Showing papers in "Mediterranean journal of social sciences in 2016"

Prospects for increasing commercial mushroom production in Malaysia: Challenges and opportunities

Abstract: One of the benefits of mushroom cultivation is their potential contribution to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly way of farming. Mushroom cultivation using an agricultural waste as a growing medium, and the subsequent use of spent substrate has high value for horticultural activity; organic fertilizer; and potential utilise for animal feeding. The value of mushroom to diets, coupled with reported medicinal properties, can also provide valuable additional new small and medium-scale business options. This study attempts to evaluate the mushroom industry prospects in Malaysia. It also explores issues and challenges facing the mushroom industry in Malaysia by using a critical analysis and SWOT analysis. The main challenges include poor supply and the increasing price of raw material, for example sawdust; the poor quality of mushroom spawn, and the threat of diseases and pest attack. Several strategies are discussed to potentially improve the productivity of mushroom cultivation in Malaysia. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n1s1p406

Entrepreneurial Competencies and Performance of Informal Micro-Enterprises in Malaysia

Abstract: Literature on informal economic activities has identified the significant role of informal micro-enterprises in national development and the role of entrepreneurial competencies in micro-enterprise performance. This study, therefore, examined the role of entrepreneurial competencies, i.e., risk-taking propensity, need for achievement, self-efficacy, and experience in informal micro-enterprise performance in Kelantan, Malaysia. This study used a cross-sectional design and collected quantitative data from 197 informal micro-entrepreneurs. Findings of the path analysis using variance-based structural equation modeling (SEM-PLS) revealed that informal micro-entrepreneurs’ risk-taking propensity and self-efficacy have a significant positive effect on micro-enterprise performance. Development programs and policies should, therefore, focus on increasing low-income informal micro-entrepreneurs’ self-efficacy and ability to take risks in order to take advantage of all the income-generating opportunities available to them, which would ultimately lead to the improvement of the socio-economic condition of low income households in Malaysia. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n3p273

Transgressing Media Boundaries: News Creation and Dissemination in a Globalized World

Abstract: This paper examines how the emergence of social media has transgressed traditional media boundaries and altered models of news creation and dissemination. It investigates the changing patterns of news construction and consumption due to advances on the internet, information technologies, and smart technological devices. Additionally, by examining the role played by social media during the so-called “Arab Spring,” the paper studies the effects of social media on the way audiences and journalists receive, gather, and disseminate news, leading to the emergence of “citizen journalism,” recently referred to as the “Fifth Estate.” At the center of this change is the emergence of social media that brought about a radical metamorphosis in news creation and dissemination. This study examines how the emergence of social media has transgressed traditional media boundaries altering the patterns of news creation and dissemination. The findings indicate that the rising use of social networks allowed individuals to breach geographical barriers and established norms to create hyper-communities where everyone has the opportunity to express themselves freely and to be the center of news. Moreover, this study reveals that rather than competing with one another, social media and traditional mainstream media play complementary roles to provide audiences with instant live news. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n5p272

Examining the Effects of Entrepreneurial Competencies on Students’ Entrepreneurial Intention

Abstract: Entrepreneurship is regarded as one of the key development initiatives, which leads to employment and economic growth; therefore, reducing poverty and inequality. Besides providing support to existing entrepreneurs, over the recent years, policy makers have focused on entrepreneurial education to cope with graduate unemployment issues and to foster economic growth. The foundation of quality entrepreneurial education depends on our understanding of entrepreneurial competencies and the effects on a student’s entrepreneurial intention. This study therefore focuses on examining the effect of key entrepreneurial competencies on a student’s entrepreneurial intention. This study adopted a cross-sectional design and a quantitative approach, and collected complete data from 333 students, studying commerce related subjects in Universiti Malaysia Kelantan. Findings of this study revealed that the students’ ability to recognize income-generating opportunities, entrepreneurial training and skills, innovativeness, and information-seeking competencies has a significant effect on their entrepreneurial intention. The education policy makers and the higher learning institutions in Malaysia should therefore emphasize on programs and curriculums to improve the students’ ability to recognize income-generating opportunities, entrepreneurial training and skills, innovativeness and information-seeking competencies, which are expected to reduce the rate of unemployed graduates and foster the economic development in Malaysia. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n2p119

