bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE IMPACT OF INNOVATION ON SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES GROWTH
Authors:   Department of Business Administration and Management,  Mai Idriss Alooma Polytechnic Geidam, Yobe State, Nigeria, Zannah Mohammed , Mahat Fauziah ,   Faculty of Economic and Management University Putra Malaysia, Geidam Jibrin ,   Department of Business Administration and Management,  Mai Idriss Alooma Polytechnic Geidam, Yobe State, Nigeria, Malum Umar ,   Department of Business Administration and Management,  Mai Idriss Alooma Polytechnic Geidam, Yobe State, Nigeria, Mohammed Musa ,   Department of Business Administration and Management,  Mai Idriss Alooma Polytechnic Geidam, Yobe State, Nigeria, Bello Furera ,   Department of Business Administration and Management,  Mai Idriss Alooma Polytechnic Geidam, Yobe State, Nigeria
Published: May 2021

The role of Innovation on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) growth is inevitable in any form of business organisation. Innovation has to do with a new idea, creative thought, and new imaginations of device of production of new product to add value to its customer. Innovation save as rebirth of product and reintroduce product in new look. This study have assess the impact of investment and technological innovation in growth of SMEs in Yobe State Nigeria. Structured questionnaire were used to gather the data, random sampling method were also adopted in surveying the 150 number of respondent. The finding shows significant relationship between innovation of product and production device and small and medium Growth, the result shows there is a relationship and the relationship is medium and positive. Moreover therefore there is impact of both investment and technological innovation on small and medium enterprises Growth The innovation has highly increase the growth of the enterprises. The study also recommend the government to consider and increase funds being allocated to grow the SMEs to make more innovations.
IMPACT OF FOREIGN TRADE ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA
Authors:   Department of Banking and Finance,  Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Chuka Esiaka , Uche Uwaleke ,   Department of Banking and Finance,  Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nneka Nwala ,   Department of Banking and Finance,  Nasarawa State University, Keffi
Published: May 2021

This study investigated the impact of foreign trade on the economic growth of Nigeria for the period 1981–2018. Economists hold two contrasting opinions on the effect of foreign trade on a nation’s economy. While the positive-sum game school of thought holds the view that, when nations engage in foreign trade, there are bound to be mutual gains as each country’s utility is expanded, the negative-sum game school of thought holds the view that trade relations amongst nations of the world benefit one economy at the expense of the other. This study was embarked upon to ascertain which of these two conflicting opinions applies to Nigeria. Accordingly, the objective of the study was to determine the impact of foreign trade proxy by oil revenue, non-oil revenue, and foreign exchange rate on Nigeria’s economic growth proxy by gross domestic product growth rate. The study adopted the ex post facto research design and secondary data were obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin. The study employed the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model to evaluate the effect of foreign trade on economic growth in Nigeria. Findings suggest that oil revenue, non-oil revenue, and foreign exchange rate have a significant impact on economic growth in Nigeria. The study recommended that Nigeria’s oil revenue be heavily invested in non-oil revenue-earning productive sectors such as agriculture and mining to create the desired multiplier effect on the economy.
POVERTY REDUCTION, UNEMPLOYMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT; AFTERMATH OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN NIGERIA
Authors:   Department of Accountancy, Federal Polytechnic Ede, Osun State, Nigeria, Hassana Oderinu , Mumini Kadir ,   Department of Business Admin & Management, Federal Polytechnic Ede, Osun State, Nigeria, Adebayo Tijani
Published: May 2021

Nigeria has one of the countries whose experience of poverty and unemployment is on the high side makes this study to look into the effect of the economic lockdown during the global pandemic in the country, with the aim of making effort on how this effect can be translated into economic development. Survey research design method was adopted with self-administered questionnaire used to collect data. Findings revealed that in Nigeria COVID -19 outbreak effects was felt in almost all sectors and the aftermath greatly affected the country’s GDP and this adversely affect rural development in the country, which translated to a worrisome rate of poverty and unemployment. Hence, both individual and government have now seen that campaigning for economic diversification is not sufficient for economic development but rather a prompt swing into action by all is needed for sustainable development of rural areas to respond to the worrisome rate of unemployment and in turn high level of poverty caused by the COVID-19 lockdown in the country. It was recommended that government at all level as well as individuals and stakeholders should put in place actions that would gear up rural development and set policies at their various helms of affairs that would encourage economic participation of all citizens in all sector of the economy.
MANUFACTURING FIRMS’ PROFItABILITY AND MANAGEMENT OF CREDIT A STUDY OF UNILEVER NIGERIA, PLC AND NIGERIA BREWERIES PLC
Authors:   Department of Taxation School of Management Studies The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Adelusi Abosede , Abraham Dada ,   Department of Accountancy School of Management Studies The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro
Published: May 2021

