Volume 12, Issue 12, December 2024 Edition - GSJ Journal Publication

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Incorporating ESG into the long-term strategic planning in Sri Lanka’s FMCG Sector []


Inclusion of Environmental, Social and Governance considerations into strategic planning is an increasing leadership priority for organizations in the world. The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods sectors in Sri Lanka, operating in an extremely competitive and fast-changing context, integrate ESG for reasons other than compliance or reputation but as a strategic necessity to achieve long-term sustainability, resilience, and growth. This review investigates the methods, difficulties, and consequences of including ESG considerations in the long-term strategic decision-making processes of FMCG in Sri Lanka and provides information on good practices and policy-making recommendations. The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry in Sri Lanka is highly recognized for its contribution to both GDP and the employed population. At the same time, the industry faces mounting pressure from stakeholders-consumers and investors-along with regulators, to adopt sustainable business operations. While concerns about environmental factors-such as resource limitation, waste treatment, and carbon footprint reduction have been becoming increasingly important for some time due to the increasing crisis in the climate. And social determinants of moral evidence community-based development, well-being of employees, and fair-value chains show the need of inclusion and respect. Governance, for instance, is another driver of adopting a robust ESG framework in strategic planning: transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance. Moreover, initiatives focused on workforce diversity, neighborhood support, and fair trade have strengthened consumer loyalty and employee engagement. The key suggestions are in the direction of targets for the clear evidence-based ESG reporting frameworks, improved ESG relevant education and training, and use of the digital tools for the collection and analysis of data.

A Survey About the Relationship Between Renewable Energy, and Artificial Intelligence []


This essay will discuss renewable energy. It discusses the various forms of renewable energy, the intricacy of a power grid that incorporates RE, the connection between artificial intelligence and limited energy, and, to a lesser extent, optimisation methods based on AI for the sizing of integrated renewable energy systems in smart cities. The Integrated Renewable Energy System (IRES) is a key component of the Smart City. Issues relating to energy supply and demand can be resolved by integrating the available renewable energy sources. Their appropriate size is required to adjust to future integrated renewable energy sources in order to maintain a stable state of energy supply and demand. Various writers have proposed different methods to implement the integrated renewable energy system in order to meet technological, economic, and size issues. This study offers a thorough analysis of a number of subjects pertaining to integrated renewable energy systems (IRES)-based power generation for smart cities. The integration of various energy sources, the use of smart grids for integration, and techniques for IRES sizing using software and artificial intelligence algorithms are all covered in detail. The scaling of integrated renewable energy systems in smart cities is the subject of this article's review of several AI algorithms.

THE EFFECT OF BOARD CHARACTERISTICS ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LISTED MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN NIGERIA []


This study examined how board characteristics influence the financial performance of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria. Using an ex-post-facto research design, the research relied on secondary data to investigate the relationship between the variables. The population consisted of all manufacturing companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), with a sample of ten (10) firms selected for analysis. Data were obtained from the annual financial reports of these companies over a ten-year period (2014–2023) and analyzed through multiple regression techniques. The study found that board independence had a positive but statistically insignificant effect on the financial performance of the sampled firms, while board size also showed a positive yet insignificant influence. However, gender diversity demonstrated a positive and significant impact on the financial performance of the firms. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the sampled firms increase the representation of women on their boards to enhance gender diversity, which can significantly contribute to improving their financial performance.

Anthropogenic Pollution-Induced Environmental Degradation: An Existential Crisis Demanding Imperative Remediation []


Anthropogenic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges of our time, leading to extensive environmental degradation that threatens the very fabric of life on Earth. This article explores the multifaceted impacts of human-induced pollution from air and water contamination to soil degradation and biodiversity loss. It highlights the urgent need for comprehensive remediation strategies that not only address the symptoms of pollution but also tackle its root causes. By fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of human activities and environmental health, we can inspire collective action toward sustainable practices and policies. Ultimately, this existential crisis calls for a paradigm shift in how we interact with our planet, emphasizing the necessity of stewardship and responsibility for future generations.

