{"title":"A study on assessment of teaching and learning methods for secondary school biology subject content as an approach to addressing environmental degradation in Malawi: A case study of Karonga district","authors":"Nithyanantham Vinnaras, Eston Chiyombo Jacob","doi":"10.26634/jhss.3.1.19416","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26634/jhss.3.1.19416","url":null,"abstract":"The purpose of this study was to assess teaching and learning methods for the secondary school biology subject content as an approach to addressing environmental degradation in Malawi. The study was guided by specific research objectives, such as assessing how success criteria in secondary school biology syllabi are framed to address environmental degradation in Malawi, investigating the appropriateness of the methods of teaching and learning biology that address environmental degradation, and examining how biology teachers assess students' fieldwork required by the syllabus. A mixed-methods approach was used in this study. Sixty secondary school teachers were selected from 40 secondary schools in the Northern Education Division of the Ministry of Education in Malawi as research participants. Schools and participants were selected through convenience and purposive sampling techniques, respectively. In this study, data were collected through interviews, questionnaires, and document analysis. Data analysis was done thematically and using statistics. The research study found that the success criteria, content, and teaching and learning methods in biology would not address environmental degradation because the success criteria were not framed well and had many action verbs such as \"explain,\" \"describe,\" and \"state.\" Additionally, explanation was the main teaching and learning method used by secondary school biology teachers, which would not address environmental degradation since it did not encourage learning through practice. The findings also revealed that biology teachers in secondary schools assessed learners with the aim of passing public examinations and did not assist learners in acquiring skills to deal with issues of environmental degradation.","PeriodicalId":479690,"journal":{"name":"i-manager s Journal on Humanities & Social Sciences","volume":"107 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135710881","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Does timing matter? Social safety-net supports for disaster risk reduction in coastal Bangladesh","authors":"Mosharof Khan Tanvir, Islam Rabiul","doi":"10.26634/jhss.3.2.19930","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26634/jhss.3.2.19930","url":null,"abstract":"Like other parts of the world, the number and negative effects of natural disasters are increasing in Bangladesh because of its geo-climate change. To deal with these adversities and reduce disaster risks, the country has successfully used social safety-net supports. Numerous studies have observed the various aspects of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Social Safety-Net Supports (SSNS). However, many of them neglected the delivery schedule. Taking this gap into account, the purpose of this study is to inquire about the providing time, effectiveness and identify the possible ways these supports contribute to DRR in coastal Bangladesh. Using a qualitative approach, the present study was conducted in Pratapnagar and Kamarpara villages within the Pratapnagar Union, Assashuni Upazila of the Sathkhira district. Findings showed that the supports have been distributed at different times in the year, such as during religious festivals, immediately after disasters, and even in normal time, rather than following a specific time. The supports somehow assisted in reducing both poverty and malnutrition. The present study also illustrated that they partially help in the stockpiling of food, the building of robust houses, the repair of houses, poultry and livestock sheds, the maintenance of roads and culverts, and livelihood recovery. This study argues that the supports do not work sufficiently in DRR as they are not timely distributed to the disaster victims. Due to the limited coverage, inadequate quantity, and irregularities in distribution, the supports are not appropriately contributing to DRR. The study suggests that, along with the acceptable quantity and proper beneficiaries' selection, distribution timing should also be considered.","PeriodicalId":479690,"journal":{"name":"i-manager s Journal on Humanities & Social Sciences","volume":"33 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135709689","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Importance of citizen participation in the election process in Kenya","authors":"Sande Ouma David","doi":"10.26634/jhss.3.1.18873","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26634/jhss.3.1.18873","url":null,"abstract":"After the repeal of Section 2A of the former constitution in 1992, which led to the pluralization of the country's politics, the stakes of all subsequent general elections have required the contribution of every individual to achieve a desired outcome. This has manifested itself during campaigns and the inclusion of different groups, such as women, men, youth, and persons living with disabilities. The thematic areas that highlight the significance of citizen participation in an election have been identified in this paper. These areas include avoiding post-election conflicts and violence, representing the citizens' ideas and aspirations, promoting inclusivity and eliminating marginalization, enhancing the legitimacy of the election, selecting office bearers, and serving as a catalyst for the nation's development. The paper emphasizes that in order to make meaningful strides towards cherishing and achieving national unity and tranquility, it is imperative to provide every person with an equal chance without prejudice.","PeriodicalId":479690,"journal":{"name":"i-manager s Journal on Humanities & Social Sciences","volume":"18 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135710886","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Perspectives on working conditions in japanese commercial language schools: The views of foreign Eikaiwa teachers","authors":"Aquino Velasco Xavier","doi":"10.26634/jhss.3.2.19432","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26634/jhss.3.2.19432","url":null,"abstract":"This study aims to examine