A RESILIENCY MODEL FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS AGAINST EXTREME NETWORK GRID STRESS: THE 2020 COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN MINDANAO

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted critical vulnerabilities in global power systems, particularly in regions like Mindanao, Philippines. This study aims to develop a comprehensive resiliency model for renewable energy (RE) systems by leveraging existing power system metrics in Mindanao. The model is structured into four profiles: energy balance, energy mix, cost, and reliability, each representing various aspects of the power system's performance before and during the pandemic. The findings reveal that the energy balance and energy mix profiles experienced slight impacts due to reduced demand and pre-pandemic planning, achieving resiliency scores of 16.33/18 and 13.5/18, respectively. The cost profile remained unaffected with a perfect resiliency score of 6/6, attributed to pre-pandemic power purchase agreements, while the reliability profile showed minimal disruption with a score of 4.67/6. Overall, the study achieved an aggregate resiliency score of 40.5/48, indicating that the Mindanao power system maintained stable operations during the pandemic. The research successfully incorporated RE performance into the resiliency model, though it acknowledges the model's limitations and suggests the inclusion of additional metrics for further refinement. This study contributes valuable insights into enhancing power system resilience, particularly in developing regions, amid unprecedented global challenges. JEL: Q42, Q48, L94, C52, H1

DYNAMIQUE D’ÉMERGENCE DES ORGANISATIONS ET CONTRIBUTION AU PROCESSUS DE DÉVELOPPEMENT AGRICOLE À L’EST-CAMEROUN : UNE ETUDE À PARTIR DES COOPERATIVES ET DES GICS DE LA KADEY / DYNAMICS OF ORGANIZATIONAL EMERGENCE AND CONTRIBUTION TO THE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROCESS IN EAST CAMEROON: A STUDY OF COOPERATIVES AND COMMON INITIATIVE GROUPS (CIGS) IN KADEY

Cette étude analyse les dynamiques d’émergence des coopératives et des GIC et leur contribution au processus de développement agricole. Partant d’un échantillon de 14 coopératives et 38 GIC, des entretiens et enquêtes ont été menés avec 52 responsables et 64 membres d’organisations. Il en ressort que les organisations agricoles dans la Kadey ont été créées entre 1982 et 2022, l’intervalle [2011 ; 2015] représente la période où on a observé le plus de création et légalisation (environ 29% de celles identifiées). L’émergence de ces organisations a été influencé par plusieurs facteurs, notamment : la recherche de financement (29%) ; l’appui de l’Etat (52%), et l’amélioration les conditions de vie (30%). Ces organisations offrent divers services à leurs membres, il s’agit principalement des services d’entraide (54%), d’achats groupés (16,9%) et de transformation agricole (12%). Leur rôle dans le processus de développement agricole a montré que grâce à elles, les membres ont pu augmenter les surfaces cultivées (14%), bénéficier des formations (14%), diversifier leurs activités (13%). A leur communauté d’implantation, elles ont favorisé l’augmentation de l’offre en produits agricoles (33%) et la diversification des denrées alimentaires sur le marché (20%). L’étude fait état d’une diversité de contraintes tant internes que externes. C’est principalement le manque de moyens financiers (28%) et matériel (22%), mais aussi l’absence d’une vision collective partagée par l’ensemble des membres d’une même organisation (22%), et une trop grande concentration des pouvoirs aux mains d’une minorité (21%). Surmonter ces obstacles leur permettrait de devenir des véritables moteurs du développement agricole.This study analyzes the dynamics of emergence of cooperatives and Common Initiative Groups (CIGs) and their contribution to the agricultural development process. Based on a sample of 14 cooperatives and 38 CIGs, interviews and surveys were conducted with 52 leaders and 64 members of these organizations. It appears that agricultural organizations in Kadey were established between 1982 and 2022, with the interval [2011; 2015] representing the period with the most creations and legalizations (approximately 29% of those identified). The emergence of these organizations was influenced by several factors, including: the search for funding (29%); state support (52%); and the improvement of living conditions (30%). These organizations offer various services to their members, mainly mutual aid services (54%), group purchases (16.9%), and agricultural processing (12%). Their role in the agricultural development process showed that, thanks to them, members were able to increase cultivated areas (14%), benefit from training (14%), and diversify their activities (13%). In their host communities, they promoted an increase in the supply of agricultural products (33%) and the diversification of food items on the market (20%). The study highlights a variety of internal and external constraints. These primarily include a lack of financial (28%) and material (22%) resources, but also the absence of a collective vision shared by all members of the same organization (22%), and an excessive concentration of power in the hands of a minority (21%). Overcoming these obstacles would enable them to become true drivers of agricultural development.   Article visualizations

