Showing papers in "Arts and social sciences journal in 2017"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyze Chinese economic and geo-strategic objectives from the CPEC, carrying out discussions under the broader framework of the One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiative.
Abstract: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a lead project of “One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiative” formally announced in April 2015. The multibillion US Dollar project of CPEC offers much needed avenues of economic growth and political stability for Pakistan and the region at large. Much is known about the promises which the project offers to Pakistan, however, very little academic discussion is found on the aspects that what benefits China will accrue being the financer of the project. Therefore, this paper is an attempt to analyze Chinese economic and geo-strategic objectives from the CPEC, carrying out discussions under the broader framework of OBOR Initiative. The study uses qualitative methods of investigations to find out some of the very important Chinese ambitions from the Belts and Roads Initiative. The project is the practical manifestation of the Chinese vision of “Peaceful Rise” and regional integration which is expected to usher a win-win situation for the partnering countries. The paper concludes that if the perceived objectives are attained, it will prove to be a “game changer” for the region and World at large, marking a new era of World Development led by China.
32 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the positive and negative elements that will likely impact the CPEC project progress, from internal political, economic dynamics of Pakistan and consequent security challenges to the related transit tariff issues, quality labor force supplies, just as well the inter-provincial competition between Baluchistan and KPK (Khyber Pukhtoon Khwa) besides the reaction of some South Asian countries, namely, India and Bangladesh.
Abstract: This paper discusses the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) long-term infrastructural project as a major part of the One Belt One Road (OBOR) the major global initiative by the Chinese government, scheduled to complete by 2030. CPEC is a joint project that Beijing and Islamabad agreed to finance through Chinese investments utilizing investment loans largely by Chinese financial institutions; nevertheless, Pakistan will also be responsible for investing approximately 15 billion dollars on its own in the process. While the project has been welcomed by Greater Eurasia (including Russia, Iran, and Central Asia) besides the United Kingdom and Western European countries, albeit vehement opposition by India. Paper elaborates upon the positive and negative elements that will likely impact the project progress, from internal political, economic dynamics of Pakistan and consequent security challenges to the related transit tariff issues, quality labor force supplies, just as well the inter-provincial competition between Baluchistan and KPK (Khyber Pukhtoon Khwa) besides the reaction of some South Asian countries, namely, India and Bangladesh. It highlights the opportunities, challenges and the impact that this mega project will likely have to the existing socioeconomic infrastructure, job opportunities, poverty level index, and regional peace and security.
24 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the process of political party financing and how it's influenced or affected by corruption taking the 2015 General Elections as the case study in Nigeria's Fourth Republic.
Abstract: Political party financing is the process of funding the parties and the candidates that contested under their platform. However, in most developing democracies, elections and political party financing are marred with heavy allegations of corruption. The objective that this paper examined was the process of political party financing and how it’s influenced or affected by corruption taking the 2015 General Elections as the case study in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. The methodology adopted for this work is the use of qualitative method of data collection and analysis. Data were obtained from primary sources using field work. The data obtained was analysed and discussed. The research discovered that, there was massive corruption in the 2015 General Elections unprecedented in the history of the country running in trillions of Naira (billions of Dollars). The research recommends that political party financing be monitored and strict regulations should be introduced to punish the offenders
12 citations
TL;DR: The use of guidance as a tool for improving leadership communication skills in officers is discussed, with a focus on facilitating that the individuals being guided increase their will to reflect on their own thought patterns and emotions.
Abstract: Background: For military officers it is important to accomplish the mission and to take care of their personnel. The key to knowing how to challenge and support each individual in one’s unit lies in leadership communication and in getting to know each one. Purpose of Study: To discuss the use of guidance as a tool for improving leadership communication skills in officers. Sources of Evidence: The Norwegian Armed Forces needs leaders who can act in their role and position. The challenge is to collect and share information, to create a common situational awareness, and hence to achieve an interaction with others that provides the desired efficiency in accordance with the Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Operational Doctrine. Main argument: The officer needs knowledge and skills in building good relations with others in their own unit. The Norwegian Military Academy teaches guidance as a communication tool in leadership development. This is facilitated through a five-day course in guidance. The interpersonal relationships create a sense of esprit de corps, that is, feelings of loyalty, enthusiasm, devotion to a group, and mutual trust. Guidance helps the officers to learn about themselves and others, their own reaction patterns and those of others, and gives them an understanding of relationships. Conclusion: Dialogue provides an opportunity to reflect on the professional and personal challenges and thoughts. The focus is on facilitating that the individuals being guided increase their will to reflect on their own thought patterns and emotions.
12 citations
TL;DR: It was recommended that in order to improve the students speaking skill, the students have to practice in classroom interaction to develop their speaking skill in the target language by actively participating in the classroom speaking.
