Archives

Volume 6 Number 5 May 2020

Analyzing Factors of Hybrid Electric Vehicle Adoption Using Total Cost of Ownership


Authors: Joosung Lee ; Yeongmin Kwon
Pages: 606-614
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.606.614
Abstract
Around 20% of total greenhouse gas emissions occur in transportation, 85% of which takes place in road traffics. Environmentally friendly vehicles are a transport type which has less environment impacts compared to existing internal combustion engine vehicles. Among them hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have increased steadily in South Korea. This paper analyzes the sales of YF SONATA HEV and K5 HEV, which account for 85% of the domestic HEV market, compared to gasoline engine versions of the same models from Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) viewpoint. The relationship between the vehicle’s TCO and HEV sales share were analyzed as well as the consumer’s perception about the value associated with purchasing HEVs. This research conducts a quantitative study on the necessary government incentives on HEV sales for the expansion of HEV market in Korea. This work could contribute to the design of government policy to promote environmentally friendly vehicles. Additionally, this work can serve to analyze the effect of such incentive policies on environmental conservation and reduction of social expenses.

Administrators’ Awareness, Procurement and Management of Virtual Laboratories for Teaching Science Subjects in Secondary Schools: A Case Study


Authors: Godfrey E. Ukpabio ; Ekpenyong E. Ekanem ; Usen F. Mbon ; Festus O. Arop ; James E. Okon ; Esther S. Uko
Pages: 598-605
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.65.598.605
Abstract
Previous studies have documented numerous benefits of using Virtual Labs (VLs) in promoting effective teaching of science subjects. The low level of teachers’ awareness, accessibility, and utilization of VLs in schools is also known. To the researchers’ knowledge, what is yet to be known is the extent of administrators’ awareness, procurement, and management of VLs in schools which have implications on teachers’ accessibility and utilization of VLs. This study adopted a descriptive survey design. A questionnaire (AAPMVLQ), with Cronbach alpha (α = .83), was administered to a sample of 662 secondary school principals and vice-principals drawn from 271 public schools in Cross River State Nigeria. Findings revealed that the level of administrators’ awareness, procurement, and management of VLs in secondary schools is very low. The low level of awareness was attributed to the poor supply of modern facilities to schools in the area of study. While the low levels of procurement and management were attributed to the low level of awareness of administrators. The conclusion and implications of these findings are that the teaching of science subjects at the secondary school level is witnessing a major setback and will continue if immediate actions are not taken to redress this issue. The poor academic performance of students in science subjects could also be liberated in the future if lessons are made more experiential by providing modern teaching aids such as VLs.

The Effect of Learning Models and Academic Ability on Students’ Scientific Literacy in Disaster Preparedness


Authors: Endang Widi Winarni ; Endina Putri Purwandari ; Rizqa Dwi Shofiya M. I.
Pages: 592-597
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.65.592.597
Abstract
Scientific literacy is important for elementary students, especially for disaster preparedness issues. The research purpose was to analyze the effect of Problem Based Learning models and students’ academic abilities on scientific literacy in attitudes, contexts, competencies, and knowledge. The research method used a quasi-experimental with the matching only pretest-posttest control group design. The populations were 4 elementary schools with a disaster preparedness program. Samples were taken by cluster random sampling. The homogeneity test based on the average scores from odd semester 2018/2019 in fourth-grade elementary school for subjects such as civic education, mathematics, Indonesian language, science, and social sciences. The independent variable was thematic with PBL learning model. The moderator variable was a student’s academic ability and the dependent variable was scientific literacy which includes attitude, context, knowledge, and competence. Instruments in this study were attitude questionnaire, context and knowledge test, and science competency observation. Quantitative data were analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics 25. The research experiments show that (1) PBL model has a significant influence on the student in scientific literacy aspects such as attitudes, contexts, knowledge, and competencies; (2) academic ability does not significantly influence the scientific literacy aspects. School principals, teachers, and future researchers suggested to download the information and make learning resources about earthquake disaster preparedness education on the www.wartabencana.com to foster earthquake safety culture for students optimally.

