bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UTICAJ MIKRO-MREŽA NA OPERATIVNU REZERVU ELEKTROENERGETSKOG SISTEMA
Authors:   UNIVERSITY OF TUZLA, FACULTY OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, Halilčević Suad
Published: December 2023

With the increasing participation of renewable energy sources in the production of electricity, the answer to the question of the necessary operating reserve capacity in power systems is becoming more and more complicated. The very fact of the variability of driving energy (sun, wind, water) in photovoltaic power plants, wind power plants and small hydropower plants makes the required operating reserve capacity variable. As the electric power system itself is stochastic, the inclusion of renewable energy sources in the operation of electric power systems emphasizes its stochastic characteristic even more. For this reason, the need for operating reserve in electric power systems from the aspect of renewable energy sources and with them in connection with micro-grids, is best solved using the tools of probability, that is, statistics and estimation. The issue of operating reserve in the power system was investigated by Bayesian statistics, which connects the simultaneous occurrence of a random variable (available capacity of renewable energy sources in micro-grids) with a statistical variable (load in micro-grids). The result of this research is the probability of a deficit or surplus of available energy in micro-grids, and the consequence of that probability is the probability of the need and degree of engagement of the operating reserve in the power system using system’s thermal electric power plants and/or hydro electric power plants.
RESTAURACIJA SISTEMA BEZ SPOLJA ŠNJEG NAPAJANJA: ISKUSTVA IZ TESTIRANJA PRVE FAZE I RAZVOJ DINAMIČKOG MODELA
Authors:   MONTENEGRIN ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION  SYSTEM, Brakočević Ksenija , Kontić Mićo ,   MONTENEGRIN ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION  SYSTEM, Ivanović Blažo ,   MONTENEGRIN ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION  SYSTEM, Šćekić Lazar ,   UNIVERSITY OF MONTENEGRO – FACULTY OF  ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Published: December 2023

Abstract— Increasing development of power systems and raising aspiration towards their enhanced connecting causes greater influence of one control area on another. Issues that fail to get solved locally can cause cascading outages which can eventually endanger the entire system and cause the power system to fall apart (blackout). Events surrounding the 8th of January 2021, when European interconnection got separated into two synchronous zones, as well as multiplying challenges of controlling the power system in real-time, highlighted the necessity of paying greater attention to issues of restoration of the power system after a complete fall out without outer voltage. Taking into consideration the complexity of this event, every transmission system operator needs to be as prepared for this event as possible. For this purpose, within a Montenegrin power system, a procedure has been developed, and testing of the first phase of the bottom-up black start procedure has taken place in real-time on one of the generators at the Perućica Hydroelectric Power Plant. After the successful test, the measurements of the characteristic parameters during the test were used to calibrate the dynamic model of the synchronous generator and the associated excitation and frequency control systems in the Perućica Hydroelectric Power Plant, which laid the basis for more detailed analyses. In this paper, results and the core conclusions regarding previously mentioned testing will be presented, and a comparative analysis of the results acquired via dynamic simulation and the results acquired via black start testing in real time will be presented.
PRIMENA MAŠINSKOG UČENjA ZA PREDVIĐANjE POTROŠNjE ELEKTROENERGETSKOG SISTEMA SRBIJE
Authors: Bojarov Aleksandar , Milenković Ivan ,   BELGRADE OFFICE OF ,,WSP UK LTD” Serbia
Published: December 2023

The paper describes a mathematical model for predicting the load in the Serbian electric power utiliity system. The mathematical model is based on several advanced machine learning techniques used for time series prediction and modeling of complex systems behaviour. Since complex systems have a large number of parameters that affect their operation, input big data of different types is needed to determine the correlation between the input and the system’s load. The data source used is the platform for transparency of the association of European transmission system operators (https://transparency.entsoe.eu/). By combining various statistical, mathematical, and machine learning models, we can obtain highly reliable predictions of consumption within a range of 24 hours. The model can also be used for longer time periods but with proportionally lower reliability. The model's predictions for the next 24 hours will be publicly available on our internet service, along with historical data in order to su inform about the quality of the predictions of the machine learning model (https://www.skalamerie.com/dodona/eeload.php).
APLIKACIJA ZA PRORAČUN MOGUĆNOSTI OPTEREĆENJA DALEKOVODA
Authors:   Institute ", Lučić Pavle ,   Mihajlo Pupin",   Belgrade, Serbia, Stojić Miloš ,   Institute "Mihajlo Pupin" Belgrade, Serbia, Jakupović Goran ,   Institute "Mihajlo Pupin" Belgrade, Serbia, Krstonijević Sovjetka ,   Institute "Mihajlo Pupin" Belgrade, Serbia, Jelić Tamara ,   Institute "Mihajlo Pupin" Belgrade, Serbia
Published: December 2023

