International Journal of Social Sciences: Current and Future Research Trends
The International Journal of Social Sciences: Current and Future Research Trends (IJSSCFRT) is an open access International Journal for scientists and researchers to publish their scientific papers in Social Sciences related fields. IJSSCFRT plays its role as a refereed international journal to publish research results conducted by researchers. This journal accepts scientific papers for publication after passing the journal's double peer review process within 4 weeks. For detailed information about the journal kindly check About the Journal page. All IJSSCFRT published papers in Social Sciences will be available for scientific readers for free; no fees are required to download published papers in this international journal.
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Digital Versus Traditional Marketing and Consumer Buying Behavior in the Hospitality Industry: Evidence from Sunbird Hotels and Resorts in Malawi
This study examines the comparative influence of digital and traditional marketing on consumer buying behaviour in the hospitality industry, using Sunbird Hotels and Resorts in Malawi as a case study. Grounded in a pragmatist philosophy, the study adopts a convergent mixed-methods design combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data were collected from 200 hotel customers using structured questionnaires measured on a five-point Likert scale. In contrast, qualitative data were obtained from 15 marketing and management personnel through semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings reveal that digital marketing has a stronger, statistically significant influence on booking behavior (p < 0.01; OR = 2.53) than traditional marketing (p < 0.05; OR = 2.01). Key digital drivers include online reviews, social media engagement, and website usability. Traditional marketing remains relevant in reaching consumers with limited digital access. The study concludes that an integrated marketing approach combining digital and traditional channels is most effective in hybrid connectivity environments. The study contributes to hospitality marketing theory by extending the Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) framework and provides practical insights for marketing strategy in emerging economies.
Copyright (c) 2026 International Journal of Social Sciences: Current and Future Research Trends https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Evolution of Identity in Mindanao: An Analysis of the Intellectual Currents from Pre-Colonial to the Present Times
This paper analyzes how the identity in Mindanao evolved from pre-colonial to the present time. The researchers employed a historical research design to contextualize the identity structure by examining existing scholarship such as published books, articles, and journals together with primary sources from government websites to determine the policies implemented by the state in Mindanao that affected the identity of the distinct groups in the region. The analysis is guided by three inquiries. Firstly, it delves into how the pre-colonial Mindanao communities conceptualize identity through indigenous epistemologies, oral traditions, and cosmologies. Second, it explores the roles of kinship structures, community governance, and land ownership that shaped collective identity before the advent and intervention of the colonial regime. Lastly, it examines the ways colonial encounters reshape Mindanao's intellectual currents, specifically how exogenous ideologies were fused with local identity frameworks. By incorporating these queries into the analysis, this paper argues that the evolution of identity in Mindanao is not a single linear trajectory of idea, rather—an overlapping one that resulted in what they have in the present times. This includes how diverse communities in the region shifted, adapted, and embraced certain changes that contributed to who they are. It reveals the dynamic layers of how intellectual and political configurations have historically changed and continues to redefine the identity in the Southern Philippines.
Assessing Road Transport Infrastructure and Commuters’ Travel Time in Lagos Metropolis
The increasing population in the Lagos metropolis has affected the commuting experience in recent years. This factor, coupled with the road transport infrastructure, has become increasingly worrisome and is currently receiving the interest of transport planners and policymakers. A growing volume of studies has examined the socio-demographic, socio-economic and perceptions of commuters on their commuting experience. However, the specific information on road transport infrastructure and the travel time of commuters in metropolitan Lagos is sparse. Hence, the assessment of road transport infrastructure and commuters' travel time in the metropolis. The study relied on primary data with the instrument of a questionnaire. Using the Krejcie and Morgan table (1970) to determine the sample size, with an approach for sample selection at a 95% confidence level with a 5% margin of error. In line with the table’s recommendation, a population of 140 yields an estimated sample size of approximately 100 respondents. Frequency and percentage (%) were used to determine the socio-demography of respondents with variables like age, sex, marital status, e.t.c and multiple linear regression was used to determine the effect of Road transport infrastructure on commuters' travel time. Results revealed that the demographic composition points to a strong dependence on road transport, especially among economically active individuals, and that road transport infrastructure plays a significant role in determining how long commuters spend on the road within the study area. The paper concludes that road quality, traffic congestion, drainage condition, and traffic management all contribute meaningfully to variations in travel time among commuters and that a holistic approach is necessary to achieve reduced travel time, improved mobility, and enhanced urban transportation efficiency in Lagos metropolis.
A Study on the Practical Pathways and Optimization Strategies for the Sustainable Development of Rural Tourism?A Case Study of Situ Town in Jincheng City, Shanxi Province
Taking Situ Town in Jincheng City, Shanxi Province, China as a case study, this paper analyzes the sustainable development of rural tourism from the four dimensions of economy, society, culture, and ecology, based on sustainable development theory and stakeholder theory. The study finds that Situ Town has formed a rural tourism development model centered on “Datiehua” through spatial transformation, cultural resource development, and industrial integration. It has achieved positive results in enhancing tourism attractiveness, promoting employment, revitalizing intangible cultural heritage, and improving the ecological environment. However, several problems remain in its development, including the risk of cultural performativization, an incomplete community benefit-sharing mechanism, insufficient extension of the industrial chain, and increasing ecological carrying pressure. In the future, cultural revitalization, community co-construction, industrial integration, and ecological governance should be further promoted to achieve high-quality and sustainable development of rural tourism.
