Capital Structure and Financial Performance of Listed Manufacturing Goods Firms in Nigeria

This study investigated capital structure and financial performance of listed industrial goods firms in Nigeria. The dwindling rate of business operations which has affected the revenue base of the listed industrial goods firms in the Country necessitated this study.  The sample size for the study consisted of thirteen (13) listed industrial goods firms in Nigeria. The study made use secondary data. The secondary data was obtained from the listed industrial goods firm’s annual reports and accounts. Data was analyzed using descriptive and Pearson correlation coefficient statistical tools with the aid of statistical package for social sciences. The findings reveal that equity capital has a positive strong relationship with return on asset in the  listed industrial goods firms in Nigeria and also debt capital was found to have very strong relationship with return on asset.  Based on the findings, it was concluded that capital structure significantly affects financial performance. Therefore, the study recommends that listed industrial goods firms in Nigeria should employ more equity finance in establishing optimal capital structure. Finally, when capital is raised through debt instrument, more attention should be channeled towards other areas for performance enhancement instead of relying on returns from equity capital alone

Foreign Experience of Implementing Electronic Commerce Systems in Joint-Stock Companies and Its Practical Significance

The practical relevance of implementing electronic commerce systems in joint-stock firms abroad is discussed in this article, along with the key tactics and methods that Uzbekistan might employ to effectively compete in international electronic commerce marketplaces. Even more crucial to the nation's economy is the growth of internet commerce. According to New Uzbekistan's Development Strategy for 2022–2026, electronic commerce will play a major role in the digital economy, which is intended to become the primary "driver" of economic development and grow by at least 2.5 times. Based on the author's research, the article provides information on how Uzbek businesses may successfully leverage international markets and collaborate with new clients and marketplaces

Interval Potential Method for Solving Transportation Problems Using Mathematical Programming

This study explores the interval variant of the potential method as an innovative approach for solving transportation problems within mathematical programming. Traditional methods often fail to address the complexities arising from parameter uncertainties, creating a knowledge gap in deriving reliable solutions under varying conditions. To bridge this gap, the interval potential method is proposed, utilizing interval matrices to define constraints and feasible solutions. The methodology involves constructing the initial transportation plan using the northwest corner method and applying interval analysis to account for data variability. A structured algorithm calculates directional potentials and checks the plan's acceptability, iteratively adjusting for optimal results. Numerical simulations demonstrate the robustness of the proposed method in solving transportation problems with uncertain parameters. Results confirm that this approach identifies optimal interval solutions while maintaining computational efficiency. The implications extend to various fields requiring reliable transportation and logistics optimization under uncertain conditions, such as supply chain management and resource allocation. This work contributes to the broader application of interval analysis in mathematical programming, providing a scalable solution for real-world challenges

The Role of Internal and External Audit in Financial Control

This paper aims at examining the central roles of internal and external audits in enhancing financial control mechanisms. While internal audits are assessments that occur inside the organization with the primary business of assessing internal controls, risk management, and compliance, external audits are independent ones that examine organizational financial statements for accuracy and honesty. Although these audits are defined for separate functions, there is considerable synergy for improvement in the governance and accountability when performed jointly. In light of the existing scarcity of published material on the subject, this study employs a qualitative approach with Research Design that involves a review of both academic and industry literatures, policies and guidelines, as well as case studies. From the results, internal audits improve the internal control, whilst external audits improve accountability and better adherence to rules on financial reporting. Yet there are difficulties, for example, the problem of the scarce financial and human resources, skepticism regarding the conclusions, and questions concerning auditor independence remain rather acute. It is suggested that the specific measures-simple though important, should be followed to expose audit to more people and to enhance utilization of both traditional and technology-enabling audit types. They demonstrate why audit practices must be refined by organizations and regulators, reducing excessive focus while increasing transparency. Awareness might be created for future research to undertake the analyses of integrated audit systems over time, and innovations such as artificial intelligence and blockchain in the audit practices. The outcomes of this study make a significant contribution to filling gaps in accumulated knowledge and improving the auditing approach to meet international financial regulation norms

Economic Fluctuations and Sectoral Growth in Iran: A Decade of Challenges and Opportunities (2010–2021)

This paper aims to analyze the export performance of Iran within the years 2010 to 2021 concerning Export Value Index, export earnings and the agricultural fishery and forestry growth rate. This work further highlights the cyclicality of the trading performance, which can be attributed to factors such as international sanctions, fluctuating oil prices and domestic policies. Though the export value has improved recently, the drastic export concentration to a single product means that Iran’s economy is exposed to volatility. There is again some stability in agriculture, but the agriculture industry is relatively still-developed and vulnerable to weather and economic cycles. The statistical analysis, including regression models, reveals the relationships between trade performance on one hand, and sectoral growth on the other. In line with its recommendations, this paper proposes a diversification of the economy, stabilisation of agriculture production, and establishment of trading relationships to stabilise economic growth

Analysis of Factors Affecting The Success of Strategic Change Initiatives in The Management Consulting Sector

