Impact of Risk Management towards Sustainability of Microfinance Industry in Sri Lanka: A Case Study

Purpose of the study: The microfinance industry has been developed significantly last two decades. It is fast becoming a household name globally and one of the key contributors to social-economic development. The Sustainability of the microfinance industry depends on several factors and encounters numerous challenges. The purpose of the study is to examine whether there is a relationship between risk management and the sustainability of the microfinance industry in Sri Lanka. Methodology: A simple regression analysis is used to demonstrate a connection in which one independent variable is predicted to influence one dependent variable. The study included 376 microfinance women borrowers from three districts in Sri Lanka, and the cluster sampling approach was used. Primary data was gathered using surveys, while secondary data was collected from CBSL, MFI annual reports, and the Microfinance Information Exchanger (MIX). Main Findings: The study findings reveal that effective risk Management has a significantly positive relationship with the Suitability of the Microfinance Industry in Sri Lanka. Research limitations/implications: The study was limited to three districts out of 25 districts in Sri Lanka, and the sample frame was selected from three leading MFIs that agreed to participate in the research. The availability of time for this study was limited and could not permit the consideration of all MFIs and the entire country. Novelty/Originality: The study concludes that MFIs should have a proper and effective risk management process, but it should be adequately handled and communicated to borrowers. It implies that proactive risk management is essential to the long-term Sustainability of microfinance institutions (MFIs).

Preparedness of recovery to the vulnerability of climate change in the coastal areas in Bangladesh

Purpose of the Study: This research aims to identify the susceptibility of Bangladesh's coastal areas to natural disasters related to climate change and raise vigilance in the region. Methodology: We have conducted a survey of farmers in eight coastal Unions to identify the impact of climate change and the ability to implement coping mechanisms and their family size and income level. Face-to-face interviews, in-depth case studies, and focus group discussions were carried out in the survey. We further summarized the effect and recent consequences of cyclones, the major disaster in the country that are followed by flooding. Main Findings: The finding of the study reveals that the shelters are insufficient to accommodate the dense population and will be a crowded space under the influence of COVID-19, further raising the vulnerability of those affected by a disaster. The coping mechanisms implemented were the storage of rainwater and groundwater and empowering women to produce dairy products and sustain the household income. The experts’ opinion to counteract the climate change was adaptation and mitigation. Since building resilience requires a fair budget and global support, we focused on adaption, considering three adaptive approaches: accommodation, protection, and retreat. Among those, considering the densely populated nature of Bangladesh, improving accommodation and protection were the feasible solution to be proposed. In conclusion, people's livelihood activities could be diversified by providing need-based training and motivations. Research Implications: One-fourth of the total population lives in the coastal areas in Bangladesh, which frequently faces tropical cyclones, storm surges, coastal erosion, and sea-level rise that cost enormous loss to the crops, livestock, forestry, and human selves. The biodiversity of the Sundarban, one of the most vulnerable ecosystems, is also at risk of those natural disasters. The novelty of the study: Climate change is posing major threats to Bangladesh's coast. This study's findings will help individuals recover from the effects of climate change and prepare for the future.

Striking a Balance between Centralized and Decentralized Decision Making: A School-Based Management Practice for Optimum Performance

Purpose of the Study: School decision-making promotes school autonomy and success. Today’s contemporary approach supports the idea that operative school functioning and development are characteristically accomplished when there is decentralized decision-making. Hence, the purpose of the study is to find the balance between decision-making in a centralized and decentralized structure in a school based system. Methodology: An extensive search of major databases was undertaken, which identified 35,822 studies on the subject, wherein 9 met the inclusion criteria. Employing a systematic literature review, data were extracted and analyzed using thematic analysis. Two themes arose from the analysis of the studies, such as decision-making as a school-based management practice and decision-making towards school performance. Main Findings: Studies on decision-making in school management from a sociological approach. It also highlights the need to mix centralized and decentralized techniques to improve education. Following are some debate points that might want more research: (1) school principal decision-making and (2) school running expense and spending decision-making. Research Implications: The study's findings will aid in improving staff performance and community comprehension of schooling. Increased participation of internal and external stakeholders can boost school autonomy and accountability. The novelty of the study: As a school-based management technique, the correct balance of centralized and decentralized decision-making might enable schools to function at their best while corporations attain peak performance.

