Showing papers in "Mediterranean journal of social sciences in 2018"

Investigating The Effect of Behavioral Intention on E-learning Systems Usage: Empirical Study on Tertiary Education Institutions in Ghana

Abstract: The objective of the study aimed at assessing the relationship that exists between antecedents of behavioral intentions, and how they impact on the usage of E-learning systems in tertiary institutions in Ghana. Empirical data for the study was obtained through a survey from 237 respondents made up of; governing council members, school management members, faculty members, ICT department staff and students from five tertiary education institutions in Ghana. The study developed an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by incorporating an external variable, self-efficacy. The hypothesized model was examined using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) technique using Smart PLS version 12 software. The paper argues that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and self-efficacy influenced individual’s behavioral intentions to utilize E-learning systems. However, the findings confirm that, through the mediating role of individuals’ behavioral intention to use, self-efficacy is the most influential factor that affects individual’s behavioral intentions to utilize E-learning systems in Ghana’s tertiary education institutions, relative to perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. This result implies that self-efficacy is the main behavioral intention factor in determining E-learning system utilization, in Ghana’s tertiary education context. This study satisfies or fills an E-learning utilization literature shortfall by the extension of the Technological Acceptance Model (TAM) to investigate antecedents of behavioral intentions and their impact on E-learning systems usage among tertiary education institutions. Also, the study demonstrates the importance of behavioral intention-to-use as playing a full mediating role between self-efficacy and E-learning system usage.

The Islamic Banking, Asset Quality: “Does Financing Segmentation Matters” (Indonesia Evidence)

Abstract: Bank stability becomes one of the crucial pillars in maintaining economic growth. Therefore, the segmentation strategy is needed because it aims to improve the financial stability of the bank (decrease Non-Performing Loan-NPL / Non-Performing Financing-NPF). This study aims to determine the effect of segmentation on the quality of Islamic banks proxied with NPF. The method used is a quantitative method with multiple regression test and statistical tool Stata version 13. From the results of statistical data, it is known that the retail segment has a more significant influence than the wholesale segment, which is 92.61% and 56.05%. Therefore, sharia banks should have their business priorities in the retail segment, especially business in the microfinance segment by maintaining the quality of financing through selective financing channeling.

Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: An Exploration of the Entrepreneurship Model for SMEs in Sultanate of Oman

Abstract: SME has a significant impact on the growth and development of any nation economy. The entrepreneurship in Oman expected to be a leading factor in the economic due to the opportunities afforded by increasing economic diversification and corresponding rise in job opportunities and other benefits. However, entrepreneurship has faced many challenges and obstacles to its progress and growth in Oman, despite the fact that the government has supported this sector to stimulate the market. However, studies show that many challenges are still plague both startups and governments. This study therefore aims to develop an ecosystem for entrepreneurship in the Omani context as a new solution to overcome such challenges. Entrepreneurship ecosystem has a positive influence on business growth and on the creation of new businesses, with the result that this concept has received attention from both academics and policy makers. By using a qualitative research method, a total of 10 interviewees were selected to answer the major research questions and thus provide more explanation about the issues that SME faces and find the exact factors that can influence these types of enterprises. Based on the findings from qualitative research through discussions with entrepreneurs, we can conclude that there are five factors: human capital; government; support; finance and technology, all of which have a significant impact on Omani entrepreneurship success and start-ups. These results contribute to the current literature regarding entrepreneurship ecosystems. They also give greater attention to the policy makers in Oman who facilitate the implementation of this framework as well as motivating the different business owners or start-ups to develop their business strategies based on the requirements shown in the framework. In addition, a number of suggestions have been presented as focus points when developing a strategic plan to support the entrepreneurship sector.