Strategic change initiatives are essential tools that companies use to improve performance and achieve long-term goals. This study aims to analyze the factors influencing the strategic change initiative in a management consulting firm in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Quantitative analysis was used through a survey using a questionnaire distributed electronically to 100 employees, and the researcher received 81 response o. The research conducted a statistical analysis of the questionnaire to identify the success and failure factors affecting the initiative and evaluate the company’s performance. The results showed that effective communication with employees and developing a clear change message were critical factors that contributed to the success of the initiative. Clearly communicating the change vision to employees helped enhance their understanding of and commitment to the initiative’s goals, while the active participation of all members affected by the change was essential to achieving success. The commitment and support of senior management also played a vital role in directing and implementing the initiative. On the other hand, the results showed that resistance to change, the absence of standard principles, and adopting short-term initiatives without considering long-term goals were the main factors hindering the achievement of the initiative’s goals. Other obstacles included hiring non-specialized employees, lack of integration in project management, and effective monitoring of processes. The results showed that the initiative had a positive impact on the company’s performance, as employee satisfaction and the quality of services provided improved, customer satisfaction increased, and productivity and performance efficiency improved

Social Media Usage and Academic Performance of Undergraduate Science Education Students: Evidence From Universities in Rivers State, Nigeria

The rise of information and communication technology, particularly social media, has profoundly shaped human behaviour due to its global acceptance and relevance in various areas of life. Students, in particular, are increasingly active on social networking platforms, often displaying inappropriate usage, such as during lectures or in places of worship. This study explores how social media usage affects the academic performance of science education students at universities in Rivers State, Nigeria. A sample of 1,026 students was randomly chosen from Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) and Rivers State University (RSU) to complete a questionnaire designed by the researcher.  Results of the study revealed that students primarily use social media for communication (mean = 3.89), with Facebook being the most frequently used platform for academic purposes (mean = 3.92) and skype the least used (mean = 1.03). The result also show that while social media has both positive and negative effects on academic performance, poor time management and unregulated use significantly contribute to the negative impacts. To address these issues, students are encouraged to adopt effective time management strategies and prioritize their responsibilities and social media usage. Additionally, students should focus on leveraging social media to enhance their academic outcomes rather than engaging in excessive or nonessential activities on social media

Educational Counseling Services and Enhancement of Entrepreneurial Skills among Secondary School Students in Bamenda city, North West, Cameroon

One of the core aspects of school counselling is to guide students in relation to the development of entrepreneurial skills which could be beneficial to their daily lives. The purpose of this paper was to assess the influence of educational counseling services like orientation and information services on enhancement of entrepreneurial skills among secondary school students in Bamenda city. The research design used in this study was the concurrent nested design. Qualitative data collected from 11 school counselors through the Educational Counseling and Entrepreneurship Interview Guide (ECEIG), were used to substantiate the quantitative data from 395 secondary high school students gotten through the Educational Counseling and Entrepreneurship Questionnaire (ECEQ). Descriptive statistics (in form of frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics (Chi square, and regression analyses) were used to analyze the quantitative data. Thematic analysis is used to analyze qualitative data and results displayed in tabular and narrative forms. The findings reveal that: majority of the students (78%) received orientation service on entrepreneurial skills from their school counselors. A Chi Square test of association and a binary logistic regression revealed that there was a significant (P-value < 0.001) influence of orientation service on the enhancement of entrepreneurial skills among secondary school students in the Bamenda city. It was also noticed that majority of the students (68%) from the overall findings received information service on entrepreneurial skills from their school counselor. A Chi Square test of association and a binary logistic regression revealed a significant (P-value < 0.001) influence of information service on the enhancement of entrepreneurial skills among secondary school students in the Bamenda city. It is recommended that school administrators in collaboration with counselors should organize official yearly career orientation days and ensure that adequate information on entrepreneurial skills i made available for students

Inflation and Teachers Job Performance in Public Schools in Nigeria

The effect of inflation on teachers' work performance in Nigerian public schools was covered in this essay. The study is a review that relies on secondary sources. Print and internet publications provided the secondary data. The study found that public school teachers' work performance has been adversely impacted by inflation. The study also demonstrated how teachers' standard of living has been impacted by inflation, which has resulted in them walking to school and paying more for educational materials that are essential to curriculum implementation. The study makes the following policy recommendations in light of this finding: the government ought to raise the pay and benefits of public school teachers. The cost of educational materials for instructors and pupils in public schools ought to be covered by the government. In order to facilitate the transportation of teachers and pupils to and from public schools, both public and private organisations should provide school buses

Participating Stakeholders in Decision Making of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria as Panacea for Tertiary Education Development in Nigeria

This paper looked at the benefits of participating stakeholders in the decision-making of tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The paper is a position paper that depends on secondary data. The secondary data were collected from online and print publications. The paper identified a stable academic environment, effective implementation of tertiary education goals, quality tertiary education and job satisfaction, and adherence to democratic principles, as those things that lead to substantive decisions and outcomes and lead to accountability and transparency in the system as benefits of participating stakeholders in the decision making of tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The paper concluded that the participation of stakeholders in the decision-making of tertiary institutions in Nigeria is vital to the realization of tertiary education goals in Nigeria. The paper recommends that the government and the agencies in charge of tertiary education management in Nigeria should ensure stakeholders in the Nigerian tertiary institutions are always engaged and consult before making policies and taking a decision that directly and indirectly affects the operation and welfare of the staff in the tertiary institutions in Nigeria.&nbsp