This study examines the effect of credit management on the returns of manufacturing firms using two quoted firms on the Nigerian stock exchange as a case study. This study determines whether a credit management mechanism using the receivable collection period, liquidity management, and payable payment period, have an effect on the profitability of a manufacturing firm which was measured using Return on Assets (ROA). Data were sourced from annual reports of the two firms, which provide empirical evidence for the two (2) manufacturing firms in Nigeria from 2013 to 2018. In other to achieve the objectives of the study, data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Linear Regression to test for normality of variables on data obtained from annual accounts of the Companies under study. Data obtained were further analyzed by the use of financial ratios while the three hypotheses formulated were tested with ANOVA using SPSS statistical package 17.0 Version. From the analysis made, it was discovered that there is a significant relationship between credit management and the profitability of manufacturing firms, based on their Receivable collection period, Payable payment period, and Liquidity management. From the result, the researcher recommended that the sales department of the manufacturing firms must know about credit management to encourage the sales of their products and firms should not be scared of credit sales because it assists in the increase in the firm’s profitability performance. For proper management, credit should be converted to cash in the shortest possible period.
EFFECT OF MICRO LENDING RATE ON SMES GROWTH IN NIGERIA
Authors:   Department of Marketing School of Business and Management Studies Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa, Adewale Adegbite , Ismail Alli ,   Department of Marketing, Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria
Published: May 2021

Small and medium enterprises are acknowledged as the lubricants that wheel the socio-economic development of a nation yet their growth has been stunted by harsh fiscal and monetary policies. This study seeks to investigate the effect of micro financing interest rate on small and medium scale enterprises growth in Lagos and Ogun State, Nigeria. Primary data was employed using structured self-administered questionnaire with five-point Likert scale. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design to give an accurate description of the research variables. Yaro Yamane’s sampling technique was used to select four hundred (400) SMEs from the total population of thirteen thousand four hundred and fifty-seven (13,457) in both Lagos and Ogun States, while stratified and proportionate sampling methods are used to determine the sample size of three hundred and fourty eight (348) SMEs in Lagos state and fifty-two (52) in Ogun state. Ordinary Least Square Regression (OLS) was used to estimate the regression. In the study, one hypothesis was formulated and tested. The results from the hypothesis tested revealed that a significant negative relationship exist between micro finance interest rate and SMEs growth in Nigeria at 5 per cent level (tc= -1.570731; p= 0.0009). Based on the finding, the study concluded that significant negative relationship exist between micro finance interest rate and small & medium enterprises growth in Nigeria. The study recommends that microfinance banks should charge moderate interest rate to SMEs without stringent collateral requirements to boosts SMEs growth in Nigeria.
VALUE CREATION AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION OF QUICK SERVICE RESTAURANTS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA
Authors:   Department of Business Administration and Marketing, School of Management Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan –Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, U. Asikhia , N. Magaji ,   Department of Business Administration and Marketing, School of Management Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan –Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, N. Fidelis ,   Department of Business Administration and Marketing, School of Management Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan –Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, F. Adeniranye ,   Department of Business Administration and Marketing, School of Management Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan –Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
Published: May 2021

The Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry is one of the key contributors to the Nigerian economy; providing substantial revenues to government and sizable employment opportunities at the processing and retailing levels. Previous studies in Nigeria investigated customer value from the customer’s perspective but rarely has research sought to achieve both QSRs’ owners/managers and customers’ perspectives in a single study. Despite the increasing popularity of “eating out,” Quick Service Restaurants in Nigeria have shown a negative growth rate, with decline in total income, as it has become increasingly difficult to satisfy modern restaurant customers who seek unique experiences that are more than just consuming food. Hence, this study investigated the effect of value creation on customer satisfaction of Quick Service Restaurants in Lagos State, Nigeria. Cross-sectional survey research design was adopted. The population of the study was 799 owners/managers, accountants and customers of Quick Service Restaurants in Lagos State, Nigeria. A well-structured and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficients for the constructs ranged from 0.72 to 0.92.The response rate was 75.8 percent. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that value creation dimensions had no significant effect on customer satisfaction (Adj. R2 = -0.011; F(6,296) = 0.450, p<0.05).The study concluded that value creation had no significant effect on customer satisfaction of Quick Service Restaurants in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study recommends that owners / managers of Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) in Lagos State, Nigeria should go beyond transactional operations and develop customer relationship management programmes in order to enhance customer satisfaction.
POVERTY REDUCING IMPACT OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN NIGERIA
Authors:   Department of Economics, School of Management Technology,  Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, Oladele Adigun , Funmilayo Oke ,   Department of Entrepreneurship, School of Management Technology,  Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
Published: May 2021

