Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary

Review Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary

A bibliometric review of inclusive governance concept

Nasrun Annahar, Ida Widianingsih, Caroline Paskarina, Entang Adhy Muhtar

Summary: This study aims to analyze the growth trajectory of global scientific output on the inclusive governance concept, as well as the governance principles that have received the most attention. The study used bibliometric review on the Scopus database, and the data were analyzed using VOSviewer 1.6.16 version and Microsoft Excel. The results showed that the term inclusive governance was first used in 2000 and has since experienced significant growth, and the authors emphasized principles such as participation, power, accessibility, structure, accountability, empowerment, fairness, collaboration, capacity, and decision-making.

COGENT SOCIAL SCIENCES (2023)

Article Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary

Special prosecutor: Panacea or facade to institutionalised corruption in Ghana?

Olivia Anku-Tsede, Reginald Arthur, Majoreen Osafroadu Amankwah

Summary: This study aims to assess the role of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in fighting corruption by comparing it with other similar agencies. The findings reveal that the OSP is an independent prosecutor and has the potential to combat corruption effectively. However, there are concerns about its performance in prosecuting high-profile cases. Nevertheless, many have confidence in the OSP and acknowledge its commitment.

COGENT SOCIAL SCIENCES (2023)

Article Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary

Covid-19 customer experiences of self-service technology across pharmacies in South Africa

Sebonkile Thaba, Lunga Jacobs, Adrien Ilumbe Laby

Summary: Using time-series data, this study employed Atlas.ti to analyze customer reactions to e-services among South African pharmaceutical retailers during the Covid-19 pandemic. The findings revealed that online retailers often neglected customer inquiries, resulting in dissatisfaction. This study sheds light on the significance of providing quality customer services to establish profitable relationships.

COGENT SOCIAL SCIENCES (2023)

Article Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary

Academic leadership during the time of crisis: Success story of implementation success from traditional to online mode of education in a low-resource context

Saima Hamid, Shaheryar Naveed, Huma Ayub, Shoaib Akhtar

Summary: The beginning of 2020 was marked by the global response to the spread of COVID-19, with many countries implementing lockdown measures and universities shifting to online teaching and research. This study examines the use of Active Implementation Frameworks by a public-sector women's university to overcome challenges during the pandemic. The study demonstrates that these frameworks are effective in implementing evidence-based models and promoting innovation in resource-constrained settings.

COGENT SOCIAL SCIENCES (2023)

Article Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary

Female genital modification: Untangling visual attractiveness of female genitalia from an Afrocentric perspective of male sexual partners

Paul Mukucha, Divaries Cosmas Jaravaza, Nomuhle Jaravaza

Summary: Genital modification in the form of labia minora elongation is prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to evaluate the visual attractiveness of elongated labia minora based on the assessment of sexual partners. It found that men were more attracted to women with elongated labia minora, especially when their pubic hair was shaved. These results suggest that social campaigns discouraging the practice of labia elongation as female genital mutilation may be ineffective, as women view it as a cosmetic enhancement for their sexual appeal.

COGENT SOCIAL SCIENCES (2023)

Article Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary

Constitutional protection of Egyptian women's rights in personal affairs

Aliaa Zakaria, Alaa Abouahmed

Summary: This article discusses various controversial issues regarding the status of Egyptian women in personal affairs, such as the validity of customary marriage and divorce, the meaning of Khul', and the wife's right to file for divorce in case of her husband's remarriage. By critically analyzing these matters, the article aims to shed light on the challenges faced by Egyptian women and advocate for necessary reforms.

COGENT SOCIAL SCIENCES (2023)

Article Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary

Effect of public relations planning on human resource management performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Nigeria

Nwanmuoh Emmanuel Ejiofo, Chi Aloysius Ngong, Ogbuka Josiah Chukwuemeka, Ifediora Chuka, Charles Ogechukwu Ugbam, Godwin Imo Ibe

Summary: This study investigates the impact of public relations planning on the performance of human resources management in the Independent National Electoral Commission in Nigeria. Data was collected through a mailed survey questionnaire, and multiple linear regressions and the Z-test were used for analysis. The results suggest that public relations planning significantly affects human resources management practice and performance. The government plays a crucial role in ensuring effective public relations planning by employing qualified personnel, evaluating electoral programs, and providing adequate funding to build public trust.