Disaster Risk Reduction for Earthquake Using Mobile Learning Application to Improve the Students Understanding in Elementary School

Abstract: Indonesia is located in the ring of fire and frequently hit by tectonic earthquake. Education could be one of the strategic and effective efforts to reduce the earthquake risk. Therefore, there is a need to provide knowledge about the earthquake disaster mitigation, especially in elementary school, and to grow the "Safety Culture" in school. This paper focuses on how the integration of mobile learning application in elementary school could enhance the ability of disaster risk reduction especially for earthquake mitigation in Bengkulu, Indonesia. The type of research was Pre-Experimental Design with one-group pretest-posttest design. Data collection was a test of students' understanding of earthquake disaster mitigation that includes pre-disaster, disaster, and post disaster. The independent variable was learning to use mobile learning application. The dependent variable was students' understanding of earthquake disaster preparedness. The pre-test and post-test results show that the value of t (0.975) for two-tailed test on the distribution of student (􀀀) 􀀁􀀂 is 58 and obtained t-table is 2,001 and the calculation 􀀀 is -8.02; therefore, the null hypothesis is rejected. This implies that there is an influence of educational mobile application to the students for earthquake disaster mitigation. The experiment also shows that educational mobile application influences the students understanding about earthquake disaster preparedness. Thus, mobile learning application can be effective tools for earthquake education, because it displays the earthquake information in more interactive manner.

Macroeconomic Dynamics and the Manufacturing Output in Nigeria

Abstract: This paper examined the impact of the changes in the macroeconomic factors on the output of the manufacturing sector in Nigeria from 1981 to 2015. Preliminary evaluation of the data was conducted using both descriptive statistics and stationarity evaluation. The test indicated that not all the variables are normal. The occurrence of order integration at first level difference necessitated the deployment of the Johansen cointegration test. The findings revealed no short run association among manufacturing output and each of GDP, exchange rate, broad money supply and unemployment rate. Negative relationship existed amongst inflation rate, interest rate, exchange rate, broad money supply on one hand, and manufacturing output. The inflation rate and interest rate, were statistically insignificant. However, significant and positive relationship existed between GDP of the previous year and unemployment on the one hand and manufacturing output on the other, at 5 percent level. The results showed that manufacturing was a veritable engine of economic growth. The post estimation tests showed presence of serial correlation but evidence of heteroscedasticity existed which, made the model inefficient, but its estimator is still unbiased. The study recommended the harmonization of both fiscal and monetary policies for the attainment of macroeconomic stability and avoidance of rapid policy summersaults.

Growing Trends of Using Mobile in English Language Learning

Abstract: The study explores growing trends of using mobile in English language learning among higher secondary school learners in Pakistan. A survey is conducted to collect data from randomly selected students in district Okara (Punjab), Pakistan. Questionnaire based on five likert scale used to collect quantitative data. Analysis done on SPSS, to acquire mean score and frequency analysis reveals that higher secondary school students of English have great tendency for using mobile to learn English. Besides Students’ perception as obtained from survey prove that using mobile for English language learning makes their job easy and they are able to develop their listening and communicative habits. Findings of this study also reveal that using mobile for English language learning makes the students, independent and self-evaluator.

Organizational Justice and Turnover Intention among Medical and Non-Medical Workers in University Teaching Hospitals

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to establish the difference in organizational justice perceptions and effects organizational justice dimensions on turnover intentions of workers in university teaching hospitals. The study adopted analytic descriptive survey design with quantitative methodology. Data were collected from university teaching hospitals in Nigeria through distribution and retrieval of 503 copies of questionnaire which was designed on a 5- point Likert scale response continuum of strongly agree to strongly disagree with corresponding weights from 5 to 1. Data were analysed with one way analysis of variance, Duncan post hoc test and multiple regression analysis. The findings of this study demonstrated that there was a significant difference in organizational justice perception among junior, senior and management staff in teaching hospitals; there was a significant difference in organizational justice perception among medical doctors, paramedics and supporting staff in teaching hospitals; distributive justice had non-significant positive effect on turnover intention among others. There is dearth of empirical literature in organizational justice and turnover intent in teaching hospitals in the Nigerian context. This research paper bridged the knowledge gaps, demonstrated policy inadequacies in the health sector and proffered possible way forward to mitigate the incidence of industrial unrest.