The study examines the poverty reducing impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Nigeria between 1992 and 2016, sectoral inflow of FDI, as well as the factors preventing the inflow of FDI into the economy making it difficult to achieve economic growth and development. Secondary data was sourced from World Development Indicator (WDI). The regression analysis of ordinary least square (OLS) was adopted to examine the poverty reducing impact of foreign direct investment. Augmented Dickey Fuller Test (ADF) unit root test was used to test for stationarity of the data series and ARDL was thereafter adopted because of the level of stationarity of the variables. The regression result revealed that there is little correlation relationship between foreign direct investment and poverty reduction and the ADF result showed the presence of stationarity among the variables data set, while the ARDL result confirmed the existence of foreign direct investment (FDI) has a significant negative effect on poverty reduction in the short run at 5% level of significance. The study established that foreign direct investment as an engine of economic growth and also key in alleviating poverty has often been directed to sectors with low impact on poverty reduction. The study recommends that government should intensify efforts to encourage the inflow of foreign direct investment to sectors that has very high capacity for poverty reduction, formulate favourable policies and increase the ease of doing business in the country. FDI inflows should be diversified from oil sector to non -oil sector to ensure it generate more employment opportunities for poverty reduction.
CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS (CSOs) PARTICIPATION IN POLICY IMPLEMENTATION ON POVERTY REDUCTION: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF NIGERIA AND GHANA
Authors:   Department of Public Administration Faculty of Management Sciences Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria, Ajulor Omoniyi
Published: May 2021

The paper examines the people’s perceptions of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) participation in policy implementation on poverty reduction: A comparative analysis of Nigeria and Ghana. This interrogation is necessary in order to improve the performance of CSOs and participate in the poverty reduction policies in Nigeria by borrowing a leave from Ghana. For proper analysis, key informant interview was carried out and relevant literatures were also reviewed. The paper revealed that efforts have been made by the CSOs to influence government policies on poverty reduction in Nigeria and Ghana for the benefit of the people but Ghana has made more progress. Despite poverty level has decreased in both countries; there is still much suffering in their rural areas. It is worst in Nigeria because of corruption, insurgencies and economic recession. The CSOs in both countries faced repressions and manipulation over the years. From 1990s Ghana CSOs enjoyed symbolic relationship with the state while its Nigeria counterpart struggle for space. The paper recommends that there is need for the governments in both countries to do more by ensuring CSOs participation in policy decisions on poverty reduction. The Nigeria government should borrow a leave from Ghana on building more relationship and partnership with CSOs on policies on poverty reduction. There should be collaborations and consultations between the government and the “major groups” at local levels on policy issues. The CSOs and the target beneficiary should be allowed to take joint ownership of policy decisions, processes and implementation to ensure accountability and transparency in order to reduce poverty in Nigeria and Ghana especially in their rural areas.
THE IMPACT OF ICT IN MARKETING LIBRARY SERVICES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARY
Authors:   Fane-fane library, Mai Idris Alooma Polytechnic,  Geidam, Yobe State, Nigeria, Baba Salamatu , Ibrahim Dikuma ,   Fane-fane library, Mai Idris Alooma Polytechnic,  Geidam, Yobe State, Nigeria, Grema Sanda ,   Fane-fane library, Mai Idris Alooma Polytechnic,  Geidam, Yobe State, Nigeria
Published: May 2021

In order to promote utilizing the available resource made in any library information has to be taken to the door step of a clientele a such information and communication technology will serve as a catalyst in doing that. This paper has explored the role of information and communication technology ICT in academia and as well as the strategies used in propagating the available services in an academic library this is because tailor made information it is highly required so as to avoid wasting the precious time of academicians and this can be only achieving with the help of information and communication technology software, therefore, descriptive method was adopted in the methodology of this study.
VALUE OF DIRGE IN THE MUSICAL CULTURE OF COMMUNITIES: A STUDY OF ARONDIZUOGU
Authors:   Department of Estate Management, Federal Polytechnic, Nekede Nigeria, Okoronkwo Chikezie , Oladejo Esther ,   Department of Estate Management, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Nigeria, Okorafor Gibson ,   Department of Project Management, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Chibuzor Okoronkwo ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nigeria
Published: May 2021