the perspectives of foreign Eikaiwa teachers on working conditions in Japanese commercial language schools. Eikaiwa schools are prevalent in Japan, offering English language instruction to Japanese learners. By exploring their perspectives, this study contributes to a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by foreign teachers in the Japanese Eikaiwa industry, specifically examining the relationship between working conditions and employee satisfaction and retention. A qualitative data analysis approach was employed, allowing for an in-depth analysis to accomplish the purpose of this study with open-ended responses from semi-structured interviews with the participants. Convenience sampling was utilized to obtain basic data and trends related to this study without the complications of using a randomized sample. Four presently working and six former Eikaiwa teachers participated in this study. The data revealed that foreign Eikaiwa teachers' personal experiences working in various Eikaiwas heavily influenced their perspectives on the working conditions in Japanese commercial language schools in a negative way. These experiences included poor working hours and vacation policies, overwhelming responsibilities, ineffective management, and a lack of opportunities for professional growth.","PeriodicalId":479690,"journal":{"name":"i-manager s Journal on Humanities & Social Sciences","volume":"14 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135709692","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Diligence and intelligence in “Makato and the Cowrie Shell” and “Ang Pagong at Ang Matsing”","authors":"Bonita Blanco Felimon","doi":"10.26634/jhss.3.1.19438","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26634/jhss.3.1.19438","url":null,"abstract":"A comparative study of folk tales between Thailand and the Philippines is conducted. Thailand's \"Makato and the Cowrie Shell\" and the Philippines' \"Ang Pagong at ang Matsing\" are studied and compared using pre-identified areas of comparison, which include orality, characters, setting, plot, conflict, theme, and moral lesson. Content analysis is used as a critical lens in the study of these two famous Asian folk tales. This comparative literature study reveals that both folk tales share common Asian values of thrift, hard work, diligence, and intelligence. The findings also show the strong agricultural background of these two Asian countries, which is depicted in the concept of planting found in both stories. This portrayal highlights how farming is an important communal work that engages members of society.","PeriodicalId":479690,"journal":{"name":"i-manager s Journal on Humanities & Social Sciences","volume":"37 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135710883","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Library collections/materials: An overview","authors":"Velmurugan V. Senthur","doi":"10.26634/jhss.3.1.19049","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26634/jhss.3.1.19049","url":null,"abstract":"The library's collection is a repository of historical accomplishments that have been preserved for the benefit of current and future generations. The arrangement of the records will make the extent of the library's collection much more apparent. While the majority of documents have been digitized and come with appealing new features, rural, semirural, and urban areas in our nation are yet to be digitized. Information and media are now more accessible and compatible with digital libraries than ever before in the 21st century. This article provides an overview of library collections and materials. It covers the types of materials commonly found in libraries, including books, periodicals, audiovisual materials, and electronic resources. The article also discusses the importance of collection development policies and the role of librarians in selecting, acquiring, and maintaining library materials. Additionally, the article explores the challenges libraries face in managing their collections, such as limited space, budget constraints, and changing user needs. Finally, the article concludes with a discussion of emerging trends in library collections and materials, such as open access publishing and digital libraries.","PeriodicalId":479690,"journal":{"name":"i-manager s Journal on Humanities & Social Sciences","volume":"71 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135710884","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Corruption and its effects on the development of public sector management in Africa - A case study of ghana","authors":"Bediako Danso William","doi":"10.26634/jhss.3.2.20017","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26634/jhss.3.2.20017","url":null,"abstract":"There is a growing perception that bribery and corruption are on the ascendant in Ghana and the rest of the African continent among the public sector. Many corrupt managers, top government officials, and public employees hide behind an institutional veil to rub states, countries, and organizations with huge sums of money for their selfish interests and personal gain. Over the years, servants in public services such as the Judiciary, the Police, Food and Drug Authority, Standards Authority, Immigration, and Customs Authority, like any other work environment in the public sector in Ghana and on the other continent, have been tagged with the reality of corruption and bribery. These corrupt practices within the public service in Ghana have really dented the reputation of many professions, including the judiciary and state security agencies. Corruption has worsened in state institutions, and this has had serious negative impacts on the development of the economy and its political dispensation. The overall aim of this research was to investigate the complex nature of corruption and its impacts on the development of public sector management in Ghana and other West African regions. The research began with a review of the literature on the complex nature of corruption and its impacts on the development of effective and efficient public management in Ghana. This was followed by case-bycase studies of two African countries (Ghana and Nigeria) linking it to their judicial administrations, police administrations, customs divisions, and food and drug authorities, among others. Primary data was also gathered from a field survey using interview questionnaires to unearth some of the