Christianity is a huge religious practice that dates back to early human times. There are many different branches and common beliefs that shape how the religion is today, providing community for millions around the world. This research addresses the gap of children growing up in the Christian church compared to those who don’t, and how it specifically affects their mentalities. The chosen method is phenomenology, a study of how people's lived experiences impact them. Interviews conducted with participant groups led to findings that religious children are more likely to experience guilt within their practice and set their future success apart from themselves. Implications give communities the opportunity to know the effect they have on children's goal setting abilities and possibly help them learn how to set goals. This could potentially increase success rates of achieving goals within the community.
How Australia's Deterrence Media Campaigns, Strict Enforcement Policies, and Offshore Processing Can Reform the European Union's Approach to Irregular Migration and Asylum
The European Union spent approximately €7.6 billion on migration and asylum management in 2024, yet recorded 669,365 first-time asylum applications in 2025 [1], maintained a structurally inadequate effective return rate of 24.3% in 2024, and has 1.22 million cases pending decision. Against this spending-deterrence paradox, this paper makes a targeted, evidence-based contribution by focusing on two analytically distinct but operationally inseparable dimensions of Australia's Operation Sovereign Borders (OSB) framework, its deterrence media campaign architecture, and its strict enforcement and policy deterrence mechanisms. These are the two dimensions most conspicuously absent from the EU's existing migration governance architecture, and the two with the highest potential returns per euro of investment. Australia's "No Way - You Will Not Make Australia Home" campaign spent AUD $10 million per year (approximately €6 million) on algorithmically targeted social media, multilingual broadcasting, IOM-managed physical materials, and diplomatic community engagement across 12+ countries and 16 languages. Backed by credible maritime interception, a "no settlement" legislative bar, and a Temporary Protection Visa framework, the campaign contributed to a upto 98% reduction in irregular maritime arrivals by 2014. In March 2026, Australian authorities resolved a maritime smuggling venture with zero irregular arrivals successfully reaching the mainland over a decade of operational effectiveness. The EU has no equivalent coordinated deterrence communication strategy; no centralized deterrence campaign budget; and no "no advantage" equivalent. Drawing on the most current available data (EUAA [2], Eurostat [1], Frontex [3], Australian Department of Home Affairs [4]), this paper maps Australia's full campaign architecture and costs; analyses the EU's comprehensive migration funding landscape (AMIF €9.88bn 2021-2027; Frontex €922M 2024; €6bn+ in external partnerships); critically evaluates the gap between EU spending and deterrence outcomes; and proposes ten evidence-based, not-yet-in-practice policy recommendations that go beyond existing academic literature. The paper also engages honestly with the human costs and legal constraints that bound any transferable adaptation for the EU context.
The Influence of Social Media on the Professional Competence Improvement of Undergraduate Students in Xi'an
In the digital age, social media platforms serve not only as communication tools but also as key spaces for enhancing professional competence among undergraduate students. This study investigates how senior undergraduates in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China, utilize social media to develop professional knowledge, skills, and cognition. Using a qualitative approach grounded in social media participation theory, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six students across diverse institutions and disciplines. Thematic analysis revealed that students strategically differentiate platform use: WeChat and WeChat official accounts support structured academic learning and knowledge acquisition; Xiaohongshu and Douyin facilitate practical skill development, industry information exploration, and career planning; and Weibo enables access to macro-level industry trends and public discourse. Interaction styles vary between active sharing, where students post projects, seek feedback, and engage with peers and professionals, and passive acquisition, focused on browsing and collecting information. Students’ content attention spans three dimensions: academic knowledge, industry-relevant skills, and career development guidance. Social media contributes significantly to professional competence, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge, improve practical skills, and gain immediate feedback from peers and practitioners. It also enhances professional cognition, broadening students’ understanding of their fields, informing career choices, and reinforcing occupational identity through achievement presentation. Despite these benefits, challenges such as fragmented information, variable content quality, and the risk of superficial learning highlight the need for deliberate guidance. Overall, the study demonstrates that social media functions as an informal, practice-oriented learning ecosystem that complements formal education, fosters multidimensional skill development, and empowers undergraduates to actively shape their professional trajectories. These findings provide practical implications for universities, students, and policymakers in optimizing social media usage for professional development and employability enhancement..
Workplace Safety-Gaps and Productivity among Nigerian Employees (A Psychosocial Issue)
This research paper investigated on workplace safety-gaps as it affects productivity among Nigerian employees and how safety-gaps have become psychosocial issues in industrial economy. Given this disturbing trend, the research objective explored on why the workplace safety in many Nigerian industries/factories has been treated as an afterthought. The afterthought scenario creates employee psychosocial emotional disorder and as a result an employee may not be aligned with organizational goals. Research findings shown that “afterthought” scenario is endangering the lives of employees and the rate of productivity is adversely affected. Conclusion is that workplace safety, safety gaps and analysis improve productivity and organization’s growth. This paper employed qualitative research techniques of data collection such as words using literature reviews, observation and interaction with industrial employees. This paper copiously benefited from library sources. Industrial labour relations management safety strategies were stated as the way forward.
Student Resistance to Neoliberal University Education in Pakistan
University education in Pakistan is increasingly structured by neoliberal ideas that emphasize market efficiency, competition, and profitability. The present research explores how students experience and resist, often subtly, these dynamics within their academic environment. Based on a qualitative research design, this study relies on in-depth interviews with students at the University of Management and Technology (UMT) in Lahore. Students identified their academic experience as being heavily oriented toward grade maximization and commercial interests and often irrelevant to the social context of Pakistan. Yet, students were not passive; many students demonstrated quiet forms of resistance in everyday academic routines. These included joking about rote learning, criticizing exam-focused teaching, and choosing socially impactful career paths over highpaying corporate roles. Using James Scott’s infrapolitics and the notion of hidden transcripts, the present study interprets such understated behaviors—sarcasm, emotional withdrawal, or grassroots initiatives—as meaningful acts of resistance. Findings of the study suggest that even within the neoliberal model of education, students exercise agency and struggle for a more socially conscious and humane model of higher education. These findings point toward the imperative of engaging with the voices of students and realigning academic practices with values and needs of the larger society.