EFFECTIVENESS OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION MECHANISMS IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECT DELIVERY: A CASE STUDY OF LAGOS STATE. []


This study evaluates the effectiveness of dispute resolution mechanisms (DRMs) in construction project delivery in Lagos State, Nigeria, where rapid urbanization has heightened the scale and complexity of projects, increasing the incidence of disputes. These disputes, often rooted in payment delays, scope variations, and contract ambiguities, cause project delays and financial losses. The research focuses on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms mediation, arbitration, and adjudication as well as traditional litigation to assess their applicability, effectiveness, and stakeholder preferences. Using data collected via surveys from construction practitioners, the study identifies Adjudication, Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), and Conciliation as the most effective methods, while litigation and conciliation were less favored. The findings underline the need for education, technological adoption, and hybrid DRMs to enhance dispute management practices. This research contributes to improving project delivery by advocating for more collaborative approaches in Lagos State’s construction industry.

AN EVALUATION OF THE UPTAKE OF TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL (TECHVOC) COURSES IN TEACHER TRAINING INSTITUTION []


The dawn of the education 5.0 philosophy, hinged upon the five pillars; teaching, community service, research, innovation and industrialisation, introduced the spirit of community-based research aimed at producing innovative outputs. As a strategy to achieve this five-pillar ministerial call, the studied institution introduced the technical and vocational (TECHVOC) programme in teacher education intended to equip their trainee teachers with a hands – on practical survival skills, whose uptake has not yet been assessed. This study sought to evaluate the level of TECHVOC uptake by student teachers and identify the opportunities and challenges associated with the program’s implementation in a bid to develop intervention strategies for its success. To identify the factors influencing the uptake of the TECHVOC programme, the concurrent procedures were retrospectively adopted under the mixed approach to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Ten purposively sampled lecturers were given questionnaires. Of the 148 students obtained through stratified random sampling, 100 responded to questionnaires and 48 were interviewed. Participant observation was also used to reduce participant bias and enhance triangulation. The study revealed that the TECHVOC programme equips students with lifelong hands-on skills that help to minimize community challenges. Also, the programme was found to bridge the gap of delay in deployment after acquiring the diploma certificate. However, negative student attitude, inadequate resources and overloading of students and lecturers were the looming challenges identified. Proper stakeholder consultative planning, provision of adequate resources, proper lecturer training and continuous supervision will enable the benefits of the TECHVOC programme to be fully realised.

Marketing Mix of Rattan Business in Nepal []


This paper examines the marketing mix of rattan canes businesses, with a focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Rattan cane enterprises rely on both domestic and international sources for raw materials, and the market is largely unorganized, with individual-level operations dominating the industry. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the marketing mix in relation to the 7Ps framework, which includes price, product, place, promotion, people, process, and physical evidence. A simple random sampling method was employed to select participants from rattan processing enterprises. A questionnaire survey was then conducted among 46 rattan entrepreneurs, representing a total of 66 enterprises, including rattan processing industries, rattan traders, and Community Forest User Groups. The findings of the study indicate that, among the seven Ps, place and process are relatively stronger aspects of service delivery, while price and people are considered moderate. However, product, promotion, and physical evidence are identified as weak areas in terms of service delivery within the rattan business. It is concluded that rattan processing industries continue to rely on traditional tools and technologies, which has resulted in a lack of competitiveness in penetrating both national and international markets. Furthermore, poorly segmented distribution channels have hindered their sales efforts, while limited promotional activities have restricted awareness of their products among potential customers. In conclusion, the study highlights the need for rattan businesses to modernize their operations and adopt more effective marketing strategies in order to enhance their competitiveness and expand their market reach.

