School-wide publications

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://dspace.njala.edu.sl/handle/20.500.144402/177

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    How villagers in central Sierra Leone understand infection risks under threat of Covid-19
    (Public Library of Science, 2020-06-24) Kamara, Foday Mamoud
    BACKGROUND: Concern has been expressed over how well Africa is prepared to cope with the pandemic of Covid-19. Will rural populations with low levels of education know how to apply community-based infection control? We undertook fieldwork in two villages in central Sierra Leone to gain insight into how rural people faced with Covid-19 assess epidemic infection risks. METHODS: Two communities were selected based on prior contrasted exposure to Ebola Virus Disease-one with substantial number of cases and the other having resisted infection through strong community sequestration measures. We assessed understanding of infection risks via an experimental game. This asked players to express a preference for one of two diseases, one resembling Ebola with lower risk of infection and the other resembling Covid-19 with lower risk of death. Players were not told the identity of the diseases. RESULTS: In total 107 adult villagers played the game (58% women). Half (52%) preferred the disease model with lower risk of infection, 29% preferred the model with lower risk of death, while 21% saw the combined risk of infection and death as being equivalent. Differences in reactions between the two locations were small despite different experiences of Ebola. Asked to explain their choices 48% of players cited information on infection risks modelled by the game and 31% stated that their choices reflected awareness of the need for personal action and respect for local regulations. We concluded that villagers thoughtfully assess disease risks and that some are good intuitive statisticians. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest rural people in Sierra Leone retain the lessons of experience from the Ebola outbreak of 2014-15 and will be able to apply these lessons to a new infectious disease for which have no prior practical experience. Our expectation is that rural populations will understand Covid-19 control measures, thus reducing need for draconian enforcement.
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    Corruption Trends and Graft Control Progress in Sierra Leone: Study of Causes and Remedies
    (International Foundation for Research and Development, 2022-05-24) Fayiah, Moses
    Corruption continues to affect the vast majority of Sierra Leoneans and is regarded as the greatest culprit of poverty, inequality and social cohesion. This publication shed light on corruption trends, control measures, causes, development implications and remedies for combating corruption in Sierra Leone. The data for this article was sourced from secondary/desk review. The secondary data sources were mainly from published articles, government reports, Acts, policies, workshops and conference proceedings, newspaper commentary, Transparency International Annual Reports, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports, and NGOs among others. Key words like corruption in Sierra Leone, causes of corruption, negative effects of corruption and bribery, and control measures of corruption were used to search for relevant information. Specifically, the study revealed that corruption was more prevalent from 2003 to 2018 but declined from 2018 to 2021. Most corruption cases in Sierra Leone arise from the abuse of public offices for private gains. Furthermore, systemic analysis of literature showed that corruption arises as a result of low salary wages, political ambition and other sociological factors. From 2019 to 2021, Sierra Leone has made remarkable progress and is been rated below Africa’s corruption average. This might be attributed to the various reforms and the pre-conviction corrupt asset recovery strategy adopted and the massive public outreach and awareness-raising drive adopted by the commission. It is recommended that the Anti-Corruption Commission of Sierra Leone be adequately empowered to go after any individual engaged in corrupt practices regardless of social status, ethnicity, political connection and wealth. It further recommended that the Anti-Corruption Commissioner appointment should not be political but by integrity and sound track record of citizens.
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    Partial Least Square Analysis for University Student Satisfaction
    (Al-Jamiah Research Centre, 2020-04-30) Pangastuti, Sinta Septi
    A university needs to identify and analyse their students’ satisfaction to be able to compete with others. There are five dimensions to identify students’ satisfaction, such as reliability, assurance, empathy, responsiveness, and tangibles. Related to randomness of the data, primary data collected from stratified sampling tend to violate multivariate normality test. Therefore, partial least square (PLS) might be one alternative solution since it ignores multivariate normal and multicollinearity assumptions. As a result, tangible, assurance and empathy affect student satisfaction and student satisfaction significantly affect student achievement. Therefore, we recommend to university to improve service quality especially on tangible, assurance and empathy aspect to improve student satisfaction and student achievement.
