Volume 12, Issue 5, May 2024 Edition - GSJ Journal Publication

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Project Scheduling Techniques: Displaying and analyzing project schedules []


Abstract This paper proposed that the planning and executing phases of the project life cycle consist of two dimensions: the technical and sociocultural dimensions. Each of these dimensions includes different processes. The current study examined one aspect of the technical dimensions. Specifically, the study examined the scheduling aspect of the technical dimension. This aspect of the technical dimension is of critical importance because successful completion of projects is continuously being challenged due to late delivery of projects. It has been cited in the literature and observed in practice that poor estimation of activity times is one of the causes of late project delivery. This problem is compounded by the uncertainty in the environment in which projects are performed. Therefore, when estimating project activity durations, the impact of the unknown should be taken into account. This is where the use of the Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) approach to time estimation comes into the project scheduling discourse. That said, the main aim of this study is to display, examine, analyze, and evaluate the scheduling aspect of project management. The aim is accomplished by presenting, examining, analyzing, and evaluating the Critical Path Method (CPM) and PERT networks as the two main approaches to scheduling. This is in line with the observation that a schedule is the conversion of a project action plan into an operating timetable. In this study, CPM is used to estimate the project completion times while PERT is used to predict the probability of various project completion times. In the process, three questions were formulated and answered. Tables and figures (AOA and AON) network diagramming models were used for the display while AON model was used for the analysis and evaluation of the project using the one-time and three-points estimating models. The appropriate scheduling approach (either the CPM or the PERT model) to use in a given context was discussed. Key words: CPM, PERT, probabilistic, deterministic, network diagramming, critical path.

Traveling Salesman Problem in Polynomial Time []


We present the novel research on NP-complete problems within polynomial bound space, P-space. This research is aimed towards the proof of equivalence of complexity classes like polynomial and non-polynomial, which is better known as “P versus NP” theorem. This problem still remains actual as most of researchers suppose that obviously NP isn’t equal to P as there is still no possible solution for problems like Steiner tree or Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP). There’re group of researchers who supposes that proof of equivalence of these classes is almost impossible. We present the new theorem towards the argument of equivalence of main complexity classes like P and NP. For this purpose, we extend our algorithm with the constraints while the main goal is to be achieved on the Steiner tree and TSP circuit on particular specific case whose input is still non-polynomial and converges to the specific non-polynomial number within the number of steps of algorithm.

IMPORTANCE DES CONVENTIONS LOCALES ET DE LA GESTION DES RESSOURCES PASTORALES AU MALI: CAS DU CERCLE DE KANGABA []


The present study, carried out in the cercle of Kangaba in Mali aims to analyze the role of the unique local convention as a powerful tool governing the management of natural resources, particularly pastoral resources. For the field data collection, a quantitative survey using a questionnaire covered a sample of 247 people, i.e. 145 agro-pastoralists, including 32 women and 102 transhumant herders, while the qualitative the qualitative survey through semi-structured interviews on various themes 15 people, including elected representatives and representatives of the administrative and technical authorities, professional agricultural organizations and civil society. The that the Kangaba local convention is not very well known to direct direct stakeholders (agro-pastoralists and transhumant herders), while indirect indirect actors (local administrators and elected officials) who are the main initiators. Also, women know less (03.64%) than men (24.30%). It was found that herders-transhumants and women were poorly represented compared with other direct stakeholders in the process of drawing up the convention itself. In the zone, Khaya senegalensis and Pterocarpus erinaceus remain the woody species most pruned by transhumant herders. As much as the convention theoretically seems to improve the way communities live together, as reported by many actors in the region, it has not been able to significantly reduce conflicts between direct actors.