The application for Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) enables the assessment of the possible current load of individual transmission lines as part of the planning of Power System Operation and Control, with the aim of its more efficient use. The basic function of the program is to calculate the values and duration of possible loads, for the assumed conditions of loading the transmission line in the future, in relation to the temperature limitation of the conductor. The application is based on the thermal model of transmission lines. Through the user interface, the application provides an insight into the real temperature state of the transmission line and enables the estimation of overload for the future time interval of interest. It automatically takes the input data for the calculation from the configuration files, which it previously generates from the Application Database. The results are available to the user through the interface, but also more permanently, in the output files, in the form of a report on the performed calculation. The application offers three operating modes: calculation of the maximum allowed current for a given time period, calculation of the allowed time for a given current and calculation of the conductor temperature for a given time period and a given current. Integration with Network Applications is planned. In the study mode, in conjunction with the network application for Dispatcher Power Flow (DPF) calculation, "what-if" analysis will be enabled on the possibility of using transmission lines in overload modes, which are obtained on the basis of assumed future switching states in the network and other parameters that are set in to the DPF application. This paper will provide the basics of the mathematical model used, a presentation of the system architecture, aspects of the software implementation (The application was implemented on Linux and Windows platforms using OOP and C++ for the numerical kernel of the application. User interfaces were implemented using the Java programming language) and, finally, directions of further development.
PROBLEMI OBUKE OPERATIVNIH DISPEČERA U NOVIM USLOVIMA I ADEKVATNOST POSTOJEĆIH TRENING SIMULATORA
Authors:   Institute ", Čukalevski Ninel ,   Mihajlo Pupin",   Belgrade, Serbia
Published: December 2023

The current energy transformation, oriented towards sustainable power system development and operation to a large extent is based on the potential of distributed generation (DG) and renewable energy sources (RES), and on improvements in the energy efficiency of loads. Most of the DG/RES, and other grid elements are power electronics interfaced (PEI) with the rest of the grid which generates multiple challenges to the power system operation and control. The massive substation/power plant's digitalization, and introduction of sophisticated ICT-based solutions, increase the power system complexity as well as its control system. That makes power system operators work, at all the hierarchical levels of control, more difficult and error-prone, which creates new requirements for their training and training tools, as current operator training simulators (OTS) are growingly less adequate for the task. In this paper, apart from the power system changes that are going on around the world, attention will be focused on the adequacy of current OTS operator training. Based on the recent international survey, and the analysis of operator requirements, proposed is an advanced OTS (AOTS) architecture together with the functions required, the need for it is clearly formulated in the paper.
NOVI SISTEM ZA ANALIZE I OPERATIVNE IZVEŠTAJE U SKLOPU CENTRALNOG DISPEČERSKOG SISTEMA EPS-A
Authors:   Institute ", Stojaković Nikola ,   Mihajlo Pupin",   Belgrade, Serbia, Petrović Konečni Tatjana ,   Institute "Mihajlo Pupin" Belgrade, Serbia, Lučić Pavle ,   Institute "Mihajlo Pupin" Belgrade, Serbia, Jakupović Goran ,   Institute "Mihajlo Pupin" Belgrade, Serbia, Jelić Tamara ,   Institute "Mihajlo Pupin" Belgrade, Serbia, Jovanović Katarina ,   Institute "Mihajlo Pupin" Belgrade, Serbia, Surudžić Dragan ,   Joint stock company Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS), Đurković Mileta ,   Joint stock company Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS)
Published: December 2023

As part of the development of the new Central Dispatch System (CDS) for EPS, a new application for analysis and operational reports (AOI) has been developed. This paper will first provide a brief overview of the position of the AOI application within the CDS. Then, the architecture of the new application and its interfaces with other applications in the system will be presented. A brief description of the design of the new AOI database will also be provided. The configuration tools used within the CDS to configure reports for the new AOI application will also be described. As EPS required access to AOI data from standard Microsoft Office tools, the database, based on MariaDB, was designed to allow easy identification and access to saved data from tools such as the Microsoft Power Query extension of the Microsoft Excel application. This will also be described in the paper. Finally, a description of the testing methods and potential future development of the application will be provided.
IZAZOVI UKLJUČIVANJA NUKLEARNE ENERGIJE U ENERGETSKI MIKS REPUBLIKE SRBIJE
Authors:   University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Serbia, Parović Miroslav
Published: December 2023

