Factors influencing students academic performance: Case of Mai Idris Alooma Polytechnic Geidam

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence the performance of students in Mai Idris Alooma Polytechnic Geidam Yobe State in the Northeastern Nigeria. Research methodology: The paradigm of this study is to use the final-year students of Mai Idris Alooma Polytechnic Geidam as independent variables. The dependent variables included factors influencing students’ academic performance. Factors included a) personal conditions, b) study habits, c) home-related aspects, d) school-related aspects, and e) lecturer-related factors. Results: The study identified different factors and the highest impact among the variables that influence the academic performance of students in institutions other than those traditionally studied. Among these five (5) domains, lecturer-related aspects and personal condition factors fall behind school-related factors. Nonetheless, both categories were still deemed highly impactful. Conversely, home-related factors and study habits had little effect on students’ academic performance in the case study. Limitations: The research analysis was limited to a self-report questionnaire gathered from final-year students Mai Idriss Alooma Polytechnic Geidam in October 2023. Contribution: With the outcome of this research, all students, particularly year one prospective students, and those students who are not as academically strong will be informed about the factors that influence their academic performance

Financial and non-financial disclosures on sustainable development: The mediating role of environmental accounting disclosure practices

Purpose: Environmental accounting is a complementary and contributory component of corporate governance that can achieve sustainable growth and development. This study investigates the financial and non-financial disclosures that influence sustainable development through the mediating effect of environmental accounting disclosure practices. Research methodology: Self-administered questions in a closed-ended questionnaire were used, employing a five-point Likert scale to quantify opinions. Data were collected purposively and physically by the researchers from 338 respondents using a pretesting modified process, a pilot survey, a final survey, and finally analyzed using the PLS-SEM. Results: Our study reveals that non-financial disclosure has both direct and indirect effects on sustainable development through environmental accounting disclosure practices, while financial disclosure only has indirect effects. Environmental accounting disclosure practices exert a statistically significant influence and predictive power on sustainable development. Limitations: Our study is limited to listed textile companies, without considering non-listed textiles, ready-made garments (RMG), and other listed manufacturing companies in Bangladesh. Contribution: The study findings convey  a meaningful message to listed textile companies, their managers, researchers, regulators, and practitioners, urging them to integrate and enhance environmental practices for sustainability. These findings contribute significantly to the literature and may influence multinational buying companies. Novelty: This pioneering accounting research aims to articulate the scale and theoretical validation of accountants’ perceptions by studying the mediating effect of environmental accounting disclosure practices between financial and non-financial disclosures and sustainable development through PLS-SEM

Analysis of consumer preferences towards digital marketing and its implications on the competitive advantage of SMEs in Banyuasin Regency

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to analyze consumer preferences towards digital marketing and its implications for the competitive advantage of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Banyuasin Regency. Research Methodology: The population of this study consists of consumers of SMEs residing in the Banyuasin Regency. Random sampling was used to select respondents, with a sample size of 150 respondents. The data analysis technique used in this research was Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the Partial Least Squares (PLS) technique. Results: Consumer preferences have a positive and significant influence on the competitive advantage of SMEs in Banyuasin Regency. Digital marketing acts as an intermediary factor between consumer preferences and competitive advantage. SMEs can expand their market share and achieve success in the digital market by understanding consumer preferences and implementing effective digital marketing strategies. Limitations: Each region has unique characteristics and local context. Factors such as culture, customs, local preferences, and technological infrastructure can influence consumer preferences and the competitive advantage. Contribution: This research provides valuable insights to SMEs in the Banyuasin Regency regarding consumer preferences for digital marketing. By understanding consumer preferences, SMEs can develop more effective marketing strategies and optimize the use of digital platforms to enhance their competitive advantage. Novelty: The novelty of this research lies in emphasizing the implications of digital marketing on the competitive advantage. This research identifies factors that can enhance the competitive advantage of SMEs through the implementation of appropriate digital marketing strategies. It provides practical contributions to SMEs facing an increasingly competitive market