An Assessment of the Factors Affecting Mobile Money Provision in Lufwanyama
This article analyzes mobile money provision in Lufwanyama District using a descriptive research design aligned to the Technology Acceptance Model. The study surveyed 384 respondents. Lufwanyama is estimated to have 303 agents which yields an agent to population ratio of 1 to 439 and 22.79 agents per 10,000 people. Provider presence is broad for Kazang at 62.5 percent, MTN at 61.7 percent, and Airtel at 60.4 percent with Zamtel present in 13.5 percent of areas. Access remains uneven as 11.7 percent of respondents report no agent within 1 to 2 kilometers and 8.1 percent travel more than 5 kilometers to the nearest agent. Awareness is near universal and use is universal in the sample. Perceived usefulness and ease of use are high while trust is mixed. The most frequently cited constraint is poor network coverage reported by 86.7 percent followed by high transaction fees at 49.7 percent and both limited agent availability and trust or security concerns at 37.8 percent. Findings support targeted expansion of agent coverage improvements in rural connectivity, stronger liquidity management and user protection measures to deepen financial inclusion.
Nepal Sanskrit University: A Preferred Institution for Elderly Learners in Nepal
In Nepal, only a few elderly people are involved in university education because there is no separate university for older learners in Nepal. Nepal Sanskrit University is preferred by old learners. In this context, the research examines the reasons and methods by which elderly individuals choose to enroll at Nepal Sanskrit University following their retirement. The primary focus of this study is to seek answers to the inquiries regarding why individuals are inclined to join Nepal Sanskrit University and what motivates them to pursue the study of Sanskrit in their later years. The study followed the interpretive paradigm of the qualitative research design. The conclusion of this study was based on primary data collected through a field study. The data were collected through in-depth interviews from Balmiki Vidhayapitha, a constituent Vidhayapitha of Nepal Sanskrit University. Five students aged above sixty currently studying in Balmiki Vidhayapitha were selected as the sample population. A purposive random sample method was used to select the sample from the universe. Participants enrolled at Nepal Sanskrit University with the intention of acquiring spiritual knowledge and relished the opportunity to exchange insights on religious understanding and moral values pertaining to life and the world. Participants take pleasure in learning the Sanskrit language, as well as education and philosophy.
Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Social Sciences: Current and Future Research Trends https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Nation Branding as a Central Component of Foreign Policy: Turkish Nation Branding in Africa - The Case of Ethiopia
This study examines Turkish foreign policy and nation branding in Ethiopia by analyzing how Türkiye’s diplomatic, economic, humanitarian, and cultural engagements shape its national image and influence within Ethiopia. Using a qualitative research design, the study integrates data from semi-structured interviews with government officials, diplomats, business leaders, media professionals, civil society representatives, academic experts, and students. These primary data were complemented with document analysis of publicly available reports from the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC), Industrial Parks Development Corporation (IPDC), Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Turkish governmental institutions. The findings reveal that Türkiye’s nation branding in Ethiopia is primarily driven by visible economic investments especially in manufacturing, textiles, construction, and industrial parks supported by humanitarian initiatives led by T?KA and other Turkish organizations. Diplomatic respondents emphasized Türkiye’s balanced and non-interventionist foreign policy, which enhanced its credibility during periods of Ethiopia’s political instability. However, the results also indicate several challenges, including limited public communication strategies, inconsistent media representation, bureaucratic hurdles faced by Turkish investors, and relatively low awareness of Turkish cultural diplomacy among the wider Ethiopian public. Despite these gaps, Türkiye has established a strong and growing presence in Ethiopia, positioning itself as a reliable development partner and rising middle power in Africa. The study concludes that more structured public diplomacy, expanded cultural and educational programs, improved investor facilitation, and strengthened bilateral policy dialogue are essential to maximizing Türkiye’s nation-branding potential. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of rising-power diplomacy, soft power, and international branding in African contexts.
Home-based Care Model, Values and Entrepreneurial Aspirations of Women Caregivers, and Gender Equality in Bangladesh
Despite the increased visibility of the important role women play in entrepreneurship that liberates them from constrained opportunities, socially constructed stereotypical views continue to reproduce gender discrimination in terms of opportunities, resources, and rewards; and lower women’s self-confidence; consequently, women become less entrepreneurial compared to men. Given that the process of undoing negative social constructions varies widely according to culture and interventions, to better explain the intervention process that works to promote gender equality and supports unique aspects of women’s values in specific cultural settings requires research enquiry. This research explores how a care model's provision promotes gender equality and women’s entrepreneurial aspirations, drawing on observations of ten para-counselors who have shared everyday lives and views of the children and adults in the care model. The care model has great potential to promote gender equality as the model opens up opportunities for women with disadvantaged backgrounds to access education capital that supports women to reach their fullest human potential, realize dignity, and contribute to and benefit from economic, social, cultural, and structural development. Furthermore, the values of these women opened up opportunities to fulfill ideological deficiencies of the girls’ socialization process at an early age, help girls from low socio-economic backgrounds to experience early learning and development crucial for reaching their fullest potentials, alter socially constructed male-female differences, and emancipate women and girls from patriarchal oppression. Women caregivers' such values and increased personal abilities had a noticeable impact on these women’s aspirations to be entrepreneurs, which differ from the constraints placed by cultural stereotypes and prejudices on their gender roles. The analysis of the research will provide nuanced insights and inspire practitioners, policymakers, educators, researchers, and advocates to identify a care model that contributes to achieving gender equality and empowerment of disadvantaged women and young girls in Bangladesh.