Expected Disclosure of Grants and Government Assistance in Accordance with IAS (20) in Light of COVID 19-Pandemic


Authors: Dr. Omar Mohammad Al-Hawatmeh
Pages: 586-591
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.65.586.591
Abstract
The study examined the problem of re-disclosure of grants and government assistance to developing countries, which represent a large proportion of the state’s general revenues from the state’s general budget in 2020 in light of Covid -19 Pandemic, where the international standard No. 20 was reviewed and it was found that it did not clarify how to re-disclose these numbers The regulations and instructions represented in the financial and accounting policies were also examined and it was also found that they did not clarifying such treatments the examination of the donor organizations and countries was reviewed and it was found that they would not make any suggestion or help regarding this problem, A set of results was reached of which International standards of various kinds did not clarify the treatment by re-disclosure of those grants under unusual circumstances. And that the regulations and instructions represent in the financial and accounting policies that did not address the treatment of this problem because the pandemic is unique. A set of recommendations was also reached, including: finding other internal financial alternatives that cover up to 75% of those grants and aid provided, because the outside world is predominantly exposed to the pandemic of Covid-19, and dedicating global efforts, especially international standards, that contribute to helping  countries re-disclosure numbers of grants and assistance and how to re-estimate them.

Competitive Aggressiveness and Market Share of Selected Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Lagos State Nigeria


Authors: Dr. Kabuoh Margret N. ; Iwuchukwu Roseline C. ; Dr. Onyia Valerie A. ; Dr. Akintaro Abel A.
Pages: 576-585
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.65.576.585
Abstract
The performance of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) plays a key role in the growth and development of any economy. Competitive Aggressiveness (CA) has been identified as instrumental to enhancing the control of sizable market share. However, lack of adoption of this important tool has been a challenge for these SMEs leading to decline in performances. The study hence, examined the effect of competitive aggressiveness on the market share of SMEs in Lagos, Nigeria. The study adopted cross-sectional survey research design. The population comprised 8,396 owner/managers of SMEs. The Research Advisors table was used to determine a sample size of 481. A validated questionnaire was administered to 481 respondents for data collection purpose but 430 came back correctly and were used for the study. The Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients of the constructs ranged from 0.71 to 0.84. The response rate was 89%. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that Competitive aggressiveness does not have a significant effect on the market share of selected small and medium scale enterprises in Lagos state (β = 0.009, R = 0.015 R2, = 0.000, F(1, 428) = 0.100, p >0.05). The study concluded that Competitive aggressiveness does not have a significant effect on market share of small and medium scale enterprises in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study recommended that firms should intensify aggressive competitive effort by working smart, carrying employees along, effective bench marketing, and proper monitoring of operational activities by regulatory bodies. These activities if well executed will increase level of market share of the SMEs in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Framing Analysis on Peaceful Movement News on Government and Private-Owned Online Portal in Indonesia


Authors: Inge Hutagalung ; Amir Musa
Pages: 567-575
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.65.567.575
Abstract
All forms of message production are inseparable from the interests of the owners of capital and political power around them. Information conveyed to audiences is a reality that has been selected and arranged according to the ideological considerations of media institutions through editorial decisions. Media have different visions and missions as well as interests and policies of the owner, because of that the angle of news coverage will be different. In this research, researchers analyze the pattern of news coverage media online due to peaceful movement committed by a group of Muslims on 4th November, 2016, the biggest movement throughout the year 2016 by engaging millions of people from several Islamic organizations in Indonesia. This research uses a qualitative research method, with a case study approach. The purpose of this research is to analyze the pattern of framing coverage of government portal as well as the private-owned portal in reporting on the peaceful movement on 4th November, 2016, based on Robert Entman framing model. The research results showed that government portal put forward news updates and show facts to the public that to be addressed. Meanwhile, the portal of the private-owned more emphasis the news based on the interests of the owners of capital.

