Effect of Entrepreneurial Financing on Women Entrepreneurship Performance in Zamfara State

This research seeks to empirically examine the effect of entrepreneurial financing on women's entrepreneurship in Zamfara state. The study specifically wishes to examine the effect of personal savings, rotating savings, sources from relatives, partners, friends (informal sources of entrepreneurial financing) and microcredit, bank loans, government, and other agencies' grants (formal sources of entrepreneurial financing) on women entrepreneurs in Zamfara state to draw our findings based on the outcome of the research. Therefore, the research design is a survey of close-ended questionnaire-based research, which was distributed to women entrepreneurs within the state, from which a sample was drawn by the use of convenient sampling; where a sample of xxx women entrepreneurs was drawn and randomly given a questionnaire. The valid responses were presented in tables and charts for a better understanding of users. The data collected was then analysed by the use of SPSS version 20.0 through ordinary least square regression technique and ANOVA, then followed by a post-diagnostic reliability test of Cronbach alpha, multicollinearity, or/and outliers. The confirmation of this analysis suggested the final result, and from it, a conclusion and recommendations will be proffered

Geochemical Characteristics of Soil in Relation to Occurrence of Entomopathogenic Nematodes (EPNs) in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria

The occurrence and abundance of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) vary across locations, and this has been attributed to many factors including soil physico-chemical properties. This study examined the influence of selected soil chemicals on the occurrence of EPNs under different cultivated lands in Osun state, Southwestern Nigeria. EPNs were isolated from 23.33% of the soil samples in selected sites using decantation and centrifugation method and nematodes observed under standard microscopy were identified based on morphological analysis of infective juveniles (IJs). This study has revealed the presence of nematodes of the families Steinernema and Heterorhabditis in the sampled soils. Soil chemical properties, including sodium (Na), carbon (C), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) of the soil samples containing EPNs were determined following standard laboratory methods. Soil moisture contents of the sampled soils were also determined. Association of soil chemical characteristic and soil moisture content with the occurrence of EPNs was determined. There were statistically significant differences between mean soil chemical properties such as Na, C, P, Mg, K, Ca, Zn and Fe and soil chemical levels of soil samples with EPNs and soil samples without EPNs at P ≤ 0.05. However, soil moisture was found to significantly influence EPNs’ counts in positive soil samples. EPNs were found in soils of varying soil chemical levels, with individual species preferring a certain degree of chemicals (potassium (K) 267.83 mg, sodium (Na) 190.01 mg and iron (Fe), 155.80 mg). Soil fertility management that includes the use of fertilizers that contain the specific soil chemicals is required for occurrence of the EPNs. Keywords: Entomopathogenic nematodes; soil chemicals; Moisture content; influenc

THE EFFECT OF INNOVATIVENESS AND INTERNAL LOCUS OF CONTROL ON AGRO-ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION: A MEDIATING ROLE OF INNOVATIVENESS

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of innovativeness and internal locus of control on agro-entrepreneurial intention as well as the mediating role of innovativeness on the relationship between internal locus of control and agro-entrepreneurial intention among secondary school students in Nigerian. Using structural equation model on 200 secondary school students in Sokoto state, we found that the agro-entrepreneurial aspirations of secondary school students are significantly related to one’s innovativeness, while internal locus of control has no significant effect. Also, internal locus of control significantly influences one’s innovativeness. Finally, innovativeness has a full mediating effect on the relationship between internal locus of control and agro-entrepreneurial intention. Thus, the Nigerian government and other government entities are reminded by this study of the importance of continuing to develop training programs and activities to support psychological traits in young agro-entrepreneurs. Keywords: : Innovativeness, Internal Locus of Control, Agro-Entrepreneurship,  Nigeria

Enrolment Regimes and Gender Differences in University of Mines and Technology : Implication for Gender– equity Discourse in Multi National Ghanaian Mines

