Microfinance institutions play a key role in any country’s economic development. These institutions generate most of their income from interest on loans. However, they are exposed to different types of risks including loan default whose management would ensure their survival. Furthermore, they continue to face a rise in loan defaults leading to higher nonperforming loan ratios estimated at 32.9%. The main objective of this study was to establish the influence of loan repayment period on loan performance in microfinance institutions in Nakuru City, Kenya. The study was anchored on Credit Default Theory and employed a descriptive survey research design. The study targeted 6 microfinance institutions and the unit of observation was 152 employees. Using statistical formula, a sample of 110 respondents was obtained which was allocated proportionately. Simple random sampling was then used to target the respondents in each of the microfinance institution. Data was collected using questionnaires. Before inferential analysis, the data was tested to ascertain that it met the various assumptions of regression. The study established that loan repayment period [r=.774] had a strong positive correlation with loan performance. Furthermore, the R-square value of 0.599 indicated that the loan repayment period explained 59.9% of variation in loan performance. The study concluded that loan repayment period was a significant predictor of loan performance.
Inflation and Rising Commodities Prices: Its Repercussions to Hotels Original Research Article Country Philippines
Pages 09-16
Arabella C. Ignacio || Amniela S. Sambolawan || Mary Joy W. Segui || Ara Mae T. Cuison
This study investigates the impact of inflation and rising commodity prices on hotel operations in Davao City. A structured survey was distributed to 376 hotel employees to assess their experiences and perceptions regarding inflation’s effects on cost control, workforce, and marketing strategies. Results indicate that inflation has a significant, though not extreme, impact on hotel operations, with a mean score of 3.76 and a standard deviation of 0.369, reflecting a strong consensus among respondents. While inflation is not perceived as the most severe challenge, it has caused noticeable disruptions across hotel functions. Furthermore, a weak positive correlation (r = 0.221, p = 0.000) was found between inflation and rising commodity prices, suggesting a measurable but limited relationship. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for hotels in refining pricing and marketing strategies to remain competitive. The study supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By highlighting the operational challenges posed by economic shifts, the research underscores the need for innovation and resilience in the hospitality industry amid inflationary pressures.
Factors Influencing Reliable Water Supply to Households In Kenya: A Case Study of Turkana North Sub-County. Original Research Article Country Kenya
Pages 17-28
Naker Mele Fredrick || Dr. Patrick Kasyula || Dr. Godfrey Mwamba
Background: Reliable water provision and supply are crucial for the health and economic well-being of humans and animals. Adequate reliable water supply contributes to sustainable environmental outcomes, supporting both domestic consumption and economic activities essential for human well-being. Despite numerous efforts by local and international stakeholders engaged in water supply projects, household health and economic stability remain threatened by unreliable water access. This study evaluates the factors influencing reliable water supply to households, focusing on Turkana North Sub-County.The specific objectives of the study include assessing the influence of water source management and water infrastructure on reliable water supply in Turkana north sub county.
Methodology: A descriptive survey research design was adopted, targeting 13,119 household heads (including men, women, kraal leaders, child-headed households, religious leaders, key informants, opinion leaders, chiefs, and county administrators). A sample size of 388 households was determined using a standard sample determination formula. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: Water source management (β = 0.170, p = 0.001) had a positive but moderate influence on reliable water supply. Similarly, water infrastructure (β = 0.553, p = 0.001) had a positive and significant influence on reliable water supply.
Implication: There is need to encourage community participation in water management to increase accountability and local stewardship of resources. Implement conservation practices, such as rainwater harvesting and aquifer recharge, to optimize water availability and prevent resource depletion. Implement advanced technologies for leak detection, water loss reduction and remote monitoring to enhance infrastructure efficiency. Improving water storage, distribution systems, and monitoring technologies is critical. Investment in smart water management solutions can significantly enhance supply.
Strategic Leadership Practices and Performance of Regulatory State Corporations in Nairobi County, Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
Many regulatory state corporations in Kenya have faced declining performance, undermining their sustainability. This study aimed to determine the influence of strategic leadership practices—specifically strategic direction, talent development, innovativeness, and Strategic Cognitive Capacity—on the performance of regulatory state corporations in Nairobi County. Guided by Strategic Leadership Theory, Human Capital Theory, Innovation Diffusion Theory, and Resource-Based View Theory, the study adopted a descriptive research design. Data was collected from 184 management employees across 46 state corporations using stratified and simple random sampling. Primary data was gathered via questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 24, employing descriptive and inferential statistics, including multivariate linear regression. Findings indicated that all four leadership practices significantly influenced performance, explaining 75.4% of its variation. Talent development emerged as the most impactful factor (B = 0.412, p = 0.000), followed by innovativeness, Strategic Cognitive Capacity, and strategic direction. Correlation analysis supported these results, with talent development showing the strongest positive relationship (r = 0.835, p = 0.004). The study concluded that investing in talent development, innovation, and cognitive skill enhancement, alongside strategic planning, can significantly improve organizational performance. It recommended strengthening these areas and proposed future research on external environmental factors, additional performance variables, and longitudinal studies for deeper insights.