Decision makers in the Republic of Serbia are faced with a dilemma about how to carry out the energy transition in order to ensure a sufficient amount of available, affordable and clean energy in the future. In this regard, one of the doubts is the possible inclusion of nuclear energy in the overall energy mix. The specificity of the Republic of Serbia and the region of the Western Balkans is the competition of the most powerful countries, above all the USA, Russia and China, with the aim of increasing influence in various spheres of society. Therefore, the security challenges that arise due to this geopolitical situation, which could certainly be reflected in the potential construction of nuclear power plants, should also be considered. The paper will present various aspects of the political, security, sociological and technological challenges that nuclear energy brings and which would have to be examined in detail in order to finally make the right decision on whether and in what way to incorporate this form of energy.
PREGLED REGULATIVE I CILJEVA EU U OBLASTI REDUKCIJE I UKIDANJA PRIMENE SF6 GASA U VISOKONAPONSKIM POSTROJENJIMA I OPREMI
Authors:   ELEKTROMREŽA SRBIJE AD, Mišić Vesna , Tanasković Marina ,   ELEKTROMREŽA SRBIJE AD, Erjavec Svetlana ,   ELEKTROMREŽA SRBIJE AD
Published: December 2023

The paper provides an overview of EU regulations and goals for reducing the emission of SF6 gas, which belongs to fluorinated gases with a greenhouse effect, as well as existing alternative solutions and technologies. Control and reduction of SF6 gas is additionally regulated by ENTSO-E documents, of which EMS AD is also a member. The set goal of the EU is to reduce emissions by 2/3 by 2030 compared to the reference values from 2014. The goal is also that, through the joint activities of energy entities - equipment manufacturers and users, in that period alternative technological solutions will be found until the complete abandonment of this technology on voltage level 145- 420kV. In parallel, we work on internal analyzes of the way of determination and application in accordance with our requirements and preferences. What are the potential obligations and strategy of the energy community of Serbia on the way to transitionally abandoning SF6 gas, as a solution for gas-insulated VNP and equipment, to fulfill these EU directives.
ADMINISTRATIVE STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE TEACHERS’ COMMITMENT IN DELTA STATE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NIGERIA
Authors: Onafowope M. A. , Egwunyenga E. J. , Oweikpodor V. G.
Published: December 2023

This study examined the administrative strategies to enhance teachers’ commitment in Delta State public and private secondary schools. Four research questions and four hypotheses guided the study. A descriptive method of ex-post facto research design was adopted with a sample size of 414 public and 620 registered private secondary schools in the 25 Local Government Areas. A validated and reliable questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Mean and standard deviation was used to answer the research questions while independent samples t-test was used to test the null hypotheses. The findings of the study revealed amongst others that available administrative strategies to enhance teachers’ commitment include, monitoring teachers’ activities, maintaining a proper channel of communication, use of committee system in schools, performance appraisal of teachers, teachers’ participation in decision making, the delegation of duties, regular staff meeting and motivation of teachers. The study also revealed that there is no significant difference between principals of public and private secondary schools on the available administrative strategies used to enhance teachers’ commitment in Delta State; that there no significant difference between public and private secondary school principals on administrative strategies commonly used to enhance teachers’ commitment in Delta State secondary schools; that there no significant difference between public and private school principals on preferred administrative strategies more positively inclined to enhance teachers’ commitment in Delta State secondary schools; and that there was no significant difference between public and private school principals on suggested administrative strategies to enhance teachers’ commitment in Delta State secondary schools. The study recommended that School principals should create an environment that will enhance collaborative practice. When a conducive environment is created in the school and collaborative practice is encouraged teachers will be committed to their job.
 

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RISK MANAGEMENT AND PROFITABILITY OF QUOTED BANKS IN NIGERIA
Authors: Oluwaleye Taiwo Olarinre , Kolapo Funso Tajudeen , Adejayan Adeola Oluwakemi
Published: December 2023

The role of risk management in the performance of banks cannot be over-emphasized. This study, therefore, examines the effect of risk management on bank profitability in Nigeria by employing correlation analysis, pooled ordinary least square estimate, and fixed and random effect estimations between 2007 and 2020. Secondary data on return on asset (dependent variable), Liquidity risk, Credit Risk, Operational Risk, Market Risk, Capital Risk and Bank size are sourced from annual audited accounts of six deposit money banks listed on NSE. The result reveals that return on asset is negatively impacted by liquidity risk, capital risk and bank size while it significantly and positively impacted marketing risk but insignificantly and positively related to operational risk and credit risk. The study concludes that there is a slight tendency for liquidity risk and capital risk to reduce the return on asset. In Nigeria, credit risk continues to be the biggest threat to commercial banks, making precise measurement and credit risk management absolutely essential. Therefore, it is recommended that managements of listed commercial banks should support sound operational and credit risk management. This is paramount in order to engender a positive risk culture in line with best global practices that would prevent financial crisis and improve commercial banks' performance in Nigeria, among other countries.