The paper assessed gender perceptions of science and engineering courses, gender differences in enrolment regimes in University of Mines and Technology; and how both translated to recruitment of females in the mines. Drawing from a mix methodological approach, it was evidenced that gendered perceptions and stereotypes on science and engineering courses accounted for few females pursuing science, engineering and technology courses in UMaT. These perceptions, the general dislike for engineering courses by most females for fear of mathematics and the knowledge of the fact that engineering is quite difficult, explain the phenomenon of female under-representation in the mines. Though the progressive feminine enrolment regimes, due to gender main streaming initiative in UMaT, whereby women are giving some leverage. The moment a woman gets aggregate 36, which is maximum aggregate or minimum point of qualification, and she chooses mining related course, she is admitted, whereas in some cases, their men counterparts with aggregate 10 or 14 may not be considered. This is gradually working towards achieving a 20 percent quota for women. Though this, of course, is translating into increased female recruitment into the mines, the pace still remains slow and relatively insignificant. By implication, female under-representation in mine work environment point to the fact that mines are missing such feminine values necessary for corporate sustainability, growth and development. Therefore affirmative action plan is recommended at all levels of mine work planning that will ensure inclusion of such feminine virtues to impact profitably and propel growth of the mining industry in Ghana

Investigating the Non-Gendered Recruitment Characteristics of Mining Firms in Ghana : The Role of Sociocultural, Psychosocial and Organizational Design Factors

This paper explores the influencing dynamics of psychosocial, cultural and organizational design factors on the non-gendered characteristics of employee recruitment in firms operating in the Ghanaian mining industry that constrains the employability of women. A conceptual framework linking psychosocial, cultural, and organizational design to recruitment processes was developed to guide the study. Quantitative data was collected in four mining firms in Ghana using a questionnaire. The collated data was firstly factor analyzed to establish the predictiveness of the conceptual model components’ indicators. This was followed by an analysis of the conceptual model for “model goodness fit” using the AMOS–based structural equation modeling approach. The results showed that the non-gendered characteristics of employees’ recruitment in mining firms in Ghana, constrains the employability of women, is influenced directly and positively by the firms organizational designs, which is in turn influenced directly by the firms’ psychosocial and sociocultural factors. The study also showed that the non-gendered recruitment characteristic of the firms is influenced indirectly, but positively by the firms’ psychosocial factors, and negatively by other sociocultural factors. By implication, the study provides knowledge that can be used to understand the rationale behind the non-gendered characteristics of employee recruitment in Ghanaian mines and the influencing roles of organizational design factors as well as psychosocial and cultural factors. Mining firms can use this knowledge in developing gendered recruitment policies to enhance future recruitment of all qualified human resource, irrespective of gender.Validerad; 2017; Nivå 1; 2017-04-04 (andbra)Rufai's Doctoral Research wor

Examining Gender Equity Research in Ghanaian Mines : A Meta–Analytical Approach

Gender-oriented persons constitute majority of the Ghanaian population yet underrepresented in mining exploration, underground mining and mineral processing. In Ghana, the 2010 population and housing census figures on gender participation proportion in mining stood at 0.6% for females as compared to 2.0% for males. The purpose of this study is to create understanding on the politics of employing gender oriented persons in mine work, as well as identifying the organizational and socio-cultural challenges facing them. The study employed a meta-analysis technique for data collection. The results showed that some mining companies advertised their mining jobs openly expressing preferences for male employees due to general physical hardness of the conditions under which the mineworkers operate. In addition, the work demonstrates prevalence of organizational and socio-cultural barriers affecting effective participation of gender oriented persons in the mines. It is, therefore recommended the need to promote gender mainstreaming and gender equality as part of development strategies in Ghanaian mines, a situation that might enable gender oriented persons to earn a decent living from a decent workplace, allowing escape from poverty and improvement in their standard of living.Godkänd; 2014; 20141223 (mohami

