School-wide publications
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://dspace.njala.edu.sl/handle/20.500.144402/177
Browse
66 results
Search Results
Item Delayed Retirement Tactics in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case Study of Sierra Leone Amidst Socio-Political and Economic Insecurity(Center for Open Science, 2025-02-07) Dumbuya, EmmanuelThis paper explores the phenomenon of delayed retirement in Sierra Leone, focusing on the underlying socio-political and economic factors that contribute to this trend. Given the insecurity and instability in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Sierra Leone, older workers are increasingly choosing to remain in the workforce well beyond traditional retirement age. The study delves into the challenges posed by high unemployment rates, inadequate social security systems, and the need for income security. Through qualitative interviews with government officials, retirees, and economists, this research identifies key reasons for delayed retirement and evaluates its impact on both the labor market and the broader economy. The findings underscore the importance of developing comprehensive retirement policies and systems to support an aging workforce and improve economic security in the region.Item Women's Contributions to the Sierra Leonean Independence Movement: Gender, Politics, and National Identity(RELX Group (Netherlands), 2025) Dumbuya, EmmanuelItem TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACTS OF AI ON DIGITAL MEDIA: AN ANALYSIS OF INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC TRENDS, ECONOMIC OUTCOMES, AND CONSUMER TRUST (2020-2025)(2025-09-30) Makieu, PeterThe rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the digital media landscape, prompting critical inquiries into its industry-specific impacts and implications for economic outcomes and consumer trust. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of AI adoption trends from 2020 to 2025, leveraging a mixed-methods approach that incorporates a Kaggle-sourced dataset with 1,240 industry-year observations.Our findings indicate substantial disparities in AI adoption rates, with the U.S. automotive sector leading at 81.06, while South Korean healthcare remains at a mere 10.53. High-adoption sectors experience remarkable revenue growth of 45.6–57.86, despite concurrent job losses ranging from 10.66 to 27.62. Employing sophisticated regression analyses, we identify infrastructure investment as a significant predictor of AI adoption (0.58, p < 0.01), contrasting with the detrimental effects of regulatory strictness (0.34, p < 0.05).A novel contribution of this research is the exploration of consumer trust dynamics, which inversely correlates with AI adoption rates (-0.12). This study reveals that trust levels vary significantly across sectors, with marketing achieving a trust rate of 81.58% compared to only 41.77 in gaming, largely driven by transparency tool adoption.In conclusion, we propose an innovative policy framework that aims to align AI-driven growth with ethical considerations, emphasizing the role of transparency and sector-specific governance. Our research enriches the understanding of technology adoption models and offers actionable insights for policymakers and industry leaders, facilitating sustainable innovation in the digital media sector. This study not only fills critical gaps in existing literature but also sets the stage for future research on the intersection of AI and digital media.Item The Principle of Non-Intervention in the Age of Humanitarian Crises(Universitas Muhammadiyah Surabaya, 2025-10-31) Marah, Thomas ShekuThis research critically describes the evolving tension between the principle of non-intervention and the newly arising norm of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) under international law. While state sovereignty has long been considered the pillar of the international order, increasing numbers of mass atrocities and humanitarian crises have prompted international actors to reassess their obligation to intervene where states fail to protect their citizens. This study undertakes a doctrinal and qualitative analysis of significant international legal instruments, case studies such as Libya and Syria, and scholarly writings to ascertain the normative and legal validity of humanitarian intervention and R2P. It analyzes the legal basis of the principle of non-intervention, the ethical grounds for humanitarian intervention, and the practical application of R2P through international organizations such as the United Nations. The research also explores the issue of operationalizing R2P, including selectivity, political manipulation, and inconsistency in state practice. The research demonstrates that while R2P offers an attractive normative framework for responding to mass atrocities, its enforcement is thwarted by geopolitical interests and the lack of binding legal status. The findings of the research demonstrate a clear need for reform of the international legal system