EMPLOYEE TURNOVER AND ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN THE BANKING SECTOR: EVIDENCE FROM AN EMERGING ECONOMY

Employee turnover remains a significant challenge in the banking sector, with serious implications for organisational performance, service quality, and workforce stability, particularly in emerging economies where labour market uncertainty and talent shortages intensify turnover risks. This study examines the determinants of employee turnover intention and its impact on organisational performance in the banking sector of an emerging economy. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional research design, data were collected from 101 banking employees through a structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics, reliability testing, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were employed to test the proposed relationships. The findings indicate that job satisfaction and organisational commitment are significant predictors of employee turnover intention, with higher levels of satisfaction and commitment associated with lower intention to leave. The results further demonstrate that employee turnover intention has a strong and statistically significant negative effect on organisational performance, suggesting that workforce instability undermines productivity and service quality. In addition, the findings reveal that retention strategies play an important organisational response role, with increased turnover impact leading to stronger implementation of retention initiatives. This study contributes empirical evidence from an under-researched emerging economy context and highlights the importance of strategic human resource practices aimed at enhancing employee satisfaction, commitment, and retention to sustain organisational performance in the banking sector. JEL: G21, M12, J28  Article visualizations

THE PROGRESS OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN GREECE'S PUBLIC SECTOR, IN HIGHER EDUCATION, HEALTH, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Managing the change of the digital transformation of the Public Sector (Tertiary Education, Health Public Sectors and Municipalities) in Greece constitutes a challenge for the respective leadership, as the one responsible for identifying the appropriate actions and means required to carry it out, with the greatest possible success and the least possible resistance. Human resources of Public Organizations, as recipients of the above change, constitute one of the most critical factors for its outcome, as due to their potential fear of their inadequacy or the uncertainty of the outcome and its consequences, they exhibit emotional resistance. For a smooth and effective transition, it is necessary to develop a structured approach that inspires trust, while ensuring support, participation and α balanced path, which requires careful planning, leadership commitment, a change in mindset regarding the press and its culture, which must shape it, communicate it and monitor it carefully. JEL: O33, H83, D23, M12, O38, M15, D9

THE LANDING MATTRESS MODEL: A METAPHORICAL REPRESENTATION OF STAFF RETENTION STRATEGY

This study interrogated the phenomenon of organizational staff retention strategies available in workplaces, with a particular focus on how retention can positively impact the performance and profitability of an organization, the causes of employee turnover and the impact of staff turnover on customer service and organizational success. The study was carried out in selected special education schools in California and Texas in the United States of America. The study utilized the qualitative research methodology approach, with a case study being selected as the research design. By adopting a qualitative research approach, the aim of the study was to unpack the causes and impact of staff turnover in special education schools and to propose a model in which organizations can eradicate the staff turnover drawback in order to ensure sufficient and reliable increased staff retention. The population included the newly hired staff, special education teachers and program directors in California and Texas in the United States of America. A snowball sampling technique was used to select participants because it enables access to respondents who are difficult to reach via conventional methods. Data were collected through semi-structured online interviews and document analysis. Findings pointed out that staff turnover was destructive and negatively impacted customer service and organizational success. Staff retention strategies found included the ability to perceive meaning and adapt to change at the onset to de-escalate staff turnover, an environment that encourages innovation and limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction and growth. The study recommends the development and implementation of the Landing Mattress Model in special education schools to cushion, absorb, and support the integration of the new employee into an organization that benefits all facets of organizational human capital.  Article visualizations