The Causes of a Lack of Discipline among Secondary School Learners in Mauritius

Abstract: A lack of learners’ discipline is a major school problem in secondary schools in Mauritius. The study aims at determining and examining the main causes of this problem in the context of Mauritius. Qualitative data were collected from learners, educators, principals and parents of four secondary schools by using focus group interviews and individual face-to-face interviews. By using content analysis, the study revealed that the causes of learners’ lack of discipline originate from the family (the parenting style, working parents, ineffective parental discipline and the dysfunctional family), the learners’ attitudes to education and schooling, the educators’ attitudes to their role of maintaining learner discipline, the principals’ lack of authority and leadership in managing learner discipline and the influence of peer group in the school setting. The study shows that all the stakeholders of the school community are responsible for the deterioration of learner discipline in secondary schools. It recommends that there should be a decentralisation of learner discipline strategies from the Ministry of Education to the secondary school principals who should be empowered to set up their institutional school discipline plan.

Study Skills Assessment among Undergraduate Students at a Private University College in Oman

Abstract: This paper reports findings of a small-scale descriptive study that was conducted to assess the level of study skills possessed by undergraduate students enrolled in Engineering, Business Studies and Computing programs at a private University College in Oman. The study explored whether there is any correlation between study skills and academic performance and whether study skills vary in terms of gender, specialization and levels of study. A pre-tested Study Skills Inventory developed by Dennis Congo was administered on the sample. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Among other things, the study established that most of the students lack some fundamental study skills such as critical and creative thinking as well as time management and test preparation.

Learning Styles and the Hybrid Learning: An Empirical Study about the Impact of Learning Styles on the Perception of the Hybrid Learning

Abstract: Learning style is a crucial element in the academic life of students. It plays a fundamental role in the selection of a suitable teaching method of instruction. The aim of this research paper is the study of the perception of the hybrid learning and students’ learning style. In addition, another objective of the study is to analyze the perception of the hybrid learning in accordance with the learning style. This paper employs quantitative research and the descriptive and comparative methods. The study sample consists of 89 Albanian university students. Data analysis was conducted through SPSS 20 and JASP-0.8.1.2. The statistical analyses utilized in this paper are distribution tables, crossed tabulation, student test, Pearson correlation coefficient, Bayesian Independent Samples T-Test, and One - Way ANOVA. The conclusion of the data analysis shows that most students used the visual learning style in order to study. Students have a positive perception of the hybrid learning. There exists an insignificant statistical correlation between learning styles and the perception of the hybrid learning. The area of study has an impact on the components of the hybrid learning.

Inward Foreign Direct Investment: A Case Study of Pakistan

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the methods for increasing the volume of Inward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Pakistan. Two different approaches are investigated: firstly, identifying the main barriers to investing in Pakistan, and secondly, examining the key success factors (KSFs) of the top FDI recipients in the world. Both parametric and non-parametric statistical analyses are applied. The study findings provide guidance to the implementation of common KSFs for increasing inward FDI. The paper discusses cultural barriers in developing markets for investors’ collective performance, the consequence and significance of cultural barriers in emerging markets, and the requirement for social adaptation for successfully attract inward FDI in developing counties. This paper identifies and proposes suggestions for resolving the internal problems of Pakistan’s investment climate that act as impediments to increased FDI volume.

Waqf Between the Past and Present

Abstract: Waqf plays a very important role in Muslim societies. It has been the main source for various public services provided to communities. It has been marginalized as a mere charity, although it has historically been successful in producing sustainable income and reducing poverty levels in Muslim countries. Traditionally, the creation of Waqf is inculcated in Muslims’ culture, and included all walks of life. It has also contributed to the service of man in various areas of development. Nonetheless, in modern times, Waqf has seen a declining role, which raises a number of questions as to what factors actually led to an earlier growth of Waqf, and what was the factor associated with its later decline. This review propagates a historical narrative of Waqf, highlighting the reasons for its decline and the need for reform. The paper concludes that if Muslims have good governments that can manage the funds are transparent, reformulates the laws governing Waqf, and design an integrated network of sciences to monitor issues and problems; they can realistically revive the practice of Waqf. The proper management and disbursement of Waqf can become a great source of revenue for the Ummah.