Leadership Capabilities and Role of Principals on Performance of Colleges in Azad Jammu And Kashmir, Pakistan []


Traditions of a highly developed system of education, ranging from the “Elementary Mosque School” to the institutions of higher learning started back in AD 711 when Muslims entered South East Asia. The intentional destruction of the Muslim educational system for political reasons, and their consequent deprivation of a rich heritage, which had long served as a source of intellectual and cultural development, was ultimately achieved by the appropriation of the “Rent Free Lands” providing endowments to “Madrasas”. Many national and international studies and research-reports emphasize the inter-dependability between education and national development. College education in Pakistan spreads over post-school to degree education, and the colleges generally fall into three categories according to the level of educational courses provided. This study investigates the leadership capabilities and role of principals in the performance of colleges (Higher Secondary and Degree level). The study has identified leadership capabilities and role position of principals that will influence performance of the institutions. Simple random sampling technique was used to assess the role of principals of the colleges in the state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir as respondents. The research finding showed that the leadership has significant role on the performances of principals. The research showed in detail the context and implications of the insignificant role of the female principals in remote rural areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. This study also strengthens understanding of the role of principals for the performance of the colleges within a different context to those reported in past. Furthermore, by using a field based survey comprehensively addressing to the role dimensions; the study allows the researcher to provide a rich, deep and comprehensive explanation of the role of principals. The empirical findings of the study provide the basis for recommendations for policy makers in educational sector to initiate with effective policy framework to make the role of the principals effective for the performance of the colleges in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Fixed Point Theorems on a generalized Nb-metric space []


In this paper, we introduce a notion of a generalized Nb-metric space, which is a generalization of N-metric spaces. This new space considers the path integral in physics. The inspiration comes from the expression of quantum mechanical amplitude for a particle to go from the initial point x to the final point y Z Dqe(i/h)S(q) . Fixed point theorems satisfying some contractive conditions are stated and proved. This concept generalizes some known results in the literature.

Assessing the Financial Health of Zimbabwe’s Selected Beverage Companies []


The performance of a company in terms of output and productivity, profitability, liquidity, leverage, asset utilization, and growth is frequently evaluated by financial analysts. The beverage industry in Zimbabwe is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years. According to market research, the beverages market in Zimbabwe is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.81% between 2024 and 2029, resulting in a market volume of US$172.90 million by 2029. This study therefore, focused on examining the profitability positions of four leading beverage companies in Zimbabwe. The use of multiple regression, analysis of variance, co-efficient of variation, mean, and standard deviation was employed. The objective of this study is to compare the financial performance and soundness of the selected beverage companies during the course of the five-year period (2019–2023) in order to assess their financial success and growth. The selected beverage companies for this study are Delta Corporation, African Distillers Limited, Varun Beverages and Schweppes Zimbabwe. After evaluating these companies' financial performance, it was discovered that the chosen beverage companies in Zimbabwe were profitable during the study period although there were some ups and downs. Performance evaluation of a company has long been a topic of discussion among decision makers, including economists, planners, managers and academic personnel.

CHARACTERIZATION OF UNMODIFIED AND MODIFIED CASHEW NUTSHELL LIQUID (ANACARDIUM OCCIDENTALE) USING INFRARED SPECTROMETRIC TECHNIQUE []


Cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) (90 % Anacardic acid) extracted from cashew (Anacardium Occidentale) using Soxhlet extraction was characterised using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to ascertain the functional groups contained in the liquid. Results obtained shows the presence of hydroxyl group, aromatic ring, phenyl group, carboxylic group and substituted C15 alkyl chain indicated by their vibration bands eluted at their respective wavelengths as shown in the infrared spectrum. The hydroxyl and phenyl groups in CNSL gives it the properties of phenols as such can be used as an appropriate substitute for liquid phenols whereas the additional presence of carboxylic group is responsible for the phenolic characteristics of CNSL which makes it very useful in the production of drugs and other pharmaceutical products. The extracted CNSL was modified by esterification at the carboxylic group with the use of acidified butyl alcohol to obtain a carboxylate product indicated by two carbonyl groups (C-O) for the ester and carboxylic functional groups respectively. The modified derivatives of CNSL have a great deal of distinctiveness which gives them a wider range of uses compared to the unmodified CNSL, for instance modified CNSL are very important in oil field operations as surfactants, demulsifiers, flow improvers and corrosion inhibitors.