Gender Discrimination and Women's Participation in Politics: A Case Study of Umuhia North Local Government Area Abia State,Nigeria []


This study investigated the factors influencing gender discrimination and women's participation in politics, focusing on the Afara-Ukwu Ibeku community in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State as a case study. Three hypotheses were formulated to guide the research. The study employed a well-structured questionnaire to collect data for analysis, examining variables such as political appointments, the effects of women's participation, and barriers to their involvement in politics. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted as the primary methodology, with a total of 120 respondents selected using population sampling techniques. Data were presented using simple percentages, while the hypotheses were tested using chi-square statistical analysis at a 0.05 level of significance. The study's recommendations emphasized the need to address challenges posed by cultural and traditional practices, implicit biases, and other systemic barriers to women's political participation. The findings underscored that the relationship between gender discrimination and women's involvement in politics is complex and multifaceted, significantly impacting their ability to participate fully and equitably in the political process.

The Renewal Theory of Universal Origin with Relation to Energy []


A number of theories are proposed on how our universe was originated which include Big Bang theory, Steady State theory, Inflationary theory, Cyclic Models, Multiverse theory and Quantum Creation theories etc. Some of them are widely accepted, a few of them are proved partly, while many of them are still doubtful. Big Bang theory explains the beginning of universe through a singularity and keep expanding after that. Then an extensive version of Big Bang came known as Inflation theory which sorted out many other problems. Here are our observations on this vast topic which states the following problems; How the universe, cosmos and galaxies are so stable; why inflation happened, after inflation what left behind and it’s relationship with energy.

AWARENESS OF FORENSIC MEDICINE SERVICES STAFF IN HAIL WITH APPROPRIATE INFECTION CONTROL PRACTICES []


The study provides a comprehensive evaluation of infection control awareness, implementation, and attitudes among forensic medical staff in Hail. Given the high-risk nature of forensic work, which frequently involves exposure to biological hazards and infectious materi-als, adherence to strict infection control measures is essential. The findings reveal a generally strong awareness and agreement on the im-portance of infection control practices among forensic staff. This is reflected in their recognition of the challenges faced and the value they place on formal training and adherence to protocols. However, the study also highlights some areas needing improvement. Despite a high level of agreement on the necessity of infection con-trol measures and their implementation, there are inconsistencies in practice adherence and understanding of certain infection control measures. For instance, while personal protective equipment (PPE) usage and sterilization protocols are generally well-regarded and ap-plied, the responses indicate variability in their routine application and the overall understanding of infection control guidelines. These findings underscore the need for ongoing efforts to enhance infection control practices within forensic medicine. Recommendations include strengthening training programs to address identified gaps, ensuring clearer and more comprehensive infection control guidelines, and improving the consistency of resource availability and application. Addressing these areas will help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation, ensuring that forensic medical staff in Hail can better manage the risks associated with their work. The study's insights are crucial for informing policy and practice improvements in forensic medical settings. By identifying current strengths and weaknesses, the research provides a foundation for developing targeted interventions that will enhance safety and efficacy in forensic medicine. Ultimately, this research contributes to safeguarding both forensic medical professionals and the broader community by ensuring adherence to robust infection control standards, aligned with both nation-al and international guidelines.

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE BASED SYS-TEM FOR STUDENTS PERSONALIZED LEARNING []


Personalized learning using Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a method to apply enhanced AI technology to produce tailored learning understandings that suits the desires of each different student. This paper explored the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education to monitor and enhance students’ performance by providing personalized interventions for at-risk students. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can analyze diverse data sources such as attendance, test scores, assignments, and practical performance to identify students who may be struggling academically. A dataset of 5001 students from different educational institutions was collected and divided into training and testing sets. This facilitated the development of a working machine learning model. The study developed machine learning models, including decision trees, to predict student outcomes and guide educators in providing appropriate support. The model’s efficacy was evaluated by comparing student’s performance with and without interventions, with a focus on improving academic outcomes and reducing dropout or withdrawal rates. By automating the identification of students needing additional help, the system aims to offer hands-on measures like tutoring, counseling, and tailored study plans. This research augmented the potential of AI to transform educational practices, enhance teaching efficiency, and provide data-driven insights for decision-making, ultimately fostering improved learning outcomes and student retention.