COGENT SOCIAL SCIENCES (2023)

Article Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary

Gender inequality and judicial discretion in Muslims divorce of Indonesia

Ramadhita Ramadhita, Ali Mahrus, Bachri Syabbul

Summary: This article examines the gender inequality in Muslim divorce procedures, particularly in Indonesia. It highlights the loss of rights for women and the lack of discretion in filing for divorce. The research emphasizes the need for judges' discretion to eliminate gender inequality and protect women's rights in divorce proceedings.

COGENT SOCIAL SCIENCES (2023)

Article Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary

Asymmetric effect of real exchange rate changes on poverty: The role of remittances and the informal sector

Ramzi Farhani, Amal Aloui, Khaleel Mohsin

Summary: The objective of this study is to analyze the asymmetrical effects between the real exchange rate and poverty in some Maghreb countries through the remittances channel and the informal sector channel. We applied the NARDL technique on data for three countries (Algeria, Tunisia, and the Maghreb) over the period from 1980 to 2018. The results show that real exchange rate depreciations have a larger positive effect on poverty through remittances.

COGENT SOCIAL SCIENCES (2023)

Article Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary

Determinants of rural-urban migration and its impact on migrant-sending households' livelihood security in Gurage zone, Ethiopia

Mesfin Agza, Bamlaku Alamirew, Admasu Shibru

Summary: The study examines the factors driving rural-urban migration and its impact on household livelihood stability. Through descriptive statistics, ivprobit regression, and dose response function, the research identifies variables such as livestock holding, family size, access to information, cultivated fields, soil infertility, distance to town, and distance to farmer training centers. The study also finds that remittances have a positive effect on household livelihood security, with increasing impact over time. Stakeholders are provided with a list of policy issues and strategies to address the causes of migration and maximize remittance gains.

COGENT SOCIAL SCIENCES (2023)

Article Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary

Religious tourism and entrepreneurship: A case of Manakamana temple in Nepal

Prakash Gautam

Summary: Religious tourism and entrepreneurship in Nepal are closely linked to the country's unique religious history, customs, culture, and tradition. This study investigates the relationship between religious tourism and entrepreneurship in Nepal, focusing on the Manakamana temple area in the Gorkha district. The findings highlight the potential for improving the livelihoods of local business owners and their families through entrepreneurship in religious places, and suggest policy measures to support and encourage local entrepreneurs.

COGENT SOCIAL SCIENCES (2023)

Article Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary

Tasawwuf moderation in higher education: Empirical study of Al-Ghazali's Tasawwuf contribution to intellectual society

Yedi Purwanto, Aep Saepudin, Shofaussamawati, Mohammad Rindu Fajar Islamy, Didin Baharuddin

Summary: In Indonesia, Tasawwuf has a long history and is deeply rooted in religious traditions and educational institutions. However, in recent years, there has been a growing demand from reformist groups to disband the authority of Tasawwuf, arguing that its practices are irrational and harmful to theological aspects. In response, a moderate community called wasatiyyah has emerged, aiming to bring together different perspectives and contribute to the socioreligious discourse. This article examines the role of Muslim intellectual Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali in promoting Tasawwuf Moderation and its implications for Indonesian society's culture, particularly in higher education.

COGENT SOCIAL SCIENCES (2023)

Article Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary

Social Factors Affecting Religious Institutions in the Maintenance of Peace and Harmony in East Hararghe Zone: The Case of Selected Religious Institutions

Abreham Belachew, Birhanu Midakso

Summary: The study examined the social factors that affect the ability of religious institutions in the East Hararghe zone of Oromia region to maintain peace and harmony. Qualitative research methods were used to explore the perspectives and experiences of the people. The study found that the lack of attention to ethnolinguistic differences among followers, poor relationships and support between religious institutions, internal divisions within the institutions, lack of knowledge and integrity among religious leaders, power struggles and lack of trust between religious leaders, and unequal treatment of religious institutions by the government are the main factors affecting the maintenance of peace and harmony. The study recommends that religious institutions should embrace and respect ethnolinguistic differences among their followers, and governments should treat religious institutions equally and address their concerns to maintain peace and harmony.