Analysis of Exhaust Emissions from Life Cycle Assessment in Smes Pork Skin Crackers in Tabanan Original Research Article Country Indonesia
Pages 65-69
Cindi Yolita Dewi Sinaga || I Gusti Ayu Lani Triani || I M. M Wijaya || Lutfi Suhendra || Ni Putu Suwariani
One of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Tabanan produces pork rind crackers on a home-based scale located among residential areas. The production capacity reaches 100 kg of pork skin/day, which in the process produces liquid waste, exhaust emissions, and leftover materials. The problem faced by this MSME is the high exhaust emissions due to the use of LPG and electricity in the production process, which contributes to environmental pollution. This study aims to analyze the exhaust emissions from pigskin cracker production and assess its impact on the environment. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method was used to measure the environmental burden caused by the production stages with a gate-to-gate approach, including the use of raw materials, energy, and production by-products. The data was calculated using Open LCA software with the IPCC 2013 GWP 100a calculation method to obtain the equivalent carbon dioxide emission value (CO₂e)Based on the results of the study, it was found that this micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) generates total emissions of 484.24 kg CO₂e in one daily production cycle. Of the entire production process, the frying stage was recorded as the main contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, caused by the high consumption of LPG fuel. This shows that the use of energy in the form of fossil fuels still dominates and is a major factor in the formation of carbon emissions. To reduce these emissions, several mitigation strategies were proposed, including reducing LPG consumption through energy efficiency, optimizing the performance and thermal efficiency of production equipment, and installing a simple air filter system to retain particles and pollutants. Once Liquefied Petroleum Gas( LPG) consumption has been reduced, the utilization of scrubber technology is recommended as a further solution to filter flue gas from contaminant compounds before it is released into the atmosphere. Scrubbers function as air pollution control devices that are able to reduce the content of harmful emissions, thereby reducing the negative impact on the environment. This research is expected to serve as a reference for MSME actors, especially in the food industry sector, in designing more efficient and environmentally sustainable production systems. The implementation of the results of this study is also in line with efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the local level, which contributes to sustainable development targets, particularly in the aspects of responsible production and consumption and action on climate change.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Brand Satisfaction among Hotel Sectors in General Santos City Original Research Article Country Philippines
This research explored the influence of Corporate Social responsibility (CSR) on Brand Satisfaction among hotel sectors in General Santos City. Environmental Responsibility and Ethical Responsibility were used as the indicators for CSR, while brand image and brand equity were used as the indicators for Brand Satisfaction. The respondents of the study were 385 hotel guests in General Santos City. The information was collected between August 2024 and November 2024 by means of face-to-face interviews. The researcher also utilized an online survey and quick response code scanning for certain hotels that are implementing environmental sustainability. Descriptive correlation method was utilized in this study utilizing several statistical treatments to achieve the objectives of the study. Frequency and percentage were utilized to describe the demographic data of the respondents; Weighted mean and standard deviation use to describe the CSR and brand satisfaction level. Pearson Product moment correlation was used to determine the significance of the association between the two variables. On the other hand, difference in perceived CSR across respondents' demographic profiles was examined using ANOVA variance. The relationship between CSR and brand satisfaction was confirmed to be relatively high with the correlation coefficient of 0.915. Furthermore, this association is significant (p = 0.000 < 0.05). This implies that, to increase customer loyalty and brand satisfaction, hotels should improve their CSR endeavors and match their program with the drivers of brand image and satisfaction.
Tax Accounting in Small and Medium Enterprises in the Context of Digital Transformation in Vietnam: Current Status and Solutions Original Research Article Country Vietnam
Digital transformation is becoming a dominant trend profoundly affecting tax accounting activities in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam. This paper investigates the current state of digital technology adoption in tax accounting among Vietnamese SMEs from 2023 to 2025, analyzing key challenges related to resources, technical infrastructure, human capacity, and the complexity of tax policies. Based on this analysis, the study proposes policy recommendations to support the digital transformation of tax accounting, thereby enhancing financial management efficiency and tax compliance for SMEs within the framework of Vietnam’s national digital economy development.