Critical Success Factors for Sustainable Entrepreneurship in SMEs: Nigerian Perspective

Abstract: Global developments now place emphasis on sustainability as an obvious goal and sustainable entrepreneurship has become a novel area of entrepreneurship providing the link between sustainability management, entrepreneurial activities and sustainable development. SMEs form major business establishments across different economies and in view of their numbers, they can play significant role in driving sustainable development and could also be effective in receptiveness to environmental and social problems. The participation of entrepreneurial firms in active sustainability disposition tend to tilt more towards large organisations and industries than Small and medium enterprises (SMEs).The focus of the study therefore is to t establish factors that determine the extent to which SMEs can conduct business in a sustainable manner. The research utilized a descriptive method relying solely on review of secondary data and information in exploring theories underpinning entrepreneurship orientation and drivers of sustainable entrepreneurship behaviour among SMEs. Findings revealed that attitudinal, perceptual factors, firm size, sector, ownership, innovative orientation, personality, management skills, motivation, infrastructure, working capital management, and access to finance (amongst others) are critical to sustainable entrepreneurship among SMEs. The relativity of the observed critical factors to the ease of doing business in Nigeria by SMEs towards sustainable entrepreneurship was emphasised in the study. The study recommends the need for governmental agencies and educational establishments to provide adequate information and enlightenment to foster sustainable entrepreneurship among SMEs. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n3s1p338

The Determinants of Happiness in Indonesia

Abstract: This study aims to examine determinants of happiness in Indonesia. This research use cross-section IFLS data wave IV, 2007. The estimation models are Conditional Mixed Process (CMP) to address income endogeneity and Ordinal Generalized Linear Model (OGLM) to address heteroscedasticity. The result shows that the determinant of happiness in Indonesia are absolute income, relative income, education level, perceived health and some components of social capital such as willingness to help, tolerance, security, and importance of religion and religiosity in election. Moreover there is no impact of trust in same ethnic and religion people and trust in neighbors for crucial things into happiness. It indicates no discrimination over ethnic and religion in Indonesia. Demographic characteristics show that married, non-household head, urban area, non-Java-Bali islands, Islam and more religious people are happier than others. There is no difference in happiness over gender and ethnicity. Happiness-income relationship indicates Easterlin Paradox doesn’t exist in Indonesia. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n2p393

The Influence of the Big-Five Personality Traits Dimensions on Knowledge Sharing Behavior

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of the Big-Five personality (BFP) dimensions on individual’s knowledge sharing behavior. In this paper, we empirically investigated the effect of personality traits (extraversion, openness, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and neuroticism) on knowledge sharing behavior among academics in a public university in Malaysia. A questionnaire-based survey was employed for the data collection. A total of 133 academic staff members participated in the survey. The findings showed that personality traits dimension are important characteristic that influence knowledge sharing. Openness to experience, extroversion and conscientiousness has positive significant influence on individuals’ knowledge sharing behavior. Also, the results indicated that openness to experience appears to be the most significant factor influencing of knowledge sharing. Although agreeableness among academic staff has an influence on their knowledge sharing behavior yet it is not statistically significant. As expected, neuroticism had negative significant influence on the knowledge sharing. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n1s1p241

Constructing Civil Society: An Islamic Cultural Perspective

Abstract: Since civil society has been widely recognised as the rich social network of recreational and political organizations, the study is almost viewed within political and social approach. There has been lack of scholarly attention to explore the historical and cultural approach into what kind of significant reflection should be taken into consideration for theoretical and practical aspect in our society. This study aims to critically explore civil society, which deals with the certain ideals based on the Islamic world. Critical literature review was conducted to investigate using a historical-cultural perspective to deal with civil society from lexicographical sense with the character of urban society. This study reveals that there is some core significant enlightenment for the formal structure of civil society. In particular, this study demonstrates that although the term of ‘civil society’ might have not yet been invented in the classical Islam and rather used in adab (civilised) and peradaban (civilisation), in practical level the core values criteria of civil society were already discussed, exercised and practiced by the proponents of Islamic culture long before the Western scholars invented the term ‘civil society.’ This is expected to contribute a better awareness and a more informed citizenry. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n1s1p126

The Impact of Financial Literacy on Student Teachers’ Saving Intention and Saving Behaviour