DEVELOPMENT OF A TRACTOR MOUNTED FERTILIZER BROADCASTER FOR SOIL HEALTH MANAGEMENT []


ABSTRACT The most valuable resource for humanity is healthy soil. Human life depends on the generosity of the soil. However, addressing soil degradation and containing the numerous risks it poses to safety and security of food worldwide requires immediate action. To this end, a fertilizer broadcaster of 300 kg h-1 capacity was designed and developed for granular or powdery fertilizer application for soil health management. The main components are hopper, spread plate, spreader shaft, gear-box, coupling and control lever. The machine was designed to spread fertilizer evenly over a large area of ground. It is powered by the PTO of the tractor. As the tractor moves forward, the fertilizer is dispensed from the hoper and falls on the spreader plate where it is afterwards broadcasted on the field. Linear regression was the statistical model used to understand the relationship between the two variables of evaluation, the predictor x (gate valve clearance) and the response variable y (spreading capacity). Since significance F (0.000307182) and p value (8.74366 E-06) are less than 0.05, there is 95% confidence that there is linear relationship between gate valve clearance and the spreading capacity of the machine. Model equation from evaluation work is therefore given as y=1.97 x+214.62±3.24 and R² being 0.992. The highest width of coverage (2.54 m) and field capacity (4.55 ha h – 1) were attained at highest gate valve clearance (50 mm). The direct implication of this is that the broadcaster can favorably cover 36 hectares in a day (of 8 hours operation) with an application rate 2.5 tonnes of fertilizer per day. The machine was developed at an affordable cost of ₦320,000.00 ($199.24). The machine is applicable for both granular organic and inorganic fertilizer. It can as well be used for grains seeding. The machine is less stressful to operate and economical to run and maintain. If the machine is widely adopted for use by farmers, soil heath will be maintained and food security will be ensured.

PRIVATE SECTOR WORKFORCE AWARENESS ON THEIR EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS, THEIR SATISFACTION OF THE BENEFITS RECEIVED AND THE PERFORMANCE OF THE MINISTRY OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT []


This study aimed to assess the private sector workforce awareness on their employment rights; their satisfaction of the benefits received and the performance of the Ministry of Labor and Employment. It utilized the descriptive method with correlation analysis between the dependent and independent variables. The study involved 220 participants. Likewise, a triangulation method was also used. Findings revealed that the level of awareness on the employment rights of the private sector workforce obtained the rating of Somewhat Aware/Somewhat Informed with the score (M=1.89); While for the level of workforce satisfaction on the benefits received got the rating of Fairly Satisfied with the score (M=2.15). However, the performance of the Conciliation and Mediation Division of the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) is generally Satisfactory. There is no significant relationship between the level performance of the Conciliation and Mediation Division and the level of awareness on the employment rights with the p-value of (0.1060). Likewise, no significant relationship between the performance of the Conciliation and Mediation Division and the level of satisfaction with the P-value of (-0.1325). It is recommended for the (MOLE) to engage more efforts on labor sector education, empower the employers in the private sector to adopt better benefit packages for their workforce Keywords: employment rights, workforce satisfaction, performance.

DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF CONCENTRIC DIAMOND BEAM DEFENSE SYSTEM – CONTEMPORARY LASER WEAPONRY []


The application of laser technology is fast expanding as research continue to increase the power limits of combined beam output. One area of interest is the laser weaponry system which is gradually replacing bullet and rocket systems due to its superior benefits. However, due to low power limits, laser beams will have to be focused on targets (i.e missile, armoured vehicle, spy aircrafts) for prolonged time before total destruction can be achieved. Factors such as reflectivity of target's surface, atmospheric attenuation and thickness of target affect the level of destruction. To achieve total destruction of target in the face of these factors, laser beam power beyond current limits must be used. The emergence of Concentric Diamond Beam (CDB) concept unveiled the possibility of pushing the frontiers of power scaling close to infinity. This paper leveraged the special features of the CDB concept to highlight an approach to contemporary laser weaponry that will be useful as defense system against mobile and stationary targets. The paper draws on the equations of CDB concept to explain important aspects of the design such as target aiming, intensity selection, and target displacement. The primary focus of the design was to avoid the use of passive components in power scaling and to reduce effective focus time. This leads to instant distraction of target as the ultimate benefit. The design also makes it possible to destroy targets at extremely far locations.