Abstract: In the process of Second Language Acquisition (SLA), classroom interaction takes an important place. Teachers need to apply appropriate classroom interaction to facilitate language learning in reality since interaction is in the heart of communication in an era of communicative language teaching. Therefore, the purpose of this study was conducted to assess teachers’ application of classroom interaction on developing the students speaking skills in Tullu Sangota Primary school grade 8. Specifically, the study was intended to assess whether the teacher uses a variety of classroom interactions. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, a descriptive survey method was used and the data were gathered through questionnaires, classroom observation, and interview. Both open-ended and close-ended questionnaires were distributed to the sample students and semi-structured interview questions were employed with sample English teachers. Observation was also held based on checklist and chosen criteria in accordance with the objective of the study. To assess teachers’ application of classroom interaction on developing students speaking skills, 100 sample students from grade 8 and 4 English teachers were taken for the study from Tullu Sangota Primary Schools. The collected data was analyzed using percentage and frequency. Based on the information gathered through the above instruments and its results and discussion, the findings of the study revealed that teachers rarely played their role to develop the students speaking skills in the classroom due to lack of awareness, having negative attitude toward classroom interaction, lack of simple materials to practice classroom interaction, low participation of the students in the class, and lack of access of teaching aids inhibits the teachers to apply classroom interaction. Based on the implications of the findings, recommendation was made to language teachers, students, Tullu Sangota Primary, Ministry of Education and concerned bodies. Finally, on the bases of the findings, it was recommended that in order to improve the students speaking skill: The students have to practice in classroom interaction to develop their speaking skill in the target language by actively participating in the classroom speaking. In addition, teachers also ought to play a prominent role to improve the students speaking skill by using an appropriate classroom interaction which give equal chance for the students to participate actively in the classroom interaction.
12 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the reciprocal relation between the concepts of political power and political rights produces what here is called "the political consciousness" and the concept of political consciousness is introduced as an "essentially integrated concept".
Abstract: It has been assumed that ‘Power’, following Gallie’s analysis, is an essentially contested concept. However, in this paper, it is argued that the modern concept of power is beyond this primitive definition. In order to understand the concept of political power, one must consider the notions of ‘rights’ and ‘power’. Hence, the first aim of the paper is to introduce power as an ‘essentially integrated concepts’. Furthermore, the reciprocal relation between the concepts of political power and political rights produces what here is called ‘the political consciousness’. Commemorating the complex but reciprocal relationship between power and right not only invites us to have a new perspective on the concepts of power but also helps us to understand the theory of political consciousness. After categorizing the concepts of power, the final part of the paper defines sovereignty (Herrschaft), power (Macht) and legitimate power.
11 citations
TL;DR: Nigeria is the Africa's most populous nation with approximate 180 million citizens (CIA World Factbook, 2015) and diverse as discussed by the authors and around 50% of them are Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo tribes.
Abstract: Nigeria is the Africa’s most populous nation with approximate 180 million citizens (CIA World FactBook, 2015) and diverse. Around 50% of them are Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo tribes. These tribes dominated two main regional parts of the country namely: North and South. Muslims majority from the North and/or minority in the South account for more than 50% of the entire population, 40% are Christians mainly in the South with significant amount in the North. 10% are traditional African believes. Despite various efforts and concerns show by local and international human rights groups, women, who account almost half of the entire population, are generally lagged behind in all aspects of life (economically, socially, politically and intellectually). The current dimensional studies lead to discover that modern Nigerian women are on the lowest rung of poverty condition. Intellectually, higher proportion of Nigerian men goes to school than that of women, thus neither their participation in forming nor administering the government is yet matured. Perhaps, religion and tradition are used as instruments of women oppression in Nigeria.
10 citations
TL;DR: The needs of modification of curriculum and education system of the madaris in Lahore, a contrastive study on madrassah education and modern studies which can help the graduate students in dealing effectively with the challenges of modern world are focused on.
Abstract: This paper focuses on the needs of modification of curriculum and education system of the madaris in Lahore. As the changing situations of peace across the globe along with the advent of 9/11, so madrassa educational system has gained much attention because of purported relationship between the madrassah students and terrorism. Appositeness between the educational prospects of madrassas and terrorism has become an igneous argument. In this manner, a quantitative research design is implemented for investigating the target result. The data was collected by the researcher himself while conducting face to face interviews with the 107 respondents. This interview based on open-ended questions. So the population of the present research comprised of 107 participants from the district Lahore. The data analyzed in descriptive statistic tables and by applying chi-square test. Hence, this study would be an incentive in illuminating a contrastive study on madrassah education and modern studies which can help the graduate students in dealing effectively with the challenges of modern world. In addition to this, some productive suggestions exist in the proceeding chapters too. SPSS used for the systematic evaluation of the data.
9 citations
TL;DR: The story of uxoricide is associated with Mehmed II and his fair Greek wife in Elizabethan and Restoration Drama as discussed by the authors. But the same story is in Peele, Carlell, Swinhoe, Goring and Johnson.