Financial Anxiety and Resilience among Rural Poor: An Exploration of Social Work Implication

Purpose of the Study: Financial literacy is the main challenge for the rural population of India. It also plays a vital role in the economic outlook. In India, many poor people do not have a bank account, and only a few understand the concept of financial literacy. Due to lack of financial literacy many rural poor experience financial anxieties hence the present study was taken up to know the financial anxiety and resilience behavior among rural poor. Methodology: The present study adopted the descriptive research design 62 respondents were selected for data collection from poor rural households by adopting the purposeful sampling technique in the Kodigenahalli Gram Panchayat jurisdiction. The present study was carried to assess the level of financial anxiety and its relationship with socio-demographical aspects. Main Findings: The present study found that financial anxiety is experienced by the rural poor, and there is a correlation between education, occupation, number of household members with financial anxiety of the respondents. Implication: The researcher proposed the need for Social Work Intervention to address financial anxiety and financial literacy. The novelty of the study: The present study has described the level of financial literacy and financial anxiety that exists among the rural poor in Karnataka (India) and explored the scope of Financial Social Work in addressing financial literacy and financial anxiety. Financial Social Work changes the conversation about money. It provides a different way of thinking about money and it offers a better way of working with clients around the role of money in their lives, problems and issues.

Congestion at Chittagong Seaport: Causes and Consequences. A case study in Malaysia

Purpose of the study: This study aims to examine the causes of seaport congestion at Chittagong seaport. Seaports are vital instruments of international trade and a key to the economic growth of any country. Seaport congestion is a significant issue faced by most of the seaport. Shipping lines carry the cargo from one seaport to another; seaport congestion faced at the one port has a detrimental effect on the economy and trade of the country. Methodology: This study used the survey-based data collected design through convenience sampling from the port employees. The collected data were analysed with SmartPLS 3.2.1. Main Findings: The results of importance-performance matrix analysis (IPMA) reveals that the three most important factors causing the congestion at seaport are information technology, equipment, and time. Research implications: The study findings advocate that seaport authorities need to improve the information technology use at the seaport as well as the equipment utilised for handling the cargo. However, congestion issues can only be resolved by taking a holistic approach and involving all the stakeholders to improve the Chittagong port efficiency as well as bringing trade growth for the country. The novelty of the study: Current work is that the data was collected from one seaport only but the analysis supported the arguments that the seaport equipment, labour, and customs significantly contributing to the seaport congestion. However, the impact of the infrastructure and information technology is insignificant on the seaport congestion as perceived by the study respondents.

Building Sustainability Resiliency During Post Covid World Focusing ESG And Climate Risk Issue

Purpose of this study: In accordance with the current world economy, building climate sustainability resiliency is very important under the physical risk and transitional risk mitigation. This classification of climate risks could have an enormous positive impact focusing on ESG (Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance) goal achievement during the post-COVID pandemic situation focusing on climate risk issues. The European Green Deal has also increased the EU’s climate ambitions. In addition, global cooperation on sustainable finance has increased and the international context has changed. The financial sector will play a critical role in our transition to sustainability.The strategy of this study aims to support the European Green Deal aims, as well as an inclusive and sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic consequences. Methodology: In this study, the relative carbon risk and absolute carbon risk is shown based on the dynamic common factor model. The graphical representation of absolute versus relative carbon risk is measured in this time series data based research on the ten years timeline of 2010 to 2019. Main findings: The study shows the graphical figure regardingregion-wise dynamics of the relative and absolute carbon emissions risk in an average by adopting the dynamic common factor model throughout the global level by obtaining the Kalman filtering tool. Research limitations/Implications: Lack of resources of primary data is the main creating hindering effect that is faced in this study. This article portrays the increase in CO2 emissions leading to consequences of climate risk also accelerating these problems within the regions and countries mentioned in this research. Novelty/Originality: Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the developed nations, as well as emerging economies, are facing vulnerability in the area of financial, governmental, environmental to be sustainably resilient. This is the high time of detecting these problems and taking precautionary measures by the policymakers and government in the economic sector by adopting implementable methodologies. This study may benefit readers by advancing the existing knowledge or creating new knowledge in this subject. The current study reflects the situation of forthcoming researchers who intends to study as well as interested in this particular area.