Abstract: One of the national agendas in Indonesia is delivering financial literacy towards its society. This movement was in response to a report that Indonesia was ranked as a country with the lowest financial literacy lever among other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. This study aims to investigate the impact of attitude, subjective norm, and financial literacy on saving intention and behaviour among teacher students in a public university in Jakarta, Indonesia. Teacher students are pre-service teachers who could promote financial literacy at schools in the future. Data was collected using an online survey. In total, there were 212 usable instruments and data was analysed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. As a result, two hypotheses were rejected: financial literacy was insignificant to influence attitude towards saving and saving intention. Other results, financial literacy and saving intention significantly influenced saving behaviour. In addition, attitude and subjective norm significantly influenced saving intention. Implication for practice and future research are discussed. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n6p41

Prospects of Problem-Based Learning in Building Critical Thinking Skills among Technical College Students in Nigeria

Abstract: Critical-thinking skills (CTS) are among the essential skills required in the contemporary world of work. However, building CTS among technical college students in Nigeria is making little impact on students as current teaching uses is “traditional” rote learning methods which do not foster the building of skills. Therefore, a new teaching method is required that emphasizes learning, understanding, and measuring skills rather than rote learning. Educators unanimously agree that, CTS can be taught using different teaching methods including concept mapping, critical questioning workshops, and systematic literature reviews and to problem based learning (PBL). PBL is a student-centered, task-based instructional method in which the teacher serves as a facilitator. The paper adapted a library based work; the data were collected using textbooks, journals articles and internet search. The literatures reveal that; PBL is the best approach to build CTS, integrating it into all areas of learnings and to the student’s entire life. In PBL, students demonstrate an enhanced ability to use CTS in their activities. Against this backdrop, the paper aim to outline the impact of PBL in building CTS among the technical colleges students. The paper recommends that, for the purpose of filling the CTS gap, technical colleges should equip their students with the required skills through the application of a superior teaching method such as PBL. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n3p356

Factors Contributing to the Acceptance of Social Media as a Platform among Student Entrepreneurs: A Review

Abstract: Social media has become a major development in e-commerce and a platform for student entrepreneurs, not only to sell goods and services but also to interact and connect with customers. The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors contributing to the acceptance of social media as a platform among student entrepreneurs in Malaysia. Earlier studies on social media have mostly focused on how students use social media for academic purposes. However, limited research has been done on how students or young entrepreneurs use social media as a platform to operate their business. A modified ‘Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology’ (UTAUT) is used as the theoretical framework to examine the level of acceptance of social media as a platform among student entrepreneurs. The key factors that contribute to the acceptance of social media as a business platform are performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating condition, and perceived enjoyment. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n2p42

Structural Analysis of Strategic Variables through MICMAC Use: Case Study

Abstract: The technique of structural analysis in foresight study from the Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences of Instituto Tecnologico Metropolitano- ITM Medellin, Colombia allowed defining the strategic variables that will guide its strengthening in 2020. The aim of this article is to present the conceptual references of the technique and results of the implementation of MICMAC to determine the degree of influence and dependence variables. The methodology used to achieve the objective was the analysis of 55 key variables that were prioritized because of their importance to determine the 15 strategic variables that have to project the future actions taking into account the situation of autonomy, power, conflict and output. In this regard, it is concluded on the relevance of the variables in the power quadrant corresponding to the mobility, physical and technological infrastructure as they are those that enable participation and interaction with other academic, productive and governmental entities; and in the quadrant of link variables of strategic direction, teachers, students, research, partnerships, academic management, financial resources and innovation have the greatest influence on future variables that have an effect on capacity building and the effective allocation of institutional resources. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n4p11

Evaluating the Top-Bottom and Bottom-Up Community Development Approaches: Mixed Method Approach as Alternative for Rural Un-Educated Communities in Developing Countries