Exploring Innovative Paths for Ecological Scene Exhibitions in Chinese Natural History Museum
Natural ecological scene exhibitions serve as a crucial bridge between natural museums and the public. Their significance extends beyond showcasing species to creating an integrated natural narrative stage that combines science, storytelling, and interactivity. Taking lakes and mountain forest ecosystems in the North China Plain as research samples, this paper analyzes current issues in ecological exhibitions, such as a lack of authenticity, weak local characteristics, and superficial application of technology. Based on this, three innovative directions are proposed: redefining species exhibition logic through ecological relationship visualization to transform isolated species data into dynamic energy flow networks. Enhancing the uniqueness of scenes via local ecological memory to explore regional culture and evolutionary mysteries in North China ecosystems. Expanding narrative dimensions by applying spatiotemporal folding technology to combine virtual and real elements, promoting temporal extension and in-depth interaction in ecological scene presentations. The goal of this research is to provide theoretical foundations and practical guidance for the transformation of ecological scene roles from specimen collections to ecological narrative carriers in natural museums. Through this strategy, it aims to shift science education from mere knowledge transfer to fostering ecological empathy.
Exploring the Opportunities and Threats of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Academia: A Quantitative Analysis
This study explores academic stakeholders’ perceptions, usage patterns, and ethical considerations regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education. With the rise of Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, understanding their influence on teaching, research, and governance is critical. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was employed, involving participants across faculty, students, staff and administrators. Descriptive and inferential statistics revealed that the perceived impact of AI on research and teaching significantly predicted AI usage. Ethical concerns varied significantly by academic role, with undergraduates and early-career researchers expressing greater apprehension. Strong correlations between ethical concern and support for regulation further emphasized the demand for institutional policies. The findings suggest that functional value drives AI adoption more than ethical or demographic factors. This research underscores the need for tailored policies, AI literacy training, and stakeholder-specific strategies to guide AI’s responsible integration into academia.
Shaping the Future of Learning: Students’ Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence in Pakistan’s Educational Ecosystem
In the era of rapid technological transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral component of academia, reshaping how students learn, engage, and prepare for future opportunities. As higher education adapts to the digital shift, understanding students’ perceptions of AI in education becomes increasingly important. This qualitative study explores undergraduate students’ perceptions of the role of AI in transforming the learning ecosystem and teaching practices in Pakistan’s higher education context. Twenty-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with final-year undergraduate students from STEAM disciplines using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. All interviews were transcribed and analyzed through Reflexive Thematic Analysis. The findings highlight that students view AI as a transformative force enhancing learning efficiency, accessibility, and engagement, while also calling for institutional guidelines and digital literacy training to ensure its ethical and equitable use. The study concludes by proposing a framework for integrating AI to strengthen learning ecosystem pedagogical practices and prepare learners for the evolving job market.
Regional Cooperation Policies (Open Balkans, Berlin Process) - Competitive or Complementary
The Berlin Process, launched by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2014, was among the most serious initiatives for the Europeanization of the Western Balkans (WB) and the integration of the region into the European Union (EU). The Open Balkans Initiative, launched in 2019 by Serbia, Albania and North Macedonia, continued to be a parallel initiative to achieve the same goals as the Berlin Process: free movement of people, services, capital and goods.These two initiatives seem to be competing with each other, whether this represents competitiveness or complementarity. Based on the policies that are being adopted and created, a vague picture and a blurred perception of these two processes are obtained.Based on this, this analytical paper investigates and analyzes how the regional cooperation policies of the Open Balkan Initiative (OB) and the Berlin Process (BP) are presented and perceived - competitive or complementary, this paper presents an analytical review based on the creation and conduct of policies for these two processes from a legal and economic point of view, analyzed from the data of the European Union (EU), from the institutions of the Balkan countries themselves and from the reports of independent analytical centers in the region. The analyses show that the regional cooperation policies of the Open Balkan Initiative (OB) and the Berlin Process (BP) on the one hand are presented and perceived as competitive but are in essence complementary and are in the same dynamic flow.
Inter-Communal conflict between Guji and Koore, Southern Ethiopia
Inter-Communal conflict is serious challenges in any multi-community federation like Ethiopia. This study deals with the inter-communal conflict between the Guji and Koore ethnic groups. The aim of this manuscript is to examine the underlying causes, contributing factors, actors, dynamics, and impacts of the communal conflict in the study area. Methodologically, the researcher employed a qualitative research approach with an exploratory research design. The manuscript relied on both primary and secondary sources of data. The analysis of qualitative data was made using thematic data analysis. The findings of this study reveal that the Guji and Koore have had a long history of friendly coexistence and occasional conflict. In earlier times, the Guji-Koore conflict was caused by competition over land resources for farming and grazing. Nevertheless, after three decades, conflicts have intensified and changed due to a range of factors. The actors involved in the conflict were individual agriculturalists and agro-pastoralists, youth and adults, the OLF fighters, the political elites and women, who played a role by aggravating and encouraging the people. Indeed, the study revealed and analyzed the consequences and impacts of Guji-Koore conflict on social, economic, and political life the both groups. To manage the conflict and build peace in the study area, formal and indigenous mechanisms of conflict management and peacebuilding were undertaken. However, the attempts failed to address the root causes of the conflict and build lasting peace. The current study shows that the area needs immediate attention from all concerned bodies and should implement different mechanisms and strategies to bring peace to the study area.