THE EXTENT OF EEFFECTIVENESS OF THE DEVOLVED SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES AMONG SELECTED BARANGAYS OF BULUAN, MAGUINDANAO []


This quantitative study on the extent of effectiveness of the devolved programs and services of DSWD of Buluan, Maguindanao, used validated self-made questionnaire to gather data from selected beneficiaries of 4Ps, supplementary and livelihood programs and services. Of the 4,215 beneficiaries, slovin’s formula identified 365 as part of the study. The respondents were randomly selected. In the analysis of data, descriptive and some bivariate tools were utilized to obtain the information needed to resolve the existing issues and problems. Results of the study revealed that the effectiveness of the program objective, its adequateness and appropriateness was highly effective. The timeliness of programs and services was low. There was significant association between demographic profiles of beneficiaries with the extent of effectiveness of the DSWD programs and services. There was a small positive association between the experiences and the extent of effectiveness on the devolved social welfare programs and services Keywords: 4 P’s (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program), extent of effectiveness, adequateness, appropriateness, timeliness.

Impact sanitaire et économique de la consommation des médicaments de la rue sur la population du district de Bamako []


Abstract The phenomenon of street drugs is becoming more and more widespread in urban areas as well as in rural areas. This phenomenon has become a public health problem, which concerns health actors, researchers, academics and political decision-makers. Indeed, the article analyzes the impacts of drug consumption on the population of the Bamako district, and proposes solutions. [2] We adopted a mixed methodology. The questionnaire and the interview guide in addition to observations were made in the field. Statistical data processing was carried out using SPSS software. The questionnaires were administered to 414 socio-professional categories. We carried out 35 interviews. We obtained the following results. In commune I of the district of Bamako 45.5% of household heads think that the consumption of street drugs causes death Information and awareness actions must be generalized on the dangers of mobility and the consumption of drugs from the street. Indeed, respondents think that populations must be informed and made aware of the consequences of consuming street drugs. And proposed to fight against corruption and the application of the principles of the Medicrime convention Keywords: Street medicine, counterfeit, pharmacies, health policy, Bamako

COMPREHENSION AND POPULARIZATION OF PRECAUTIONS AGAINST MAZUKU RELATED RISK BY THE MEDIAS OF GOMA, DR CONGO []


Mazuku are most often depressions, and less frequently fronts of lava flows where CO2 accumulates by gravity, which impoverishes the air in oxygen, making it toxic and deadly. This phenomenon is observed in the city of Goma and its surroundings, particularly in the areas along Lake Kivu. The Mazuku sites are characterized by very yellowish vegetation and blackish rock that can help identify them at first glance and stay away. This study focuses on the involvement of the entire population of Goma in preparing for the risk linked to Mazuku, the popularization of precautions and prevention, particularly the media professionals in the city of Goma. This is a question about the latter's understanding of said risk and their involvement in the popularization of protection measures. The initial hypothesis considered that there is no relationship between media professionals' knowledge of the risk linked to Mazuku and appropriate precautions. To achieve its objective, this study used the survey method to collect data and then, the latter were the subject of descriptive and inferential analysis to interpret said data. To collect the different opinions of our respondents, a survey questionnaire designed and encoded using KoboToolbox was used. The collected data were imported into SPSS v22 for descriptive and inferential analysis but also for testing of independence using Karl Pearson's chi-square (X2) formula. The results revealed that the majority of respondents (n=22) know Mazuku as a risk linked to carbon dioxide CO2, but also a significant number (n=20) consider that it is a gas of unknown origin. In both cases, the majority of respondents recommend staying away from these places, which indicates their understanding of the risk. However, among the respondents (n=26) who know Mazuku as a gas linked to CO2, there are a few (n=4) who recommend wearing a face mask as a precaution in these places, an inappropriate measure, even dangerous. Among the others who consider Mazuku to be a gas of unknown origin, there are those who recommend (n=2) entering and leaving quickly if necessary. These observations therefore reveal that the media profession-als surveyed in this study have the idea of risk but the difference between their perception of risk and knowledge of its origin remains significant. These observations prove that knowledge of the risk linked to Mazuku should be strengthened through an awareness program to improve the popularization of precautions against this risk by the media in Goma.