Abstract: This paper is evaluating the two popular community development approaches; the Top-down and the Bottom-up with their divergent differences in application and the influence each has in developmental projects/ programmes. The authors then proposes a new model / approach “MIXED METHOD”. The works of John Cohan and Norman Uphoff, Robert Chambers as earlier advocates of participatory development comes to mind as they tried to deviate from the previous and most popular top –down approach. Considering the fact that there has been arguments on the choice of one against the other, this paper proposes the “mixed method” as the most appropriate approach, as a new approach to balance the dichotomy thereby filling the research gap in search of most appropriate community development method. This advocates the application of both methods as there is need for a mix of both top-down and bottom-up for effective community development. This view of mixed method is borrowed from the supportive and effective empirical evidence for the adoption of mixed methods research in recent time. The review of previous articles, books, conference proceedings, and other internet publications were utilized as the methodological approach hence, the study used secondary data. The paper concludes that there should be a systematic blending or mixing of both top-bottom and bottom-up so as to achieve a holistic and appreciable sustainable development that carries every one along. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n4p266

Impact of Service Quality, Price, and Brand on Loyalty with the mediation of Customer Satisfaction on Pos Ekspres in East Java

Abstract: The study examines the effect of service quality, price, brand image on customer satisfaction. This study also investigates the effect of loyalty, customer satisfaction on customer loyalty. The population is the customers who use the express post services in East Java, which consists of walk-in customers and account customer. Total sample of 133 respondents is drawn using purposive sampling method, the respondents came from Surabaya, Malang and Jember representing large cities, medium and small. The model analysis is structural equation modeling (SEM). The results showed that: good quality of service that meet customer expectations significantly affects customer satisfaction and loyalty, or vice-versa, a good price (according to the quality, affordable, and competitive) significantly influence the improvement of customer satisfaction and loyalty, or vice-versa, brand image has significant positive effect on customer satisfaction or vice-versa, increasing customer satisfaction significantly influence on increasing customer loyalty or vice-versa but the brand image significantly has no direct effect on customer loyalty. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n4p74

HRM practices-engagement-performance relationships: a conceptual framework for RMG sector in developing economy

Abstract: The relationships among the HRM practices, employee engagement and performance have received a significant attention all over the world. This study has attempted to develop a conceptual framework using the role of employee engagement as mediator in HRM practices and performance relationship in the readymade garment industry in Bangladesh. The proposed framework portrayed that HRM practices have positive influence on both employee engagement and performance. Similarly, employee engagement also has a positive influence on performance. The policy makers and other HR consultants and practitioners certainly can improve the employee performance by using this model. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n4p87

Cognitive, Social, and Teaching Presence as Predictors of Students' Satisfaction in Distance Learning

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine whether cognitive, social, and teaching presence were significant predictors of the overall students’ satisfaction in hybrid learning courses. The used research design was non-experimental and correlational in nature. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to determine to what extent cognitive, social, and teaching presence predicted the overall students’ satisfaction. The data in this quantitative study was collected using a self-report survey. Participants were two hundred fourteen (n=214) undergraduate students, between the ages from 19-24 years old. The findings of this study showed that cognitive, social, and teaching presence explained 39% of the variance in students’ satisfaction. Cognitive presence was found to have the largest contribution in predicting students’ satisfaction and it was a better predictor of students satisfaction compared with teaching and social presence. Due to the importance of cognitive, social, and teaching presence in predicting students’ satisfaction, it is recommended that improving these factors in the distance courses be taken into consideration. Furthermore, since cognitive presence in this study was found to be a strong predictor of students’ satisfaction, it is recommended that faculty need to focus on this presence especially, and assure that students are able to reach the final stage of cognitive presence. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n2s1p439

Urbanization and Housing for Low-Income Earners in Nigeria: A Review of Features, Challenges and Prospects

Abstract: This review paper examines urbanization and housing for low-income Nigerians. The aim is to provide a better understanding of the ways in which urbanization has progressed and impacted negatively on housing for the low-income urban residents, and the possible strategies for ameliorating this situation in Nigeria. Drawing on a systematic review of published literature, the paper reveals that urbanization in Nigeria has manifested in rapid population increase, transformation of erstwhile rural to urban settlements and emergence of primate cities. It identified the main drivers of urbanization in Nigeria to include natural population increase, economic and religious activities, state policies on reclassification of settlements and decentralization of governance structure. The study also found that urbanization has exacerbated housing challenges among low-income earners by promoting the proliferation of urban slums and poverty; and that these challenges have persisted and are escalating unabated due to the emphasis on top-down approach to social housing and the lack of understanding of the specific housing delivery strategies that can be engaged in resolving these challenges in Nigeria. The paper concludes that since urbanization will intensify in years to come, there is the need for a change of approach by engaging in strategies that promote participatory and assisted self-help housing among low-income people to prevent the current situation from degenerating further. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n3s1p347