Abstract: Because of the loss of Constantinople (Istanbul), the image of Mehmed II (Mehmet or literary Mahomet) is associated with the city and receives the most merciless hostile account from European Christians. The legend of uxoricide (killing wife) is associated with Sultan Mahomet's and his Fair Greek wife in Elizabethan and Restoration Drama. The same story is in Peele, Carlell, Swinhoe, Goring and Johnson. Elizabethan playwrights have interchanged discourses and prejudices as they crisscrossed between the Turks and their fascination in the Turks. The lustful Ottomans fascinate audiences not only through their harem stories, but by the extravagant tragedies and the magnificent staging of these plays. Similarly, the tragic love episode of the Sultan and the Greek spouse echoes in Goffe, Kyd, Shakespeare and others. Although the dramatic story is led in episodes of love, constancy, fortune, inconstancy, triumph, and death, it is politically exploiting the Turkish incursion in Europe, and the bad nature of the Ottoman Sultans.
8 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the results of a qualitative study on representations of social classes and social mobility between classes, focusing on the self-identified middle-class group attributes such as perseverance, entrepreneurship, work ethic and consecration to an improvement plan.
Abstract: In this article, we present the results of a qualitative study on representations of social classes and social mobility between classes. The self-identified middle-class group attributes itself positive characteristics such as perseverance, entrepreneurship, work ethic, and consecration to an improvement plan. Staying in the middle class is perceived as a constant struggle to survive in an adverse economic, political and social context. The social relations between the classes are perceived as highly differentiated, with little mixture and a net desire to demarcate one from the others. The elements that structure social classes, according to this perspective, include education in the first instance, occupation, income, and the amounts of cultural and social capital accumulated in a variety of family and social conditions that vary by region and place of birth amid a common context of social policies and programs that are present for all social classes. The component that enables social mobility versus immobility for social groups of similar origin is the use of the fragile opportunities available throughout life. This is how the middle class is formed and recomposed in processes of upward mobility of low fluidity and little stability. This process, for some, has not been fully achieved in the present generation, but will only be achieved in their children’s generation and in some cases, by sacrificing the expectations of parents and older siblings.
7 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the main determinants of rural household poverty in the district of Dejen Amhara regional state using primary data collected through questionnaire through multi-stage sampling technique.
Abstract: This study examines the main determinants of rural household poverty in the district of Dejen Amhara regional state using primary data collected through questionnaire. Through multi-stage sampling technique the data was collected from a total of 204 sample households from rural area of Dejen district in the year 2016. The FGT poverty index (Foster, Greer and Thorbecke) was employed to examine the extent and severity of rural poverty in Dejen. Accordingly, nearly 49% of the sampled rural households’ lives below poverty line with an average poverty gap of 0.083 and poverty severity gap of 0.065. The probit model used to analyze the main determinants of rural poverty. Based on the probit model analysis output, household size, sex of households, dependency ratio and livestock ownership are found to be the key determinants of rural poverty. Poverty status is negatively correlated with total number of livestock a household owned and sex of household heads (male dummy). On one hand, family size and dependency ratio are positively related to poverty status of households. So, as parts of policy implication this study suggests that promoting and giving awareness about family planning and putting the existing policy in effect and integrated health service with appropriate access would result in curbing the degree of poverty among rural households. Technical advice and training, how to use their cattle’s, should offer from the concerned body in order to strengthen their benefits for the rural poor and help them to exit from poverty. There should also be a need to encourage and give awareness to the population that females are productive and means of development and a way to combat poverty and gender basis development policy measures targeting anti-poverty involvements are useful to curb poverty in rural areas of Dejen.
TL;DR: Sunni and Shia are the major sects living in Pakistan as discussed by the authors and both the sects shared faith on the concept of monotheism and the finality of last prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H).
Abstract: Sunni and Shia are the major sects living in Pakistan. Both the sects lived peacefully for decades. For centuries, it was a common tradition to pray at the same mosques and to intermarry. Both the sects shared faith on the concept of monotheism and the finality of last prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). They have diverse views on the interpretation of Islamic laws. But since last three decades Pakistan is under the serious threat of sectarian cruelty. The most regrettable aspect of the hostility is that both the sects are claiming that they are serving the religion. The killing of innocent peoples is in their view is to serve the religion. The extremist and radical tendencies portray the religion of peace into the religion of violence.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors categorized trends of research conducted on Pansori between 1990 and 2014 into 7 categories, including singing style of the performers portraying implicit rhythms and story texts and the way in which each school has passed down its unique ways and methods.