Music is one activity that has continued to represent so many things to different people in different societies of the world. It presents itself in different styles and is used for different purposes. The mournful and slow type is often used in burials, funerals and spirit-cultural functions to depict the degree of reverence, attachment and affection to the parties involved in the ceremony. This paper examined the use of dirge in Arondizuogu South East Nigeria. It explained the several connections of the music to religious organizations as well as heathens and Christians who must use the music in appropriate circumstances not withstanding their faith. The paper relied on interviews and questionnaires as well as statistical techniques in analyzing the nature of the dance and the implication of participation thereof. It concludes that dirge is a unique song that could be danceable or otherwise but a required necessity in the passage of the soul to the great beyond. The paper recommends that people of all classes irrespective of race should pay attention to the lyrics, rhythm and voice of the music to appreciate the importance and participate actively as a means of respecting the dead and the God of the dead.
IMPACT OF NON-OIL FOREIGN TRADE ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA
Authors:   Department of Banking and Finance,  Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Chuka Esiaka , Uche Uwaleke ,   Department of Banking and Finance,  Nasarawa State University, Keffi, A. Amana ,   Department of Banking and Finance,  Nasarawa State University, Keffi
Published: May 2021

This study probed the impact of non-oil foreign trade on economic growth of Nigeria within the period 1986 to 2018.The specific objectives of this research are to examine the impact of non-oil import on economic growth of Nigeria and the impact of non-oil export on economic growth in Nigeria. The study adopted the ex post facto research design. The data were sourced from Central Bank of Nigeria’s Statistical Bulletin. The study employed the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) to investigate and analyze the long-run and short-run impact of non-oil foreign trade, proxy by non-oil export and non-oil import; on economic growth, proxy by gross domestic product (GDP). Findings revealed that in the long-run, increase in non-oil export and non-oil import will lead to decrease in the GDP. However, the VECM results indicate that, in the short-run, increase in non-oil import will lead to increase in the GDP, while increase in non-oil export in the short- run will lead to decrease in GDP. From the findings, this study concludes that non-oil import trade has a positive impact on GDP while non-oil export has a negative impact on GDP in Nigeria. This study recommends that Nigeria’s non-oil export should be heavily invested in non-oil high-earning productive sectors such as agriculture and mining. This will create a multiplier effect and increase the productive capacity of non-oil export for sustainable economic development in Nigeria. It is also recommended that non-oil import of Nigeria’s economy should be curtailed by making policies that will encourage import-substitution and enhance economic growth in Nigeria.
SERVICE QUALITY AND STUDENTS’ SATISFACTION IN B.SC MARKETING DEGREE PROGRAMMES OF SELECTED PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH WESTERN NIGERIA
Authors:   Department of Business Administration and Marketing, School of Management Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan –Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, Famutimi Temitayo , Kabuoh Margret ,   Department of Business Administration and Marketing, School of Management Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan –Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
Published: May 2021

Delivering satisfactory educational quality is paramount to achieving institutional objectives such as improve revenue, enrolment growth, contributes significantly to the goal of sustainable competitive advantage for most for-profit universities. In Nigeria, many private universities are recording low enrolment into their BSc Marketing degree programmes. However, students’ disposition to marketing as a course of study has not been well studied. Most marketing education studies have focused mainly on the teaching methodologies without giving due consideration quality of educational experience that shape enrolment into this vital field of study. This study examined the effect Service Quality (SQ) and Students’ Satisfaction (SS) into BSc. Marketing degree programmes in selected Nigerian private universities in South Western Nigeria. Cross-sectional survey research design was adopted in this study. The population consisted of 201 BSc undergraduate students from six selected private universities from South Western geo-political zone of Nigeria. Total enumeration was employed and all the undergraduate marketing students of the six selected private universities were respondents for this work. A structured questionnaire was adapted and validated. The Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient for the constructs were indicated thus; SQ =0.833 and SS=0.88807. The response rate of 97.5 % was achieved for this study. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that that service quality had significant effect on student satisfaction for B.Sc. Marketing degreeprogrammes in selected private universities in South Western Nigeria (R2= 0.084, β = 0.252, t = 2.757, p<0.05). The study recommended that universities and marketing professional associations should commit significant resources to organizing career fairs, workshops, essay competitions and expert series to create public awareness on the importance of marketing as a career and the foundational role the profession plays in profit and non-profit organizations.
REINTEGRATING RAPID APPRAISAL METHODOLOGY IN SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH
Authors:   Department of Sociology, Bayero University Kano, P.M.B 3011, Kano State, Nigeria, Bello Kabir , Ahmad Ahmad ,   Department of Sociology,  Federal University of Kashere, P.M.B 0182, Gombe State, Nigeria
Published: May 2021