The Effects of Teacher Empowerment on Teacher Commitment and Student Achievement

Abstract: The present study examined the effect of teacher empowerment on teachers’ commitment and student achievement. A sample of 356 teachers at Payam-e-Noor University, Ilam branch completed two questionnaires, i.e., School Participant Empowerment Scale (SPES) developed by Short and Rinehart (1992) and Organization Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ) developed by Mowday et al.’s (1979). The results of structural equation modeling indicated the six dimensions of decision making, professional growth, status, self-efficacy, autonomy, and impact played a significant role in teacher commitment and student achievement. Teacher empowerment was found to be important in classroom and instructional decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness and improve student performance. These outcomes may be beneficial for policy-makers in directing teachers to a high level of competency, high status and self-esteem and help them to achieve professional growth. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n4p649

Local Community´ Perceptions on Tourist Impacts and Associated Development: A Case Study on Sal and Boa Vista Islands

Abstract: The local community or residents and their attitudes/ perceptions are a group of essential interest when analyzing and managing the economic, socio-cultural and environmental impact of tourism development in a certain region. This paper analyzes the attitude of the residents of an emerging destination: the islands of Sal and Boa Vista located at the country-archipelago of Cape Verde (Africa), with respect to tourism, using a questionnaire specifically designed for the purpose of this work. Concretely this paper focuses on the perception of any consequences which this might have for the community and personally, and at the same time its influence to contribute to higher levels of development. The touristic development of a particular region requires the interaction of a series of organizations, and within this framework there is no doubt that the inhabitants cannot stand idly by others conduct the process of tourism planning, which is why it is of such importance to understand their perceptions and expectations. The primary results show that the residents of Sal and Boa Vista, in general terms, have their doubts as to whether tourism development as it is currently managed on the islands is beneficial to the local community. Though both islands show a high potential for tourism progress, it is essential to keep the local community involved in the initiatives for this development. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n1s1p383

Issues in Freedom of Religion and the Relationship with Thailand’s Constitution

Abstract: One of the elements in the idea of independence is the religious freedom for an individual to choose their own religion and practice it without any force or distraction from anyone. Thailand is known as a democracy country that promotes the freedom of rights to its citizens in all aspects of life including the rights of religious freedom. However, there are still doubts occurred between the Muslim and Buddhist in their interaction. This is because; there are rules and regulations that seem to limit the freedom of religion. Therefore, this study is using the analysis of the literatures produced related to the religious freedom phenomenon in the Southern Thai. Based on the study, the ruling factor is the main cause for the crisis to happen between the believers in the Southern Thai. The implementation of certain acts must be suitable with the situation and condition of a certain place as if it is not suitable, the citizens will react negatively towards the party who implemented the acts. Hence, it is important for the Southern Thais, who have different customs, languages, religions, social classes and other differences to have the specific law or rules and regulations for them to create the peaceful life for the society. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n4p287

Investigate the Ability of Bankruptcy Prediction Models of Altman and Springate and Zmijewski and Grover in Tehran Stock Exchange

Abstract: The recent bankruptcies of large companies at the international level and fluctuations in the Iran stock exchange shows that the need for tools to assess the financial ability of companies.One of these tools is using the bankruptcy prediction models. Due to this necessity, the main purpose of this study was to determine the amount of model'sefficiency of Altman, Springate, Zmijewski and Grover in predicting bankruptcy situation of listed companies in the Tehran Stock Exchange and compares the results of the models; in order to fulfill this goal has been developed eight hypotheses.The statistical population and the sample size of this study are to include 35 companies from textile and ceramic and tilecompanies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange during the period 2008 to 2013.In this study, after determining the normal distribution of data by using of correlation tests, any of the study hypotheses are being tested and to respond to research hypotheses, we used regression analysis.Also, by using correlation analysis to examine the significance of each of the models of Altman, Springate, Zmijewski and Grover and to find the model was used by the method of multiple linear regressions for panel data.Finally, after the test, all the hypotheses were confirmed and the results showed that "in the five years of the study to predict the company’s bankruptcy, respectively the model of Grover, Altman, Springate and Zmijewski have the better ability to predict financial crises. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n4S1p208