Community Attachment and Support for Sustainable Tourism Development through the Attitudes of the Local Population: A Case Study in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Abstract: The globalization that is currently suffering the world is applicable to tourism, where sustainable tourism practices are required and consistent with the environment in which they develop, so that tourism practices made aware of the local population are conformed as an important engine from the social and economic point of view where it is inserted. The objective of this research is to carry out an analysis between the possible relationships between the attachment of the residents to the community as well as the support of the local population to sustainable tourism and the environmental attitudes of the residents. For this purpose, a duly structured questionnaire was used to carry out a descriptive analysis through the statistical program IBM SPSS v.24.0 and an analysis through the technique of structural equations (Structural Equation Modeling) through the program SmartPLS v.3.2.6. (Partial Least Squares). The results obtained establish a positive influence of community attachment on support for sustainable tourism development.

Research Competencies of Higher-Education Teaching Staff Based on Emotional Intelligence

Abstract: The present study aims to describe the research skills of university professors at the Universidad Iberoamericana del Ecuador (UNIBE) through emotional intelligence. The research is focused on the quantitative paradigm, through a descriptive study of a population, which was represented by 35 full-time professors of the university. For the collection of data, a survey was applied as the technique, and as an instrument, a questionnaire was used to the teaching population, it is subdivided into the following variables: emotional self-knowledge, emotional self-control, and structured self-motivation. The Likert model is used for responding with a scale of 5 alternatives. To test the reliability of the instrument, a pilot test was applied, giving a value of 0.894 of the Cronbach alpha statistical coefficient. The scales present Kendall's coefficient of agreement presenting as similarity of variables with a value of p = 0.039, congruence (p = 0045), and tendentiousness (p = 0.035). In conclusion, it is established that research competencies are an attitudinal alternative that imply the understanding and transfer of knowledge, as well as emotional values oriented to significantly stimulate the research potential of a university professor. This shows difficulties in terms of the acquisition of research skills, referring to a set of knowledge, skills, behaviors, and values that teachers should use to face their daily academic lives.

Communication as a Marketing Strategy: Cross-cultural Analysis of Young People from Mexico and Colombia Based on Demographic Segmentation

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to rank and analyze the acceptance of Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) from the perspective of young people. This comparative study was done with university students from the cities of Villavicencio, Colombia and Coatzacoalcos, Mexico. A quantitative research was conducted through the use of 1591 surveys done by subjects between 17 and 25 years of age. The results showed that there are no significant differences regarding the ranking of these IMC tools. All the participants coincided in deeming direct marketing as the most important tool and sales promotion as the least important one. However, the demographic analysis by nationalities showed that there are differences in those assessments. The conclusion is that young consumers prioritize personal selling because the seller seeks to understand and satisfy their needs in the consumption of goods and services.

Using Computers in Teaching in Higher Education

Abstract: This paper describes advantages of using computers in teaching, but also problems that occur, as well as possibilities for their elimination The main goal of the research is the formation of images which show the use of computers in higher education The paper presents the results of a survey conducted among students of the Faculty of Education in Sombor (Serbia) about the use of computers in teaching A sample of 126 respondents comprises students of the last year of all study programs The results show that students and professors have a positive attitude about using computers in education and knowledge dissemination through computers Most of them think that teachers have mastered basic computer knowledge, but give priority to teachers who know how to work with a computer, as well as to younger teachers Students believe that many barriers occur during the use of computers, among which the most important is the inaccessibility of technical equipment All barriers can be overcome through useful and practical computer seminars

Rising Islamophobic Discourses in Europe and Fight Against Islamophobia on the Basis of International Organizations