COGENT SOCIAL SCIENCES (2023)

Article Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary

Bridging the disconnection between donor support and democratisation in South Africa: The case of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality

H. K. Bosompem, F. H. Nekhwevha

Summary: This paper examines the role of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in bridging the gap between donor-assisted projects and electoral administration, and explores the perceptions of state institutions in relation to donor support, electoral dynamics, and democratisation. The study finds that while donor support promotes democratisation, political democracy cannot be sustained if the majority of the population remains impoverished and without prospects for a better life. The findings also highlight the impact of donor conditionalities on governance, transparency, poverty reduction, and skills training in the municipality.

COGENT SOCIAL SCIENCES (2023)

Article Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary

Exploration of macroeconomic effects on criminality in Indonesia

Ikhsan Ikhsan, Amri Amri

Summary: Criminal issues are of great concern to the public and researchers. This research examines the impact of macroeconomic variables on crime in Indonesia. The study finds that inequality, inflation, and unemployment have a significant positive effect in the long run, while income per capita has a significant negative effect. Short-term estimates show consistent signs of the impact of income per capita and inequality. Interestingly, inflation and unemployment have no effect on crime. Policymakers are advised to take actions to increase equity, improve the economy, control inflation, and create jobs in order to reduce crime.

COGENT SOCIAL SCIENCES (2023)

Article Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary

Students' perceptions of gender equality: A case study of a conflict-stricken country

Sayeed Naqibullah Orfan, Safeerullah Samady

Summary: The study examined undergraduates' perceptions and actions regarding gender equality in Afghanistan, taking into account the influence of gender. Data was collected from 448 students using an online questionnaire and snowball sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses revealed that most participants held positive views on gender equality, rejecting traditional gender roles. They employed various strategies to promote gender equality, such as advocating for it, and suggested integrating gender equality into education. Additionally, participants' gender significantly affected their perceptions and actions, with female students demonstrating stronger beliefs and more frequent engagement in promoting gender equality compared to their male counterparts.

COGENT SOCIAL SCIENCES (2023)

Article Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary

Governance in regional sports organisations: An analysis of the Catalan sports federations

Joshua Munoz, Francesc Solanellas, Miguel Crespo, Geoffery Z. Kohe

Summary: There is a growing concern among stakeholders in sports organizations regarding the implementation of governance principles and processes. This study analyzes the governance of Catalan sports federations (CSFs) and proposes a model to measure key dimensions of good governance using quantitative performance indicators. The results show room for improvement in different areas of governance, and statistical correlations are found between the dimensions and the size of the organizations. The authors believe that this research supports the call for good governance in sport and can serve as a basis for further investigation in other contexts.

COGENT SOCIAL SCIENCES (2023)

Article Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary

Modelling the maize marketed surplus behaviour under risk and time preference conditions: The case of Zvimba and Mokonde districts of Zimbabwe

Michael Kamoyo, Albert Makochekanwa

Summary: The Heckman sample selection technique was used to model households' maize marketed surplus decision. The study showed that maize surplus households followed a sequential decision process when selling through the private buyer market and a simultaneous decision process when selling through the state-owned Grain Marketing Board market. The findings suggest that maize surplus households have bargaining power in the private buyer market and may not be attracted to high-return incentives offered by government parastatals due to risk aversion and time impatience.

COGENT SOCIAL SCIENCES (2023)

Article Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary

Occurrence of fatalities in mountaineering: The case of Mt. Kenya

Nkatha Muthomi, Lucy-Joy Wachira, Shikuku Willy Ooko

Summary: This paper investigates fatal incidents in mountaineering, focusing on the case of Mt. Kenya. The study found that the occurrence of fatalities was not well documented, and identified factors such as the summit mentality, lack of proper acclimatization, lack of visitor education, and late diagnosis of altitude sickness as contributing to fatalities. The study recommends that providers in the mountaineering industry pay close attention to risk assessment and management, and develop response strategies for different situations.

COGENT SOCIAL SCIENCES (2023)

Article Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary

Exploring the utilisation and management of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst (Marula tree) in the Beitbridge district of southern Zimbabwe

Sithembelenkosini Mguni, Phibion Chiwara, Onalenna Gwate

Summary: This study aimed to explore the utilization and management of the marula tree in ward 3 of Beitbridge district, Southern Zimbabwe. The findings showed that 95% of the sampled households harvested and utilized marula fruits to produce various products. Marula also made a significant contribution to family income, with 35% of income derived from it during the season. Additionally, the number of households involved in marula fruit trading increased by 27% in 20 years.

COGENT SOCIAL SCIENCES (2023)