Scenario of Capital Market of Bangladesh: A Critical Analysis of 2015 to Present Time
The Bangladesh capital market, led by the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), has experienced a decade of marked volatility between 2015 and 2025. This study critically analyzes the performance of the market across this period, with emphasis on the DSEX index, market capitalization, liquidity, sectoral dynamics, and regulatory frameworks. The research employs a mixed-method approach: quantitative time-series analysis of market indicators combined with qualitative assessment of regulatory measures, macroeconomic shocks, and behavioral trends. Comparative evaluation with regional peers such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, and Vietnam provides an external benchmark for understanding Bangladesh’s relative position.The findings reveal four distinct phases in market behavior. The first, spanning 2015–2019, was characterized by steady though modest growth, supported by stable macroeconomic conditions and gradual investor participation. The second phase, in 2020, witnessed a severe disruption as the COVID-19 pandemic forced a two-month suspension of trading, triggering sharp declines in capitalization and liquidity. The third phase occurred in 2021, marked by a historic rally that pushed the DSEX to an all-time high of 7,329 points, driven largely by post-pandemic optimism, liquidity injections from the Capital Market Stabilization Fund, and surging retail participation. However, this optimism proved unsustainable, as the fourth phase (2022–2025) saw a prolonged correction. The DSEX fell to ~5,247 points by early 2025, with market capitalization contracting from BDT 7.70 trillion in 2023 to BDT 6.62 trillion in 2024, and daily turnover declining by over 60% from 2021 levels.Several factors underpin these fluctuations. Macroeconomic pressures—including inflation above 8%, persistent currency depreciation, and rising interest rates—undermined real returns and discouraged foreign investment. Regulatory interventions, particularly repeated imposition of price floors, further reduced liquidity by distorting price discovery and deterring institutional participation. Structural weaknesses were also identified: the market remains overwhelmingly retail-driven (over 80% of daily activity), making it vulnerable to herding behavior, rumor-driven speculation, and panic selling. Corporate governance shortcomings, such as weak disclosure practices and inconsistent dividend policies, further eroded investor confidence. Sectoral analysis indicates uneven performance: pharmaceuticals and IT demonstrated resilience, benefiting from export demand and post-pandemic expansion, while banking and textiles underperformed due to high non-performing loans and global demand volatility. Comparative regional analysis highlights Bangladesh’s relative underperformance in 2024, when the DSEX dropped –16.49% while Pakistan (+72.49%) and Sri Lanka (+48.80%) experienced significant recoveries. This divergence suggests that Bangladesh’s challenges are rooted more in domestic structural and policy weaknesses than in global trends. The study concludes that Bangladesh’s capital market remains highly sentiment-driven, structurally fragile, and hampered by governance and regulatory shortcomings. To unlock its potential, reforms are essential. Recommended measures include the gradual removal of artificial price floors, introduction of dynamic circuit breakers, enforcement of stricter disclosure and dividend standards, and broadening of the investor base through institutional participation and financial literacy programs. Additionally, the development of new financial instruments—such as exchange-traded funds, corporate bonds, sukuk, and derivatives—would diversify opportunities and deepen market resilience. If pursued diligently, these reforms could significantly enhance liquidity, strengthen governance, and attract both domestic and foreign investment. In doing so, the Dhaka Stock Exchange could position itself as a competitive regional capital hub by 2030, contributing meaningfully to Bangladesh’s ambition of achieving upper-middle-income status.
Middle Income Trap Push and Pull Factor for Thai Engineer Relocating
Thailand has lingered in the ranks of middle-income countries for close to half a century, having once enjoyed vigorous growth. This research found that the lingering status reflects more than macroeconomic performance; it is entrenched within social, institutional, and educational dimensions. Centered on the engineering profession, the research employs a mixed-methods approach to scrutinize how hierarchical work norms, neoliberal governance choices, and incentivized emigration collectively inhibit productivity gains. An online survey of engineers is triangulated with field observations to reveal enduring structural impediments, namely the SOTUS (Seniority, Order, Tradition, Unity, Spirit) legacy, the absence of merit-based advancement, a weak capacity to retain skilled labor, and the circumscribed scope for technology absorption in Chinese-backed infrastructure. The article ends by recommending systemic reforms to educational frameworks, workplace practices, and the management of foreign capital, all aimed at bolstering human capital retention and fostering resilient, innovation-led growth.