Determinants of Life Insurance Awareness and Purchase Intention amongst Media Practitioners in General Santos City Original Research Article Country Philippines
Pages 90-100
Lore Mae V. Romualdo || Mary Christ D. Canapit-Paparon
This study explores the determinants of life insurance awareness and purchase intention among media practitioners in General Santos City. Amid low insurance penetration in the Philippines and increasing economic uncertainty, the research examines how financial literacy, insurance literacy, perceived product risk, and saving motives influence insurance-related decisions. Guided by the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior, the study utilized a quantitative descriptive-correlational design, surveying 130 media practitioners aged 18–60 through a validated questionnaire. Results reveal that saving motives had the highest influence on insurance awareness, followed by financial literacy, insurance literacy, and perceived product risk. A significant positive relationship was found between insurance awareness and the intention to purchase life insurance. The findings underscore the need for targeted awareness campaigns and personalized insurance marketing strategies aimed at media professionals. The study offers insights for insurance providers, employers, and policymakers to foster better financial preparedness among workers, and serves as a foundation for further research in other sectors and geographic regions.
The Influence of Local Social Media Influencers towards Millennials' Purchase Intention in General Santos City Original Research Article Country Philippines
This study examines the influence of local social media influencers on the purchase intentions of millennials in General Santos City. Focusing on key influencer traits such as authenticity, engagement, expertise, number of followers, and trustworthiness, the research investigates how these factors shape consumer behavior within this demographic. A representative sample of millennial respondents' answers were gathered and studied to find out how the traits of influencers affect people's decisions to buy. The results show that millennials are greatly influenced by leaders who are seen as real, believable and reliable. Millennials' responses to influencer content and their subsequent buying plans are also affected by their age, level of education, and job status. The study shows that influencer marketing is becoming a more important tool for businesses that want to reach youth. There are suggestions for how influencers, business owners, and social media managers can improve their marketing tactics and build stronger relationships with customers. The study also offers areas for further research to better understand how influencers and consumers interact in different situations.
An Empirical Study of the Factors Influencing Revisit Intention at the Food Court of the Modern Fish Market in Jakarta Original Research Article Country Indonesia
Pages 146-155
Soni Supriatna || Usep Suhud || Setyo Ferry Wibowo
The intensifying competition within the culinary service industry has prompted businesses to deepen understanding the factors that drive customer loyalty, particularly through revisit intention. This study aims to examine and analyze the influence of experiential marketing, service quality, product quality, and customer satisfaction on revisit intention among consumers of The Food Court at the Modern Fish Market in Muara Baru, Jakarta. A quantitative approach wasemployed, involving 270 respondents who had visited the location at least once. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) facilitated by AMOS software. The findings reveal that five out of six hypothesized relationships were statistically significant. Specifically, experiential marketing positively influences both customer satisfaction and revisit intention; service quality directly enhances revisit intention; product quality significantly influences customer satisfaction; and customer satisfaction positively affects revisit intention. However, one hypothesis was rejected, indicating that the direct effect of product quality on revisit intention is not statistically significant. Practically, these findings provide strategic insights for food court managers and culinary business operators. Emphasizing holistic customer experiences and maintaining consistent service quality are critical to enhance revisit intention loyalty.
The Impact of ESG Dimensions on Employee Satisfaction And Turnover: A Cross-Industry Study Original Research Article Country Philippines
This study investigates the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices on employee satisfaction and turnover, focusing on the financial and internet industries in Hong Kong. Through a survey of 138 employees, the research examines how different ESG dimensions influence job outcomes and explores industry-specific variations. The findings reveal that governance (G) has the most significant impact on employee satisfaction and turnover in the financial sector, while social responsibility (S) plays a dominant role in the internet sector. Environmental responsibility (E), however, shows minimal influence across both industries. Regression analysis confirms that strong governance and social responsibility practices enhance job satisfaction and reduce turnover, with industry differences shaping the relative impact of ESG factors. These results provide theoretical contributions to stakeholder and organizational justice theories while offering practical implications for corporate ESG strategies. Companies in highly regulated industries should emphasize governance, while those in innovation-driven sectors should prioritize social responsibility. Future research should expand across industries and regions to enhance generalizability and explore causal relationships using longitudinal methods.
