Identity and Access Management System: a Web-Based Approach for an Enterprise

Managing digital identities and access control for enterprise users and applications remains one of the greatest challenges facing computing today. An attempt to address this issue led to the proposed security paradigm called Identity and Access Management (IAM) service based on IAM standards. Current approaches such as Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), Central Authentication Service (CAS) and Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) lack comprehensive analysis from conception to physical implementation to incorporate these solutions thereby resulting in impractical and fractured solutions. In this paper, we have implemented Identity and Access Management System (IAMSys) using the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) which focuses on authentication, authorization, administration of identities and audit reporting. Its primary concern is verification of the identity of the entity and granting correct level of access for resources which are protected in either the cloud environment or on-premise systems. A phased approach methodology was used in the research where it requires any enterprise or organization willing to adopt this must carry out a careful planning and demonstrated a good understanding of the technologies involved. The results of the experimental evaluation indicated that the average rating score is 72.0 % for the participants involved in this study. This implies that the idea of IAMSys is a way to mitigating security challenges associated with authentication, authorization, data protection and accountability if properly deployed

Total quality management, firm performance, and the moderating role of competitive intensity / Ramatu Abdulkareem Abubakar, Kabiru Maitama Kura and Kabiru Jinjiri Ringim

By integrating resource-based view and theory of quality management we evaluated the moderating role of competitive intensity on the link between total quality management (TQM) implementation and SME performance. Using a stratified random sampling, 357 self-administered questionnaires were distributed to owner‐managers of SMEs operating in Kano and Kaduna in the north-west geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Of the 714 questionnaires distributed, 440 unusable questionnaires with 57 percent responses were returned and further analysed. The hypotheses were tested using Partial least squares structural equation modeling. Results supported the hypothesised main effect of TQM implementation on SME performance. However, our empirical study revealed that competitive intensity does not moderate positive relationship between TQM implementation and SME performance

Application of normative frameworks for assessing availability of socio-economic policies based on maqasid al shari’a principles in Muslim countries: A proposal / Mustapha Abubakar and Kabiru Jinjiri Ringim

The objective of this paper is to propose a framework that will assess the availability of maqasid al shari’a based socio-economic policies in Muslim countries, and whose nebulous institutions are perturbed by the statistic that 504 million people are living in multi-dimensional poverty, suffering from range of deprivations in forty-three member countries of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB). Lack of or weak access to adequate resources remain the primary issues faced by many nations. In the midst of this though, there is a recurring argument that the level of socio economic development of human well-being must be improved. To understand development challenges of socio-economic framing in the current Muslim world, factors such as education, health, spirituality, lives and property, economy, food security as well as youth employment as based on maqasid al shari’ah framework model merit consideration. Accordingly, this paper seeks to address the gap in the current literature by incorporating education and youth unemployment factors into the socio-economic development model which is based on maqasid al sharia’h framework. The study adapted the principles of Islamic divine law that ensures an inclusive socio-economic development policy devoid of tribal, ethnic or religious sentiments. The study offered recommendations for further research on maqasid al sharia’ah applications on the socio-economic development of both Muslim and Muslim-minority countries

Elephantopus Species: Traditional Uses, Pharmacological Actions and Chemical Composition.

This review paper is a comprehensive summary of the traditional uses, phytochemical composition, pharmacological activity and compounds isolated from different specie of Elephantopus, family (asteraceae). The plant is a genus of about twelve plants out of which majority are natives of south east USA. It is used in traditional folk medicine for the treatment of nephritis, oedema, dampness, pain in the chest, fever, scabies, arthralgia due to wound and cough of Pneumonia. It is also used as a tonic, febrifuge, and diaphoretic against cough, bronchitis, and asthma. Phytochemicals identified in this plant, includes flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, tannins, carbohydrates and proteins. Previous studies on the plant revealed various pharmacological activities, which are attributed to its phytochemical content.These activities include analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiasthmatic, antimicrobial and wound healing properties. Compounds isolated from different solvent fractions of the plant includes elephantopin, triterpenes, stigmasterol epifriedelinol and lupeol.Other compounds are copaene isopropyl  dimethyl hexahydronaphthalene, cyclosativene and  Zingiberene from the essential oils of Elephantopus scaber In conclusion, Elephantopus sp has wide traditional and pharmacological uses in various disease conditions. Therefore, further research is advocated on this plant. Key words: Elephantopus specie, traditional medicine, pharmacological actions, phytochemical constituents and compounds isolated

Entrepreneurial Learning as a Mediator between Entrepreneurial Orientation and SME Performance: A Conceptual Model and Research Propositions