Economic Systems in the World and Comparison the Best Economic System
Economic systems form the backbone of societies by determining how resources are allocated, wealth is distributed, and production decisions are made. They answer the fundamental economic questions of what to produce, how to produce, and for whom to produce. This study examines the major economic systems that prevail globally—Traditional, Command (Planned), Market (Capitalist), Socialist, Communist, Mixed, Islamic, Green, and Digital/Gig economies—highlighting their characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and real-world examples. Furthermore, it provides a comparative evaluation to determine which system can be considered the most effective in addressing modern economic challenges. The Traditional Economic System is the oldest and most stable model, rooted in customs, religion, and communal practices. It is most prevalent in rural and indigenous societies, where production is subsistence-oriented, decision-making is based on ancestral customs, and trade often relies on barter. Its strengths lie in cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and strong social cohesion. However, its drawbacks include low productivity, vulnerability to external shocks, and limited access to modern amenities, making it unsuited for large-scale national development in the contemporary globalized world. The Command Economic System, associated with socialism and communism, is characterized by centralized planning, state ownership of resources, and fixed prices. It aims to reduce inequality and ensure collective welfare by mobilizing resources for national goals. Countries like the former Soviet Union, North Korea, and Cuba represent this model. While it provides stability, equitable distribution, and rapid industrial mobilization, it also suffers from inefficiency, lack of innovation, consumer dissatisfaction, and restricted personal freedoms. The rigidity of bureaucratic planning often leads to stagnation, which has limited its success in the long run. The Market Economic System, also called capitalism or free-market economy, emphasizes private ownership, competition, consumer sovereignty, and minimal government intervention. Supply and demand regulate production and prices, with innovation and efficiency driven by the profit motive. The United States, Singapore, and Hong Kong are notable examples. Its advantages include high efficiency, technological progress, and wide consumer choice. However, it also creates challenges such as income inequality, environmental degradation, economic instability, and neglect of public goods. Pure capitalism, while dynamic, can produce extreme disparities and social tensions if left unregulated. The Mixed Economic System has become the dominant model in modern societies. It combines the dynamism of markets with state regulation to ensure fairness, stability, and welfare provision. Private businesses coexist with government ownership of strategic sectors, while social safety nets such as education, healthcare, and pensions reduce inequality. Countries like Sweden, the United Kingdom, India, and the United States (to a degree) illustrate this model. Its strengths include flexibility, balanced growth, protection of consumer rights, and resilience against crises. Nevertheless, it can also suffer from excessive bureaucracy, policy conflicts, and persistent inequality despite welfare provisions. When comparing capitalism, socialism, and communism, it becomes evident that each system has distinctive strengths and weaknesses. Capitalism excels in efficiency, innovation, and growth but suffers from inequality and market failures. Socialism reduces inequality and strengthens social safety nets but risks inefficiency and heavy taxation. Communism, while theoretically egalitarian, has largely failed in practice due to authoritarianism and lack of incentives. In contrast, the mixed economy represents a pragmatic balance, incorporating market efficiency with government regulation to mitigate inequality, stabilize markets, and provide public goods. The analysis concludes that the mixed economic system is the most effective and adaptable model in the contemporary world. It allows societies to benefit from the innovation and competitiveness of markets while safeguarding social welfare and addressing market failures through government intervention. Its flexibility enables adaptation to changing conditions such as globalization, climate change, and digital transformation. Moreover, it promotes both economic growth and social stability by fostering inclusivity, reducing inequality, and ensuring resilience in times of crisis. In essence, no single economic system is universally perfect. Each reflects different historical, cultural, and political contexts. However, the global trend toward hybrid or mixed models demonstrates the recognition that both market-driven innovation and state-guided welfare are essential for sustainable development. The challenge lies in maintaining the right balance: too much government interference risks inefficiency, while excessive reliance on free markets can deepen inequality and social unrest. Future economic systems must evolve further, integrating sustainability, digitalization, and inclusivity to meet the complex challenges of the 21st century. Thus, while capitalism remains a powerful driver of innovation and growth, and socialism offers compelling models of equity and welfare, the mixed economy emerges as the most balanced, humane, and resilient economic system in practice. It provides the best pathway for achieving long-term prosperity, social justice, and global stability in an increasingly interconnected world.
Concept, Significance, and Practical Application of Leading as a Core Function of Management and to Analyze How Effective Leading Contributes to the Achievement of Organizational Goals
In contemporary organizational management, leading emerges as a core and indispensable function that bridges the gap between strategic intent and operational outcomes. Unlike planning, organizing, and controlling—functions that define structures, allocate resources, and measure progress—leading is the human-centered activity that mobilizes people, inspires commitment, and translates strategies into results. This study explores the concept, significance, characteristics, approaches, challenges, and future directions of leading as a managerial function, analyzing how effective leading directly contributes to the achievement of organizational goals. The document begins by clarifying the distinction between leading and the broader concept of leadership. While leadership embodies vision, influence, and inspiration, leading as a managerial function refers to the structured guidance, motivation, and supervision of employees within an organizational hierarchy. It is a practical, deliberate activity that ensures individuals understand their roles, remain motivated, and are aligned with both departmental and organizational objectives. The significance of leading is highlighted as a transformative force that turns abstract strategies into measurable outcomes. Managers who excel at leading are able to articulate clear directions, motivate diverse teams, supervise tasks effectively, resolve conflicts constructively, and build trust-based influence. The study identifies five core aspects of leading: direction, motivation, supervision, conflict resolution, and influence. Each aspect plays a vital role in ensuring alignment between organizational objectives and individual performance. For instance, direction clarifies goals and expectations, while motivation fosters commitment through recognition, empowerment, and growth opportunities. Supervision ensures quality and accountability, conflict resolution maintains harmony, and influence secures cooperation through respect and credibility. The paper further elaborates on the characteristics of effective leading, identifying qualities such as clear communication, empathy, decisiveness, accountability, and adaptability. These attributes not only enable managers to guide their teams but also cultivate trust, resilience, and sustained performance. For example, communication minimizes ambiguity and promotes transparency, empathy strengthens team cohesion, decisiveness maintains momentum, accountability fosters ownership, and adaptability ensures agility in volatile business environments. The