Abstract: There are differing views on the origins of Pansori and its differing aspects depending on the objects of analysis and perspective. Various methods of interpretation and studies would be possible. The purpose of this study was to analyze 422 academic papers published by a pre-eminent academic journal on Pansori according to a number of different criteria by categorizing them both by time period and also by their subject matters. This study categorized trends of research conducted on Pansori between 1990 and 2014 into 7 categories. The most frequently studied topics include singing style of the performers portraying implicit rhythms and story texts and the way in which each school of Pansori has passed down its unique ways and methods. The key implication of this study is that the analysis of research trends on this topic would enable expansion of structured topics on traditional music as well as diversification of topics that could be studied further.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the impact of internet on social capital and relations through survey using questionnaire as a tool of data collection and found that 40% respondents reported that it results in less emotional bonding among real life relations because people concentrate more on virtual ties.
Abstract: This study explores the “Impact of internet on the social capital and relations” through survey using questionnaire as a tool of data collection. Finding of the study revealed that 40% respondents reported that it results in less emotional bonding among real life relations because people concentrate more on virtual ties. 40% respondents said that due to internet usage their reliance on electronic medium increases. 73% respondents agree that they use the internet to know new people, as it helps the users to increase their online social capital. Among respondents 59% people agree that they use the internet to renew online contacts with old friends. Whereas only 25% respondents strongly agree they use the internet to intensify online contacts with their relatives. It targeted 440 respondents and got response from 400 (200 male, 200 female) having demographic characteristics like, age, gender, education and income of respondents. For age the researcher has selected youth (20-25 y) and middle aged (30-40 y) sample is selected, for status, students and professionals/teachers sample is selected, for gender, the researcher has selected female and male, and for income, low, middle and high income sample has been selected and lastly for education, both IT educated and Non- IT educated sample has been selected. The key variables of hypothesis were” Impact of internet on relations with social capital, Impact of internet on the face to face communication, Impact of internet on virtual ties”. For this study, impact of internet has been operationalized into several dependent and independent variables.
TL;DR: In this paper, a qualitative study was conducted to find out the causes of low education, poor socio-economic conditions, societal trends, religious influence, culture and participation in decision making that have led to gender discrimination in Quetta.
Abstract: Discrimination against women is a global issue as even in developed Western nations women experience biasness on the basis of their gender. In developing countries like Pakistan, gender discrimination is more rampant in both rural as well as urban areas. The study aim is to find out the causes of low education, poor socio-economic conditions, societal trends, religious influence, culture and participation in decision making that have led to gender discrimination in Quetta. A quantitative research approach has been taken to fulfill the objectives of this research. A mixed sample of illiterate and literate, male and female respondents was chosen at random and data was collected through questionnaires distributed among the literate population while the illiterate population was interviewed. The findings reveal that gender discrimination is rampant in Balochistan and girls are not allowed to pursue education, denied good healthcare and their social relationships and social behavior is also controlled by men. Illiteracy, rigid customs and traditions, patriarchal society and influence of religious personalities were the main causes of gender discrimination in Quetta. Discrimination is present at all levels and among all classes; however the type and level of discrimination varies with the educational background of the respondents. The illiterate respondents had more rigid views about gender discrimination and were more under the influence of religious personalities. In fact majority of the respondents desired an end to gender discrimination and considered it a cause of socio-economic deprivation in the province. Study explores the various issues women face in their daily lives in education, health care, social relationships and decision making in context of gender discrimination.
TL;DR: Continuous educational programs that focus on advancement and challenging situations in leadership, strategic issues, change management, work unit management, should be provided for first-line nurse managers in order to enhance and support their self-efficacy and effectiveness in their leadership role and meeting different work expectations.
Abstract: Background: Today, nursing leaders face unprecedented challenges as healthcare organizations struggle to adapt to ever-accelerating rates of change both internally with the external environment in which they are embedded. The connection between leadership self-efficacy and leadership effectiveness may be critical to find new ways of selecting and developing leadership in healthcare organizations. Greater understanding is needed regarding how leaders' efficacy beliefs interact with their broader self-concept and effectiveness to increase the adaptability across numerous challenges, roles, and performance contexts.
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between leadership self-efficacy of first-line nurse managers and their leadership effectiveness.
Methods: Design and setting: A descriptive co-relational research design was conducted at all inpatient medical and surgical care units at Alexandria Main University Hospital. Subjects included; all first-line nurse managers (N=37); all staff nurses (N=400) and all nursing supervisors (N=14) working in the previously mentioned units. Leadership Self-Efficacy Inventory was used by first-line nurse managers to assess their leadership self-efficacy, and Leadership Effectiveness Scale, a 360° feedback instrument was used to assess leadership effectiveness of first-line nurse managers from different sources.
Results: The findings of this study revealed a significant positive correlation between overall leadership selfefficacy of first-line nurse managers and their leadership effectiveness (r=0.190, p=0.000). However, a significant difference was found among first-line nurse managers, staff nurses and nursing supervisors regarding their overall perception of leadership effectiveness of first-line nurse managers (F=19.69, p=0.000).