Mathematics learning motivated by computer attitude and social media engagement

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of computer attitudes and social media engagement on students' motivation to learn mathematics. Methodology: The study followed a descriptive-correlational approach involving 181 Grade 11 students from three private schools. Questionnaires and statistical tools were used to gather the data. Results: The results revealed a clear connection between positive computer attitudes and active social media engagement. Moreover, significant evidence has indicated the effectiveness of motivated strategies in improving math learning outcomes. Interestingly, while computer attitudes alone did not significantly influence these strategies, social media engagement had a notable impact. Limitations: Limited generalizability (specific region, Grade 11 private school focus). Contribution: Enhances understanding of the link between computer attitude, social media, and motivated strategies in math learning. Emphasize integrating social media to boost motivation and learning outcomes. Valuable for students, teachers, administrators, and officials in shaping effective strategies. Novelty: One key takeaway is the importance of integrating social media platforms into educational practices to enhance motivation and improve learning outcomes. This study provides valuable insights for students, teachers, administrators, and policymakers as they work together to shape effective learning strategies. Moreover, it offers a unique perspective on the role of technology and social media in fostering motivation and enriching learning experiences

Examining employer experiences in the polytechnic sector's industrial training program

Purpose: Industrial training, a structured educational program, provides supervised hands-on training within specified time frames and is available in both the private sector and government settings. Its primary aim was to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling participants to apply classroom learning in real-world scenarios. This experiential approach fosters competency development and a deeper understanding of industrial practices, teamwork, and professional ethics, ultimately preparing individuals for successful careers in various sectors. Research Methodology: Data analysis was conducted using a statistical software tool tailored for predictive modeling and analysis. This dedicated software package was employed to scrutinize and interpret the dataset, allowing for the extraction of meaningful insights and predictions. This analytical approach involves a series of statistical techniques, algorithms, and models to uncover patterns, correlations, and trends within the data. Results: From the perspective of instructors, industrial training has been noted as a catalyst for enhancing students' proficiency in both formal and informal communication, aiding them in identifying suitable research areas for their projects and honing their abilities in socialization and relationship-building. Limitations: The applicable and functional setting for the findings of this study lies within the realm of educational settings. Contribution: Our conclusions highlight the pivotal role of industrial training in enhancing students' abilities and knowledge following their training programs. We advocate recognizing industrial training as a valuable instrument for augmenting employees' skills and capabilities

Rohingya refugees and its impact on informal economy: Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine whether refugees in Cox's Bazar area of Bangladesh can successfully integrate into the informal economic sector. This evaluation was carried out by comparing the actions of refugees in the labor market with those of the local population. Research methodology: This study used survey data from two population groupings. The sample size included 300 Rohingya refugees and 300 locals from Coxs' Bazar, where they are now living. ANOVA was employed to compare the category mean differences owing to the limited sample size. The calculations would include wealth, occupation, language, religion, and race as labor market barriers. Results: The data indicated significant disparities in both types of occupations and monthly incomes between local workers and refugee workers. Furthermore, the findings also suggest that Rohingya refugees encounter greater challenges when entering the job market than local workers. Limitations: Refugees in Bangladesh are unable to work. They must stay at local and international NGO (Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2014). No Bangladeshi labor legislation has protected them. Bangladeshi authorities can also imprison refugees on illicit travel. A good Rohingya refugee policy in Bangladesh is crucial to human rights. Contribution: The Rohingya Muslim population in Myanmar has been subjected to genocide, resulting in their expulsion and subsequent migration to neighboring countries. Bangladesh is the primary host nation for the Rohingya group from Myanmar, which has sought safety there as refugees for many years. Due to their lack of legal employment opportunities in Bangladesh, these refugees engage in informal economic operations and participate in various criminal activities inside the place where they reside

Board attributes, risk management and financial performance: Insights from Iraq

Purpose: This study examines how good corporate governance practices and the establishment of risk management committees reduce investors’ risks and improve performance. Research Methodology: Data stream and annual reports were used to acquire secondary data for all 21 banks listed on the Iraqi Stock Exchange between 2019 and 2021, totalling 63 firm-year observations. Data were analyzed using Stata version 15. Results: The data show that board size and independence have strong negative relationships with bank performance. The financial knowledge of the board and independence of the risk management committee had minor positive relationships with performance. Limitations: This study examines board size, independence, financial expertise, and the presence of a risk management committee. Other factors that may impact bank performance include the type of ownership structure, audit committee, and the application of additional financial performance indicators such as Tobin’s Q. Future research could expand to encompass these factors. Contribution: This study aims to provide valuable insights to the Iraqi government and regulators, aiding them in formulating new policies and deliberating on issues related to corporate governance concerning bank performance. It is well-established that both shareholders and companies rely on robust corporate governance mechanisms, especially as a means of augmenting bank value Novelty: The presence of a risk management committee reduces managers' discretion to engage in opportunistic behavior. This study educates regulators on the importance of firms having sound corporate governance and separate and active risk management committees to improve internal control