Abstract: European Civilization was built on the concepts of multiculturalism, tolerance, and dialogue but in the post-Cold War period, without considering these concepts, some European politicians, scientists, and the press have associated concepts of conflict, terror, disintegration, exclusion, and assimilation with Islam. Anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim attitudes are viewed as a new coherent ideology to replace anti-communism following the post-collapse period of the Soviet Union. Thus, a new enemy image and an exclusionist and alienating discourse aimed especially at Muslim societies in Europe were created after the 1990s. Subsequently, this new discourse diffusing across the European continent is referred to as “Islamophobia”. Gradually Muslim immigrants are perceived to be the number one fundamental cause of politic, economic and social issues in European countries so Islamophobic discourses have intensified following the 90s. The aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the actions of terror organizations claiming to commit their attacks in the name of Islam in the world -and especially in Europe- have contributed to the spread of Islamophobia across Europe. Extreme-right wings in pursuit of taking advantage of all these negative circumstances for political gain attempted to find public ground by reflecting Islam as a religion of violence and Muslims as ‘terrorists.’ In this article, it is argued that concrete Islamophobic discourses erode some certain values such as human rights, democracy, plurality and multiculturalism, which Europe was established on these. It is also showed that actions of various extreme-right parties and other wings in different European countries accelerate this process. Policies adopted by international organizations to fight against Islamophobia will be analysed and the problems encountered in these efforts will also be presented.

Relationship between Cognitive Engagement and Academic Achievement among Kenyan Secondary School Students

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between student cognitive engagement and academic achievement of secondary school students of Manga Sub County, Nyamira County, Kenya. The study was hinged on the Self Determination theoretical perspective. The mixed methods approach was employed, and within it, the concurrent triangulation design was adopted. From the target population of 1750 form four students, 35 Principals and 35 Guidance and Counselling teachers, 312 students (out of 316 expected), 11 Principals and 11 Guidance and counselling teachers were randomly sampled for the study. Questionnaires were used to collect data from the students, while interview schedules were used to collect data from Principals and Guidance and Counselling teachers. The validity of the research instruments was determined by experts from the department of Psychology and Educational Foundations of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology. Reliability was ascertained by the internal consistency method using Cronbach’s alpha, and a reliability coefficient of r above 0.7 was obtained for the questionnaire. Inferential statistics from quantitative data were analyzed using Pearson’s Product correlation and regression analysis with the aid of the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22. Qualitative data from interviews were analyzed thematically. The study revealed that cognitive engagement was a significant predictor of academic achievement among secondary school students studied (r=.376, N=312, p =.01. The study recommended that school based teacher counsellors should utilize cognitive behavioural therapy techniques during counselling sessions with students in school in order to enhance cognitive engagement.

Environmental Favorability: Evidence in the Brazilian Context of Consumer Generations

Abstract: This study aimed to analyze the variables of environmental favorability, identifying and comparing their importance and differences within the consumers of the segments of the Baby Boomers, X, Y and Z generations in the Brazil. A factorial analysis showed that the highest averages found were related to the environmental responsibility of the companies and society. The lower averages are linked to the skepticism about advertising and advertising on labels of environmental products.The factors with higher scores refer to the environmental responsibility of society and the environmental conscience pointing out the concern of the interviewees about pollution, deforestation and the climatic consequences that can attack the environment. On the other hand, the lower averages are linked to the credibility in the environmental communication geared towards advertising and the veracity in the labels. Finally, the limitations and opportunities of future work are presented.

Street Children’s Problem in Getting Education: Economic and Parental Factors

Abstract: Every child in this universe has the same right to get an education. However, some street children are not able to claim what they are supposed to obtain, such as the right to get a decent education and to play like other children, due to economic conditions which do not allow them to obtain their rights. The researchers attempt to facilitate them to develop their skills in English so that they can achieve their dreams. This research result indicates that most street children in Kendari undergo some financial and family problems which make them unable to afford education tuition fee. These problems appear to be the factors causing them to stop attending schools. Therefore, they prefer to be street children and work as street musicians, bearers, and parking attendants, for example to meet their day-to-day needs. Data were gathered through questionnaires and interviews. To analyze the data, qualitative method was employed.