Conclusion and recommendation: Leadership self-efficacy is considered a useful and important strategy for improving leadership effectiveness, staff improvement and empowerment. Continuous educational programs that focus on advancement and challenging situations in leadership, strategic issues, change management, work unit management, should be provided for first-line nurse managers in order to enhance and support their self-efficacy and effectiveness in their leadership role and meeting different work expectations.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify the problems of the conventional development system in Bangladesh and to provide a model of development that will serve the people best, where both the primary and secondary data used for this study, after analyzing the data, they argue that a number of flaws remain in conventional growth based development system.
Abstract: The word development has become a blazing topic in the milieu of scholars, think tanks and civil society in Bangladesh for the last couple of years. Even some development experts claimed to modify the present development approaches in Bangladesh. The purpose of this paper is to identify the problems of the conventional development system in Bangladesh and to provide a model of development that will serve the people best. To address the aims of this study both qualitative and quantitative method is used. Where both the primary and secondary data used for this study, after analyzing the data, this paper argues that a number of flaws remain in conventional growth based development system in Bangladesh. Such as, not all growth is positive, an increase of personal income does not translate into well-being, and absence of inclusive development. In addition, the faults can eradicate by introducing freedom of choice. Because if the freedom of choice ensues then the inclusive development, human development, as well as good governance, would develop in Bangladesh.
TL;DR: Investigation of some of the challenges a Joint Force Commander may face when a conflict changes character from being a high-intensity conflict to becoming a low- intensity conflict finds target selection and information operations have proven to be two factors that will have a greater importance in the planning and conduct of operations.
Abstract: A Joint Force Commander (JFC) leading military joint operations faces several complex challenges. The purpose of this article is to investigate some of the challenges a Joint Force Commander may face when a conflict changes character from being a high-intensity conflict to becoming a low-intensity conflict. Sources of evidence: In connection with command and control, especially issues concerning different cultures and the understanding of this can be the biggest challenge for a Joint Force Commander during the transition to a low intensity conflict as a peace support operation setting. Main argument: Being able to anticipate some of these problems will be essential to a Joint Force Commander's ability to exercise leadership and command and control. Conclusions: Furthermore, target selection and information operations have proven to be two factors that will have a greater importance in the planning and conduct of operations during a transition from a high-intensity conflict to a low-intensity conflict.
TL;DR: In this paper, the predictive power of SAT, Sex and Department in AAU College of Science and Social Science was assessed and the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation was employed to see the magnitude and direction of the relationship between the predictor variables and the criterion measure.
Abstract: The objective of the present study was to assess the predictive power of SAT, Sex and Department in AAU College of Science and Social Science. To analyse and interpret the collected data, both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Pearson Product-Moment Correlation was employed to see the magnitude and direction of the relationship between the predictor variables and the criterion measure. To see the percentage of variance in students first year CGPA that can be explained by predictor variables multiple regression was used. Lastly, to identify relative contribution of predictor variables (or to identify the best predictor variable step-wise regression was employed. Predictor variables are statistically significant predictors of college academic performance for all participants 17.6% (R2=0.176, F (3, 296) =21.068, P<0.05). Regarding the gender, there is a significant difference between male and female students college academic performance. A large amount of variance accounted for was found for female students 22% (R2=0.220, F (2, 95) =13.362, P<0.05) than for males 13.2% (R2=0.132, F (2,199) =15.095, P<0.05). When the disciplines are considered, College of Science was found to be a more significantly predicted field of studies 17.5%(R2=0.175, F(3, 151)=10.697, P<0.05) than Social Science 8.4% (R2=0.084, F(3, 141)=4.317, P<0.05). Regarding the relative contribution of each predictor variables, the study result showed that department was the best predictor followed by SAT. Sex was a non-significant predictor of college CGPA. Hence, further investigation is required to conduct a study on the predictive power of sex.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated whether participating in a 5-day guidance course would lead to an improvement of the ability to communicate better with others, and they found that the supervisors felt that they became better at communicating with others and at building and maintaining relationships.
Abstract: Serving as a military officer requires among other skills strong communication skills. The Norwegian Military Academy (NMA) educates its cadets in the use of guidance as a leadership communication tool. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether participating in a 5-day guidance course would lead to an improvement of the ability to communicate better with others. Materials and Methods: Forty-nine officers from the NMA participated in the study. The participants served as supervisors in nine exercises related to practicing guidance as a communication tool. Eight of the participants filled out a questionnaire three times during the 5-day course. Results: The results showed that the supervisors felt that they became better at communicating with others and at building and maintaining relationships. Interestingly, trust was found to decline a bit between the supervisor and the person being supervised. However, they felt that they got to know the other person. In addition, the supervisors felt that they increased their awareness of which communication tools that were effective to use to give the conversation its necessary/desired content and form. They also felt that they became more aware of the kind of information they asked for in the conversation. Furthermore, they felt that they were able to communicate more effectively as leaders, and they perceived that their ability to develop others became enhanced by the use of guidance. Finally, the supervisor´s felt that their ability to influence the supervised person´s attitudes through the creation of new thinking and reflection also increased. Conclusions: The results from the present study suggest that practicing guidance as a leadership communication tool is an effective communication tool for military officers.
