External Debt Stock and Economic Growth in Somalia (1990-2016)

Somalia has an estimated 5.5 billion dollars outstanding, due to many reasons, but the socio-economic indicators of the country show that it has contributed a little or almost nothing to the overall GDP, and continues to dwindle. Thus, this study investigates the relationship between the external debt stock and economic growth in Somalia (1990 to 2016) using the Error Correction Model (ECM). The Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) and Kwiatkowski- Phillips-Schmidt- Shin (KPSS) unit root tests were carried out on all variables to ascertain their stationarity in which all of them were found to be stationary at first difference. Co-integration results of Trace and Maximum Eigen-value showed that there is a long run relationship between external debt stock and economic growth in Somalia for the period 1990-2016. The ECM result showed that external debt stock negatively affects economic growth. This implies that when external debt increases economic growth reduces. Thus, the study concluded that the problem of high external debt stock is associated with inadequate debt management; borrowing for social and political reasons; poor performance of export sector to increase foreign exchange earnings, and lack of transparent loan cycles to make projects compete for the scarce resources. Based on the above-mentioned results, the study recommends that the government should further promote the rational and proper utilization of resources while increasing the concessional ability of newly acquired debt inflows. To this end, measures should be taken to encourage non-borrowed funds, such as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), portfolio investment and non-government guaranteed private debts

External Debt Stock and Economic Growth in Somalia (1990-2016)

Somalia has an estimated 5.5 billion dollars outstanding, due to many reasons, but the socio-economic indicators of the country show that it has contributed a little or almost nothing to the overall GDP, and continues to dwindle. Thus, this study investigates the relationship between the external debt stock and economic growth in Somalia (1990 to 2016) using the Error Correction Model (ECM). The Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) and Kwiatkowski- Phillips-Schmidt- Shin (KPSS) unit root tests were carried out on all variables to ascertain their stationarity in which all of them were found to be stationary at first difference. Co-integration results of Trace and Maximum Eigen-value showed that there is a long run relationship between external debt stock and economic growth in Somalia for the period 1990-2016. The ECM result showed that external debt stock negatively affects economic growth. This implies that when external debt increases economic growth reduces. Thus, the study concluded that the problem of high external debt stock is associated with inadequate debt management; borrowing for social and political reasons; poor performance of export sector to increase foreign exchange earnings, and lack of transparent loan cycles to make projects compete for the scarce resources. Based on the above-mentioned results, the study recommends that the government should further promote the rational and proper utilization of resources while increasing the concessional ability of newly acquired debt inflows. To this end, measures should be taken to encourage non-borrowed funds, such as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), portfolio investment and non-government guaranteed private debts

Outreach and Performance of Microfinance Institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa

Microfinance institutions is a form of financial institution that provides financial service to the poor  individuals, jobless or peoples who can’t obtain financial services from traditional banks. Most MFIs are suffering to balance being profitable in order to be self sustain and outreaching great number of poor people. This study aims to investigate the internal and external determinants that influence the outreach and financial performance of MFIs in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). A quantitative research was employed using secondary data which was collected from MIX market and World Bank. In addition, the data was gathered from 43 MFIs and the determination of the MFIs that participate in the sample was dependent on the fulfillment of the data for five period of time between 2013 and 2017. The panel data was analyzed quantitatively using EViews software. The outcome in this examination is that size of MFIs is the major determinants that impacts both social and financial performance of MFIs. However, GDP growth is insignificant factor on both outreach and financial performance. The study recognizes factors contributing to the success of MFIs as well as conveys significant information to the stakeholders of MFIs

ACADEMIC STAFF TRAINING TRANSFER AND ITS IMPACT ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE

Purpose: This study investigates the effect of training transfer to organizational performance through collaboration among academic staff. It provides a clear understanding of specific training transfer concepts and processes during their engagement in the university activities. Several issues affecting training transfer from the learning environment to impact the performance of academic staff were reported. Methodology: A semi-structured interview among four academic staffs through a purposive sampling method. The qualitative analysis had been transcribed and coded. The data gained from the interviews were themed for the purpose of the analysis. Main findings: The findings suggest that there should be training, honest communication, knowledge management, creating the right environment, identifying collaborative leaders, and making collaboration a natural part of the workflow. This was motivated by the increasing need to improve worker's skills through training which encompasses a significant aspect of the modern organization. It is concluded that deciphered training to improve specific task requirements. Therefore, monitoring training transfer provides organizations the opportunity to improve specific work environments and academician’s performance. It is recommended that training transfer and collaboration need to be an important aspect of the organizational process to improve performance outcomes. Implications/Applications: This research is important for academic staff at the Faculty of leadership and management at (USIM) who participated in the research to enhance organizational performance. Therefore, it has provided insights to other academic staff to imitate and the authorities to create a room for achievement for the organization

Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma: A Rare Cause of Ascites

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare diagnosis that presents with difficulties in diagnosis and management. This article reports a case of an 88-year-old male who presented with a 2-week history of abdominal distention and bloating. He worked at an insulation production factory between the ages of 23 and 25 years with presumed asbestos exposure. On the computed tomography scan of the abdomen/pelvis, the patient was found to have diffuse omental, peritoneal, and mesenteric nodularity with moderate to large ascites. Omental biopsy revealed MPM. The overall prognosis of MPM remains poor, with a median survival time of 12 months at the time of diagnosis. Treatment modalities offered in the United States include chemotherapy alone, cytoreductive surgery alone, or cytoreductive surgery/chemotherapy combination

Obstruction of the Inferior Vena Cava Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Obstruction of the inferior vena cava (IVC) following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a rare complication. We describe a case of IVC outflow obstruction secondary to inferior cavoatrial junction injury during CABG. The diagnostic and management approaches used to care for this patient are discussed. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.