Volume 11, Issue 7, July 2023 Edition - GSJ Journal Publication

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THE EFFECT OF FINANCIAL LEVERAGE ON THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF QUOTED INDUSTRIAL GOODS FIRMS IN NIGERIA []


This study sought to ascertain whether variations in financial leverage significantly affect financial performance of quoted industrial goods firms in Nigeria. Financial leverage is the extent to which debt capital are combined with equity and used in a firm’s capital structure. The specific objectives of the study are: i. to determine the effects of debt-to-equity ratio on stock returns of quoted industrial goods firms in Nigeria. ii. to assess the effect of long-term debt ratio on stock returns of quoted industrial goods firms in Nigeria. In line with the above objectives, the following null hypotheses were formulated. Ho1: There is no significant effect of debt-to-equity ratio on financial performance proxy by stock returns of quoted industrial goods firms in Nigeria. Ho2: There is no significant effect of long term debt ratio on financial performance proxy by stock returns of quoted industrial goods firms in Nigeria. The study analyzed data from financial statement of 14 (fourteen) quoted industrial goods firms in Nigeria covering the period 2010-2022. The following findings were made: i. The is a significant but negative relationship between debt-to- equity ratio and cash value added of quoted industrial goods firms in Nigeria at 5% level of significance. ii. The is a significant but negative relationship between long-term debt ratio and cash value added of industrial goods firms in Nigeria at 5% level of significance.The following recommendations were made: i. In an attempt to reverse the negative relationship between debt –to- equity ratio and cash value added, firms need to look more closely at the company’s ability to pay its debts obligations by managing the use of assets and cash flows to reduce the firms risk of loss from not paying a liability on time.. ii. In order to reverse the negative relationship between Long term debt ratio and cash value added, industrial goods firms should employ financing mix that can improve their earning per share, market capitalization and enhance the value of the firm for the benefit of the shareholders.


FACTORS INFLUENCING CUSTOMER CARE AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SELECTED UPMARKET HOTELS IN RWANDA []


ABSTRACT Worldwide, Customer care is a crucial and exclusive topic of many debates in today’s world of business and finance, reason being that customer care service is both an outcome and profit strategy. Globally, meeting guest needs and expectations is a continuous struggle due to changes in guests’ perceptions towards poor service delivery. The purpose of this study is to assess the influence of customer care and performance of upmarket hotels in Kigali, Rwanda. The study was guided by three specific objectives including; determine the importance of customer service and the effectiveness of particular upscale hotels, assess the quality of customer service provided in upscale hotels and establish strategies to boost market performance by providing acceptable customer care in a few high-end Rwandan hotels. The study was based on three theories: Customer loyalty and satisfaction theory, social exchange theory and Customer service theory. A descriptive research design was used in the study. The study employed a mixed method of qualitative and quantitative data collection. The study's target population consisted of 9,395 customers and 605 employees. To obtain a sample size of 385 respondents, the study used Convenience sampling method. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect primary data. The quantitative data were analyzed with SPSS version 21 to create frequency tables and charts and descriptive statistics were employed by the researcher to analyze qualitative data. According to the study findings p=0.05 with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.796. The findings revealed that there is a strong positive linear correlation between customer care and hotel performance, which means that the strong increase in customer care increases the hotel performance strongly. The study also concluded that hotels that include a wide range of offerings and top-notch customer service into their operations will unavoidably see exceptional growth in their numerous performance measures. The recommendation of the study is that four-and five-star hotel marketing managers must plan and formulate marketing programs that will meet consumers' needs due to the competitive nature of the industry. Establishing proper plans may bring about strong positive relationship between customer care and performance of the upmarket hotels. Key words: Customer care, Performance, Upmarket Hotels, Hospitality, Rwanda


Optimizing Distribution Time Performance: Simulation-based Study of Loading and Unloading Operations at New Priok Container Terminal 1, Jakarta, using System Layout Planning Method and Anylogic Software []