TL;DR: In this article, a study aimed to find the necessary internal and external changes required to achieve excellence in Kuwaiti schools, and the results showed that the wages and rewards are ranked first.
Abstract: Many challenges face Kuwaiti public schools such as inadequate teacher training, limited staffing and high costs of extracurricular materials. This study aimed to find the necessary internal and external changes required to achieve excellence in Kuwaiti schools. The main tool is a questionnaire. The study population included all school leaders in public schools in Kuwait during the second semester of the academic year 2015-2016 which comprised (4362) leaders. The study sample was 832 which were randomly selected. The study variables included gender, experience, scientific qualification, job position, educational level, and school district. T test, Cronbach’s alpha, oneway ANOVA, range equation (for arithmetic means), and Pearson correlation coefficient through Likert scale survey response were used. The results showed that the wages and rewards are ranked first. Future studies should include other internal and external changes to achieve academic excellence in public education.
TL;DR: The main purpose of this article is documenting the development and evaluation process of UN-ORG, which is a questionnaire that can be distributed to personnel in an organization, where individuals evaluate their organizations’ preparedness and ability to handle the unforeseen.
Abstract: Several serious incidents are unforeseen to organizations, companies and actors when they occur. Organizations
as well as individuals are challenged by continuous threats, accidents and unforeseen events. Unforeseen events
have other characteristics than events that can easily be predicted based on historical data and experience. This
paper describes the data collection concept Methodology for handling the unforeseen (UN-METH), developed within
the Strategic Institute Initiative at IFE(Institute For Energy Technology), IO-EPO(Integrated Operations-Emergency Preparedness Organization), and uses the insight about the nature of the unforeseen developed through the
Norwegian basic research and book project “Pedagogy for the unforeseen". UN-METH consists of two different
approaches: UN-CAF (Unforeseen Competence Assurance Framework), where an organization’s preparedness
plans are analyzed to determine to what extent they are considering the unforeseen, and UN-ORG (UNforeseen
Organization questionnaire), which is a questionnaire that can be distributed to personnel in an organization, where
individuals evaluate their organizations’ preparedness and ability to handle the unforeseen. The main purpose of this
article is documenting the development and evaluation process of UN-ORG. This process was conducted to
investigate the applicability, usefulness and relevance of the questionnaire directly with professionals with relevant
experience in the area. The development and evaluation approach is based on methodological principles proposed
by Stufflebeam. Interviews, a survey and a case study were used during the evaluation. The results indicated that
the questionnaire is highly applicable, focuses on the unforeseen and that it covers an important area. Interviews
further identified specific recommendations of items to improve and add. Publishing the findings from this
development and evaluation process of the questionnaire, is a first step in making the method known for different
organizations. By using UN-ORG, separately or in combination with UN-CAF, organizations can gain valuable insight
into their own preparedness for the unforeseen, and the researchers can get useful input and gradually improve the
methodology itself.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors assess the extent to which the amnesty program has addressed the underlying problems in the Niger Delta region including the peaceful transition of the ex-militants to ensure sustainable peace in the region.
Abstract: The Niger Delta crisis is due to the absence of development in the region both on human and infrastructure levels. The ability of ex-militants to transition to peacetime activities by getting employed, becoming entrepreneurs, and functional civic involvement after their training in the amnesty program would go a long way in addressing the development issues. The amnesty program was introduced in 2009 by the Nigerian government to curb violence in the region by engaging the militants. The program focused on empowerment, human and economic development that will help the ex-militants refrain from militancy and become useful and productive citizens in their various communities with the resultant aim to help restore and sustain peace in the region. This paper assesses the extent to which the amnesty program has addressed the underlying problems in the region including the peaceful transition of the ex-militants to ensure sustainable peace in the region. Content and thematic analysis of data was utilized. Results of the study showed that while there is some improvement in terms of the ability of the ex-militants to become productive and peaceful citizens, there is a greater need for employment of graduates of the program. The findings could be used by the Nigerian government to address youth employment and education issues in the region. This may, in turn, discourage violence and future militant activities, thereby enhancing a stable social and political landscape in the region.
TL;DR: In this paper, a case of Caritas Norway supported Governance Project in Kabunda and Mansa parishes, Mansa Diocese, Zambia, was investigated and the findings showed that the governance project has suffered sustainability due to poor community participation, low educational levels among households, undiversified households and poor understanding of governance.