Financial Inclusion in Latin America 2007 - 2015: Evidence using Panel Data Analysis

Abstract: Financial Inclusion plays an important role in terms of economic growth and poverty reduction owing to inequality, therefore, it is a key aspect of public policy in many governments. This study explores those variables that influence financial inclusion in some Latin American countries, through the use of the panel data econometric technique, based on information provided by the World Bank's Global Findex, and the Statistical Yearbook of the World Bank. ECLAC (Economic Commission for Latin America), during the period between 2007 and 2015. The sample includes 7 countries, namely, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru. The results indicate that financial inclusion has a positive and significant relationship with the value of GDP per capita, such that the greater the income level which families have, the greater will be the participation in the financial system, and consequently, the greater the degree of financial inclusion. On the other hand, the variable public debt, shows that a high level of indebtedness hinders financial inclusion, therefore, its relationship is negative.

A Systematic Review on Psychosocial Determinants of Elderly Subjective Wellbeing

Abstract: The persistent increase in longevity has impelled social scientists to concentrate on the factors that can improve later life health and wellbeing. Extant literature indicates that filial responsibility, self-esteem, emotional regulation, attachment, parent-adult child relationship quality and religiosity are among those contributing factors for elderly subjective wellbeing. A systematic review was conducted to synthesize available evidence regarding the psychosocial determinants of elderly subjective wellbeing. Google Scholar, Science Direct and PubMed were searched for potentially relevant articles published from 2011 to 2017. Eighteen out of 216 full-text papers met the inclusion criteria and were critically appraised. The internal validity and quality of selected studies were assessed using STROBE and SIGN checklists. The findings of the current review suggest that filial responsibility, emotional regulation, self-esteem, attachment, and parent-adult child relationship quality were consistent determinants of elderly wellbeing; whereas findings on religiosity were equivocal. Further, self-esteem and emotional regulation emerged as significant cognitive-emotional underlying factors for the association between family relations and elderly wellbeing. In conclusion, despite methodological limitations of selected studies, this review was able to identify a number of psychosocial determinants of elderly subjective wellbeing. A comprehensive knowledge of these determining factors can contribute to a better understanding of empirical connections and identification of gaps in literature as well as directions for future studies.

Impacts of Aid for Innovation on Economic Growth in the Sub-Saharan African Countries

Abstract: For several years, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries continue to struggle with poverty, hunger, epidemics, access to proper sanitation and potable water etc. even though the continent is considered to be endowed with half of the world’s natural resources. Low value-added products continue to be the primary export of countries in the continent since it lacks the technical know-how to manage its resources for sustainable growth and development it envisages. This paper examines the effectiveness of aid for innovation in enhancing growth and innovative performance of SSA using the Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) and fixed effect models for the period 2002 to 2015. The empirical results revealed that growth and innovation in the continent could be improved significantly if aid is more advanced to innovation and research. Also, the paper noticed that aid for innovation have more impacts in countries with the lower level of innovation and technological advancement.

Corruption and Combating Corruption: A Framework for Peace, Human Rights and Sustainable Development in Post-Independent Africa

Abstract: Since the introduction of democratic reforms in post-independent Africa, most states have been battling corruption to guarantee sustainable peace, human rights and development. Because of the devastating effects of corruption on the realisation of peace, human rights and sustainable development, the world at large and Africa in particular, has strived to fight against corruption with several states adopting national anti-corruption legislation and specialised bodies. Despite international and national efforts to combat corruption, the practice still remains visible in most African states without any effective accountability or transparency in decision-making processes by the various institutions charged with corruption issues. This has further hindered global peace, the effective enjoyment of human rights and sustainable development in the continent. This paper aims to examine the concept of corruption and combating corruption and its impact on peace, human rights and sustainable development in post-independent Africa with a particular focus on Cameroon. It reveals that despite international and national efforts, corruption still remains an obstacle to global peace in Africa requiring a more proactive means among states to achieve economic development. The paper takes into consideration specific socio-economic challenges posed by corruption and the way forward for a united Africa to combat corruption to pull the continent out of poverty, hunger and instability, and to transform it into a better continent for peace, human rights and sustainable development.