On System Dynamics: an Evaluation on the Environmental Impact of A Sustainable Agricultural Production System Innovation-- the Case in Cambanay, Danao City, Cebu Original Research Article Country Philippines
Pages 165-185
Jay Emanuel Q. Alegarbes || Dr. Amando Jr. A. Radomes
As the goals of “Promotion of Urban Farming in Remote Areas” and “Accelerating Agricultural innovation”, the agriculture development in Barangay Cambanay has not yet offered the opportunity. In this context, system dynamics will play a great role to simulate the environmental impacts of developing an agricultural innovation in the community so that proper policies backed up with some interventions can be identified. The model is simulated in a 10-year horizon. The status quo is relatively along the lower bound limit compared to the rest of the simulated values in, having its land productivity value of 0.0071%, environmental index of 20%, and harvest yield of 18,422.48 kg per square meter. If incentive policy switch is being implemented, the system will exponentially decrease having negative impact on its land productivity, environmental index, and harvest yield value. Meanwhile, if penalty policy switch is being implemented, the graph of the system will increase the values of the variables. Furthermore, if interventions are added on both of the policies, there will be a positive significant impact on the system ranging from to 23%-1289% increase on the land productivity, increase in environmental index and, increase in harvest yield. Finally, some suggestions are put forward, including government investment, protection of the agricultural ecological environment, and promotion of the agricultural market. It is anticipated that this system dynamic model and suggestions can contribute to the green development of agriculture in the Barangay Cambanay area and other remote small urban areas.
Pipeline Integrity Management and Logistics Performance at Kenya Pipeline Company, Nairobi City County Original Research Article Country Kenya
This study examined the effect of pipeline integrity management on logistics performance at Kenya Pipeline Company, guided by Reliability Theory. A descriptive research design was employed, targeting 495 staff from key operational departments including supply logistics, maintenance, quality control, project construction, and safety & health environment. A sample of 221 respondents was selected using stratified random sampling, and primary data were collected through structured questionnaires. Analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25, applying both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed widespread concerns about inefficiencies in pipeline operations, with respondents highlighting gaps in inspection regularity, maintenance scheduling, and risk management. Despite these challenges, correlation analysis showed a strong and statistically significant relationship between pipeline integrity management and logistics performance (r = 0.976, p < 0.001). Regression analysis further revealed that pipeline integrity management accounted for 57.3% (R² = 0.573) of the variation in logistics performance. The study concludes that effective pipeline integrity management significantly enhances logistics efficiency, reliability, and safety. It recommends the implementation of structured maintenance schedules, investment in real-time monitoring systems, and development of proactive risk assessment frameworks. Future studies should explore the impact of digital technologies like IoT and predictive maintenance tools, and conduct comparative research across regions or firms for broader insights.
Effect of Training on Corporate Governance Outcomes at the Kenya National Youth Service Paramilitary Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County Original Research Article Country Kenya
Corporate governance outcomes, encompassing transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership, are vital for the effective operation of public institutions like the Kenya National Youth Service (KNYS) Paramilitary Academy in Gilgil. Persistent governance challenges, such as weak accountability, hinder its performance. This study investigates the effect of training, a Total Quality Management (TQM) factor, on corporate governance outcomes at the academy. Guided by Agency Theory and Resource-Based View (RBV) Theory, a descriptive research approach targeted 437 officers (senior managers, supervisors, technicians, and instructors). Using stratified random sampling, data were collected from 159 respondents (85.5% response rate) via a semi-structured questionnaire employing a five-point Likert scale. Validity was ensured through content and construct alignment, and reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.814 for training items. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics (frequencies, means, standard deviations) and inferential statistics (correlation, regression) via SPSS. Ethical standards, including informed consent and confidentiality, were upheld. Findings reveal a strong positive correlation (r = 0.792, p < 0.01) between training and governance outcomes, with regression results indicating a significant effect (B = 0.512, p < 0.001), explaining 62.7% of variance (R² = 0.627). However, only 18.2% of respondents agreed that training includes governance and compliance topics, highlighting implementation gaps. The study concludes that comprehensive TQM training enhances governance by fostering accountability and compliance skills, recommending mandatory training programs on quality principles and governance to address gaps and improve outcomes.
A Review of recent advancements in Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods and Fuzzy set theory integration in Flood Risk Management Original Research Article Country Philippines
Flooding caused by river overflows poses substantial risks to ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities. Effective decision-making in selecting appropriate mitigation and intervention strategies requires the integration of multiple conflicting criteria—technical, environmental, economic, and social. Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods have been widely applied in addressing such complex, multidimensional problems. This review first synthesizes recent advances in the application of MCDM techniques in river overflow and flood risk management (FRM), drawing upon peer-reviewed articles published since 2018. It then explores the strengths and limitations of prevalent methods such as AHP, TOPSIS, PROMETHEE, among others, and evaluates their integration with GIS, remote sensing, and hydrological modeling tools. Furthermore, the review explores the fuzzy set theory-based hybrids of MCDM and how they address the challenges in data uncertainty, stakeholder involvement, and contextual adaptability, offering a roadmap for future research and practice. The findings highlight the need for interdisciplinary and participatory approaches that leverage the integration of MCDM and fuzzy set theory’s potential in building resilient alternatives in flood risk management.
Pdf