THE IMPACT OF MINING ON WATER RESOURCES: A COMPILATION OF TURKISH AND EUROPEAN EXAMPLES

This study is a comprehensive review examining the impacts of quarrying and mining activities on water resources between 1980 and 2026, within the framework of Turkish and European literature. The main objective of the study is to reveal the physical, chemical, and hydrological effects of mining activities on surface and groundwater systems and to evaluate these effects, particularly in the Black Sea Region. Literature findings indicate that mining activities lead to significant deterioration in water quality, particularly through processes such as heavy metal (arsenic, lead, cadmium) accumulation, acid mine drainage, and increased sediment load, negatively impacting aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, open-pit and quarrying operations have been found to cause a decrease in groundwater levels, disruption of aquifer structure, and alteration of natural drainage systems. European literature emphasizes that these effects persist even in the long term, and abandoned mine sites can create permanent water pollution; however, significant shortcomings are observed in monitoring and managing these processes in Turkey. The Black Sea Region, with its high rainfall regime, steep topography, and dense river network, is extremely sensitive to the impacts of mining activities. The rapid surface runoff and short basin systems in the region cause pollutants to be transported quickly over large areas, increasing the spatial spread of negative impacts on water quality. Furthermore, the region's high biodiversity and ecosystem integrity make the ecological consequences of mining-related degradation even more critical. A comparative analysis of Turkey and Europe reveals that environmental monitoring mechanisms are more effective in Europe, rehabilitation processes are mandatory, and water quality monitoring systems are more advanced. In contrast, despite the existence of legislation in Turkey, shortcomings in implementation and monitoring processes are noticeable. This situation appears to be causing irreversible losses in ecological balance and groundwater. In conclusion, the impacts of mining activities on water resources are multifaceted and often irreversible. These impacts are particularly pronounced in hydrologically sensitive areas such as the Black Sea Region. In this context, developing sustainable mining practices, adopting basin-based planning, establishing continuous water quality monitoring systems, and effectively implementing rehabilitation processes are of great importance

FINANCIAL DEEPENING AND POVERTY IN NIGERIA

This paper examined the influence of financial deepening on poverty reduction in Nigeria from 1981 to 2022. To achieve the above objective, secondary data on poverty incidence, private sector credit as a ratio of GDP in %, broad money supply as a ratio of GDP in %, inflation rate and monetary policy rate were collected from the statistical bulletin published by Nigeria's central bank and bureau of statistics. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag - ARDL method was used as the main tool to analyze the data. The ARDL Bounds test showed that there is a long-term connection between the above mentioned variables. In addition, the results showed that both in the long run and short run, private sector credit as a ratio of GDP in % has a mitigating influence on poverty incidence. Meanwhile, broad money supply as a ratio of GDP in % has a detrimental influence on poverty incidence, although significant in the short run. Regarding the control variables, this study discovered in the short run a significant positive influence of monetary policy rate and inflation rate on poverty incidence in Nigeria during the period of study. The result indicated that inflation and high monetary policy rate are consistently detrimental for the poor. But in the long run, monetary policy rate has a significant positive relationship with poverty incidence. However, inflation rate has a significant negative relationship with poverty incidence. The estimation suggested that financial deepening has a potential to reduce poverty in Nigeria. That is, if financial deepening is well pursued, it will contribute to the reduction in poverty incidence in Nigeria. Therefore, this study recommended the need to foster an expansion in credit to the private sector to reduce poverty in Nigeria. The government should start working on policies that will help make the financial system stronger and create new financial reforms. These policies should help improve the quality of life of people in Nigeria in a fair and meaningful way.   Article visualizations