AN INSILCO STUDY OF 1,1-DIFLUORO-2-METHOXYPROPANE REACTION MECHANISM WITH THE BROMINE MONOXIDE (BrO) RADICAL

An Insilco study was carried out on the thermochemistry, mechanism and kinetics of the Hydrogen abstraction reaction of 1,1-difluoro-2-methoxypropane (CH3CH(OCH3)CHF2) with the Bromine monoxide radical (BrO) using the Density Functional Theory (DFT) based M06-2X/6-311++G** method. The energy values were immediately improved via optimization at DFT/M06-2X/6-311++G(2df,2p) level (single-point calculations) of the reacting species involved. The Monte Carlo search on the investigating hydrofluoroether (HFE) showed nine conformers with the lowest global minimum conformer being predicted and considered for this work. The results of this study showed that the atmospheric oxidation reaction of CH3CH(OCH3)CHF2 with the BrO radical proceeded in four (4) plausible reaction routes. The  total experimental rate of 4.34*10-06 cm-3 molecule-1 sec-1 for HFE + BrO reaction was estimated with atmospheric lifetime (ALT)/global warming potential (GWP) of 1.80 years and 165.30 respectively. The 3D potential energy surfaces (PES) for the reaction was however constructed at absolute temperature of 298.15 K

Reflections on Organizational Barriers Vis-à-Vis Women Participation in Largescale Ghanaian Mines

Writing from gender and organizational perspectives, this article reflects consciously with nuances upon varied effort working towards resolving the long existing binary barriers in the world of work. Working towards this goal, this article raises questions as to which organizational practices, processes, and procedures function to create participatory barriers to women in Ghanaian mine jobs. Adopting a mixed method design, the paper points to the culture of male dominance, gender biases, role models and mentorship constraints, unfriendly family work policies, and the relationship among women in male-dominated settings. These outcomes, according to the study, constitute a considerable concern for organizational development, with practical implications for industry, employment, labor relation practices, and public policy in Ghana. Therefore affirmative action among others is recommended for gender deconstruction, and promotion of gender democracy, an agenda for inclusivity, and a safety valve for poverty escapes and a compact for achieving gender equality in multinational Ghanaian mines.

Reflections on Organizational Barriers Vis-à-Vis Women Participation in Largescale Ghanaian Mines

Writing from gender and organizational perspectives, this article reflects consciously with nuances upon varied effort working towards resolving the long existing binary barriers in the world of work. Working towards this goal, this article raises questions as to which organizational practices, processes, and procedures function to create participatory barriers to women in Ghanaian mine jobs. Adopting a mixed method design, the paper points to the culture of male dominance, gender biases, role models and mentorship constraints, unfriendly family work policies, and the relationship among women in male-dominated settings. These outcomes, according to the study, constitute a considerable concern for organizational development, with practical implications for industry, employment, labor relation practices, and public policy in Ghana. Therefore affirmative action among others is recommended for gender deconstruction, and promotion of gender democracy, an agenda for inclusivity, and a safety valve for poverty escapes and a compact for achieving gender equality in multinational Ghanaian mines.

ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MANAGERS OF TECHNICAL COLLEGE WORKSHOPS: A CASE OF NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

This study assesses the effectiveness of managers of technical college workshops from the perspective of stakeholders in North Central Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was employed. Three research questions and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. A 35-item questionnaire developed by the researchers and validated by three experts was used to collect data from 101 administrators, 140 teachers, and 24 workshop personnel randomly sampled and stratified along trades in technical colleges. Mean was employed to answer the research questions while one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to test the hypotheses using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for data analysis. Result revealed that respondent shared similar opinions on the management of technical college workshops. It was therefore recommended that: The managers of the workshops should use alternative approaches in the management of workshop instead of waiting for government to provide everything; maintenance of tools should be a regular practice in the workshops; administrators should recommend teachers and workshop personnel to attend seminars regularly in order to update their knowledge on current practices in the management of technical college workshops among others