and a more robust institutional commitment to balancing state sovereignty with humanitarian obligations, thereby conducting interventions within a legal, consistent, and accountable framework.Item The Participation of Stakeholders in Community Policy Planning and Implementation. A Case Study: Freetown City Council, Sierra Leone(International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 2025-09-26) Bangura, Kabba HarounCommunity involvement remains a central pillar of sustainable development. In recent decades, the promotion of grassroots participation has been increasingly recognized as a tool for empowerment, accountability, and inclusivity in governance. Decentralization reforms in Sierra Leone highlight the role of citizens in shaping and implementing local policies, particularly within the Freetown City Council. This study assessed the degree of stakeholder engagement in policy planning and explored the factors that influence effective participation. Data were collected through both qualitative and quantitative approaches at municipal and community levels. Findings revealed that while stakeholders play important roles in planning and implementation, their involvement is often limited by political, social, and institutional challenges. The study emphasizes the importance of strengthening inclusive participation for sustainable urban governance.Item The Impact of Servant Leadership on Employee Performance: A Case Study of Five Government Ministries in Sierra Leone, West Africa(2025) Kabia, Alie Mohamed**Objective:** This study examines the impact of servant leadership on employee performance across five Sierra Leonean government ministries, addressing critical gaps in African public sector leadership research. As the first empirical analysis in Sierra Leone’s post-conflict context, it tests whether servant leadership principles (empowerment, ethical stewardship) transcend bureaucratic and resource constraints to enhance governance under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16. **Methods:** A mixed-methods design combined quantitative surveys (N = 460 civil servants) using the validated SL-28 scale (α = 0.92) and qualitative interviews (n = 20) across Trade, Labor, Information, Finance, and Higher Education ministries. Hierarchical regression analyzed moderation effects (power distance, resource scarcity), while thematic coding extracted contextual insights. **Results:** Servant leadership significantly predicted employee performance (β = 0.62, p < .05, d = 1.32), with strongest effects in Finance (β = 0.71, p < .01) due to higher institutional readiness. Key outcomes included job satisfaction (β = 0.58) and organizational commitment (β = 0.52), though power distance (ΔR² = 0.09) and resource scarcity (ΔR² = 0.12) moderated efficacy. Qualitative data revealed active listening as a catalyst for engagement, while bureaucratic inertia hindered empowerment. **Conclusion:** The study confirms servant leadership’s viability in fragile states but highlights context-dependent barriers. It advances theory by (i) validating SDG 16 as a framework for leadership reform and (ii) proposing an Institutional Readiness Model for post-conflict settings. Policy recommendations include flatter hierarchies (aligned with SDG 16.7) and targeted training to overcome scarcity constraints.Item THE IMPACT OF CREDIT MANAGEMENT ON BANKS’ PROFITABILITY IN SIERRA LEONE: A CASE OF KAMAKWIE COMMUNITY BANK, KARENE DISTRICT(2025) MUN, IBRAHIMThe study's primary aim, to assess the impact of credit management on banks’ profitability, is of significant interest and importance to the banking industry. This study uses Kamakwie Community Bank as a case study for management on banks’ profitability, using Kamakwie in this crucial aspect of banking. The study is exploratory, and a mixed approach was used to explore primary and secondary data sources. A well-designed questionnaire was administered to 12 bank staff members, who were surveyed using purposive sampling, a method where participants are selected based on specific characteristics relevant to the research. The data collected was analyzed using simple statistical packages like Excel and frequency counts, and the results were presented in charts. The study's findings, which revealed that credit management can significantly enhance a bank's liquidity position, thereby increasing its profitability, are paramount to the banking industry. The paper recommends that potential borrowers be adequately sensitized to the Bank's lending policies and appropriately screened before being granted loans to mitigate delinquency and loan default.Item Role of Communication in Crisis Management: A Case Study of Natural Disasters in Sierra Leone(2025-06-30) Abdul, Mohamed**Purpose:** The purpose of this article was to analyze role of communication in crisis management: a case study of natural disasters in Sierra Leone. **Methodology:** This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. **Findings:** The study on the role of communication in crisis management in Sierra Leone found that effective communication helped reduce panic and improve coordination during natural disasters. However, challenges such as misinformation and limited access to communication technologies were noted. The study recommended using a mix of traditional media, social media, and community engagement to ensure accurate information dissemination, along with improving infrastructure and training local leaders for better crisis response. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Situational crisis communication theory (SCCT), diffusion of innovations theory & Social penetration theory may be used to anchor future studies on the role of communication in crisis management: a case study of natural disasters in Sierra Leone. Equipping crisis communicators with the right tools and knowledge will ensure a more coordinated and efficient response during natural disasters. From a policy perspective, it is vital that governments develop comprehensive national crisis communication policies. These policies should outline clear communication protocols for crisis situations, specifying how and when information should be disseminated, and how different organizations should coordinate to manage communication during natural disasters.Item PERCEPTION SURVEY OF SELECTED BRANDS OF SACHET WATER SOLD IN BO CITY, SOUTHERN SIERRA LEONE(2025-06-09) Mohamed, Pujeh JuniorThis study was conducted to delve into the nuanced perceptions surrounding specific sachet water brands – Tex, Daramy Pure Water, Blue Diamond Water, Arjorkoh Pure Water, and Nice Pure Water – within the dynamic landscape of Bo City in Southern Sierra Leone. Bo City, a vibrant hub, witnesses local suppliers' consumption and sale of numerous sachet water brands. A meticulously crafted checklist of questionnaires was administered to comprehensively capture the multifaceted perspectives of residents. The survey encompassed a spectrum of aspects, including participant profiles related to sachet drinking water, knowledge about various brands, preferred consumption times, motivations behind choosing sachet water, consumption rates across different brands, taste preferences, confidence levels in producers, and the underlying rationale for brand selection. This multifaceted approach aims to provide a holistic understanding of the diverse factors influencing sachet water preferences and consumption patterns among the local populace. Analyses of the results revealed that most respondents chose Tex 82(41%), followed by Blue Diamond 42 (21%), Arjorkoh Pure Water 40 (20%), Daramy Pure Water 23 (12%), and Nice Pure Water 13 (7%) being the least. The study also revealed that most people's choices were based on the following parameters: Safety 82(41%), availability 47(23.5%), and good taste 34 (17%), among other parameters. A recent Canadian study of more than 1,000 citizens found that satisfaction with water quality is linked to taste, odor, and color. The research also revealed that few sachet water brands have no outlets in strategic locations within the city, and the taste of the water was a key factor, the consumption was high during the dry season of the year, and this is reflected in the annual sales record by the suppliers. From the data available at the time of writing, we concluded that Tex is the first preference of the customers, followed by Blue Diamond, Arjorkoh, and Nice Pure Water, being the least due to their taste, color, and availability.Item Perancangan Buku Cerita Bergambar “Kesehatan Gigi pada Anak” untuk menjaga kesehatan gigi siswa SD di MI Darul Ulum Blandongan, Kabupaten Pasuruan.(Institut Teknologi dan Sains Nahdlatul Ulama, 2025-07-15) Astuti, Eka Rini WidyaLatar Belakang: Kesehatan gigi anak merupakan aspek penting dari perilaku hidup bersih dan sehat, namun masih banyak siswa sekolah dasar yang kurang sadar akan pentingnya menjaga kebersihan gigi. Hal ini memotivasi perlunya media edukatif yang dapat meningkatkan kesadaran tersebut. Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan mendeskripsikan konsep, proses, dan bentuk akhir dari buku cerita bergambar sebagai media edukatif untuk menjaga kesehatan gigi siswa kelas 1–2 di MI Darul Ulum Blandongan, Kabupaten Pasuruan. Metode: Pendekatan yang digunakan adalah Research and Development (R&D) dengan model ADDIE, yang melibatkan dua validator (ahli media dan ahli materi) serta siswa kelas 1 dan 2 sebagai responden. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui observasi, dokumentasi, dan angket validasi serta tanggapan siswa. Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa buku dirancang dengan prinsip edukatif dan komunikatif, menggunakan bahasa sederhana dan ilustrasi menarik. Proses pengembangan dilakukan secara bertahap mulai dari analisis kebutuhan hingga media siap pakai. Bentuk akhir buku dinyatakan “Sangat Layak” oleh ahli media dan materi (100%) serta mendapat tanggapan positif dari siswa (94,57%). Kesimpulan: Buku ini terbukti efektif sebagai media edukatif dalam menanamkan kebiasaan menjaga kesehatan gigi sejak dini.