Containers have become a primary choice for shipping logistics and cargo in global trade. According to statistical data, more than 90% of international shipments are transported via sea. As a maritime country with two-thirds of its territory consisting of water, Indonesia naturally leverages this mode of transport due to its various advantages. One of the efforts to harness sea transportation is providing international-standard container terminals to facilitate smooth trading activities in Indonesia, particularly in Jakarta, the busiest trade and cargo shipping center. Despite being the 23rd busiest country in port activities worldwide, Indonesia ranks only 51st out of 160 countries in the international ports' Logistic Performance Index (LPI). One of the contributing factors to the decline in Jakarta's port ranking is the timeliness in the loading and unloading processes for import and export activities. The author has designed a simulation to address the optimization challenges in the loading and unloading operations at the New Priok Container Terminal in Jakarta. This simulation aims to optimize the layout using the System Layout Planning (SLP) method and analyze it using AnyLogic software. The goal is to improve timeliness, enhance the LPI rating, and foster trust in the services provided at Jakarta's ports. Ultimately, the recommended layout presented in this thesis can be utilized to construct NPCT 2 and 3, currently under development, to implement the SLP method.


WORKING WITH GENERATION Y EMPLOYEES: WORK PERFORMANCE TOWARDS HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IN SELECTED SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRIES []


The engagement among Generation Y (Millennial) employees in the semiconductor industry is essential taking into consideration that they make up the fastest growing segment of the workforce and the semiconductor and electronics manufacturing industry is the biggest economic growth driver in the Philippines. Therefore, in the light of the relationship between work environment and employee engagement, it is vital to carry out a study to find out the perceived work environment and its effects to the engagement of Generation Y employees in semiconductor industry being one of the biggest contributor in the national economy. This study is grounded on the Two Factor Theory by Frederick Herzberg in order to explain the link between work environment and employee engagement. This study aims to determine the relationship between the condition of work environment with the level of engagement of Generation Y employees in select semiconductor industry companies in Laguna and Cavite. The results of the study may be used as basis for enhancing human resources development program. The population of the study comprised of Generation Y employees in the two (2) selected semiconductor industries in Laguna and Cavite. Researcher has chosen a purposive type of sampling technique. Most of the generation Y employees are still in their 20’s and are considered as young adults. Most of the generation Y employees in select semiconductor companies were dominated by males. Most of the generation Y employees in select semiconductor companies have finished their bachelor’s degree. The extent of work environment in select semiconductor companies classified as to physical work environment, management and leadership style, and work-life balance is interpreted as agree. The extents of work environment in select semiconductor companies classified as to salary, reward system, and training and development are interpreted as slightly agree. The levels of engagement of generation Y employees in select semiconductor companies as to growth, teamwork, management support, and basic needs, are interpreted as agree. There is a significant relationship between the extent of work environment and level of engagement when grouped according to age, gender, and educational status. There is a significant relationship between the extents of work environment with the level of engagement of Generation Y employees in select semiconductor industry companies. Keywords: Generation Y Employees, Semi-conductor Industry, Human Resources Development Program


ANALYSIS OF EXPECTATIONS AND PERCEPTIONS OF FAMILY VISIT SERVICES FOR CORRECTION INTENDED CITIZENS IN THE KENDARI CLASS IIA STATE PRIZE []


This study aims to identify and analyze: (1) the gap between the expectations and perceptions of visitors to Penitentiary Residents (WBP) for visiting services at the Kendari Class IIA State Detention Center. (2) The level of satisfaction of visitors to Correctional Families (WBP) for visiting services at the Class IIA Kendari State Detention Center. (3) The level of service performance at the Kendari Class IIA State Detention Center according to the perception of Visitors to Correctional Assistance (WBP). This research uses a descriptive quantitative approach. The population of this study was visitors/families of Correctional Families in Class IIA Kendari State Detention Center, namely 100 people, the sample of this study was determined randomly. Data collection uses a questionnaire and analysis uses IPA (Performance Analysis Index) and CSI (Costumer Satisfaction Index). The results of the study showed (1) the gap between the expectations and perceptions of visitors to Correctional Families (WBP) for visiting services at the Class IIA Kendari State Detention Center has a negative gap value. This means that there is a gap between expectations that are bigger than the reality perceived by visitors; (2) the level of satisfaction of visitors to Correctional Families (WBP) for visiting services at Class IIA Kendari State Detention Center is on a fairly satisfied scale; (3) the level of service performance at the Class IIA Kendari State Detention Center according to the perception of visitors to the families of Penitentiary Assisted Residents (WBP) the majority of the attributes are in quadrant I (Top Priority) which means that the attributes considered important by respondents but their performance is still not good.