The Possibility of Using Balance Scorecard (BSC) in Evaluating the Performance of Internal Control in Jordanian Commercial Banks (JCB)


Authors: Dr. Omar Mohammad Al-Hawatmeh
Pages: 560-566
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.65.560.566
Abstract
This Study aimed to determine the possibility of using Balance Scorecard (BSC) in evaluating the performance of internal control in Jordanian Commercial Banks, The BSC considered one of the modern tools in banks management to improve banks performance and diversity of services provided by banks. The present research investigates possibility of using BSC in evaluating the performance of internal control in selected JCB. In order to achieve the objectives of the study and the testing of hypotheses, the researcher designed a questionnaire; this questionnaire distributed to managers, internal managers and employees in Jordanian Commercial Banks, Out of the 450 questionnaires distributed, 370 were recovered with an adoption to be valid for statistical analysis purposes (345) at a rate of 77%. The findings revealed that balanced scorecard approach has a significant impact on the organizational performance of banks under study and there is a possibility of using BSC in evaluating the performance of internal control in JCB.

Factors Influencing Social Inequality and Quality of Life in Community-Based Tourism Thailand


Authors: Akkhaporn Kokkhangplu ; Kanokkarn Kaewnuch
Pages: 553-559
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.65.553.559
Abstract
This research aimed to investigate factors affecting the quality of life (QOL) among people involved in community-based tourism (CBT). Data were collected based on the populations residing in the tourism-community areas in each region of Thailand totaling 200 subjects to complete data analysis using multiple regression analysis. The result found that factors influencing the QOL in CBT are found in various elements of Thailand. Furthermore, the main priority is public administration that is considered the most influencing factor concerning QOL among people in CBT followed by economic factors, technological and external actors, in ranked order. The implication of this study was to motivate the community to obtain QOL because managing public administration requires the government to integrate strategic planning and implement policies to resolve the existing inequality in communities. Additionally, the government’s administrative structure in each area would be improved and made more appropriate in the context of the area in each community. Economic aspects in the community comprise creating work, increasing income for people and accessing several funding sources. In the technology section, public and private sectors are considered possessing the capability to establish technological access for the community. The aspect of external actors must be managed through regulations and laws created by the community generating awareness for community members including regulations and compliance to achieve sustainable QOL in the community.

The Effect of Managerial Accounting on the Quality of Decision-Making


Authors: Dr. Omar Mohammad Al-Hawatmeh
Pages: 544-552
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.65.544.552
Abstract
This study aimed to know the impact of managerial accounting on the quality of decision-making, including the actual impact on the strength of competition with companies, The study also aimed to clarify the importance of the decision-making process and clarify the factors affecting it, whether internal or external, and to indicate the existence of information that helps in decision-making processes in circumstances of uncertainty and clarify the effect of using the management accounting information necessary to analyze the data and conditions accompanying the decision-making process and explain the importance of the information Accounting that helps the organization and consistent with its circumstances and capabilities so that it reflects on the facility profits and its financial position positively, It also aims to identify the extent to which industrial companies use management accounting methods, and to achieve these descriptive goals analysis and inductive analysis approach that followed for specialized industrial companies. The study sample included (40) companies, and the study concluded a number of results, most notably: that the decision-making process is the fundamental essence of the success of management operations in industrial companies, where the decision is based on practical experience and on scientific knowledge and essential studied within an organized framework, and that the decision-making process in industrial companies is affected by internal and external factors.