Abstract: Sustainability forms the basis of any development activity. Without it all the efforts engaged in the project become wasted. This study was aimed at investigating the Determinants of Project Sustainability beyond donor support; a case of Caritas Norway supported Governance Project in Kabunda and Mansa parishes, Mansa Diocese, Zambia. Sustainability can be referred to as the ability of the community to continue with the project activities while at the same time reaping similar dividends from a project long after the sponsor has phased out. That is, communities are capable of producing results for their benefits for as long as their problem still exists. However, community projects have suffered poor sustainability world over. This study was prompted by alleged failure by communities to perpetuate governance project outcomes after Caritas Norway’s financial and technical support in Mansa Diocese, as part of efforts to improve community projects and their sustainability. The researcher used a descriptive study design to conduct this study. Two parishes from Mansa Diocese were sampled. Purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select a sample size of 96 key informants and households respectively. The researcher collected data using questionnaires and interview guides. Both the qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed separately and results converged during interpretation. Quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0 and were summarized using bar charts, frequencies and percentages. The qualitative data were analyzed and presented using narrative description. The findings show that the governance project has suffered sustainability due to poor community participation, low educational levels among households, undiversified households and poor understanding of governance. The findings also show that despite being an essential part of every development in society, women are the most uneducated and least to participate in community projects. Based on the findings, the researcher recommends that development stakeholders should ensure communities they are working with participate in all stages of project formulation and implementation. They should prioritize education by increasing and improving school infrastructure and scalability of adult education and policies that ensure education for all. Development duty-bearers should also consider strategies that empower households economically through linkages with entrepreneurial initiatives for IGAs. Households should also be assisted to expand their understanding of governance to include issues of corruption, transparency and accountability to ensure project sustainability.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the extent to which destructive leader behavior was related to individual work-related attitudes and feelings among military personnel in the Norwegian Armed forces (N=170). Dependent variables were (1) Burnout, (2) Work Engagement, and (3) Organizational Commitment.
Abstract: Recent research indicates that destructive leadership might have a detrimental effect on a wide range of outcomes across the organization. However, few studies have focused on the military context. The present study examined the extent to which destructive leader behavior was related to individual work-related attitudes and feelings among military personnel in the Norwegian Armed forces (N=170). Dependent variables were (1) Burnout, (2) Work Engagement, and (3) Organizational Commitment. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that destructive leader behavior significantly predicted Burnout and Work Engagement. This is the first study that examines, and in parallel confirms the unique influence of destructive leadership on important work environment variables among members of the Norwegian armed forces. Despite the fact that the respondents in this sample most likely have above average psychological robustness, they still appear to be significantly influenced by destructive leader behavior. At the same time, our findings also indicate that respondents are able to maintain their organizational commitment despite destructive leader behavior. This study thus represents a unique step towards establishing knowledge about the interplay between destructive leader behavior and psychosocial related phenomena, forming a potential basis for theoretical and practical developments.
TL;DR: The role of urban art festivals in placemaking and the improvement of the quality of urban spaces considering the potential and capabilities of these areas in the city is examined in this article.
Abstract: Baharestan art festival, which was held in Vali-Asr Street in Tehran in March and April 2016 on the pretext of starting the Iranian New Year (Nowruz), has widely attracted the attention of artists and other people. This article attempts to examine the role of this urban art festival and similar festivals in placemaking and the improvement of the quality of urban spaces considering the potential and capabilities of these areas in the city. According to the prepared questionnaire, some questions were asked of respondents randomly selected from citizens with different demographic information about their comments on different aspects of the artworks presented in the festival. The results of statistical analysis of the questionnaire showed how this festival and similar events act as effective agents in development of placemaking and creation of common scenes using urban arts. Results revealed three key findings. First, the artworks of the festival were able to bring New Year’s perceptions with Iranian value attributes to the respondents’ minds. Second, the artworks were intended to make the public space lively. Third, this project had potential to act as a medium to spread positive messages among the citizens. According to the results, this festival and similar urban art projects can further be considered as a new form of Iranian contemporary public art.
TL;DR: Rwandan education system should train more nurses and doctors in order to increase the number of workforce in Rwandan health system and CBHI structure should rethink by formalizing relationship between CBHI sections at local level and the national board in charge as a well-structured institution to avoid a bizarre and recurring mismanagement of CBHI funds.