practical functions of leading are categorized into directing, motivating, communicating, and supervising. Each of these functions operationalizes leadership principles into day-to-day management practices. Directing assigns tasks and provides guidance, motivating harnesses both intrinsic and extrinsic drivers, communicating fosters transparency and collaboration, and supervising ensures standards are upheld through constructive feedback and coaching. To provide a theoretical foundation, the paper reviews major approaches to leading: the trait approach (focusing on inherent leader qualities), the behavioral approach (examining task-oriented and people-oriented behaviors), the situational approach (Hersey-Blanchard model emphasizing flexibility based on follower readiness), and the distinction between transformational and transactional leadership. While transformational leaders inspire innovation and long-term commitment, transactional leaders focus on structured exchanges and operational efficiency. Effective leading often requires balancing both approaches. Practical application is strengthened through the use of tools and techniques. Methods such as the RACI matrix clarify roles and responsibilities, the SBI feedback model provides structured performance evaluation, performance dashboards enable data-driven monitoring, and active listening enhances employee trust. Coaching, mentorship, and conflict management techniques are also emphasized as integral to employee development and organizational harmony. A crucial section addresses the challenges of leading in modern workforces. Globalization, technological disruption, and changing workforce dynamics have introduced new complexities. Remote and hybrid work environments complicate communication and cohesion, multigenerational teams demand adaptive approaches, and rapid technological advancements require continuous upskilling. Additionally, increasing workforce diversity necessitates culturally intelligent and inclusive leadership, while rising mental health concerns highlight the need for empathetic, well-being-focused management. These challenges underline the importance of flexibility, emotional intelligence, and inclusive practices in modern leading. A case study on Toyota’s Kaizen philosophy illustrates effective leading in action. Toyota’s approach, rooted in continuous improvement, empowerment, and respect for people, demonstrates how servant leadership, employee involvement, and incremental innovation can enhance productivity, quality, and morale. This case exemplifies how leading can be institutionalized as a cultural practice that drives long-term organizational success. Looking ahead, the paper identifies future trends in leading that will redefine managerial effectiveness. These include the growing role of artificial intelligence and people analytics in predicting employee needs, the centrality of emotional intelligence as a leadership competency, the necessity of adaptive leadership across flexible work models, and the use of immersive technologies such as virtual reality for leadership training. Moreover, ethical and inclusive leadership is projected to gain greater prominence as organizations respond to societal expectations for fairness, transparency, and sustainability. In conclusion, the study affirms that leading is the vital force that transforms strategy into execution. Without effective leading, even the most sophisticated plans remain theoretical. Effective managers must balance authority with empathy, leverage technology while maintaining human connection, and adapt traditional management principles to modern complexities. As organizations confront rapid change, diverse workforces, and technological disruption, leading will continue to evolve as the cornerstone of managerial success and organizational achievement.
Bayok in the Modern Era: A Study of Meranaw Youth Perceptions
This study investigates the perceptions of bayok, a traditional Meranaw folksong performed by onor (folk singers), among selected Meranaw students of Mindanao State University–Main Campus. Rooted in the Darangen epic, bayok functions not only as entertainment but also as a communicative medium and a cultural mechanism for reinforcing kinship ties during weddings, enthronements, and funerals. Historically integral to Meranaw cultural identity, bayok has experienced a decline in popularity among younger generations, increasingly overshadowed by mainstream music. Guided by cultural preservation theory and the sociocultural transmission framework, this study examines how awareness, participation, and intergenerational transmission influence the sustainability of intangible heritage. Employing a mixed-methods design, data were collected through surveys, focus group discussions, and interviews. Results indicate that while the majority of respondents acknowledge bayok as a significant cultural heritage and advocate for its inclusion in school curricula, formation of cultural organizations, and systematic documentation, modern music remains more prevalent in their preferences. The findings reveal a persistent tension between tradition and modernity, underscoring the urgency of proactive cultural preservation strategies to safeguard bayok in contemporary society.
The Effect of Hospital Environment on Patient Engagement and Perceived Experience: A Case Study Approach
Patient engagement is a core dimension of quality healthcare; however, limited research has examined how hospital environments shape both engagement and patients' perceived experiences. This study examines the impact of environmental factors on patient engagement across various hospital settings, with a focus on the physical environment's influence on comfort, communication, and participation in care. A qualitative case study design was employed across five hospitals, varying in size and teaching status. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients, family members, and clinicians. Observational data and structured environmental assessments were also collected. Data were analysed thematically, with findings triangulated across data sources to enhance validity and reliability. The study developed five core themes from interview responses, including environmental comfort, communication with staff, involvement in care, emotional response to the environment, and suggestions for improvement. Hospitals with better environmental design (e.g., private spaces, calming aesthetics, and noise control) demonstrated stronger patient engagement practices. In contrast, institutions lacking spatial privacy and infrastructure for feedback reported limited engagement. Triangulated data highlighted that environmental design reinforced staff-patient interaction, family involvement, and the perceived inclusivity of care. Teaching hospitals and those with more than 100 beds more consistently demonstrate patient-enabling environments. Hospital environments significantly shape patient engagement and perceived experience. Comfort, dignity, and the ability to participate in care are influenced by physical design, spatial access, and organisational culture. Embedding patient engagement into hospital infrastructure and daily practices is essential for advancing patient-centred care. Patients and family members shared irrelevant details of how hospital settings impacted their participation, communication, and overall care experience.
Assessing Constitutional Protection of Ethnic Minority's Rights at the Local Level: Focus on Former Snnpr Constitution
Ethiopia's ethnic diversity necessitates robust constitutional protections for minority rights. This study evaluates the implementation of constitutional safeguards for ethnic minorities in the former Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPR), Ethiopia. Through qualitative analysis of regional constitutions, institutional frameworks, and practical case studies, the research examines gaps between constitutional guarantees and on-the-ground realities. Findings reveal that despite constitutional recognition of self-determination, language, and cultural rights, ethnic minorities face challenges in political representation, administrative autonomy, and language use due to dominant-group dominance in merged administrative zones. The study concludes with recommendations for inclusive power-sharing, reserved political seats, and strengthened local autonomy to bridge implementation gaps.