THE INFLUENCE OF WORKLOAD, OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY, AND HEALTH (K3) ON EMPLOYEE WORK PRODUCTIVITY AT PT. XL AXIATA Tbk. SOUTHEAST SULAWESI BRANCH []


This study aims to find out and analyze the influence of workload, occupational safety, and health on the work productivity of PT. XL Axiata Tbk. Southeast Sulawesi Branch. The sample in the study was all employees, totaling 46 people. This study uses descriptive analysis and SmartPLS. The sample in this study was 46 employees and the data analysis method used PLS analysis. The research results show that: (1) Workload has a positive and insignificant effect on work productivity. (2) Occupational safety and health. (K3) has a positive and significant effect on work productivity.


AN EVALUATION OF THE COMMUNITY LED TOTAL SANITATION APPROACH IN SOME SELECTED COMMUNITIES IN THE CENTRAL REGION []


Many sanitation delivery approaches have been implemented in Ghana; however, these approaches have failed to increase sanitation coverage. In recent years, the implementation of Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach has shown some significant contribution to coverage and adoption of improved sanitation behaviour. This study assessed the Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach to sanitation delivery in selected communities in the Central region. This study adopted a mixed method research design. One hundred and forty–five householders were randomly selected from four communities. Interview guides, interview schedules and observational checklists were used to obtain the data from respondents. The SPSS software was used to analyse quantitative data while thematic and content analysis approach was used to analyse the qualitative data. Frequencies, percentages, tables and cross-tabulations were used to present the data. The study revealed that the practice of open defecation was eradicated after CLTS implementation and community members adopted improved household latrines. Again, findings showed the triggering of community members was handled mainly by Local NGOs with the support of Plan Ghana and Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA). The study identified a number of institutions involved in CLTS implementation such as CWSA, Plan Ghana, Water and sanitation management teams (WATSANs), and District Water and Sanitation Teams (DWSTs). Findings revealed that these institutions knew exactly what their roles were and roles of their partner institutions. However, the study revealed some major institutional challenges including inadequate funds for CLTS monitoring and WATSAN activities, inadequate logistical support for the WATSANs and the DWSTs, limited number of staff, and capacity at the district level among others. It is recommended that the banks must assist community members through micro-credits for latrine construction; WATSANs given adequate financial motivation; adequate funds provided by the district for follow-up activities etc. The result of this study is useful to policymakers by formulating a national CLTS policy specifying the strategies and actions that will guide all districts and all water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) intuitions.


Assessment of food security and poverty status among households in Ondo East Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria []


The study was carried out to investigate the assessment of food security and poverty status among households in Ondo East Local Government of Ondo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to; describe the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents in the study area; ascertain food security status among households in the study area; identify factors that determine food security in the study area; determine the poverty status of households in the study area. Multi-stage sampling technique was used in the selection of 120 respondents in the study area. Descriptive Statistics, Dietary Diversification, Likert Rating Scale, Foster-Greer Thorbecke (FGT). Poverty Measures were used to analyze data collected from the field. The study revealed 37.5% and 28.4% of the respondents were within the age group of 41 – 50 years old and 31 – 40 years old respectively. Also, 18.3% of the respondents were within the age group of 51 – 60 years, 12.5% of the respondents were within the age group of 61 years and above. The mean age of the respondents is 42.4 years. This implies that households in the study area are relatively able-bodied which enhance sustainable production. Foster, Greer and Thorbecke (FGT) Poverty Measures revealed that 58.3% are poor and 41.7% are non-poor. The result revealed that this result agrees with the World Bank (2012) which expressed about 56% of Nigerians are poverty hidden. Dietary Diversification was used to determine the food security status of the respondents. It shows that majority (97.5%) of the respondents were satisfied with their level of food security while 2.5% of the respondents were not satisfied with their level of food security. The study recommended among others that there is need for government to create right policy and enact policies that are aimed at increasing the income generation ability of rural households.