Development of Indicators on Automotive Technology Skills of Vocational Diploma Students: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis Model

Abstract: The present research was aimed to develop indicators on automotive technology skills and compare automotive technology skills of vocational diploma students among type of educational institutions. A stratified random sampling method was used to select a sample of 400 from the population of 1,337 second year vocational diploma students in Auto Mechanic Department under the Office of Vocational Education Commission in Samutprakan, Nonthaburi, Phathumthani, Saraburi, and Ayutthaya. The research instrument was a 5 rating scale questionnaire with a reliability of 0.956. The data analysis were first order a confirmatory factor analysis, mean, standard deviation, and one-way ANOVA. The findings were as followed. (1) The indicators on automotive technology skills of vocational diploma students comprised 20 indicators, is valid and fit to empirical data i.e. Chi-square = 98.314, df = 81, p = 0.093, GFI = 0.987, AGFI = 0.965, and RMSEA = 0.017. (2) The automotive technology skills of vocational diploma students among type of educational institutions were not different at a significance level of .05 .

SWOT Analysis for the Development Strategy of Mangrove Ecotourism in Wonorejo, Indonesia

Abstract: Wonorejo mangrove area is one of the mangrove ecosystems in Surabaya initiated by public awareness which then developed into an area of conservation, education, rehabilitation, and ecotourism. Terbatasnya ekowisata menjadikan kawasan mangrove Wonorejo semakin ramai dikunjungi sehingga perlu strategi pengembangan yang tepat. Limited ecotourism in Surabaya makes this area to be increasingly crowded so that a proper development strategy is needed.Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui: 1) potensi ekowisata mangrove Wonorejo, 2) strategi pengembangan ekowisata mangrove Wonorejo. The purpose of this research is to know: 1) The potential of Wonorejo mangrove ecotourism, and 2) The development strategy of Wonorejo mangrove ecotourism. Pendekatan dan jenis penelitian bersifat deskriptif dengan menggunakan metode survey.In this research, the approach and type are descriptive with survey method.Sumber data potensi diperoleh dari interview dengan wisatawan dan beberapa pihak yang memahami ekowisata mangrove Wonorejo. The potential data sources were obtained from visitors’ interviews and other parties who acknowledge the ecotourism of Wonorejo mangrove.Indikator yang digunakan untuk mengukur potensi adalah kondisi biofisik, aksesibilitas, sarana prasarana dan aspek penunjang lain. Moreover, the indicators used to measure the potential are biophysical conditions, accessibility, infrastructure, and other supporting aspects. Strategi untuk mengembangkan mangrove Wonorejo menggunakan analisis SWOT. The strategy that is used to develop Wonorejo mangrove is the SWOT analysis.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kawasan mangrove Wonorejo mempunyai potensi tinggi dengan total nilai 30. Analisis SWOT berada pada posisi kuadran I, artinya untuk pengembangan kawasan ekowisata mangrove Wonorejo adalah strategi agresif/pertumbuhan. The results showed that Wonorejo mangrove area has a high level of potential with a total value of 30. The SWOT analysis is in quadrant I meaning that for the development of ecotourism area, Wonorejo mangrove has an aggressive/growth strategy. Prioritas strategi dengan menggunakan analisis SWOT adalah peningkatan peran pemerintah terkait daya tarik, pengembangan paket wisata mangrove-non mangrove, peningkatan terkait identitas mangrove, penataan lokasi, peningkatan sumberdaya manusia, dan pengembangan promosi.By using SWOT analysis, the priority of this strategy is to increase the role of government related to tourism attraction, development of mangrove-non-mangrove tourism package, improvement related to mangrove identity, location arrangement, human resource improvement, and promotion development. Pemerintah diharapkan lebih bertanggung jawab dalam mengembangkan ekowisata mangrove Wonorejo dalam segala aspek sehingga dapat meminimalkan permasalahan. The government should be responsible for developing this Wonorejo mangrove ecotourism in all aspects so as to minimize the problem.