Green Finance []


Abstract Green Finance has emerged as a critical approach to reconciling economic growth with environmental sustainability, necessitating the integration of ecological considerations into financial decision-making processes. This paradigm shift emphasizes the deployment of financial instruments such as green bonds and renewable energy investments to support climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable infrastructure development globally. Major economies, including China, have pioneered green banking guidelines and specialized financial products, underscoring a strategic commitment to sustainable development. However, Green Finance encounters significant challenges, including the absence of standardized metrics for evaluating environmental impacts and regulatory inconsistencies across jurisdictions, which hinder its widespread adoption. Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts to establish transparent standards and resilient governance frameworks that enhance the credibility and effectiveness of green financial practices. Technological advancements and interdisciplinary research collaborations play pivotal roles in optimizing the impact and scalability of Green Finance initiatives, ensuring they contribute meaningfully to global sustainability goals. Looking forward, the future of Green Finance lies in its ability to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth while mitigating climate-related risks. By aligning financial incentives with long-term environmental objectives, Green Finance not only fosters resilience against climate change impacts but also catalyzes broader socio-economic benefits. Ultimately, advancing Green Finance is crucial for navigating towards a resilient and environmentally responsible global economy. Keywords: Green Finance, Sustainability, Investments, Strategies, Platforms

Job Stress, Satisfaction, and Performance: Insights from Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Industry []


The aviation industry is a dynamic and high-stakes environment where job stress, satisfaction, and performance are intricately linked. This study investigates the relationship between these three variables within Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector, focusing on key personnel, including pilots, flight attendants, dispatchers, air traffic controllers, and lower-level employees. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing surveys and interviews to collect data from 110 participants. Findings reveal that job stress significantly impacts both job satisfaction and performance, with workload, managerial behavior, and lack of decision-making autonomy identified as primary stressors. Additionally, moderate stress levels are shown to enhance job performance, aligning with the Yerkes-Dodson law. Job satisfaction, influenced by factors such as fair compensation, opportunities for promotion, and supportive management, is positively correlated with improved job performance. The study provides actionable recommendations for mitigating stress, enhancing job satisfaction, and improving organizational performance in the aviation industry. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of human factors in aviation, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to foster a healthier and more productive work environment.

Digital Transformation in the Aviation Industry: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future []


The aviation industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by digital technologies. This paper examines the role of digital transformation in aviation, focusing on its impact on operational efficiency, customer experience, and overall business performance. The research explores key technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain, highlighting their applications and benefits within the industry. Through a detailed literature review and qualitative analysis, this paper identifies the challenges faced by aviation organizations in adopting digital solutions and provides recommendations for overcoming these barriers. Ultimately, this study aims to provide insights into how digital transformation can shape the future of the aviation industry, enhancing both operational and customer-focused outcomes

INFLUENCE OF CLAIMS RATIO, INVESTMENT RESULTS, OWN RETENTION RATIO, AND INVESTMENT ADEQUACY RATIO ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF SHARIA INSURANCE COMPANY IN INDONESIA []


Purpose : This study was conducted to determine and analyze the combined and individual influence of claims ratio, investment results, own retention ratio, and investment adequacy ratio on financial performance of Sharia insurance company in Indonesia. Study design/methodology/approach : In this study, the population consisted of Sharia insurance company from 2017 to 2021, including 55, 29, and 26 Sharia insurance, Sharia life insurance, and Sharia general insurance company, respectively. The method used non-probability purposive sampling, where samples were selected based on specific characteristics relevant to the design. This study used time series and cross-sectional data, often referred to as panel data. Therefore, panel data possesses characteristics of both types, consisting of multiple entities and covering several periods. Time series data in this study spaned specific intervals, from 2017 to 2021. Conversely, cross-sectional data is related to data within a specific time frame across several company. Panel data regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between independent variables. Findings : The results showed that claims ratio, investment results, own retention ratio, and investment adequacy ratio have a simultaneous and significant influence on financial performance of Sharia insurance company. However, the individual influence of the variables did not have a significant effect. In this context, variations in the variables were not followed by changes in financial performance of Sharia insurance company.