JEL: G21, G32

 

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THE EFFECT OF MICROFINANCE BANKS ON THE ECONOMIC GROWTH: EVIDENCE FROM NIGERIA
Authors: Ihegboro Ifeoma Maria , Iyke-Ofoedu Maureen Ifeoma , Obiora-Okafo Chinedu Afamefuna , Obiora Anthony Okechi
Published: December 2023

The study seeks to examine the impact of microfinance institutions on the economic growth of a country, thus using Nigeria as a case study. The review utilizes the various relapse examination given that the information is cross-sectional and time series in nature. Optional information on all business banks was extricated from the National Bank of Nigeria’s measurable release and yearly reports. The information utilized in this model are time series optional information for the period 1992 to 2019. The discoveries of the review show that microfinance credits emphatically affect the short-run monetary presentation in Nigeria. Microfinance credits improved utilization per capita in the short run with a great coefficient, albeit these bank credits don't fundamentally affect monetary development over the long haul. Microfinance speculation be that as it may, essentially affects monetary execution in Nigeria over the long haul. Albeit miniature money advances are significant in the development process in Nigeria, different measures, for example, helping farming creation and finding a way suitable way to upgrade per capita pay are similarly significant in supporting the Nigerian monetary development. That's what we suggest, microfinance foundations ought to credit to further develop utilization in the short run, while the long run objective ought to be to further develop speculation and other capital aggregation.

           

JEL: D01, D04, G21

 

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EFFECT OF MORTGAGE FINANCING ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN KENYA
Authors: Dondi Daniel Odhiambo , Mule Robert K. , Ombok Benjamin O.
Published: December 2023

The financial performance of commercial banks has been unstable as evidenced in Annual Supervision Report of 2011 to 2020, where the Return on Assets (ROA) rose to 6.2% in 2012 from 3% in 2011; and to below 3% in the years 2016 to 2020. Literature reveals that commercial banks’ lending criteria are pro-cyclical, implying a less strict lending criteria during the real estate boom, and very strict during burst; resulting in likely underestimation of the default risk on loans during periods of high demand by the commercial banks. The objective of the study was to establish the effect of mortgage financing on the n financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya for the period 2015 to 2022. Using secondary balanced panel data from 27 mortgage-offering banks in Kenya, with 189 data points and employing moderated multiple regression to achieve the study objectives. The regression analysis revealed that the independent variables explained 86.69% (R2 = 0.8669, p-value = 0004) of variance in of financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya, the coefficient of mortgage financing is 0.004434, (p=0.0004); implying that a unit increase in mortgage loan would result to significant increase in the return on assets by 0.004434 units. Therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected. The study concluded that an increase in the amount of mortgage loans offered as well as other activities that augment the total value of mortgage loans extended by the commercial banks leads to a significant improvement in the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The study recommends that commercial banks in Kenya should target to increase the amount of mortgage offered as well as other activities that augment the total value of mortgage loans extended in order to improve their financial performance.

 

JEL: D10; D14; G21

 

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MECHANISM AND ACCOUNTING CONSERVATION OF LISTED MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN NIGERIA
Authors: Ukpong Eno G. , Abuaja Hycienth C. , Ukpe Essien A.
Published: December 2023

This study assessed the relationship between Corporate Governance Mechanism (CGM) and Accounting conservation of selected listed companies in Nigeria. The study adopted an expo-facto research design. The population of the study was 57 companies listed on the Nigeria Exchange group. The sample was determined using Taro Yamane formula which gave a sample size of 25 companies. The study covered the period 2007 to 2021 financial year. The study used secondary data. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis. The result of the analysis shows that the effect of Board Size on the accounting conservatism of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria is statistically significant. Board independence has a significant influence on the accounting conservatism of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria. It was recommended that companies should avoid small board sizes and target maintaining the optimal number of members on their boards consistent with governance codes of practice. Evidence from this study shows that large board size has significant positive trade-off on accounting quality and conservatism.

JEL: M14, M40, M41, M42, M49

 

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EFFECTS OF FINANCIAL SOURCES AND SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS ON PERFORMANCE OF WOMEN-OWNED MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES IN KISUMU CITY COUNTY, KENYA
Authors: Otieno Julia Adongo , Wawire Nelson
Published: December 2023

Women-owned enterprises play a significant role in contributing to a country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by creating employment opportunities. However, the manufacturing sector in Kisumu City County, has witnessed poor performance, coupled with less than 10 percent of the women participating in this sector. Despite this poor performance and low participation rate, there has been limited exploration into the factors influencing the performance of women exclusively within this sector. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the effects of financial sources and socio-cultural factors on the performance of women-owned manufacturing enterprises. The study employed a descriptive research design. Data was gathered through a questionnaire administered to 48 women selected using a simple random sampling technique. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyze the data using Excel and STATA Software. The results of multiple regression analysis established that women who secured funding from banks during shortages and initial capital depicted high performance. Additionally, factors such as household size, spousal decision-making regarding property utilization, and spousal control over the enterprise earnings had a negative effect on the performance of women-owned manufacturing enterprises in this County. Top of FormThe study recommends that policies need to be formulated to finance informal sectors such as Chamas where the majority of women prefer to increase the amount of loan accessed. Additionally, women should acquire more advanced entrepreneurial skills that are instrumental in making independent decisions and having better control over productive resources without utterly relying on their spouses.