Influence of Inter-Ethnic Marriage on Students Academic Performance: A Case Study of Public Secondary School Students in Some Selected States in Nigeria []


This study examined the influence of inter-ethnic marriages on the academic performance of public secondary schools students from such homes in four purposefully selected states in the Southern part of Nigeria. To achieve this aim, the study adopted the survey type of research design. The major instruments used for the primary data collection was a self-designed structured type of research questionnaire and personal interview guide. Data collected was analyzed with mean scores and the Chi square statistics. The analysis of data collected revealed that inter-ethnic marriages by sheer composition do not have any influence on the academic performance of public secondary school students in the study area. Based on this finding, it is concluded that the academic performance of students from inter-ethnic marriage homes in the area is influenced by other factors including the couples belief, values and attitudinal disposition towards their children education. KEYWORDS: Inter-ethnic marriage, Influence, Academic Performance, Secondary School Students. 2


Religion and Ethnic Polarization in Africa: Case studies of Senegal and Ghana. []


Religion and ethnic polarization in Africa are not a strange or in-familiar phenomenon, the Ethnonationalism that is inherent in Africa is an outcome of its ethic and tribal pluralism. For Africa and for the Africa this narrative is common but not totally acceptable across all tribal groups and ethnic formation. The Famously carved phrase “Religion is the opium of the masses” was not merely an exaggeration. Karl Marx’ position was due to the intoxicating effect religion had on the populace. The Marxist school of thought admonishes that religion is merely an instrument for exploration that further deepens the effect of social class groups and class stratifications in the society. This article aims to establish an appraisal on the concept of Religion and ethnic polarization in Africa using Senegal and Ghana as case studies. KEYWORDS: Ethnic, Religion, Polarization, Senegal, Ghana.


COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION AND STUDENT UNREST IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN TRANS-NZOIA WEST SUB-COUNTY []


The frequent occurrence of student unrest has often resulted in frequent destruction of school property and loss of life in some incidences. The objective of the study was to look at the relationship between community contribution and student unrest in public secondary schools in Trans-Nzoia West Sub-County, Kenya. The target population was picked from 42 public secondary schools in Trans-Nzoia West sub- County, chiefs’ and the Sub-County director of education in the Sub- County. The mixed research design was adopted where both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. Sampling involved the simple random sampling, purposive sampling and proportional sampling. Data collection instruments included the use of questionnaires, interviews and observation. Data was analysed using Descriptive statistics; Mean median and standard deviation while inferential statistics used were multiple regression analysis and correlation. The study was informed by the social system theory and the problem triangle. The outcome displayed that community contribution had a negative influence on student unrest. The analysis established that there was a strong positive and significant relationship between community contribution and student unrest in public secondary schools at r=.571**, r=0.01. The regression analysis revealed that community contribution to student unrest in schools accounts for 32.6 % of the variability to the unrest in public secondary schools. This results concur with other studies carried out. The recommendations made were that the school and community should work together to minimize cases of unrest.