Tanzania detainee facilities in relation to international standards (UN standard) []


Justice for pre-trial detainees in Tanzania remains a critical issue, with ongoing challenges despite efforts to improve conditions. This study examines the rights of detainees awaiting trial and draws on Tanzania’s experience with the United Nations Detention Facility in Arusha. Notwithstanding of Tanzania being signatories to number of treaties which provide for the protection of the detainees’ rights and recognition of article 9(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, article 6 of the African Charter of Human and Peoples’ Rights, article 7(1) of the American Convention on Human Rights and article 5(1) of the European Convention on Human Rights guarantee a person’s right to liberty and security, treatment of pre-trial detainee awaiting trial is incompatible with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations as well as with the fundamental principles enunciated in the Universal declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations Standards minimum rules for the treatment of prisoners. This study inter alia exposes the situation that deprive human beings of their freedom and to subject them to physical constraint in conditions of hardship is incompatible with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Among the objective of the study was to evaluate the current conditions of human rights of detainees awaiting trial in selected Tanzanian pre-trial detention facilities as well to examine Tanzania’s adherence to international, regional, and domestic legal frameworks of pre-trial detainees’ rights. It analyzed the human rights of detainees awaiting trial in the Tanzanian pre-trial detention facilities with a comparative look at the practice of the United Nations Detention Facility that the country hosted from 1996 to 2023 in Arusha and highlight, from a comparative perspective, the best practices of the United Nations Detention Facility in Arusha that Tanzania can learn from to improve the rights of pre-trial detainees in its own facilities. This study used doctrinal research, which is qualitative in nature. The finding has revealed that there is little compliance of the Tanzanian government with international legal framework especially on enhancing the rights to detainee during their Pre-trial phase which has exposed Tanzania among worst countries in guaranteeing human rights to the detainee.

EVALUATION OF MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF VINYLESTER COMPOSITES REINFORCEMENT WITH BANYAN BARK FIBER []


Natural fiber-based composites are increasingly being developed as an alternative environmentally friendly material to replace synthetic fibers. This study evaluates the mechanical properties of vinylester composites reinforced with banyan bark fiber, focusing on tensile and bending strengths. The study aims to analyze the effect of fiber volume fraction on the mechanical properties of the composite and evaluate the potential of banyan bark fiber as a mechanical reinforcement. The research methodology involves fabrication of composites with fiber volume fractions of 10%, 15%, and 20%, using the hand lay-up method. Tensile and bending tests were carried out according to ASTM standards to obtain mechanical strength data. Data were analyzed using ANOVA to determine the significance of differences in mechanical properties between specimens. The results showed that the addition of banyan bark fiber did not increase the mechanical properties of the composite, but rather decreased them. The tensile strength of pure vinylester resin of 40.225 MPa decreased to 16.1 MPa, 18.8 MPa, and 14.1 MPa at fiber volume fractions of 10%, 15%, and 20%, respectively. A similar pattern occurred in the bending strength, which decreased from 75.298 MPa to 51.779 MPa, 44.473 MPa, and 38.786 MPa. This decrease was associated with low fiber tensile strength (30.1 MPa) and suboptimal fiber-matrix adhesion. The conclusion shows that banyan tree bark fiber is not effective as the main mechanical reinforcement in vinylester resin under these conditions. Further research is needed to improve fiber-matrix adhesion through fiber modification and fabrication process optimization.