PRATIQUE DE LA READAPTATION CARDIAQUE DANS SERVICE DE CARDIOLOGIE DU POINT G: A propos d’un cas d’insuffisance cardiaque. []


RESUME L’entraînement physique, intégré dans un programme global de réadaptation cardiaque, améliore la tolérance à l’effort, la qualité de vie et la survie des patients insuffisants cardiaques. La réadaptation cardiaque est une indication de classe I dans la prise en charge thérapeutique de l’insuffisance cardiaque. Nous rapportons le cas d’un patient de 45 ans admis en réadaptation dans le cadre de la prise en charge d’une insuffisance cardiaque. Il a bénéficié de 15 séances de réentrainement en endurance selon le mode continu. Cette pratique de l’exercice physique a permis d’améliorer la capacité d’éffort de notre patient qui a évolué de 3.3 Met à 5 Met au maximum de l’éffort, soit un guain de 1.7Met;soit 50Watt à l’épreuve d’éffort initiale memée jusqu’à 09mn avec une Fcmax:118bpm contre 80watt à l’évaluation finale menée jusqu’à 14mn avec une Fcmax:108bpm. Mots clés: réadaptation cardiaque,insuffisance cardiaque, réentrainement,capacité d’éffort. ABSTRACT Physical training,integrated into a global cardiac rehabilitation program,improves exercise tolererance,quality of lifeand survival of cardiac patients. Cardiac rehabilitation is a Class I indication in the therapeutic management of heart failure.We report the case of a 45 year old patient admited in rehabilitation as part of the management of heart failure.He benefited from 15 endurance retraining sessions according to the continuous mode.This pratice of physical exercisemade it possible to improve the effort of our patient who evolved from 3.3 Met at 5Met to the maximum of the effort,i.e. a guain of 1.7Met i.e.50 Watt in the test of effort initial conducted up to 09mn with a Fcmax:118bpm against 80Watt at the final evaluation conducted up to 14mn with a Fcmax:108bpm. Keywords: cardiac rehabilitation,heart failure,re-training,capacity ofeffort.

EFFECT OF SMART WAREHOUSING ON THE EFFICIENCY OF LOGISTICS OPERATIONS []


Smart warehousing is an evolution of the latest logistics and supply chain management that combines technology to optimize functioning. The research decision aims to analyse the correlation between smart warehousing and the efficiency of logistics processes. This is im-portant especially when comparing the traditional warehousing system with the newer smart warehousing technologies since it acceler-ates the process thereby offering higher accuracy and is cost effective. Specifically, incorporating smart warehousing strategies into the research helps to illustrate that logistics performance is enhanced, even where some issues occur. The research offers relevant implica-tions for the qualification of budget and logistics experts and the development of key strategies for logistics and supply chain manage-ment.

the relationship between sustainable management practices and project success: A mediated moderated study for developing economies []


The present research investigates the relationship between sustainable management practices and project success with the mediating role of effective risk management and moderating impact of high performing project teams in context of high-rise real estate developmental projects of Pakistan. Real estate is worldwide recognized as the backbone of country’s economy and Pakistan is a developing country where living in detached and independent houses was once seen as sign of prestige but over the past few years, high rise and midrise buildings are dominating the skyline of real estate investment here. To make real estate projects sustainable in longer run, developers need to consider the social, environmental and economic impacts that a project may have in future also, alongside internal factors for project success. Deductive approach is used for this descriptive study to validate generalized hypothesis from previous studies for Pakistan with the introduction of new mediator and moderator. A quantitative technique involving questionnaires is followed, and purposive sampling is deployed to discover the impact of each variable. Data is collected from project managers working in different construction projects of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Entire data is processed in SPSS and AMOS using Structural equation modelling technique (SEM). By recognizing that all internal and external factors are crucial for project success, the study provides an insightful framework for developers and builders to investigate aspects like culture, social and legal environment, heritage and norms, as well as the financial benefits that support the survival and sustainability of projects.