MEDICAL OXYGEN AND IT’S DELIVERY DEVICES TO PATIENTS WITH COMPLICATIONS OF HYPOXEMIA: An Overview - Part 1 []


This paper is an elucidation and overview of medical oxygen, it’s delivery devices to patients, problems and maintenance attempts in the developing economy. Oxygen use has extended from inpatient to outpatient settings for patients with chronic pulmonary diseases and complications of hypoxemia. Oxygen devices (oxygen concentrators, compressed gas cylinders and liquid oxygen) and delivery systems (high- and low-flow), has been critically examined. The indications, advantages and disadvantages of each device and delivery system are here presented, aiming to offer updated knowledge to healthcare and effective patient management. In addition, results of this research, offers the multidisciplinary team members managing patients with respiratory failure a better guide, to appropriate selection of devices and delivery systems that are tailored to the needs of each patient.


FROM THE ACADEMIC TRACK TO TLE: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY ON SHS TO COLLEGE COURSE ALIGNMENT []


This qualitative phenomenological study explores the alignment of senior high school (SHS) and college courses in the Philippines, specifically between the Academic Track and Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) approaches. The study applied theories of college selection, happenstance theory, and social cognitive career theory to understand the participants lived experiences. Four participants from the BTLED department were purposively selected for in-depth interviews and a focus group study using an interview guide question. Results indicate that students who switched from the Academic Track to TLE as a college course provide more favorable feedback according to the identified themes. The findings suggest that the TLE program is a viable option for students who may not have initially considered an academic future but are now thriving in it. This study highlights the need for a student-centered educational strategy that aligns senior high school and college curricula to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for success in their chosen fields. By doing so, we can improve outcomes for individuals and society.


AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF DEBT MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA []


This study evaluated the effect of debt management on economic growth in Nigeria. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. Data were collected from secondary sources. A regression model was adopted for the analysis. The study of the study was three hundred and fifty (352) respondents from debt management office Abuja. The sample size for the study was one hundred and fifty (150) respondents that were selected from various departments of the debt management office. The study revealed that foreign debt has a positive and significant effect on the economic growth in Nigeria. Domestic debt was equally found to have a positive and significant effect on the economic growth of Nigeria. Total debt has a positive effect on the economic growth in Nigeria. The study concluded that debt management is an important factor on the economic growth of developing nations like Nigeria. It was recommended that financial experts, policy makers, and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should integrate suitable as well as appropriate measures towards ensuring effective management of domestic debts in order to enhance gross domestic product as well as the economic growth of Nigeria. That the Nigerian government should put in place more management techniques and restriction on access to external or foreign debt as most of the external debt cannot be accounted for in the infrastructural projects claimed by some of the ministries, and that part of the external debts should directed towards encouraging investment in the system so as to increase capital formation and to achieve sustainable economic growth in the country. The Federal Government of Nigeria should use debt liquidation method in managing total debt in the country in order to avoid unnecessary borrowing in the economy in order to allow for effective and efficient economic growth in the country. Key terms: Public debt, Domestic debt, Total debt, Debt management, Economic growth and Gross Domestic Product (GDP)


An analysis of Organic Matter form waste water by mathematical model of Laplace Transform []


This paper presents major accomplishment of research over all past years in the field of Bio- Mathematics. In this paper we analyzed waste water of different sites and described a mathematical relation between organic matter and salinity by interpolation with Laplace Transform.


OPTIMIZING DATA COLLECTION IN AEMILIANUM COLLEGE INC. ENROLLMENT SYSTEM WITH QUICK RESPONSE CODE INTEGRATION []