Abstract: With the aim of achieving the fourth, fifth and sixth Millennium Development goals, since 2000 Rwanda has been striving to put much effort in reinforcing the Community Based Health Insurance scheme (CBHI). The scheme is known to be covering the largest percentage of the poorer population. Its implementation had recorded success from year to year, whereby the trend went from 1% of coverage in 2000 to 91% in 2010. However, the quick recovery of Rwanda and the success in achieving global goal of healthcare for all, there are undocumented facets of health system management that need to be documented (health care standards and poor services offered to people under CBHI policy and the mismanagement of CBHI funds). Through various documentations (local newspapers, researches), this study has addressed the roots of the above healthcare ethical issues and strategies to mitigate the extent of the problem. Firstly, Rwandan education system should train more nurses and doctors in order to increase the number of workforce in Rwandan health system. Secondly, put in place incentive mechanism to retain the existing health professionals and attract the new ones working in rural areas. Thirdly, offering more ethics related training programs to nurses and other health facilities’ staff who deal with patients. Finally, Rwandan government with other key stakeholders should rethink CBHI structure by formalizing relationship between CBHI sections at local level and the national board in charge (RSSB) as a well-structured institution in order to avoid a bizarre and recurring mismanagement of CBHI funds.
TL;DR: In this paper, a study about the constraints of rural livelihood with reference of services providers and rural female in Mansehra was conducted with objectives to determine the constraints and the role of service providers i.e. government and NGOs and the rural female.
Abstract: The present study about “Constraints of rural livelihood with reference of services providers and rural female in Mansehra” was conducted with objectives to determine the constraints of rural livelihood and the role of services providers i.e. government and NGOs and the rural female in enhancing rural livelihood. A sample size 210 respondents out of 460 was selected through random sampling procedure. The study concluded that a highly significant association was found between rural livelihood and finance is the core problem for all categories of entrepreneurs in rural areas was found highly significant (p=0.000), poor health issues block sustainability of rural livelihood (p=0.000), prevalence of diseases in livestock and crops contribute income decline in rural areas (p=0.003), marketing problem is a major obstacle in rural economy production (p=0.003), land shortage affects rural economy (p=0.005) and rural livelihoods affect adversely by any kind of shock (p=0.007) while Illiteracy affects negatively sustainability of rural livelihood (p=0.014), conflict leads decline in rural livelihoods (p=0.021). In addition, highly significant relationship was found (p=0.000) between rural livelihood and through NGOs efforts people adopted ability for livelihood choices. Moreover, skill development training on male side contributed good results in enhancing livelihood (p=0.018), microfinance service of government/NGOs plays a pivotal role in the development of rural economy (p=0.031),through rural livelihood programs, the NGO is promoting livelihood and food security activities (p=0.025), protective interventions are considered vital to facilitating livelihood recovery (p=0.016) and between livelihood promotion through irrigation development and introducing of productive yield is a good step by the government (p=0.024) had significant relation with rural livelihood. Furthermore, significant relation was found between absence of basic livelihood assets for female makes unstable livelihood (p=0.003), kitchen gardening, poultry and livestock rearing are major livelihood activities of rural female (p=0.004), female make contribution to run livelihood system to contribute household expenses (p=0.029) and rural livelihood. In light of the study it was suggested to policy makers to provide assistance in term of material and capacity building i.e. easy credit system, agriculture, livestock, health, illiteracy interventions and NGOs and rural female participation in sustaining rural livelihood to minimize the risk of rural livelihood vulnerability.
TL;DR: Zion Temple Celebration Center (ZTCC) as a Pentecostal independent church in Rwanda which originated from the shadow period of 1994 genocide has attracted a large number of members from other existing churches and other new converted members as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Zion Temple Celebration Center (ZTCC) as a Pentecostal independent church in Rwanda which originated from the shadow period of 1994 genocide has attracted a large number of members from other existing churches and other new converted members. In this essay's contribution responds to the following questions: (i).Does the motivation of ZTCC members to pay tithes and give offerings associated with the church teachings and programs? (ii).Do these teachings and programs empower church's members in improving their social and economic conditions? The research revealed that through biblical messages, ZTCC had built a foundation by which development process can be lay on within a community that was coming from a desperate situation to the level of embracing self-acceptance, forgiveness and reconciliation. The methodology of clustering teaching programs in respect of subgroups (youth and young professionals, businessmen, couples, widows, etc.) that attend church services has converted the abstract of biblical messages into applicable and achievable principles in day to day life with aim to improve their living conditions and be more proactive. In fact, there are signs of evidences that show the contribution of ZTCC in life improvement of its members more building capacity at individual level than at community level as a whole. The trust and attachment to their church has made members to feel committed to sustain church's expenses by paying tithes and offerings. But also making the church a kind of training center where members and other people come to learn about skills and knowledge to deal with life issues and some of the solutions to apply increased the number of church members and make some of them loyal to the point they would consider the church as their own institution more than being plugged only to spirituality.
TL;DR: This article is about the problem translated the theory of cognitive phenomena dissonance referring to the idea of the role and importance of the process of translation.
Abstract: This article is about the problem translated the theory of cognitive phenomena dissonance referring to the idea of the role and importance of the process of translation. Literary translation cognitive dissonance examples of Uzbek writers of the French language and French writer analysis of samples taken from the works have been translated into. Studied the causes of contradictions and expressed views on ways to reduce them.