Social sciences research methodology is of great importance in disciplines and for interested people on searching various knowledge or solution to a phenomenon. This is due to the fact that, human activities and environmental changes created complexity in life as well as challenges. But, these challenges requires answers from fundamental questions such as what, where, who and how. Therefore, interested groups such as researchers, academician and practitioners need to explore the use of rapid appraisal through which they can find answers for the given fundamental questions. Thus, the need for an intensive, team-based qualitative inquiry using triangulation, iterative data analysis, and additional data collection to quickly develop a preliminary understanding of a situation from the insider's perspective cannot be relegated from the more general context of advances in social science research today. This paper looks into the need for the reintegration of rapid appraisal method in social science research. The conclusion is that rapid appraisal and social science methods are indeed complimentary, hence the need for the integration of both methods in social science research.
E-GOVERNANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: A CASE OF NIGERIA
Authors:   Department of Political science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ude Nwoke , Ude Kingsley ,   2Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria, Ugbor Ugonma ,   Department of Political science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Igwe Chukwuemeka ,   Department of Political science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ogu Esomchi ,   Department of Political science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Published: May 2021

The study examined e-governance and economic development in sub-Saharan Africa: the case of Nigeria. Secondary data were used for the study. The result indicated high internet use in South Africa (43% to 59%) followed by Senegal (34% to 46%) and then Nigeria (33% to 42%); it showed a positive impact on education, economy, personal relationships, politics and morality in the year 2017. The Internet’s contribution to GDP in Africa varies, ranging from a high of 59% in South Africa to a low of 25% in Tanzania. The West African region had the lowest regional index in the 2020 Survey scoring 0.2209 in 2020 as compared with the world average of 0.4939. Cape Verde (0.4221) continues to lead the region, with Nigeria (0.3491) and Ghana (0.3201) taking the top three spots. With respect to service delivery by stages (percent utilization index), Nigeria scored 9.7 and 0.5 in the implementation of stage 4 and stage 5 of the e-government indicator in 2020, while the ranking for the previous years at this two stages were not better. Nigeria’s infrastructure Index moved up from 0.0492 in 2010 to 0.0792 in 2020. Nigeria’s Human Capital Index also showed an increase from 0.59 in 2010, 0.61 in 2015 and 0.63 in 2020 with her Web Measure Index moving from 0.1303 in 2010 to 0.2241 in 2020. Currently, Nigeria’s e-government readiness index is placed at 0.5053 which shows improvement but strictly in an African context. The study recommended that government play a leading role in developing the ICT infrastructure, this is important for successful e-government implementation in a developing economy.
AMNESTY PROGRAMME AND THE RESURGENCE OF CONFLICT IN THE NIGER DELTA: THE ISSUES AND CHALLENGES
Authors:   Department of Political Science Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, Kalama John , Sinikiem Johnson ,   Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Published: May 2021

In spite of policy measures to address development challenges in the Niger Delta region, conflict still persist in the oil-rich region hence; this study examined the factors responsible for the resurgence of conflict and kidnappings in the Niger Delta region. Data for the study were drawn from secondary sources while the basic human needs theory was adopted as the theoretical framework to guide the study. The study was descriptive hence, analysis was also done qualitatively. The paper argues that policy actions and programmes of government can only be effective and meaningful when it is backed by short and long term strategic implementation plans and strategies. Findings from the study revealed that conflict still persist in the Niger Delta because the federal government’s amnesty programme in the Niger Delta region was militant centred and not development centred. Thus, the core issues and drivers of the conflict are yet to be addressed by existing policy actions. To ensure lasting peace in the Niger Delta, there is need for periodic policy review and re-evaluation in order to meet changing situations and circumstances.
SOCIOLOGICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVES ON THE ETHICS OF SOCIAL MEDIA: AN AFRICAN’S DIARY
Authors:   Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Federal University, Otuoke, Nigeria, Omoro Joseph , Asekhauno Afe.Anthony ,   Department of Philosophy                                                                                                                                              University of Benin, Nigeria, Michael-Olomu Oyintonyo ,   Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Federal University, Otuoke, Nigeria
Published: May 2021