Ramadan: A Soul-Searching and Ethical-Mentoring Month for the Entire Muslim Ummah


Authors: Prof. Dr. Israr Ahmad Khan ; Dr. Muhammad Tahir
Pages: 536-543
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.65.536.543
Abstract
Indeed, Islamic worships encourage the spiritual and ethical domains of human life. The main objective of Islamic worship is the attainment of the state of righteousness (taqwa) to become closer to Allah Almighty. The human being, with overall nature and inbuilt system, invariably needs refurbishing of thoughts and renewal of behavioral strengths. For that matter, the Creator, the Sustainer, the Provider, the Controller of the universe, Allah Almighty has prescribed, among other worships, the entire month of Ramadan as that of fasting to achieve the goal. Ramadan offers opportunities for those who fast to get closer to Allah, beseech Him earnestly, internalize the messages of the Qur’an, develop themselves intellectually, accustomed to looking at the things critically, seek His forgiveness, orientate themselves morally, treat the beloved ones with love and compassion, and remember those in the society who were left behind in the material competition. With this training availed in the fasting month, humankind can hardly stumble in any dimensions of life, including moral, devotional, social, familial, political, and economical in the remaining eleven months of the year. The methodology applied in the discussion over these issues related to Ramadan is rational and analytical, rather than traditional. The conclusion reached in the discussion is that Ramadan is the month of the all-inclusive mentoring of humankind. Overall, the study reflects upon the soul-searching and ethical-mentoring activities in the month of Ramadan for the growth of the entire Muslim Ummah.

Influence of Self-Leadership Strategies on the Beliefs of General Self-Efficacy


Authors: Ioannis Proios ; Eleni Fotiadou ; George Doganis ; Sofia Batsiou ; Miltiadis Proios
Pages: 531-535
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.65.531.535
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to examine the existence of the mediatory role of self-leadership strategies on the self-efficacy of people participating in physical activities, and individual differences in gender- and form of physical activity-related self-efficacy. One hundred and seventy-one undergraduate students from a Greek university participated. All participants participated in physical activities (competitive and recreational). They filled out validated Greek versions of the Revised Self-leadership Questionnaire (RSLQ) and General Self-Efficacy (GSE). Results revealed that self-leadership strategies (self-goal setting, self-reward, self-punishment and nature reward) predicted general self-efficacy, and they supported that gender affects general self-efficacy.

Teachers’ Attitudes Towards Learners With Disability Scale (TALDS): Construction and Psychometric Analysis


Authors: Bassey A. Bassey ; Valentine J. Owan ; Emmanuel Uminya Ikwen ; Eme O. Amanso
Pages: 518-530
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.65.518.530
Abstract
This study was designed to develop and validate an instrument that can enable researchers and scholars to measure the attitudes of teachers towards learners with disabilities in an inclusive classroom. The study was grounded on the three-components theory of attitude. A series of steps were followed to ascertain the face and content validity of the instrument. Based on the data collected from 532 respondents, preliminary screening was performed, items with weak or high correlation to others were dropped or retained. The construct validity and dimensionality of the instrument was evaluated using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), following the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) extraction, with a varimax rotation based on Eigenvalues greater than one. The results yielded a three-factor solution after suppressing loadings less than .40. These factors were labelled carefully based on the statements of the leading items loading. Cronbach alpha was employed in evaluating the reliability of the instrument, with values ranging from .849 to .938, indicating that the instrument is internally consistent.  Consequently, the proposed 36 items instrument was reduced to 30 items. The procedures followed, coupled with the removal of dysfunctional items, resulted in an instrument with appropriate psychometric properties and high reliability for measurement.