Strategies for Promoting Bancassurance Products in West Java: A Study of Bank XXX's Internal and External Factors

Purpose: The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), a psychological study that aims to comprehend human behavioral tendencies, is applied. The purpose of this research is to examine the methods employed by Bank XXX West Java for marketing assurance products. Research methodology: To gather quantitative data, questionnaires and descriptive analyses were used to investigate Bank XXX Indonesia's internal strategies, including Segmentation, Targeting, and Positioning (STP), as well as the expanded 7Ps. PESTLE, SWOT, TOWS matrix, and customer analysis were also used for external analysis. Results: The recommendations of this study emphasize the need for continuous market analysis to improve strategies and explore potential areas for future research. To deepen the understanding of consumer behavior in the banking industry, future studies could focus on the marketing mix and delve into consumer behavior and the decision-making processes. Limitations: This research aims to provide theoretical insights into practical applications, valuable industry insights, and open up opportunities for further exploration of customer behavior in the banking industry. Implementation: It was discovered that there was a direct relationship between purchase intention and loyalty. Customers who were satisfied with Bank XXX West Java had a higher attitude towards behavior, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, perceived risk, and trustworthiness

Review of Scenario Planning and Future Strategy of PT. Telkomsel's Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) Service Implementation

Purpose: This abstract provides a brief overview of a review article that explores the scenario planning approach and future strategies for the implementation of Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) services by PT. Telkomsel. This study aimed to analyze the limitations and contributions of scenario planning in shaping future strategies for FMC service implementation. Research methodology: This study uses a scenario planning method that aims to identify the driving forces for the future of the telecommunications industry in Indonesia in 2030, and then formulates a scenario for the future of telecommunications services in Indonesia, which is then used as the basis for recommendations for the company's business strategy for implementing PT. Telkomsel's FMC services, which will be carried out, are a qualitative method. Results: The research results found that, in the future, network coverage and technology will no longer be a competitive advantage for telecommunications companies in Indonesia. The research results show four future scenarios for the telecommunications industry in Indonesia: New Glory, Win Back Domination, Digital Colonialism and Business as Usual. Implementation: There is a phenomenon at PT. Telkomsel, where companies must always invest in additional infrastructure to meet customer bandwidth needs. PT. Telkomsel will implement fixed mobile convergence (FMC) services to increase a company's competitive advantage, but in implementing FMC services, companies must anticipate conditions that are changing (volatility), uncertain (uncertain), complex (complex), and unclear (ambiguity). (VUCA) to minimize future business risk. Therefore, scenario planning is necessary to create a corporate strategy

Right to health services for people with HIV/AIDS in Bandarlampung: Challenges and fulfillment

Purpose: This study aimed to determine how the right to health services is fulfilled for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Bandar Lampung City and what are the obstacles to fulfilling the right to health services for HIV/AIDS sufferers there. Research Methodology: This research uses empirical normative research that employs a literature study approach and research directly at the research location. The data sources for this research were the library and field data. Results: The research results show that: (1) Fulfillment of the right to health services for people with HIV/AIDS in Bandar Lampung City has been implemented in accordance with Minister of Health Regulation (PMK) Number 23 of 2022 concerning the Management of HIV AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections. Fulfillment is realized by the availability of health services for HIV/AIDS sufferers in hospitals, community health centers, and organizations that focus on HIV/AIDS issues and have special programs for HIV/AIDS sufferers. Limitations: In reality, there are still obstacles faced in fulfilling the right to health services for people with HIV/AIDS in Bandar Lampung City, namely inadequate financial support, antiretroviral drugs that are still dependent on the center, as well as stigma and discrimination by health workers towards HIV/AIDS sufferers. Contribution: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) / Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has been declared a world pandemic and a disease that is a serious health problem. HIV/AIDS sufferers sometimes experience difficulties in getting health services