Abstract: The study examines the relationship between fiscal policy, the level of poverty, and the frontier technology readiness index (skill) in the Southern African Customs Union over the period of 2012 to 2022. The technique of pooled ordinary least squares was used to ascertain the empirical findings, while the LLC and IPS established the stationarity of the variables. The empirical findings show that government expenditure on education, indirect... [...] Read more

Abstract: The objective of this study was to examine the influence of leadership styles on the performance of local NGOs in Ethiopia. A mixed-method design, combining descriptive survey and correlational approaches, was employed. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 276 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and 199 board chairpersons from systematically sampled local NGOs. Responses were analyzed using SPSS through... [...] Read more

Abstract: Fathers are traditionally seen as the patriarchal heads of households. However, in many societies, mothers exert substantial influence over the extent of paternal involvement post-divorce. Non-resident fathers often face significant barriers, particularly maternal gatekeeping, which limits access to their children and undermines their parental role. These dynamics contribute to persistent societal narratives that depict such fathers as... [...] Read more

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to construct a unique industry cycle indicator (ICI) for Bangladeshi aggregate firms within the industrial sector, aiming to provide early signals of industrial vulnerability, identify turning points, and evaluate predictive performance. The methodology involved constructing the ICI following the approach of the Conference Board (2000) and testing its robustness with a macro-stress test using lagged independent... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study aims to develop an AI-driven robot-first framework for Mars colonization as an alternative preparatory approach to human-centric settlement strategies, such as SpaceX’s Mars vision. The study adopts a conceptual and prospective research design, using interdisciplinary literature synthesis, systems thinking, and scenario-based analysis to examine how a large-scale swarm of approximately 10,000 autonomous robots could support... [...] Read more

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate the underlying causes of seaport congestion at Chittagong seaport, a critical gateway for international trade and a vital contributor to Bangladesh's economic growth. Seaport congestion is a pervasive issue that not only disrupts the flow of goods but also hampers the economic progress of nations reliant on efficient trade operations. To achieve the study's objectives, a survey-based research design... [...] Read more

Abstract: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has evolved globally from philanthropic acts to strategic initiatives with social, environmental, and economic implications. In Kenya, CSR is often applied philanthropically, with limited integration into long-term development strategies, especially in rural areas. This study investigates the social impacts of Rabai Power Company’s (RPL) CSR initiatives on sustainable rural development and corporate... [...] Read more

Abstract: This systematic review explores the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in enhancing social work practicums within higher learning institutions across developing African nations. Key challenges identified include the absence of clear institutional policies for ICT integration, insufficient funding for welfare organizations, particularly from the South African Department of Social Development, and unreliable internet access... [...] Read more

Abstract: As an initial step toward developing a responsive and adequate service delivery to the victims of GBVF, this exploratory formative research was conducted to examine perspectives of GBVF among the South African Police Service (SAPS) and community members in the Kwazulu-Natal (KZN) policing area. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was used for a bigger study, to evaluate a comprehensive case-management intervention in the KZN. This paper... [...] Read more

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore the key factors influencing Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption in education among Pakistani university students. Specifically, it examines how AI Readiness (AIRD), AI Confidence (AICF), and Social Influence (SI) affect students’ Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) and Perceived Usefulness (PU), and how these perceptions shape their Attitudes toward AI (ATT). The study also investigates the mediating roles... [...] Read more

Abstract: The article examines stock index price responses in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico to those in the US, Spain, and four European countries during three sub-periods surrounding the neoliberal reforms of the 1990s: 1988 to 1994, 1995 to 1998, and 1999 to 2004. The methodology is empirical and uses time series analysis, in particular impulse response functions (IRFs) derived using vector autoregression (VAR) models. It finds that equity markets became... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study aims to investigate the public acceptance of potential loot box regulation in digital games, focusing on the similarities between loot boxes and gambling, and the need for increased transparency. An online survey was conducted in July 2019, targeting participants from Germany, Hungary, South Africa, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. The survey collected data on consumer preferences regarding the... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study aims to examine the impact of globalization on Nigeria's economic competitiveness, focusing on how Nigeria's participation in the global economy has influenced its ability to compete with developed nations. The study employs the Least Squares method to analyze data collected from 2006 to 2017 from various sources, including the Nigeria Statistical Bulletin, World Economic Forum reports, and the United Nations Industrial Development... [...] Read more

Abstract: This systematic review explores social media’s influence on the attitudes of younger daughters-in-law towards their mothers-in-law within the South African context. The researchers carried out the “Preferred Reporting Items for the Systematic Review and Meta-analysis” guidelines as a research methodology. The scientific search databases such as Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Sabinet and Taylor & Francis... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between entrepreneurs’ dispositional optimism and the creative performance of their new ventures. While optimism is generally regarded as a positive entrepreneurial trait, this research explores whether excessive optimism may, under certain conditions, undermine creative outcomes. Drawing on social cognitive theory, the study surveyed 1,000 new ventures across Pakistan using a stratified random... [...] Read more

Abstract: Many Southern African countries, including Lesotho, face severe health and environmental issues attributed to waste disposal. The purpose of this study is to assessed the environmental and health impacts on residents living in proximity to disposal sites in the lowlands of Lesotho. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, using a semi-structured questionnaire and observation method. A mapping device was used, and photographs were... [...] Read more