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    Rural–urban connectivity strengthens agrarian peace: Evidence from a study of gender and motorcycle taxis in Sierra Leone
    (Wiley, 2021-05-06) Jenkins, Jack
    Rural‐based insurgencies disrupted the forest margins of Upper West Africa in the 1990s. A subsequent return to peace was accompanied by strong growth in small‐scale trade in foodstuffs and other agrarian produce in high demand in towns. Motor cycle taxis are a feature of this increased rural–urban market integration. It was a mode of transport pioneered by ex‐combatants. Where rural women were once attacked by rural young men without job prospects press ganged into fighting for the rebels, bike taxi riders now carry them to rural periodic markets, many of which are new since the end of conflict. The study provides an analytical account of these developments, drawing on discussions with villagers in three heavily war‐affected localities of Sierra Leone. The evidence indicates that communities divided by conflict have quietly built new cooperative links conducive to peace based on local agricultural production and petty trade.
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    Ideology in Thompson’s, Kailey’s, and Robin-Coker’s collections of poems: A psychoanalytical exploration
    (Islamic University of Malang, 2023-12-30) Thulla, Philip Foday Yamba
    This study employed psychoanalytic theory to delve into the ways Sierra Leonean poets Celia Eva Beatrice Thompson, Princess Mildred Kailey, and Kayode Adesimi Robin-Coker explored themes of despair, lust, and loss in their poetry. Addressing a notable gap in literary criticism, especially regarding Sierra Leonean authors, the research sought to raise the international stature of African writers and support students facing challenges with poetry in West African public exams. Employing psychoanalytic principles, the study uncovered deeper meanings behind the unconscious drives and emotions in these poets' works. It involved analyzing the occurrence of themes, detecting psychoanalytically significant lines and phrases, and identifying central themes and literary techniques used to express complex emotions. The analysis, which combined thematic and literary analysis, focused on the language, themes, and use of figurative language, diction, and other poetic devices in Thompson's 23, Kailey's 41, and Robin-Coker's 20 poems. This approach highlighted their distinct ways of depicting despair, lust, and loss. By integrating thematic analysis, the study offered a more profound comprehension of each poet's style. Ultimately, this psychoanalytic exploration aimed to enhance critical interpretation skills and helped in understanding the deeper psychological aspects of Sierra Leonean and other African poetry.
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    Peace Education in State Building: Towards a Better Understanding of Post-War Sierra Leone
    (Scientific Research Publishing, 2021) Kapuwa, Patrick Brima
    Peace building in post was countries have posed several challenges to an extent that the former war-torn countries stand the probability of relapsing into conflict if the very reasons for which they went to war were not addressed. Often and again, what characterizes negotiation and mediation skills to end a conflict are most times supply driven from the perspectives of the international community. In very rare circumstances, the parties to the conflict are involved in developing the framework for peace talks, rather the parties are brought to the negotiating table to discuss the framework developed by the peace experts. In this piece, it is argued that ignoring core competencies and skills of peace education and sensitization will continue to pose serious challenges to peace and stability especially if the very reasons for which the parties went to war are not included in an inclusive peace education framework.
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    The Impact of Covid-19 on Petty Traders in Bo City Markets, Southern Sierra Leone
    (IISTE, 2022-04-01) Sheriff, Sualiho
    The study primarily intended to assess the impact of Covid-19 on petty trading businesses in Bo City Central Markets in the Southern Sierra Leone. The specific objectives of the study were: i) to analyze the turnover/sales volume of Covid-19 outbreak ii) to analyze the implications of Covid-19 on petty traders in Bo central markets iii) to identify the factors influencing petty traders in Bo City Markets iii) to assess the impact of Covid-19 recovery package in Bo City Central Markets. The methods of data collection include; questionnaire administration and interview guide with the target population of (250) petty traders that represents a sample size of (200) businesses/respondents selected from 10 (ten) central markets in Bo City using stratified random sampling technique. The study adopted a descriptive and mixed method design, and the results/findings discussed in qualitative and quantitative methods. The results converted using, SPSS, tables, frequencies, and percentages. The key findings include: (95%) of petty trading businesses are registered, (95%) complied with Covid-19 control measures, (23%) turnover/sales volume low, (46.5%) average sales/turnover, (4.5%) turnover not reasonable, while (90.5%) of the businesses have been negatively impacted in Bo City Central Markets. Conclusively, the curtailment strategies of Covid-19 have led to the negative impact of the virus on the reduction of sales volume turnover with the adverse effect on profitability, liquidity and equity position of the petty trading businesses. It is also recommended that the Central Government, and other partners should ensure that the Covid-19 recovery package being monitored and equitably distributed, reduction of taxes, ease of restrictions, micro-finance scheme to aid businesses in Bo City Central Markets. **Keywords:** Petty Traders, Covid-19 Pandemic, Business, Markets, Bo City DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/13-8-03 Publication date: April 30 th 2022