 

JEL: L60; M10

 

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FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT DETERMINANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES
Authors: Sabado Jesson Rey F. , Garcia Precious Grace Angelika T. , Formentera Jonica B. , Arcebal Glydelyn S.
Published: December 2023

Foreign direct investment (FDI) significantly boosts one country's economy and development, including the Philippines. The Philippines has continuously pursued policies to attract FDI inflows to promote economic growth, generate employment, and improve technical skills. This study is to determine the Foreign Direct Investment determinant of the Philippines, present the real GDP growth, industry value added, and real exchange rate of foreign direct investment in the Philippines from 1970 to 2020, and provide empirical evidence of foreign direct investment and the following determinants. Data on real GDP growth, industry value added, real exchange rate, and FDI of the Philippines from 1970 to 2020 are sourced from the World Bank data. The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis identify factors that significantly affect the FDI inflows in the Philippines. Results indicated that the real exchange rate affects the FDI inflows in the Philippines. These determinants have p-values that are lower than the 5% significance level. Thus, understanding these determinants can assist policymakers and investors in making sound choices to encourage and sustain FDI inflows, which can contribute to the Philippines' economic progress and prosperity.

 

JEL: F20; F21; F30

 

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ANALYSIS OF PLANNING, BUDGETING AND ACCOUNTING FUNCTIONS OF INTEGRATED FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS (IFMIS) AND PUBLIC FUNDS MANAGEMENT IN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT - THE CASE OF NYAMASHEKE DISTRICT, RWANDA
Authors: Ingabire Aline , Luwesi Cush Ngonzo , Abdoulaye Mohamed Diarra , Modeste Izerimana
Published: December 2023

The study entitled “Analysis of planning, budgeting and accounting functions of Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (IFMIS) and public funds management in the local government. Case of Nyamasheke District, Rwanda (2015-2022)” was conducted to achieve three specific objectives such as: to analyze the significance of IFMIS planning function on public fund management in Nyamasheke District, to assess the significance of IFMIS budgeting function on public fund management in Nyamasheke District and to examine the significance of IFMIS accounting function on public fund management in Nyamasheke District. To achieve study objectives, the study used descriptive, quantitative, and correlative research designs. Primary data and secondary data also were used. Primary data were collected from 152 staff in Nyamasheke district who have relation to the IFMIs use and management from different entities from district to sector level. Data collection was done using a questionnaire and documentation. Data analysis was done with the support of SPSS version 20 to generate a linear regression model and bivariate correlation model as well as descriptive statistics. The study findings show that the model had an F ratio of 42.474 and the P value was 0.000<0.000, signifying that the F ratio was statistically significant, therefore the overall regression model for all the variables tested was statistically significant and can be used for prediction at 5% significant level. This further indicates that the predictor variables (Planning (P), Budgeting (B), and Accounting (A) used in this study as IFMIS functions are statistically significant to the public fund management in Nyamasheke District. Therefore, the formulated Null Hypothesis stating that there is no significant influence of IFMIS planning, budgeting, and accounting IFMIS functions on the public fund management in Nyamasheke District, failed to be accepted in favor of the alternative hypothesis or its opposite. The conclusion of the study relies on the acceptance or failure to accept study hypothesizes. Based on the H0 or Null Hypothesis “There is no significant influence of IFMIS planning, budgeting, and accounting IFMIS functions on the performance of public fund management in Nyamasheke District” the results show that the planning, budgeting, and accounting as IFMIS functions each contribute 68% to the implementation of public funds management in the local government, case of Nyamasheke District. Due to that, the conclusion relies on the rejection of the Null Hypothesis and considers the alternative hypothesis or its opposite.