Causes of Kidnapping in Nigeria and Proposed Solutions


Authors: Yusuf Kamaluddeen Ibrahim ; Abdullahi Ayoade Ahmad
Pages: 512-517
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.65.512.517
Abstract
Nigeria is a complex society with a rapid growing population of roughly 200 million people. The country has around 500 different languages and 250 distinct ethnic groups. Thus, uniting these complex groups into one unified political entity since the amalgamation of the country in 1914 proved difficult. Comparatively, Nigeria is one of the secured and peaceful nations in the West African sub-region; however, contemporarily, this endowed nation suddenly plunged into waves of kidnapping and other heinous crimes such as armed robbery and banditry. The phenomenon has escalated and led to numerous lives lost, which also crippled socio-economic activities. Generally, as enshrined in chapter 2, section 14(2b) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, the security of lives and property is one of the primary responsibility of the state. This study aims to identify the causes of kidnapping in Nigeria and offer some strategic solution to the problem. The study adopted a Qualitative method and also adopt both Marxian and strain theories of crime. The study`s findings through descriptive and historical method shows that abject poverty, corruption and fraud, political influence, joblessness, terrorism, lack of capital punishment by the government, the changing value system and quick-money syndrome are the major causes of kidnapping in Nigeria. Finally, the study went further to profound remedies that will stop the ugly menace of kidnapping in Nigeria, such as job creation, New policy adaptation and implementation, public awareness and empowerment programs, Sim cards registrations, quitting ransom payment, re-modified community policing and stoppage of small and light arms proliferation in the country. Considerably, by adopting such measures, we hope that the menace will perish in Nigeria for a better and productive society.

Languages in Danger: How Can Linguistic Diversity Be Preserved and Promoted in Nepal?


Authors: Min Pun ; Kamal Gurung
Pages: 503-511
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.65.503.511
Abstract
This paper focuses on the decline and death of indigenous languages with special reference to sampled languages used by indigenous communities in Kaski district, arguing that the indigenous language communities should be supported by the government for giving official status to their native languages, focused on formulation and implementation of education policies, and encouraged to insist on speaking their native languages. Together, the indigenous language communities need to collaborate with the government to curb all the issues related to preserving and promoting linguistic diversity in Nepal. Based on the findings and discussion of the study, the following recommendations have been made to preserve and promote linguistic diversity in Nepal: 1) The findings of the study concluded that documentation is one of the most important ways to preserve and promote indigenous languages; 2) The findings of this study concluded that both formal and informal languages classes can be effective to cover all types of age group indigenous language speakers; 3) It is recommended that language teachers should be provided with appropriate trainings to be good indigenous language teachers; 4) It is recommended that indigenous language groups should put pressure on the government for policy development and political advocacy for the preservation of indigenous languages; 5) The study suggested that indigenous language groups should be given language awareness programs occasionally in order to motivate them to use their native languages and then to preserve the linguistic diversity in Nepal; and 6) The study suggested that indigenous language communities need to get help of language researchers to address the issues related to indigenous language revitalization strategies.

The Influence of Organizational Climate Interpersonal Communication Organizational Commitment to Performance of Local Government in Indonesia


Authors: Dr. Inge Hutagalung
Pages: 494-502
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.65.494.502
Abstract
This research is based on the results of previous research experts who have proven that performance can be influenced by more than one variable. Based on this starting point, researchers see a gap in thinking to examine the integration of the influence of organizational climate variables, interpersonal communication and organizational commitment to performance in one research model. The researcher’s argument is that employee performance must be understood holistically, as a response to various aspects of work both arising from the person (personal) and due to social interaction. Some experts assert that it is difficult to find the fact that human attitudes are only influenced by a set of aspects of the self without regard to the influence and involvement of social aspects. The research objective is intended to obtain data and information about the integration model of the influence of organizational climate variables, interpersonal communication, and organizational commitment to the performance of employees in XYZ District, West Jakarta, Indonesia. In this study the hypothesis test was carried out with SEM (Structural Equation Modeling). The results showed that the relationship between organizational climate variables and organizational commitment to employee performance was significant, compared to the relationship between interpersonal communication variables on employee performance. Furthermore, based on the theoretical model tested it is known that organizational climate variables have a significant effect on employee performance variables compared toward interpersonal communication and on organizational commitment. The organization commitment variable does not have a significant influence on interpersonal communication, compared to the influence of interpersonal communication on organizational commitment.