This study aimed to design and develop a QR-Enabled Data Collection for Aemilianum College Inc. Enrollment System, which seeks to speed up the current process of data collection during enrollment on the educational institution. The system has an online and offline capability. The offline part of the program involves majority of the process, which includes the management of subjects, management of instructors, management of students and of other system variables. The online part of the system consists mainly of a data collection front where students can input their personal data in advance prior to enrollment, and generate a QR code containing the data, which the admin can scan during the enrollment. The QR code can be printed or saved on a device. The QR-Enabled Data Collection for Aemilianum College Inc. Enrollment System research study focuses on the implementation of a cutting-edge solution to revolutionize the college's enrollment process. Aemilianum College Inc., a prestigious educational institution, currently faces challenges with its manual data collection system during enrollment. This traditional approach is time-consuming, error-prone, and demands significant resources and manpower. To address these issues, this research study proposes the integration of Quick Response (QR) codes into the college's data collection system. By leveraging QR codes, students will have the convenience of filling out digital forms, eliminating the need for paper forms and subsequent manual data entry. The aim is to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and overall convenience of the enrollment system, benefitting both students and administrative staff. By streamlining the enrollment process through QR-enabled data collection, Aemillianum College Inc. can reduce errors, minimize delays, optimize resource allocation, and enhance the overall student experience. This research study will delve into the implementation process, assess the effectiveness of the QR-enabled data collection system, and provide recommendations for further improvements and potential future applications. By exploring the potential of this innovative technology, this study contributes to the field of educational technology and administrative process optimization, providing valuable insights for other educational institutions considering similar advancements. Key Words: Data Collection, Enrollment, Offline, Online, QR-Code


ENHANCED INFORMATION RETRIEVAL: AEMILIANUM COLLEGE INC.'S LIBRARY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM []


The aim of this research paper is to design and develop an online Library Management System (LMS) for Aemilianum College Inc., addressing the limitations and challenges associated with traditional library management. The proposed system offers electronic access to various resources, including books, magazines, and other library materials, thereby enhancing the existing manual library setup for research, general knowledge, and recreational purposes. The motivation behind this study stems from limitations such as document deterioration over time, loss of books due to natural disasters (e.g., typhoons), rising costs of high-value books, instances of misplaced files, and the need for seamless access to local resources like journals, theses, and research works. To overcome these challenges, the researchers introduce a web-based Library Management System that provides convenient, reliable, efficient, and cost-effective services to librarians and library users. By addressing the limitations of physical libraries, this system aligns with the growing demand for technological advancements in digital library audits and accommodates users' evolving learning habits. The integration of available technological resources maximizes the benefits and utility for library users, making information retrieval more efficient and accessible. Key Words: Digital Library Audits, Ease of Access, Information Retrieval, Library Management, Library, Web-Based System


The improved iterative method for the numerical approximation of stiff initial value problems in ordinary differential equations []


Abstract The new iterative method for the integration of stiff ordinary differential equations has taken a more prominent role in the scientific computing over the past decades. The new iterative scheme offers computational savings for many problems involving large stiff systems of differential equations. Careful design of a practical new iterative scheme is crucial, however, to ensure that the resulting method is efficient for a particular equation, we ensure that the method is efficient, effective and cost effective. In this paper we will state and discuss how important the new iterative scheme is, how to construct high-order and to use the method in the most effective way. In particular, we will address the interplay between the structure of a time integrator and the numerical linear and nonlinear stiff algorithms needed to evaluate the exponential-like functions of large stiff matrices efficiently using the new iterative method. Finally, we will present the results of applications of the new iterative integrator to show how effective the method can be used to portrait the actual representation of the stiff equations’ natural or physical interpretation of what they represent in natural phenomena. Comparison with existing numerical methods highlights the advantages of the proposed iterative approach, particularly in terms of stability and convergence properties.


Cas clinique Association hématome rétro placentaire et torsion sur utérus bicorne à propos d’un cas []


Abstract We have demonstrated through our clinical experience that the clinic can guide the diagnosis of complications of pregnancy in a bi-horned uterus. Among these complications, one of the rarest is the association of retroplacental hematoma and torsion of one of the uterine horns. The risk of morbidity is increased in all unattended pregnancies. A better obstetrical prognosis depends on early diagnosis of the uterine malformation at the very beginning of pregnancy.We report the case of a 22-year-old female, 2nd gesture, admitted urgently to the obstetrics department for anemia and abdominal pain on pregnancy. Although the pain and anemia were suggestive of retroplacental hematoma, nothing pointed to this malformation. An emergency caesarean section was required to minimize the complications of retro placental haematoma. Key words Bicornuate uterus - Torsion - Retroplacental hematoma