Many, including traditional rulers and scholars alike have admonished subjects and, indeed all indigenous citizens all over Africa, to reinvigorate commitment to the value and employment of indigenous language because it’s uniquely a people’s ultimate source of identity and solidarity as against the lasciviousness or abstruseness offered by the foreign or imported format/electronic social media. This opinion implies that the imported platforms offer indigenous languages relegation, disuse, stagnation and disappearance as means of communication—which, of course, is the transference of thought and meaning, achieved through language. And through language one communicates values, admittedly also across cultures. And developments in modern technology have mostly enhanced (whether or not they apply) those media (social) of internalizing foreign accretions universally with untold consequences for indigenous cultural values and morality. Accordingly, the imperative of this paper is to perspectives those sociological (social impact) and philosophical issues (ethical consideration) arising from that development. By critical analysis, the paper adumbrates how the adaptation and application of contemporary social media has adversely affected cherished traditional values. It concludes that modern social media is replete with both transmitting immorality and affording the widest medium for anyone to communicate same across the world. The work recommends, however, that although the social media has enhanced channels of communication, its applicability should be censored and subjected to cultural suitability test, which is the only way to preserve cherished core traditional values/morality—which essence should be taught to the youthful user at some early stage in life.
Synergism of Zinc Oxide Nano-Powder with Active Compound from Turmeric and Lemongrass as Bacterial Inhibitor
Authors: LAU Gee Een , CHE ABDULLAH Che Azurahanim , MOHD GHAZALI Mohd Sabri , CHE IBRAHIM Muhamad Syazlie
Published: May 2021

Green nanoparticles are receiving great attention due to their broad fields of application. Plant extracts are promising sources, since the synergizing process is easy and cost-effective. Green synergism offers safer nanomaterials for both human health and the environment. The antimicrobial application of prepared nanoparticles is due to special capabilities at the nanoscale size. Green zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) from lemongrass and turmeric revealed good antibacterial properties. Antibacterial active compounds were extracted from lemongrass and turmeric using methanol as a solvent. The extracts were introduced to zinc oxide solution to create synergized green ZnONPs and tested for their antibacterial properties. The samples were characterized by means of XRD, SEM, FTIR, and GC-MS. The zones of inhibition of synergized green ZnONPs were successfully measured using the disc diffusion method. The findings using gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli. showed a higher antibacterial inhibition zone, with a diameter of 1.6 cm. The gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus., showed low antibacterial inhibition. The addition of ZnO had positively revealed greater inhibition. Green ZnONPs synthesized using plant extracts will be further tested for various applications.
HIGHLIGHTS

Green zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) prepared from lemongrass and turmerics
Plant extracts are significant in reducing and stabilizing metallic ions
The synergism of ZnONPs was successfully prepared from plant extract active and evaluated for their antibacterial activity using Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli
The zones of inhibition of synergized green ZnONPs measured using the disc diffusion method showed a higher antibacterial inhibition zone
Antibacterial activity revealed the potential applications of green synergism of ZnONPs for treatment of contaminated water, medical applications, and cosmetics

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Editorial
Authors:   National Technical University of Athens, Greece, Koutsopoulos Kostis
Published: May 2021

When I first started the publishing of the European Journal of Geography (EJG), more than a decade ago, it was decided to be published in accordance with the goal of the European Ministers of Education, under the Bologna Process and Lisbon Agenda, to make European higher education a worldwide reference and standard. That is, EJG as the publishing arm of the European Association of Geographers-EUROGEO had as a fundamental goal to fulfil EUROGEO’s goals related to:  Communicate Geographic information to the widest possible audience.  Continue validating the quality of Geographic research, which is the isthmus test of all journals.  Build a valid collective Geographic knowledge base.  Promote the work of the Geographic community In addition, however, as chief editor of our journal, I was determined to achieve a series of objectives, who has been successful, such as:  Provide a forum for geographers worldwide to communicate on all aspects of research and applications of geography.  Promote the significance of geography as a discipline and contribute towards improving the quality of research, learning and teaching of Geography.  Work diligently towards producing more, with better quality papers, in all geographic subjects  Create the conditions to be accepted by the Content Selection and Advisory Board (CSAB) and be included in SCOPUS the leading world citation database.  Achieve and continuously increase its impact factor, which is taking place by the constant increase of EJG’s papers referencing, by all who believe and value European Geography.  Improve the digital transformation of publishing Geographic research, teaching and spatial problem solving by created a journal environment that includes digitization (everything to be in a digital form), digitalization (every process to be computerized) and digital effects (the publishing results to be on line available to anyone, anywhere and for any purpose).  Provide distribution mechanism for the work accomplished during the EUROGEO conferences, by publishing special issues that included selected papers (following the EJG normal evaluation process) presented at these conferences. The issue you are browsing at this minute (Vol.11, No.4) represents the last milestone that has been achieved in our Journal, namely: to provide a forum and an incentive for National Geographic Associations to communicate on all aspects of research and applications of geography related to local conditions. This is a special issue that includes selected papers (following the EJG normal evaluation process) presented at National Geographic conferences, which in this case was the Hellenic Geographic Society
TOPICAL EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT QUESTIONS
Authors: Lamanauskas Vincentas
Published: May 2021

