commodities both imported and exported in an efficient, accurate, and proper manner.

An Assessment of the Barriers to the Utilization of Immunization Services Among Children Under Five Years in King Gray []


This study assessed the barriers to the utilization of immunization services among mothers of children under five in King Gray Township, Montserrado County, Liberia. Immunization remains a critical public health intervention, yet vaccine coverage in many low-resource communities remains suboptimal. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed using structured questionnaires administered to 96 mothers (caregivers) selected through convenient sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that although 54.2% of respondents lived within one kilometer of a health facility, multiple barriers still hindered vaccine uptake. The most reported challenges included distance to facilities (11 responses), transportation costs (10), work-related conflicts (9), and long waiting times (6). Additionally, 26 respondents had experienced discouragement from immunizing their children, often from close family and friends. While 84.4% of respondents expressed satisfaction with services received, knowledge gaps persisted regarding vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization schedules. The study concludes that social influence, systemic health facility constraints, and limited awareness contribute significantly to missed immunizations. Strengthening health education, addressing logistical challenges, and engaging community influencers are recommended to improve uptake. These findings have implications for public health programming in similar peri-urban contexts. Keywords: Immunization, Barriers, Vaccine uptake, Liberia, Health services utilization

Idea for a Development of a Low-Budget, DIY Electrodialysis Prototype for Saltwater Desalination Using Homemade Ion-Exchange Membranes []


Water scarcity remains a critical global concern, particularly in arid regions like the UAE. Electrodialysis (ED) provides an alternative desalination method by utilizing ion-selective membranes and electrical potential to remove salts from water. High costs of commercial membranes, however, restrict accessibility. This study demonstrates a low-cost, small-scale ED prototype constructed from readily available materials: a 2-liter plastic bottle, homemade ion-exchange membranes using commercial resin, and graphite electrodes powered by a 9V battery. The prototype achieved a 10% reduction in total dissolved solids (TDS) after one hour. This suggests feasibility for affordable water treatment and educational applications, with room for further enhancements.

IMPLEMENTATION OF ICT POLICY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN UGANDA: THE SCHOOL MANAGERS’ PERCEPTIONS. []


Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a significant role in the effectiveness and efficiency of service delivery in any institution. The high levels of economic growth, changing market dynamics and globalization require integration of ICT in management and administrative practices of institutions, including schools to enhance efficiency in service delivery. However, despite its role in improving the effectiveness of service delivery through management of the quality of output, raising of teacher productivity, and reduction of costs by analyzing spending, its adoption in secondary schools in Uganda has remained minimal. This is attributed to innumerable challenges facing most schools in Uganda with regard to adoption of ICTs in educational management. The purpose of the study was to investigate perspectives of school managers in the implementation of ICT policy in management of secondary schools in Uganda. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: To explore the perceptions of school managers on the implementation of ICT policy in secondary schools in Uganda: To establish the extent of ICT use in management of secondary schools in Uganda:To examine the experiences of school managers regarding the use of ICT in the management of secondary schools in Uganda:To explore how school managers perceive the influence of ICT policy on the management practices with in their schools: A qualitative case study was used in this study. Three schools were selected for the case study and a total of three secondary school headteachers were interviewed. The researcher used open ended interview guide to collect data from the head teachers. The study found that some school managers had endeavored to integrate ICT in the management of their schools by providing technological tools such as computers, overhead projectors, installation of CCTV cameras, as well as installation of the necessary management and financial ICT systems in their school. Some headteachers ensured that. Some School managers also ensured that technological equipment was always in good working condition to avoid disruption of teaching and learning as well as the execution of other management duties. However, the study revealed that schools experienced serious challenges. Among the challenges were the shortage of computers in comparison to the schools’ enrolment figures, which reduced the amount of time that learners could be accommodated in the computer laboratories, poor internet connection for online access, inadequate IT literacy, electrical power interruptions due to load shedding and blackouts, lack of psychological and technical readiness and insufficient policy guidelines. The conclusion was that some school managers were able to fulfil their instructional and technological leadership roles and some were positive about the implementation of the ICT policy while others were slowly adapting. This study recommends that; Psychological and technical skill readiness of school managers and teachers needs to be addressed through increasing investment in ICT facilities, resources and training so as to speed the rate of ICT policy implementation in secondary schools.

A CONCISE METHODOLOGY FOR BUILDING AN E-LEARNING COURSE. THE CASE OF CENTRAL AFRICA. []


With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019, e-learning became an eminent form of learning in Central Africa as schools were advised to stop onsite classes and continue with lectures online as a means to curb the spread of COVID-19. Because schools were not prepared for this and, in most cases, lecturers had never delivered online courses, they failed to use the appropriate tenets to deliver lectures to their students. The aim of this work is to put forth a concise methodology for building an e-learning course; the case of Central Africa. This work starts by outlining the principal e-learning approaches and further discusses the e-learning building blocks and components to enable instructors to understand the chemistry behind e-learning. It finally put forth a concise methodology for building an e-learning course; the case of Central Africa. Keywords: E-learning

The Role of Green HRM In Integrating Environmental Sustainability in Human Resource Management Practices: A Case Study of Green HRM In the Oil and Gas Sector []


The study investigates the role of Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) in integrating environmental sustainability into HR practices. GHRM aims to reduce negative workforce effects on the environment, ensuring employee engagement and productivity. It also focuses on establishing a work culture that supports the environment and attracts environmentally responsible individuals. The study uses a 20-question questionnaire distributed to 113 employees of Petroleum Development Oman and OQ. Data analysis using SMART PLS reveals that green HR practices significantly impact organizational sustainability and long-term goals. The study contributes to understanding the roles and impacts of GHRM, its relationship with employee engagement, and the challenges associated with its implementation. It also provides reliable sources to explain the influences, relationships, and challenges behind GHRM practices. The study concludes by discussing the results and future research challenges.

ASSESSMENT ON THE INVENTORY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF SELECTED MICRO-SCALE STORES AT STO. TOMAS CITY, BATANGAS []


Effective inventory management is crucial for businesses to make informed decisions and adapt swiftly to market changes. This study aims to assess the inventory management practices of selected micro-scale stores in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, and enhance these practices using Engineering Management principles. Conducted in the local area, the research involves profiling and surveying the current inventory management processes employed by the stores. Key practices examined include Economic Order Quantity (EOQ), Just-In-Time (JIT), ABC Analysis, and various Rules of Thumb. Following the surveys, the study identifies the severity of challenges faced by these stores. The researchers used a structured instrument to gather data, revealing that inventory management practices utilizing Just-In-Time (JIT) and ABC Analysis did not show significant differences across store types, with all computed p-values exceeding 0.05. However, a significant difference was noted between the use of Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) and Rule of Thumb across store types, with p-values of 0.013 and 0.007, respectively. Overall, the findings indicate no significant differences in the implementation of inventory management practices among micro-scale stores when categorized by type, as reflected by a p-value of 0.576. This study provides insights and recommendations aimed at improving inventory management efficiency for local store owners. Keywords: inventory management, micro-scale, EOQ, JIT, ABC Analysis