The Nigerian Defined Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS): An Examination of the Decumulative (payout) phase. []


Abstract . Studies on the pension industry and the migration to the defined contributory scheme in developed and emerging markets have been the subject of empirical debate in the last few decades. Unlike their developed counterparts, emerging and developing are often characterized by relatively low analysis due to their recency of transformation. Even though empirical studies on the accumulation of contributions have established that the Pension Reform Act 2004, as amended in 2014 establishes the contributory pension scheme (CPS) which mandates employer-employee contributions for retirement in Nigeria. As at the first quarter of 2023, the sum of 384,28 million comprising of pension contributions and penalties have been subsidized.in the accumulation phase. However, often fail to take the decumulation (payout) phase as an important issue into cognizance. Thus, the objective of this study is to empirically examine decumulative (payout) phase under the defined contributory scheme using data from Nigeria. The study utilized data from 2013 to 2021 to compute retiree, Monthly annuity, Lumpsum, Premium and Payment of death benefit for the Nigerian Pension fund. Consistent with the existing empirical evidence, the study found that retiree must be paid as and when due and thus recommended timely payment of the monthly annuity (MOA), payment of death benefit (PDB), lumpsum (LUM), and premium (PRM) to the retirees. This would facilitate the elimination of the negative and positive insignificant effect the regressors has on the regressand. The study further recommends investigation different retirement income strategies, including the use of annuities, systematic withdrawals, and other payout options, to assess their effectiveness in providing sustainable income throughout retirement KEY WORDS: Decumulative (payout) phase, Defined Contributory Scheme, Pension Industry, Total retiree, monthly annuity, lumpsum, Premium, payment of death benefit, Error Correction Model, Johanson Co-integration Test.

ECONOMIC CRIMES IN SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA: ITS IMPLICATIONS ON SECURITY OF BUSINESS AND SURVIVAL []


New dimensions of economic crimes have emerged in south-east Nigeria, in violent mode as; kidnap, violent protest and demonstrations, unknown gunmen and sit-at-home. In the face of these, businesses that hold options for job creation and self-employed are seriously put to risk and extinction. Expositive method was adopted for the study. In meeting with the study objectives, it was discovered that, business crimes impact negatively on the region. Businesses have failed to effectively and efficiently contribute to national development in the face of insecurity. Other ethnic and foreign nationals have migrated to other parts of the country. The application of technology in crime operations (drones, GPS,) is recommended, as necessitated by the trending crime patterns of the time. Solutions to be facilitated by time, accurate efficiency and enduring. Provision of adequate police stations in rural communities to monitor socio-economic infrastructures. Government to develop the rural communities. Keywords: Economic crimes, Business, Security, Business

Local Distribution of Inequality-Adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI): A Study on Khulna []


NDP Global Human Development Report 2010 under the title “The Real Wealth of Nations: Pathways to Human Development” introduced a new index, the “Inequality-Adjusted Human Development Index” to capture the distributional dimension of human development. Globally, Bangladesh has ranked 135th out of 189 countries but loses 24.3% of the value when adjusted for inequalities and this loss is 37.87% for Khulna when adjusted to the inequalities. The methodology adopted is similar to the approach of the HDR 2010 and some results are created by analyzing the results of FDG and KII and secondary sources. Based on these calculated values the wards are then ranked according to their HDI and IHDI values. As this was never done before, it produces the unique value that Khulna City has an HDI score of 0.301 which is better than the global HDI of Zimbabwe (0.140), which ranks at 169th, and when the value of Khulna City is adjusted to the inequalities, the value declined to 0.187. Further, loss resulting from inequality varies across dimensions and is highest in education (39.25%) followed by health (38.95%) and income (33.33%). Loss resulting from inequality in education is much higher than the global average of 38% and loss due to inequality in health is 44%, compared to the global average of 21%. The findings of this paper suggest that human development outcomes alone, without measurement of inequalities, may significantly mask the performance of individual cities or countries.