 

JEL: M10; M40; M41

 

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EFFECTS OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE ON AGENCY COSTS IN COMMERCIAL AND SERVICES COMPANIES LISTED AT THE NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE IN KENYA
Authors: Mukoma Patrick Kinyua , Kung’u James N. , Gichuhi David M.
Published: December 2023

Academic and business research has focused on the competing interests of shareholders and managers, as well as the resulting agency fees. It is well known that managers have a strong desire to advance their own interests, such as their pay, the size of their companies, and the value of their securities. According to agency theory, shareholders will pay agency costs in order to reduce these conflicts. According to the free cash flow principle, when a company creates considerable free cash flow, there are significant agency conflicts between stockholders and executives. A number of empirical studies have proposed solutions to this problem, one of which is the use of a capital structure. Numerous studies on the effect of capital structures on agency costs have been conducted, with varying degrees of success. However, the majority of these studies took place in industrialized nations. The primary goal of this study, which lasted from 2012 to 2018, was to determine how capital configuration affected agency expenses in Kenyan commercial and service firms that were listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The study's specific goals included investigating the effects of equity on agency costs, retained earnings on agency costs, long-term debt on agency costs, and firm size as a moderator of the effects of investment configuration on agency costs. A descriptive research method was used in this study to provide a thorough examination of the relationship between capital structure and agency costs. To collect the required seven-year panel data from the entire population of firms, the Nairobi Securities Exchange, the Capital Market Authority's data banks, and the firms' websites were used. These data were then examined at two levels of statistics: descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. In Kenyan commercial and service firms, variations in equity capital, retained earnings, and long-term debts jointly accounted for 65.9% of the variations in agency costs, according to the regression results.

JEL: E22; G31; L10

 

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LEVERAGING READ-ALOUD INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGY (RAIS) FOR ENHANCING ENGLISH READING FLUENCY, ANXIETY, AND CONFIDENCE OF EFL CHINESE UNDERGRADUATES: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL MULTI-GROUP DESIGN
Authors: Wei Li-Wei
Published: December 2023

The perennial challenge of reading fluency, notably profound among Asian EFL learners, stems largely from linguistic disparities, conventional teaching paradigms, and ingrained cognitive practices. This study critically investigates the challenges Chinese undergraduates face with English reading fluency, notably due to linguistic disparities and historically rooted teaching methodologies. Leveraging the Read-Aloud Instructional Strategy (RAIS), this quasi-experimental study sampled 73 students from a private university in Thailand. Baseline assessments depicted similar fluency levels across groups. Post-intervention, the instructor-centered approach demonstrated profound efficacy, with the mean fluency score soaring to 4.35, compared to the student-centered mean of 2.69 and the near-static comparison group at 2.04. Additionally, confidence metrics evinced a remarkable ascent to 3.46 for the instructor-led group, a notable rise to 2.19 for the student-centered cohort, juxtaposed against the comparison group's minimal shift to 1.71. Furthermore, the instructor-centered method substantially ameliorated reading anxiety (d=1.378) and showcased stronger, albeit weak to moderate, post-intervention correlations between fluency, confidence, and anxiety. This comprehensive study underscores the transformative potential of RAIS, particularly the instructor-centered paradigm, in concurrently augmenting reading fluency, confidence, and reducing anxiety among Chinese EFL undergraduates. The implications herein suggest the exigency of reassessing prevalent pedagogical methodologies in Asian EFL environments.

 

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THE REALITY OF SELF-STUDYING AMONG ENGLISH-MAJORED STUDENTS AT A PUBLIC UNIVERSITY IN VIETNAM
Authors: Nghia Nguyen Trong , Trang Bui Thi Thu
Published: December 2023

This research was conducted to explore the current state of self-study among English-majored students to review their learning preferences and propose solutions to enhance their English self-study outside the classroom which is beneficial to their language proficiency and academic achievement. To collect sufficient quantitative data, a questionnaire was delivered to one hundred English-majored students at a public university in Ho Chi Minh City. The results show the diversity in how the students select time, forms, self-study sources, places, and contents, revealing their flexibility and commitment to self-study. It is also notable that all of the students, even those with decent self-study, acknowledge the vital role of teachers in the journey of learning English. Overall, the findings have provided readers the diverse insights on how to utilize self-learning strategies effectively while still emphasizing the indispensable role of teachers.

 

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ACCLIMATIZATION TO PROFESSIONAL ETHICAL STANDARDS BY ACADEMIC STAFF IN NIGERIA’S TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING
Authors: Idhalama Ogagaoghene Uzezi , Aluede Oyaziwo , Kikelomo Oluwayemisi Adedotun
Published: December 2023

This article investigated the extent to which academic staff completes their course outlines before examinations; the state of harassment of students by academic staff; the rate at which examination questions are leaked to students by academic staff; the rate at which academic staff is involved in issues of plagiarism and the level of fair evaluation and non-discrimination of students by academic staff. The study used the descriptive (survey) research design. A total of 171 academic staff selected through convenience sampling participated in the study. The instrument used in this study was constructed by current researchers, which was content validated and it also yielded a reliability co-efficient of 0.81. Findings revealed that the majority of the lecturers in Nigerian tertiary institutions ensured that they complete their course outlines before final examinations, and are not found wanting in terms of harassing their students in any form. The study further revealed that the rate at which examination questions are leaked to students by academic staff remains very low. Based on the findings, it is therefore recommended that workshops on ethics be organized for academic staff that will be geared towards helping to bring to zero level incidence of unethical activities in tertiary institutions of learning in Nigeria.
 