MAINSTREAMING TALENT INCLUSIVITY IN ORGANISATIONS; A DEONTOLOGICAL IMPERATIVE

Diversity is being invited to the dance, and inclusivity is showing off your dancing skills without fear or favour. The strategic imperative to mainstream inclusivity in talent management in human resources management is strongly linked to the deontological moral theory of human rights and goodwill. Inclusivity in talent management in a global development organisation is not only an ethical imperative but also a strategic advantage, with the potential to facilitate competitiveness in the labour market, innovation, employee engagement, and overall organisational performance. Using a mix of quantitative and qualitative data, this study analysed data from a global organisation of factors that enable or restrict talent inclusivity in its human resources management practices. Our conclusion is that eight key factors are important to enable talent inclusivity in an organisation. Namely, senior leadership commitment based on a deontological imperative, internships and graduate recruitment, onboarding as a tool for socialisation of the right organisational culture, extending talent pools, performance management, building technical capacity through learning and development, compensation and employee engagement touch points. This study contributes to HR knowledge and practice by introducing a novel research area that looks at the ethical basis for talent and links ethical philosophy with inclusive talent management practices in global development organisations. It provides an emerging area of research and practice for HR-Practitioner scholars to study further

EFFECT OF AVERAGE ACCOUNT PAYABLES ON PROFITABILITY OF PRIVATE SECURITY FIRMS IN KISUMU COUNTY, KENYA

In today's dynamic business environment, efficient account payable management is a critical factor in sustaining and enhancing profitability while mitigating risk and maximizing firm value. Although firms strive to align their strategies with growth objectives and annual profitability targets, inadequate liquidity can hinder their ability to generate returns for shareholders. Therefore, effective account payable management practices are essential. Despite the significance of this topic, there remains a gap in understanding the impact of account payable management on the profitability of private security firms, particularly in emerging economies like Kenya. This study examines the effect of account payable management on profitability of private security firms in Kisumu County, Kenya, from 2019 to 2023. Specifically, the study assesses the impact of average accounts payable on the profitability of these firms. A correlational research design was adopted, targeting private security firms registered with the Private Security Regulatory Authority in Kisumu County. The study relied on secondary data obtained from financial statements, with Return on Assets (ROA) serving as the profitability measure. Findings indicate that average accounts payable significantly influence the profitability of private security firms in Kisumu County (β =9.301, p=0.006). Results imply that account payable for private security firms in Kenya should be well managed for the firms to improve their profitability. These results provide valuable insights for private security firm managers, scholars, and policymakers, including government and stakeholders, in shaping financial management strategies.   JEL: G31, L84, M4

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, MACRO ENVIRONMENT, TOP MANAGEMENT CAPABILITIES AND PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL STATE CORPORATIONS IN KENYA

Purpose: This study investigates the influence of corporate governance, macro environment, and top management capabilities on the performance of commercial state corporations in Kenya. Motivated by persistent performance challenges within state-owned enterprises, the research aimed to provide a holistic understanding of internal and external factors that drive organizational success. An integrated conceptual model was developed and tested using data collected through structured questionnaires administered to top-level managers across various commercial state corporations. The study was theoretically anchored in Agency Theory, Stewardship Theory, Upper Echelons Theory, and Resource Dependency Theory. Methodology: The variables considered in this paper are corporate governance conceptualized as an independent variable and anchored on agency theory, macro environment as the moderating variable supported by steward theory, top management capabilities as the intervening variable, anchored on upper echelon theory and performance as the dependent variable. The study used a descriptive research design and a positivist worldview. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 47 commercial state corporations. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, notably Pearson's Product-Moment Correlation and multiple regression analysis for hypotheses. Findings: The study established that collectively and individually, corporate governance, macro environment, and top management capabilities positively and statistically influence commercial state corporations in Kenya. JEL: G34, E02, M12, L25, L3