The Relationship Between Self Efficacy and Readiness for Change: The Mediator Roles of Employee Empowerment

Abstract: This study aimed to determine the effect of self-efficacy toward readiness for change, through employee empowerment of employees of PT Pos Indonesia (Persero) Surabaya. The variables used in this study are: Self-efficacy, employee empowerment and readiness for change. This study used a quantitative approach with survey method and supported by primary data from interviews and questionnaire. This study used primary data from 55 employees, where the data is retrieved by using a questionnaire distributed to permanent employees of PT Pos Indonesia (Persero) Surabaya. A data analysis technique that was used to answer the hypothesis in this study is the Partial Least Square (PLS). The results of this study demonstrated that there is significant influence on self-efficacy toward readiness for change and self-efficacy toward readiness for change through employee empowerment that is partial mediation. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n3s1p201

Effective Methods in Learning Arabic Language as a Foreign Language

Abstract: Students who learn Arabic as a foreign language in a foreign country usually face difficulties to achieve proficiency in the language. This is primarily because of the lack of Arabic language resources. However, this situation does not hinder the emergence of a group of outstanding students who achieve fluency in Arabic by using their own methods. This study investigated the methods used by these students to be used as a guideline for other students. To collect the data, a set of questionnaire was developed from the Imitation Strategy Instrument introduced by Rosni Samah (2014). The questionnaires were distributed to 50 outstanding final year students from the Arabic language department, Faculty of Major Languages, Islamic Science University of Malaysia. The results showed that effective strategies for learning Arabic language as a foreign language were gathering, enhancing and applying. The targets are new vocabulary and sentence. The tools to perform the strategies were Arabic materials and language activities. This study recommends that in learning Arabic language as a foreign language, the three methods mentioned above should be applied. The Arabic materials should be provided and language activities should be organized. The effective methods used by outstanding students should be used as a guideline for other students to be more proficient in Arabic Language. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n3p349

Prevalence of Stroke in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - Through a Physiotherapist Diary

Abstract: In Saudi Arabia, according to statistics, cardiovascular disease amounts to a major cause of deaths each year. Current data on stroke in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are lacking. This study is a national survey to inform decision-makers on the current magnitude of the epidemic. The data obtained for this study is from the nationwide physiotherapy departments that provide rehabilitative treatments to stroke patients. The study also tries to systematically analyze the published prevalence of many international countries and have tried to compare it with the available data of stroke prevalence in Saudi Arabia. The results shown in this study do make us understand that it is still not late to bring in preventive actions against stroke in Saudi Arabia. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n1s1p228

People with Lobster - Claw Syndrome: A Study of Oligodactyly Sufferers and their Communication Experiences in the Village of Ulutaue, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract: Oligodactyly is the multiple malformation of hands and feet since birth. This study pertains to how 15 people suffering from Oligodactyly in the Village of Ulutaue, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, have constructed the meaning of their ailments and how they have communicated with people without disabilities around them in their daily lives.The study is based on a social construction perspective and a symbolic interactionist perspective, with the research method of in-depth interviews. Based on their accounts, we have developed a typology of Oligodactyly sufferers, meaning construction and themes related to their communication experiences. They considered their suffering in terms of having a different body, a body cursed by God, and the body as God’s bounty. The sufferers have been abandoned and discriminated against by their immediate families as well as people outside their families. The way nondisabled people treated them created difficulties for them to survive within society and to be free from their existing agony. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n1s1p136

Influence of Gender and Location on Students’ Achievement in Chemical Bonding

Abstract: Is students’ achievement in chemical bonding a function of their gender and school location? This question and two hypotheses guided the study. Pre-test-post-test non-equivalent control group quasi-experimental design was used, with a population of 5,966 senior secondary class one (SS1) chemistry students in 57 senior secondary schools in Nsukka education zone of Enugu State, Nigeria. Adopting purposive sampling technique, nine schools were selected to draw 311 SS1 students. Intact classes were used. Instruments for data collection were Students’ Interest Scale on Chemical Bonding (SISCB) and Chemical Bonding Achievement Test (CBAT). The instruments were validated and had reliability coefficients of 0.68 and 0.87 respectively. Regular chemistry teachers of the selected schools taught the students using instructional software package method of teaching (ISPMT). Research questions were answered, using descriptive statistics. The hypotheses were tested using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) at P DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n3p309