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INFLUENCE OF HEADTEACHERS’ LEADERSHIP STYLES ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN DODOMA URBAN DISTRICT, TANZANIA
Authors: Njuu Donasiana Birgita , Njihia Rose , Mwal’wa Shem
Published: December 2023

The quality of education in Tanzania has declined over the past five years with unsatisfactory results recorded in summative evaluation. The purpose of the study is to assess the influence of head teachers’ leadership styles on students’ academic performance in Dodoma Urban District Council, Tanzania. The specific objectives of this study were to determine the influence of head teachers’ supportive leadership style on students’ academic performance and to assess the influence of head teachers’ participative leadership style on students’ academic performance in public secondary schools in Dodoma Urban District Council, Tanzania. The study adopted a mixed research approach. Specifically, the researcher adopted a concurrent mixed-method design. The target population for this study consisted of seven (7) head teachers and 110 teachers from seven (7) public secondary schools in Dodoma Urban District. The study used proportionate random sampling and purposive sampling to sample respondents. A closed and open-ended questionnaire was used on teachers and interviews were used on head teachers. The study employed Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) version 26, to analyze quantitative data which was generated by the use of frequencies, tables, and percentages. The analysis of the interviews involved reading the transcript, annotating the transcript, conceptualizing the data gathered from respondents, segmenting the data, analyzing the segment, and writing the results that were obtained. Findings indicated that, to improve students’ academic performance, head teachers encourage team members to express their ideas or suggestions ensure work is done independently, and provide the opportunity to make decisions. In addition, findings revealed that supervision is done to the team members to meet school objectives and achieve better academic performance in schools. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education (MoE) needs close monitoring of the leadership styles to ensure that it is current and preferably suits both students and teachers to be able to achieve the intended goals and objectives of the school. Good cooperation among the heads of schools, teachers, and students should be strengthened to ensure the excellent academic performance of the students.
 

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STUDENTS' ATTITUDE TOWARDS VIRTUAL LEARNING TYPES IN PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE: IMPLICATION FOR EDUCATIONAL PLANNING
Authors: Okafor Chukujindu Joyce , Nwadishi Evbade Enoma
Published: December 2023

This study examined students' attitude towards virtual learning types in private secondary schools in Egor LGA of Edo State. Specifically, the study sought to find out the level of students’ positive attitude towards, knowledge of, the student’s participation in, and student’s perceived level of the impact and effectiveness of virtual learning types provided in private secondary schools. A descriptive survey design was used for the study. The population of this study consists of 3850 senior secondary schools two (SS 2) students of private secondary schools in Egor local government area of Edo state. The sample size was 193 which is 5% of the study population. The simple random sampling technique was adopted. The research instrument for this study is a questionnaire titled Students’ Characteristics and the Effectiveness of Virtual Learning Types in Private Secondary Schools’ Questionnaire (SCEVLTPSSQ). The data collected was analyzed using the mean, standard deviation, and t-test statistics. The research question was answered using the mean and standard deviation while the corresponding hypothesis was tested using the t-test statistics. The result of the analysis revealed that students’ levels of knowledge of Computer managed learning, Computer assisted instruction and Asynchronous online learning are high while the level of knowledge of Synchronous online learning is moderate; Students’ level of participation in CML, SOL, AOL, Fixed e-learning and Interactive online learning are moderate; Students’ levels of attitude towards CML, CAI, and AOL are high while the level of attitude towards SOL and FEL are moderate; Students’ perceived levels of the impact and effectiveness of CML, CAI, SOL, AOL, and FEL are high or very high; and Students’ perceived level of impact and effectiveness of IOL is moderate. It was recommended based on findings that administrators should evaluate and improve the effectiveness of existing policies and implement necessary actions in addressing effective virtual learning in the new normal. The study also recommends that training and workshops should be proposed to schools, particularly on discussing interventions to improve their management, pedagogical, and computer skills.
 