challenges faced by Ghanaians in the fight against corruption. This study revealed that corruption in judicial settings, policing, the Food and Drug Authority, Immigration, and Customs Division in the countries stated in this case does not only involve giving or accepting bribes. It includes embezzlement, patronage, conflict of interest, theft, fraud, or insider dealing. This study will be of immense benefit to politicians and managers of law enforcement agencies.","PeriodicalId":479690,"journal":{"name":"i-manager s Journal on Humanities & Social Sciences","volume":"93 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135710984","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Where the fishing community heading to? Disaster-led occupational transformation of the fishing communities in coastal bangladesh","authors":"Aziz Tarik, Islam Rabiul","doi":"10.26634/jhss.3.2.20047","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26634/jhss.3.2.20047","url":null,"abstract":"This study explores the processes and causes of occupational transformation in the fishing communities in coastal Bangladesh. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from Raruli and Godaipur Unions in Paikgaccha Upazila, Khulna district, and Jalalpur Union in Tala Upazila, Satkhira district, through questionnaire surveys, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Findings show that coastal fishers, affected by various disasters, have been changing their fishing occupations and transitioning to other roles, such as fishing labor, fish business, shopkeeper, auto van puller, day laborer, construction worker, etc. The study also explores the causes of occupational transformation and finds that various factors, including different types of disasters such as cyclones, storm surges, riverbank erosion, salinity, flooding, etc., and other factors such as moneylender's business, decreased navigability of rivers, increased prices of fishing equipment, decreased fish populations in rivers and the sea, etc., compel them to make this transition. The study argues that occupational transformation in the fishing community will continue to increase if governmental and non-governmental organizations do not provide initiatives and alternative livelihoods in the coastal area.","PeriodicalId":479690,"journal":{"name":"i-manager s Journal on Humanities & Social Sciences","volume":"7 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135709690","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"How do the farmers cope with salinity on the Southwestern coast of Bangladesh?","authors":"Aziz Tarik","doi":"10.26634/jhss.3.2.19929","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26634/jhss.3.2.19929","url":null,"abstract":"Salinity is one of the major disasters faced on the southwestern coast of Bangladesh, and it causes a lot of damage in the agriculture sector. This study explores the impact of salinity on agriculture in coastal areas. It outlines the strategies adopted by farmers and the government to overcome the adverse effects of salinity on agriculture. Using qualitative methods, data are collected from Raruli Union in Paikgaccha Upazila of Khulna district, Bangladesh. Findings show that salinity spread in most of the cultivable land due to Cyclone Aila, which struck on May 25, 2009. Aila caused extensive damage to fruits, forestry, and fisheries in the region. Many cultivable lands have become fish ghers due to salinity, and the farmers are leaving the agricultural production and are willing to involve themselves in the gher business after Aila. Some farmers are leaving farming and moving to different occupations (garments, brick kilns). The government has already undertaken a project to repair the coastal embankments and dig dead rivers to overcome this saline effect. Farmers are also taking collective strategies to resolve this problem, such as preparing land for 3-5 days before cultivation, irrigating the land with fresh water, and not leaving the land for a long time. The study argues that indigenous strategies help coastal farmers cope with salinity-induced problems, but government support is needed to increase their farming capacity. The study suggests that medicine for livestock, fisheries and poultry to combat viral diseases, salinityresilient vegetables, rice varieties, and the supply of virus-free small fry to fishermen, raising awareness among the farmers, and providing training are needed to minimize the effect of salinity.","PeriodicalId":479690,"journal":{"name":"i-manager s Journal on Humanities & Social Sciences","volume":"14 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135711216","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessing the impact of installation of prepaid water meters on performance of lilongwe waterboard","authors":"Kawinga Clifford, G. M. Shaju","doi":"10.26634/jhss.3.1.19386","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26634/jhss.3.1.19386","url":null,"abstract":"The impact of the installation of prepaid water meters on the performance of Lilongwe Waterboard, a water utility company in Malawi, was the main focus of this study. A survey was conducted among corporate consumers using prepaid water meters, and the data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that prepaid water meters have improved the billing of corporate customers, with monthly bills decreasing significantly after the introduction of prepaid meters. However, customers still faced challenges such as inconsistent water supply, high installation costs, high operational costs, inability to purchase water due to poor network, and low water pressure. The study recommends that Lilongwe Waterboard should continue to improve its services to minimize customer complaints. Further research is needed to assess the impact of prepaid water meters in other locations. Due to its high cost and the service provider's inability to maximize revenue from the generated billing, the system has received a lot of criticism from customers. It is necessary to determine the billing patterns prior to and following the implementation of prepaid water meters and to assess the impact of those patterns on the operation of the Lilongwe Waterboard.","PeriodicalId":479690,"journal":{"name":"i-manager s Journal on Humanities & Social Sciences","volume":"44 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135710882","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}