An Empirical Analysis of the Impact of Government Health Expenditures on the Performance of the Health Sector in Nigeria

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of the study is to examine whether government health expenditures have an impact on the health sector performance in Nigeria for the period (1979-2019). Methodology: The study employs the expo facto research design. The annual time series data were sourced from World Development Indicators (WDI) and the Statistical Bulletin of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for several years. The dynamic ordinary least square (DOLS) estimation method is employed to measure the coefficient of the parameters to test the four hypotheses developed. Main Findings: The findings of the study indicate that capital health expenditure and recurrent health expenditures are positively related to the performance of the health sector proxy by life expectancy rate but statistically insignificant. However, capital health expenditure is statistically significant to life expectancy. Research Implication: It was recommended that priority need to be placed on government capital spending on health such as building and equipping of health centres in every community to enhance accessibility to health centres in Nigeria. The novelty of the study: There is a need for an adequate mechanism to be put in place by the health sector to check the stealing of public funds and punish those who misuse and divert such funds. This can promote the generation and prudent utilization of revenue to equip our various health centres ahead of eventualities like the COVID-19.

Problem-Based Learning Approach for Elementary Schools: A case study of five Years Compulsory Education system

Purpose of Study: The aim of the study is to identify and build an appropriate learning model for elementary school students that will ensure a quiet learning environment. Methodology: This research used both qualitative and quantitative approaches, as well as research and development techniques. The research was divided into two stages: exploration and experimental studies. Meanwhile, 50 learners, thirteen educational tutors, and six persons from the literacy program administration were chosen for the analysis by purposive sampling. Main Finding: According to the findings of the study, problem-based learning contributed to an increase in literacy in an entrepreneurship literacy program. Research Implication: The study's findings revealed that PBL implementation was anchored in a learning program and learning management. The discovery also aids in the development of the curriculum's learning methodologies, learning resources, learning media, and learning evaluation. Novelty/Originality: It is critical to increase literacy abilities in order to read, write, and assess problems. This research examines and describes the problem-based learning technique for developing literacy competency and assisting readers in improving their reading skills.

The Effect of Social Skills Training on Self Concept of Teenage Mothers, A case study of Training College in Kenya

Purpose of Study: The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of social skills training on enhancing self-concept of teenage mothers in Kibera. Because teenage pregnancy is considered as a global issue. A large proportion of teenage mothers give up on themselves and struggle with negative emotions resulting from societal stigma, rejection and isolation from friends and families, which can lead to poor self-concept. Methodology: The study was anchored on person centered theory of Carl Rogers and Bandura`s social cognitive theory. Mixed method sequential explanatory design was adopted for the study. The target population was 150 teenage mothers. Quantitative data was collected from participants using self-concept and social skills questionnaires. An interview guide was used to collect data from one social worker and one school administration for the qualitative study. The data were analyzed utilizing narratives and correlations. We used SPSS version 21 to examine the first round of quantitative data. After analyzing the quantitative data, individuals with mean scores between 1.0 and 2.5 were chosen for the qualitative investigation. Main Finding: The study found out that social skills training has improved self-concept of teenage mothers in Kibera. The qualitative study revealed that teenage mothers go through psychological and emotional challenges in the hands of their parents. The study generally concludes that self-concept of teenage mothers is being affected by lack of psychological support, forgiveness and acceptance from the family. Intervention suggested included being emotionally present, psychological support, and love by parents to teenage mothers. Research Implication: The study's findings suggested that rules on guidance and counseling services for parents and teenage mothers be strengthened in order to improve assertiveness. It is critical for social workers to focus on policy development in low-income households, particularly in the area of education, in order to prevent adolescent pregnancy. Novelty/Originality of this study: Based on the findings, this study proposes a novel approach to dealing with teen pregnancy and offering psychological support. In addition, the parents provide social support and love.

Students Comprehension To The New Terminology of Covid-19

Purpose of Study: The pandemic that hit the world at this time has led to the existence of new terms COVID-19 in society. This study aims to find out the use of new terms in the COVID-19 press conference. Methodology: This study is a quantitative study that uses a survey method which is a questionnaire used to identify new terms in the COVID-19 press conference and examine the level of student knowledge of terms in the COVID-19 press conference. Main Finding: A total of 200 students from four public universities were selected using stratified random sampling. The findings of the study found that UIAM students make a higher comprehensive, followed by UPSI, UKM, and UM students. The total is 3952, UIAM students take the first as 1001 comprehensive of COVID-19 terminology followed by UPSI (998), UKM (995), and UM (958). The terms of R-Naught, Surveying Activities, and Triaging is the newest terminology not understood by all students from all chosen universities. The final finding shows that students comprehensive are really good toward the new terminology of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research Implication: The implication from this research would like to give some more information to the community about terminology. This research also enhanced the lexicon of the Malay language, thus helping the Malay language to subscribe and describe the new terminology to the other fields. The novelty of This Study: Based on the research, this paper is the new novelty would like to seek comprehensive students toward the COVID-19 terminology.