The Theory of Social Contract and Legitimacy Today

Abstract: The theory of social contract has played - and still plays - an important role in the central stage of political philosophy. The social contract answers the question of the origin of the society. The history of the theory originates in the ancient Greece political philosophy and extends to the recent years. However, the foundation of the theory resulted in the Renaissance period through the treatises of classical contractarians Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau. The manuscript describes the main arguments regarding the theory of social contract and suggests the main similarities and differences among them. Finally, the manuscript, according to the main description of the theories, suggests the main categorization of their results in legitimizing the political authority. In the final section, the article proposes the contribution of the theory of the social contract to the modern era and summarizes the positive aspects of its arguments to the legitimization of the political authority of modern states.

Being Mafia Children: An Empirical Transgenerational Research

Abstract: Our empirical study aims at understanding and analyzing whether and how the way in which the “sons of Mafia” consider their own family and the society in general has changed over time. The psychological study is based on a sample of 11 subjects all sons of the Mafia men divided according to a generational variable, i.e. these two ranges of age: 17-28 and 39-62. The data obtained from the interviews were analyzed using the Grounded Theory method. From the comparison these elements emerged: first of all, the subjects have a distinct perception of these three different areas: - family, and especially the bond with their fathers; - society, represented mainly by the relationship with peers; - Mafia, specifically in relation to the value codes of this criminal organization. The analysis of these areas has allowed us to give a cross-reading of the Mafia phenomenon outlining the differences in the way in which the present generations and the past ones live and perceive it.

Counter-Insurgency Operations of the African Union and Mitigation of Humanitarian Crisis in Somalia

Abstract: The protracted armed conflict in Somalia has engendered an unprecedented humanitarian crisis; one that makes it a leading storehouse of the worst humanitarian conditions in the world. The intervention of the African Union (AU) through its third Peace Support Operation— the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM)— was aimed at supporting the Transitional Federal Institutions in the stabilisation of the country, advancing dialogue and reconciliation as well as facilitating the provision of humanitarian support. The achievement of the humanitarian component of the mission’s mandate is largely contingent on the first two mandates. Essentially, this study interrogated the interface between the implementation of the humanitarian component of AMISOM mandate and the control of the worsening conditions of Somali internally displaced persons and refugees. Anchoring analysis within the classical approach to national security, the study found that the restoration of relative stability in the polity has not widened access to economic and humanitarian assistance in the terror-laden state of Somalia. Thus, greater commitment of major stakeholders, especially the United Nations (UN), the United States as well as the AU is required in the transmutation of AMISOM and Somalia National Armed Forces into a force that is entirely indigenous to the people of Somalia. This will serve as an elixir to the ever-constricting humanitarian corridor that has exacerbated the conditions of the victims of forced migration in Somalia.

Quality of Life in the School Context: The Relationship between Teachers’ and Students’ Wellbeing

Abstract: The aim of the study is to identify relationships between levels of burnout in a sample of Italian teachers in middle school and the quality of the classroom relational climate experienced from their students. Method: analysis identified three different teachers’ burnout profiles, defined as “Enthusiastic”, “Exhausted-Indifferent” and “Exhausted-Guilty”. ANOVA showed that were significant differences in the quality of classroom relational climate perceived by students. The Enthusiastic group was associated with better levels regarding the students’ perception about teachers support and, concerning student-peers relationship, better support and mutual respect.The results are consistent with literature that underlines how burned-out teachers experience more difficult and conflictive relationship with their students. Moreover, it emerges how deficiencies in relational experience could impact not only on the student-teacher relationship, but also on the quality of student-peer interactions.