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Echoes of Kinship: The Untold Meranaw and Higaonon Connections in Lanao and Mindanao
This study focuses on the genealogical as well as the sociocultural connections between the Meranaw, a prominent Moro group residing around Lake Lanao, and the Higaonon, a non-Moro Lumad group traditionally inhabiting the upland regions of Northern Mindanao. This aims to address the significant lack of discussion regarding the relationship between these two closely situated tribes. Drawing on oral histories, ethnographic records, and local genealogies, the research uncovers interlinkages that challenge rigid identity boundaries. In particular, it highlights intermarriages and kinship ties that developed through peaceful exchanges, alliances during earlier periods, and negotiated coexistence in overlapping territories. These genealogical ties reveal a fluidity of identity and belonging, often obscured by current ethno-political divisions. The study also examines how these relations are remembered and mobilized by communities today, either as foundations for solidarity in Indigenous struggles or, conversely, as contested memories in the context of resource disputes or in contribution to writing their history. It found out the two groups shared the same Apo in Sharief Alawi, an early Muslim missionary in north Mindanao, and co-existed in the Tagoloan Aklim and is tied with the history of the Meranaw who recognized this shared ancestry. By focusing on Meranaw-Higaonon genealogical relations, the paper contributes to a broader rethinking of Moro-Lumad relations, not as static or antagonistic, but as dynamic and historically rooted in shared lived experiences. Understanding these interwoven ancestries offers an opportunity to foster dialogue and bridge-building in the pursuit of peace, cultural preservation, and Indigenous rights in Mindanao.
Study on Gender-Based Violence, Safety Perceptions, and Reporting Patterns in Kathmandu, Nepal
Gender-based violence continues to undermine community well-being in Nepal despite existing legal safeguards. This study analyzes how people's feelings of safety affect their reporting of GBV by comparing survey data from 500 Nepali residents with official crime statistics. In doing so, a clear gender divide was observed: women consistently report higher levels of fear compared to men. Moreover, participation in GBV prevention training and awareness of local support services seemed to significantly influence how safe people feel and how likely they are to report incidents. These results highlight a disconnect between objective crime data and the lived experiences of survivors. This study shows that we need targeted policies and community interventions that not only make the law stronger but also give survivors the tools they need to break the cycle of silence.This will make communities safer and more responsive in the long run.
The Global Dynamics of Terrorism in the Presence of ISIS: A Threat to International and Regional Peace in the Middle East Region
It is an imminent global concern that ISIS is having a lasting impact on all age groups and genders despite the tireless efforts and long-term policies made on the national, regional, and global levels to control its spread, re-emergence capabilities, and cyberattacks. This research will analyze the need to maneuver the counter-terrorism policies regarding the impactful rise of ISIS in view of the changing global dynamics, especially in the Middle East region. It is highly problematic that despite the tireless efforts of the UNO, NATO, and other emerging global powers, ISIS’s influence and control of the re-emergence has increased extensively, especially after its downfall in 2019, which has become a massive threat to regional and global peace. Because of the fast-changing dynamics of wars in the Middle East region, ISIS has a loophole to use the population affected by the wars in Syria, Palestine, Iran, Yemen, Lebanon, and even spread to other parts of the region if the regional and global law enforcement organizations do not control the spread. Hence, the global policies need to be analyzed deeply to understand the loopholes in the counter-terrorism efforts and policies, as it is the need of the hour to counter their spread and dominance before it gets out of the hands of the law enforcement agencies.
Inclusion with No Policies in Place for LGBTQ Students: Perceptions from Rural High School Leaders
The purpose of this study is to describe rural high school leaders' perception of inclusivity policies and how they support the LGBTQ student. In high schools’ inclusivity is often regarded as efforts to include students with disabilities, physical or mentally who may experience educational, physical, and cognitive developmental deficiencies, which interferes with learning. The problem is rural LGBTQ high school students do not experience the same learning environment and support as non-LGBTQ high school students. This study aimed to examine the challenges faced by the district administrators, principals and counselors who may have adopted inclusivity policies without a clear direction to encompass all students. This qualitative, descriptive case study is an exploration of the inclusive practices of rural high school administrators. The purpose is to describe rural high school’s LGBTQ student inclusivity. The qualitative data collection process consisted of an in-depth questionnaire with rural high school administrators in two districts located in a western state. Two sources of data collected in the study include an open-ended questionnaire and school districts’ inclusion policy and procedure review. After each question, the participant completed the free text box explaining how the inclusion policy was implemented on campus, providing personal perceptions of application to the LBGTQ. Once all participants completed the open-ended survey, responses downloaded from SurveyMonkey to Excel for data analysis. Four themes emerged including: (a) be the voice of those who have not found their own voice of support, (b) turn every situation into a lens of growth, (c) there are no policies in place, and (d) we need to know what to do, but first we need to know who they are. The recommendations were awareness of our student population, training to assist them and compassion to understand who they are.
Public Service, Pay and Productivity in Nigeria
The paper looked at the public service and the approached to pay which operated since the 1970's as not valid these days when enterprises are key to success. It sees reward management as concerned with the design, implementation and maintenance of a remuneration system, which helps an organization achieve its objectives, provides for competitive levels of remuneration and ensures that it is linked explicitly to contribution, performance and productivity. The paper also looked at relationship between pay and productivity as key organizational variables that close attention should be given to in the public services and Compare measurement of productivity in the private sector visa- vis public services as un-priced institutions with full range of outputs delivered by public sector organizations usually valued by society. The paper adopts content analysis and relies on secondary data for the paper.