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    Reflection of Al-Ghazali’s business ethics for tax consultants
    (State Islamic University (UIN) Walisongo Semarang, 2023-11-16) Fachrezzi, Bima Rafly
    Purpose - The purpose of this study was to explore the application of the values of Al-Ghazali Islamic business ethics to tax consultants in Indonesia and to compare them with the Indonesian Tax Consultant Professional Code of Ethics.Method - This research approach uses phenomenology. There were 3 informants interviewed in the study consisting of tax consultants who are Muslim in Indonesia, fiscal authorities who are Muslim in Indonesia, and experts in the Islamic religion.Result - This research gives the result that the principle of integrity can be expanded in terms of its definition and meaning with the mujahadah component in Al-Mizan, so that the integrity referred to here is trying to keep away bad traits that are prohibited in Islam. Moreover, on the concept of al ihya', tax consultants have a main orientation to profit and the motivation to help taxpayers is still limited to improving the image of their consulting services business.Implication - The concept of Islamic Business Ethics by Al-Ghazali is a broader and deeper ethic so it is very appropriate if it is adapted to the Indonesian Tax Consultant Code of Ethics, especially regarding responsibility and motivation as servants of God.Originality - This research is the first study that used a phenomenological approach in uncovering the reflection of the concept of Islamic business ethics by Al-Ghazali on the implementation of a tax consultant's code of ethics.
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    Management Control Procedures and Environment of Local Councils, Sierra Leone (Case: Bo and Kenema Districts Councils)
    (Scientific Research Publishing, 2022) Sheriff, Sualiho
    The study assessed management control procedures and environment of Local Councils in Sierra Leone with reference to Bo and Kenema Districts Councils. The secondary objectives of the study were, to: 1) assess control procedures on the councils effectiveness; 2) assess control procedures in reducing fraudulent activities; 3) assess control procedures in promoting the councils performance; 4) identify the weaknesses in the control procedures; and 5) assess control procedures in achieving monitoring and supervision at the councils. The approach adopted for the study was a cross-sectional descriptive design, and the data were presented by the use of qualitative and quantitative methods. The target population of the study is twenty-eight (28) core staff members, out of which 26 core staff members were selected from both councils that adhered to control procedures and environment of Bo and Kenema Districts Councils. A simple random sampling selection was used to select 26 core staff by a pre-tested validated questionnaire with the reliability test of (0.765) from the 18th-24th December, 2021. Data collected were analysed using SPSS and excel. Majority of the core staff of Bo and Kenema Districts Councils affirmed that control procedures and environment promote the councils’ operational effectiveness, controls reduce fraudulent and erroneous activities, and controls reduce internal weaknesses/leakages of Local Councils. While majority of core staff strongly opposed that control procedures do not reduce weaknesses and compromise the standards set by the Local Service Commission. A four-point Likert scale utilised, and the data instruments employed include; questionnaire and documentary analysis. In conclusion, Bo District Council displays more supports by complying with its control procedures to enhance performance and reduce control weaknesses. While at Kenema District Council, control procedures aided the councils immensely in terms of minimising its fraudulent activities, improved performance and enhanced monitoring and supervision. The research paper therefore, recommends that the Local Service Commission should make available to the core staff members internal policies, acts and regulations to the 22 local councils in Sierra Leone.
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    Participation of women and children in hunting activities in Sierra Leone and implications for control of zoonotic infections
    (Public Library of Science, 2017-07-27) Bonwitt, Jesse
    The emergence of infectious diseases of zoonotic origin highlights the need to understand social practices at the animal-human interface. This study provides a qualitative account of interactions between humans and wild animals in predominantly Mende villages of southern Sierra Leone. We conducted fieldwork over 4 months including participant and direct observations, semi-structured interviews (n = 47), spontaneously occurring focus group discussions (n = 12), school essays and informal interviews to describe behaviours that may serve as pathways for zoonotic infection. In this region, hunting is the primary form of contact with wild animals. We describe how these interactions are shaped by socio-cultural contexts, including opportunities to access economic resources and by social obligations and constraints. Our research suggests that the potential for exposure to zoonotic pathogens is more widely distributed across different age, gender and social groups than previously appreciated. We highlight the role of children in hunting, an age group that has previously not been discussed in the context of hunting. The breadth of the "at risk" population forces reconsideration of how we conceptualize, trace and monitor pathogen exposure.