In recent years, there has been a lot of discussion about the quality of studies and, in general, about the education development. As we know, the quality of studies depends not only on level of motivation and cleverness of students, how well developed the infrastructure of institutions is and so on. Probably, even more, the quality of studies depends on scientific pedagogical personnel, the one, which directly determines the preparation of a future student. This article deals with problems related to the education development in Lithuania and in the countries abroad. It is stated, that there are some burning problems in the education system of Lithuania. A clear trend over the past two decades - in many countries, the transition from elite to mass education is observed. Weakening the quality of education is a concern in many countries worldwide. This problem is associated not only with the decrease in funding, but also with all other demographic and political implications.
It is emphasized that education is one of the most important aspects of human development. It is argued that the stability of our society directly depends on the education system stability. It is impossible to have well-educated society without continuous development of education and science. This approach, in particular, requires appropriate political attention.
Key words: education system, education policy, development, trends.
“McDONALDIZED” EDUCATION: IN A FAST, CHEAP AND EASY WAY, BUT INEFFECTIVELY
Authors: Lamanauskas Vincentas
Published: May 2021

We live in such time period when there is a wish to get everything quickly and desirably for free. And, the quicker, the better. This applies to education as well. In fact, it is depreciated. Often it is said, that education does not add wisdom. There is some truth in this statement. If we speak about pseudo education acquired in any way and anywhere, then yes. However, a good, proper education is the outcome of rationality. These are related things, determining each other. It is thought, that today everything is rapidly changing, it is impossible, and there is no need of funda-mental “lifelong” education. This is an illusion, which does not let us see the essence. And a lot do not want and are incapable to see it. Like the house which can’t stand without good foundation, human’s good life is impossible without good education. The same can be said about society as a whole. Educated society is a warrant of state’s prosperity. Knowledge, abilities, values is, indeed, the true foundation of good education. A proper combination of these three components guarantees good education. Moreover, it would be nice if this component would entirely become integrated into given diplomas. Unfortunately, it has to be stated once again, that universities oriented or being oriented only to providing service will never be able to guarantee such integration.
Thus, more or less it is agreed on an international level, that our contemporary society is not properly ready for the challenges of the 21st century. “A quick diploma” does not guarantee any-thing, in fact – neither individual nor society progress. Universities, being oriented only to giving “quick diplomas” are condemned.
Education is not a game and universities are not “sandpits”. Unfortunately, it makes an im-pression that the number of “sandpits” is increasing, and wishing to play in them are getting more and more. We can be taught by others, but we can get educated only ourselves. An educated man is an independent man, knowing himself and making his own decisions. An educated nation is a na-tion knowing itself, independent and making its own decisions independently.
Key words: educated people, education policy, educated nation, university education system.
SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTION AND SCIENTIFIC QUALIFICATION EVALUATION: SOME PROBLEMATIC ISSUES
Authors: Lamanauskas Vincentas
Published: May 2021

In recent years, there has been a lot of discussion about the quality of studies and, in general, about the education quality. As we know, the quality of studies depends not only on level of motivation and cleverness of students, how well developed the infrastructure of institutions is and so on. Probably, even more, the quality of studies depends on scientific pedagogical personnel, the one, which directly determines the preparation of a future student. This article deals with problems related to the scientific production and scientific qualification evaluation. Also the article describes some characteristics of researchers and scientific production in general.
Science, in some sense, has strong immunity, but in recent years, it has been rapidly weakened both internally and externally. Of course, we have to believe, that universities will understand that it is firstly on them to save and strengthen both quality of activities and prestige and develop real but not demonstrated science. Europe “has been having a headache” for a long time thinking how to withstand ever - strengthening competition with such regions as North America (especially USA), South-east Asia and so on.
Key words: scientific activity evaluation, academic staff, scientific production, universities.
PRECONDITIONS FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE OF THE PROCESS OF MATURITY EXAMINATION
Authors: Urbanovič Jolanta , Balaikaitė Guoda
Published: May 2021