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EFFECTS OF LABORATORY METHOD ON STUDENTS’ ACQUISITION OF SCIENCE PROCESS SKILLS IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL CHEMISTRY IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Efe Akpomudiare Helpus , Abamba Emmanuel Ikechuku
Published: December 2023

The study was designed to investigate the effects of laboratory method on students’ acquisition of science process skills in senior secondary school Chemistry. To guide this study, three hypotheses were raised and tested. The design of the study was a non-randomised pre-test, post-test control group quasi-experimental design. Six secondary schools were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Three schools were used as the experimental group and the other three as the control group. One hundred and ninety-eight (198) students of six (6) intact classes made up of the sample for the study. The instruments for the study consisted of Chemistry Practical Ability Test (CPAT) and Chemistry Process Skills Rating Scale (CPSRS). The major findings of the study are: the laboratory method enhances students’ acquisition of science process skills in both quantitative and qualitative analyses more than the lecture method, the laboratory method contributed about 74% to students’ acquisition of science process skills and students acquire more science process skills in quantitative analysis than in qualitative analysis. Based on the findings, some recommendations were made among which are that the laboratory method should be used for teaching practical aspects of Chemistry always; Chemistry practical work should commence from senior secondary school one with separate periods per week instead of keeping students till senior secondary school three before such exposure. The conclusion of the study is that the laboratory method enhances students’ acquisition of science process skills in both quantitative and qualitative analyses rather than lectures. The following recommendations were made: the use of laboratory method should be employed in teaching practical aspects of Chemistry always, and a separate period per week should be given for laboratory activities with reference to the scheme of work among others.
 

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MORAL COMPASS AND UNETHICAL PRACTICES IN ACADEMICS AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN BARINGO COUNTY, KENYA
Authors: Kemei Daniel Kimutai , Wawire Chrispus Koinange , Ndambuki Philomena Wavinya
Published: December 2023

Academic honesty is a critical aspect of an education system as it ensures learners have the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies. However, there have been reported incidences where learners have engaged in unethical practices. This study sought to establish whether moral compass is related to the enactment of ethical practices in academics among 396 systematic sample of secondary school students aged between 16 to 21 years. Data was analyzed using descriptive and correlational approaches. The results showed that the majority of the respondents had a high moral compass. Also, very few (12%) had never engaged in unethical practices in academics. In addition, moral compass was inverse and significantly related to involvement in unethical behaviours in academics. It was recommended that further studies should be conducted on why there is incongruence between student’s beliefs and values and ethical practices in academics.
 

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LEARNING INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN KENYA: OVERVIEW, PROBLEMS AND THE WAY FORWARD
Authors: Omusonga Tony Okwach , Simiyu Pius , Chesaro Daniel K.
Published: December 2023

Indigenous languages face extinction in the near future despite the important role they play in communication, cultural preservation, and identity of indigenous people. The threat is the direct consequence of colonialism and colonial practices and is currently exacerbated by globalization. Article 13 of the United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples guarantees rights to these peoples to revitalize, use, develop, and transmit to future generations their languages, oral traditions, writing systems, and literatures. Further, it provides that states shall take effective measures to protect this right, including through interpretation in political, legal, and administrative proceedings. Consequently, Kenya’s language-in-education policy dating from the colonial period has been supportive of the teaching of indigenous languages in schools. For example, in the more recent curriculum reforms of 2017, Kenya set out to offer indigenous languages both as a medium of instruction and as a subject right from pre-primary to lower secondary levels of education as spelled out in the Basic Education Curriculum Framework. However, weak enforcement of the language policy coupled with a myriad of implementation challenges have been major drawbacks to the success of indigenous language instruction in schools. Hence the discussions about the importance of the use of indigenous languages in schools are still hotly debated. Therefore, the focus of this paper is to present an overview of and problems of learning indigenous languages in public primary schools in Kenya. Finally, relevant suggestions have been put forward to overcome the problems.

 

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UTILIZATION OF VISUAL AND REALIA INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS IN ENHANCING ACQUISITION OF PRE-READING SKILLS AMONG PRESCHOOL LEARNERS IN NAROK COUNTY, KENYA
Authors: Kesuna Martha Naisiae , Manyasi Beatrice N., , Maina Anne W.
Published: December 2023

Early childhood education, also referred to as preschool education is essential to children’s social, physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. Learning can be made more effective when the teachers have the right instructional materials. The study was guided by the following research questions: how were visual instructional materials utilized in teaching pre-reading skills among preschool children? and how were realia instructional materials utilized in the teaching of pre-reading skills among preschool learners? The study adopted a descriptive survey design and data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, and observation schedules. The findings of the study revealed that visual instructional materials for teaching pre-reading skills were available but not adequate in most of the schools, hence affecting the effective teaching of pre-reading skills among the learners. The study further established that most preschools lacked adequate realia materials for teaching pre-reading skills. It was concluded that Preschool teachers should attend relevant workshops, seminars, vocational and teacher professional development courses, to acquire pedagogical skills, besides effective utilization of Visual and Realia instructional materials in teaching pre-reading skills to preschool learners. Emphasis should be on pedagogical content knowledge.
 

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