Although a considerable amount of academic research has consistently established significant positive relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and small and medium enterprises’ performance, there remains a paucity of research examining the fundamental processes behind this relationship. To address this theoretical gap in the literature, a proposed mediation model is proposed. The proposed conceptual model and propositions developed was based on resource-based view (RBV) and relevant extant literature in the fields of marketing, strategic management, and entrepreneurship. In this paper, we provide a detail review of literature linking entrepreneurial orientation and SME performance. In addition, we review some extant literature to show why and in what ways entrepreneurial learning might play a mediating role between entrepreneurial orientation and SME performance. Managerial implications, limitations and further research are discussed

Born Yesterday: the Need for Reconstructing Master’s Degree Programme in Library Science at the Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria

Developments in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), worldwide, are changing the face and direction of the LIS education and profession in general. As a result, educational offerings need to be revised to keep up with the current trends. This study examines the MLS programme offered by the LIS School, Bayero University, Kano, in terms of its curriculum and training facilities. The study also suggested a new masters’ degree curriculum for the LIS School that is based on the current requirements (i.e. local and international). Such a curriculum is considered appropriate and necessary in bringing about the desired changes in the MLS programme. Thus, it is anticipated that graduates who are trained based on the proposed curriculum would have an edge in the ever-changing labour market for the LIS practitioners. Keywords:Library and information science education; Information science; MLS programme; Library science; Curriculum; Bayero University, Kan

ANALGESIC EFFECT AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF BOSWELLIA DALZIELII (BURSERACEAE) STEM BARK

Objective: To evaluate the analgesic effect and anti-inflammatory properties of Boswellia dalzielii (Burseraceae), a medicinal plant commonly used in northern Nigeria as an anti-diarrhoeal, antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.Methods: Three doses (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) of the crude aqueous extract of Boswellia dalzielii were evaluated for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities using the acetic acid-induced writhing test, formalin-induced nociception and formalin-induced hind paw oedema in rats. The acute oral toxicity was carried out using the up and down procedure as described by the OECD guidelines.Results: All doses (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) of the extract tested were effective against acetic acid induced abdominal constrictions producing a percentage inhibition of (55.43, 69.56 and 71.73%) respectively. A percentage inhibition of the formalin-induced nociception of (7.31, 31.70 and 48.78%-early phase) and (12.82, 21.79 and 48.71%-late phase) respectively was also produced. For the acetic acid writhing test, the percentage inhibition obtained at the dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg (69.56 and 71.73%) were higher than that of the standard drug (Piroxicam, 10 mg/kg) (59.78%). For formalin-induced nociception, the test extract at 100 mg/kg showed a higher percentage inhibition compared to Piroxicam, in early (48.78 and 43.90%) and late phase (48.71 and 39.74 %) respectively. The extract, however, did not show a significant activity against formalin-induced paw oedema at all the doses used.Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that Boswellia dalzielii has significant analgesic properties comparable to that of the standard drug (10% Piroxicam), thus validating the traditional claim of its antinociceptive property

Zakah on employment income in Muslims majority states of Nigeria: Any cause for alarm?

This paper aims at adding to reliable solutions of the menace of poverty in the Muslim majority states of Nigeria by providing facts that buttress the payment of Zakah on employment and professional income as a powerful source of funds for dealing with the harsh effect of poverty among Muslim communities.The paper is purely a literature review research that explores the jurisprudential debate and ruling on Zakah on employment income and traces how some Muslim majority jurisdictions benefitted immensely towards eradicating poverty using proceeds from Zakah on employment and professional income.In view of this, the paper recommends to those in authority to take a juristic stance on the matter and generate Zakah funds from employment and professional income as well as ensure proper disbursement of the funds to the target group in order to curb the poverty situations of the Muslim majority states in Nigeria and beyond

Total Quality Management, Firm Performance, and The Moderating Role Of Competitive Intensity

By integrating resource-based view and theory of quality management we evaluated the moderating role of competitive intensity on the link between total quality management (TQM) implementation and SME performance. Using a stratified random sampling, 357 self-administered questionnaires were distributed to owner‐managers of SMEs operating in Kano and Kaduna in the north-west geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Of the 714 questionnaires distributed, 440 unusable questionnaires with 57 percent responses were returned and further analysed. The hypotheses were tested using Partial least squares structural equation modeling. Results supported the hypothesised main effect of TQM implementation on SME performance. However, our empirical study revealed that competitive intensity does not moderate positive relationship between TQM implementation and SME performance

Financial Instruments: Islamic Versus Conventional

The financial system of any economy is made up of its financial institution, financial instruments and financial regulators. However, the nature of the instruments, institutions and regulations depend on the economic system and philosophy prevailing in that economy. This chapter presents a simple and precise narrations on the meaning of financial instruments, their forms and characteristics, fundamental principles of Islamic finance as well as the similarities and differences between convention and Islamic financial instruments. A case study reflecting the core merits and pitfalls of financial instruments is presented to further press home the understanding of the topic. This piece is intended to provide readers with the basic understanding of issues raised