Researches of Maturity exams are usually restricted to the tasks of content analysis, thus maturity examinations are attached to the pedagogical field of study. However, the final examina-tion is a complex phenomenon, being the task of content and its implementation process. There-fore, to fully assess the maturity exams, the administration cannot be forgotten. Final examination is a public service and, herewith, one of the public administration areas. For the reasons identified, as well as annually emerging problems of the organisation of maturity examinations and the lack of appropriate scientific researches on this issue, it was decided to carry out a research on the quali-ty of the maturity examinations process and find out what affects the assurance of this quality.
The goal of the research is to identify the preconditions of maturity examinations’process quality assurance in Lithuania. According to theoretical models, it was decided to investigate the quality of the maturity examination through the process itself, including the users of maturity ex-aminations public service and its direct providers. In order to systematize and discuss the results, the following methods were used: analysis of scientific literature and legislation, data analysis, summa-rising, comparison, questionnaire and the structured interview.
The review of scientific literature showed that the quality of maturity examinations as a pub-lic service is a correspondence of the regulated process and the consumers’ expectations. Question-naire results showed that the consumers are not satisfied with the preparation of facilities and the work of people engaged. According to the interviewed, the main problem of the maturity examina-tions is inappropriate session time. The comparison of the assessment process of the providers and the consumers revealed that they differ in the preparation of the facilities, employees’ appropriate work and the session time.
In this research is analysed the concept of the public service quality, the main principles of quality management and quality models, the maturity examination process, which is divided into three phases. Each stage presents the strengths and weaknesses identified by analysing law regulat-ed procedures and the results of maturity examinations research. On the basis of the research re-sults the quality assurance elements specific to each phase are established. On the whole, there can be made a maturity examination quality model and its impact identified.
Key words: maturity examination, public service, quality assurance.
HUMANIZATION OF TEACHING MATHEMATICS IN THE 5TH GRADE: TENDENCIES OF CHANGE IN EDUCATIONAL METHODOLOGY
Authors: Cibulskaitė Nijolė
Published: May 2021

One of the main principles on which the education reform in Lithuania was based – was the principle of humanity. Realization of this principle presupposed the provisions of humanization of teaching subjects at school. Search for a theoretical model of humanization of teaching mathemat-ics, which was presented in authors’ dissertation, revealed that one of the most important factors of education process that influence the success of humanization of mathematical education is educa-tional methodology. Educational goals to teach students think critically, solve problems and improve their gen-eral competencies have brought innovations in teaching of mathematics. That is why teachers have developed modern methodology in teaching and learning mathematics. It is appropriate to analyse the change of the teaching methodology, focusing more on the methods of active teaching and learning. By performing scientific educational research on mathematical education, it was sought to accentuate the peculiarities of teaching mathematics and tendencies of change in 5–10th grades of secondary school. By studying education methodology applied by teachers of mathematics it was researched how often teachers of mathematics apply modern learning and teaching activities in the basic school. Results of several researches performed in 2004–2010 in 5th grades are presented in this article and summarized in this aspect. The first research was carried out in 2004, the second – in 2006, the third – in 2008 and the last – in 2010. 162, 173, 186 and 194 students of the V forms of the basic and secondary schools from different Lithuanian regions were interviewed. The research results let draw the conclusions: – mathematics teachers applied such traditional methods as independent work, self–control, work with visual manuals; – mathematics teachers must pay more attention to control in pairs, to work in groups, to the possibilities for choose of the work‘s variant, to emphasize of historical elements; – the frequency of the student‘s work with computers and the project‘s making is increasing now. Key words: humanization of teaching mathematics, process of teaching and learning mathemat-ics, teaching and learning methodology.
INCEST PHENOMENON IN ACADEMIC COMMUNITY: REALITIES AND VISIONS
Authors: Gailienė Irena
Published: May 2021

The article examines the genesis of incestuous connection and its expression in the academic community, focusing on the moral, psychosocial, and educational dimensions and meaning. These aspects recently are obviously deviated from the social standards. Anomaly is becoming more and more the norm. With reference to psychological patterns and personal experiences, it is analyzed and illustrated the real and projected impact of incest phenomenon on functioning of academic community: on quality of studies, on research activities, on psychosocial climate and on profes-sional motivation of community members.
The consequences of incest are revealed when formally in-groups are established or informally establishes themselves. In such groups typically group thinking is developed, which implies the occurrence of three essential conditions: the group friendship, unity: the relative group isolation from different-minded and the presence of directive leadership, which allows to understand what decisions are appreciated. In in-groups professional and personal intimacy is dominated, withdrawal in their own thoughts circle, rejection of any criticism, censorship and self-censorship, conformism and unconditional obedience to leaders, disregard to moral norms and other features are noticed. Negative impact of the incest phenomenon and its disposal options is set out in two scenarios: pessimistic and optimistic one. In pessimistic scenario a group thinking features and division of community into two hostile camps: us and them, are examined. In-groups are usually characterized by the phenomenon of internal favoritism, where inappropriate, ineffective actions and decisions of this group members are justified. The members of out-group are assessed uniformly and trite, i.e. not taking into consideration the individual personalities. They are usually assigned with negative „labels“. Dissidents instead are considered to be particularly enimies, who submit their own evaluations, opinions and criticisms, thus, different ways of their rejection or even exclusion from the community are searched.
In optimistic scenario visions are concretized, thanks to which disappearance of incestuous relations and together the positive changes in everyday life of the academic community are likely expected.
Key words: academic community, incestuous connection, quality of studies.