The Religious Perspective of Takaful as Ethical Insurance

Abstract: Ethics is crucial in every part of human life irrespective of religion, race, place, and time. Every religion teaches its followers to be good and enjoin virtue. Ethical conduct is a mission central to any religion and ethical behaviour is highly demanded in any part of the world. As a result of the global financial crisis, regulators and related authorities are realising the importance of ethics as a defensive measure to avoid the recurrence of financial crises. Religions such as Islam, Christianity, Judaism Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism condemn the practice and involvement in interest, gambling, and uncertainty as they are tools of injustice and create an atmosphere of inequality. Unfortunately, insurance involves the elements of interest, gambling, and uncertainty. Human beings seek an ethical and just business environment where they can finance, participate, and invest their capital without being involved in prohibited activities and elements. The objectives of this paper are to provide the reasons behind the prohibition of insurance not only from Islam but also from other religious perspectives and to show that the suitability of Takaful as an ethical insurance in all aspects of religious teachings. Takaful is a cooperative, mutual, and solidarity product that can be used as a risk management tool. The main advantage of Takaful over conventional insurance is that it is free from religiously forbidden elements and promotes a spirit of caring and sharing in the society. This knowledge should be disseminated to ensure that Takaful becomes the universal ethical insurance product. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n4p96

IFRS Adoption and Foreign Direct Investment: Evidence from Nigerian Quoted Firms

Abstract: This study examines whether International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption has impacted significantly on Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in Nigeria. The study specifically investigates the views of the preparers and users of annual reports based on the impact of foreign investors on quoted companies that adopted IFRS in Nigeria. The primary method of data collection was adopted with 165 questionnaires administered while Regression method was used for data analysis. The findings revealed that the adoption of IFRS is positively and significantly related to FDI. The result also showed a significant impact of foreign investors on quoted firms that have adopted IFRS in Nigeria. The study recommends that the government should create an enabling environment to encourage investors, so as to attract foreign direct investments for the enhancement of economy status of Nigeria. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n2p99

Islamic Microfinance and Its Impacts on Borrowers: A Systematic Review From 1995-2015

Abstract: Islamic microfinance is being an ever more important instrument in fighting rural poverty in many countries. It has been trying to improve the welfare of the poor people through increasing their level of income, expenditure on consumption and improving the overall living standard. This study is, therefore, aims to survey the impact of Islamic microfinance on borrowers. By using systematic literature review, this study provided a descriptive analysis of the gathered articles. Then a comprehensive analysis on the impact of Islamic microfinance executed. This study also provided a summary of the existing prominence of work by systemized way. Further, this study focused on the areas of lacking for further study and explained the importance of the study. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n6p113

Voices of English Teachers and Students on Blended Culture as a Model of English Language Teaching and Learning at Vocational High Schools in Yogyakarta

Abstract: This study deals with the voices of English teachers and their students on the use of blended culture as a model of English language teaching at vocational high schools in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It primarily aims at describing the voices of the utilisation of blended culture and documenting the difficulties encountered by English teachers and their students. To obtain the objectives, the researcher invited 20 English teachers and 300 students from 9 vocational high schools in Yogyakarta to be involved in this study on voluntary bases. The research instruments were questionnaires, observation sheets, and interview guides. To back up the data collection, the researcher provided video recording. The data were analysed by using descriptive qualitative techniques. Research findings are as follows. First, most of the English teachers of vocational high schools tend to focus more on the development of microskills (grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation) than on the macroskills of English: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Second, most English teachers state that they have not been familiar with the model of blended culture used in the process of English language teaching and learning (ELTL). This is supported by students’ responses during the interviews, reporting that their English teachers do not highlight the incorporation of target and local culture in the process of ELTL. Third, teachers show strong supports for the utilisation of blended culture as a model of ELTL at vocational high schools. Fourth, efforts are needed for designing lessons that incorporate blended culture and importing local and target culture into the textbooks in the teaching of English at vocational high schools. In summary, blended culture has to be applied in the process of ELTL because blended culture represents the use of language according to the contexts to facilitate students to maximally acquire the target language. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n3p459