Financial Risk Management Practices and Sustainability of Small-Scale Agricultural Value Addition Facilities in Arua City, Uganda Original Research Article Country Uganda
This study examined the relationship between financial risk management practices and the sustainability of agricultural small-scale value addition facilities in Arua City, Uganda. Small- scale agricultural value addition facilities contribute to local economic activity through the processing and transformation of agricultural products, but their operations and growth may be constrained by limited access to finance and other financial challenges affecting investment and expansion (World Bank, 2018). A descriptive-correlational design was employed, and data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS. The findings revealed a very strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between financial risk management practices and sustainability (R = .976, β = .976, p < .001). Financial risk management practices explained 95.2% of the variation in sustainability (R² = .952, Adjusted R² = .951). The findings indicate that systematic identification, assessment, control, reporting, and monitoring of financial risks are strongly associated with the sustainability of agricultural smallscale value addition facilities, including their financial viability, fulfilment of financial obligations, operational continuity, and growth. The study concludes that financial risk management practices are an important management capability associated with the sustainability of agricultural small-scale value addition facilities. The study contributes empirical evidence from the value addition context, showing that sustainability is associated not only with production and market conditions but also with the management of financial risks. The study recommends strengthening financial risk management capacity through training in financial planning, budgeting, cash-flow management, financial record keeping, and risk monitoring. Arua City authorities and relevant government agencies should strengthen business development support and financial management capacity-building initiatives. Future studies should examine other factors associated with sustainability, including access to finance, market access, availability of raw materials, technology, production capacity, and managerial capability.
The Cost of Meaning: Legal Interpretation and Unequal Access to Justice in Australia Original Research Article Country Australia
The distinction between the letter and spirit of the law raises a practical question: who can afford to contest the meaning attributed to a legal rule? This article examines that question in Australia through doctrinal analysis and sociolegal scholarship. It argues that economic inequality affects the capacity to identify relevant law, substantiate legally significant facts and challenge institutional decisions. Australian statutory interpretation integrates text, context and purpose; purposive reasoning is neither an exceptional remedy nor a judicial licence to disregard legislation. Nevertheless, its effective use, alongside factual proof and procedural safeguards, may depend on resources that litigants possess unequally. The article develops this argument through Hart, Dworkin, Kennedy and Galanter, four expressly hypothetical illustrations, and the documented Robodebt litigation. Robodebt demonstrates the consequences of unlawful administrative practices and delayed correction, rather than a lawful literal interpretation producing harsh results. The article proposes accessible legal information, earlier legal assistance, proportionate evidentiary processes, stronger public accountability and targeted costs protection. Its central claim is that equal interpretive principles require institutions that make lawful arguments and remedies practically accessible.
Accounts Receivable Management Practices and Financial Performance of Youth-Owned Micro-Enterprises in Mandera Town, Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
Micro-enterprises in informal, credit-constrained economies often depend on how well they manage what customers owe them. This study examined whether accounts receivable management practices are associated with the financial performance of youthowned micro-enterprises in Mandera Town, Kenya, using a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. Of 245 enterprises sampled from a population of 630 at a 5% margin of error, 226 returned usable questionnaires (92% response rate). Accounts receivable management was measured through five practices; financial performance through profitability and liquidity indicators. Data were analysed in Excel Data Analysis ToolPak using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and linear regression. Adoption of receivables practices was moderate (M = 3.54, SD = 0.77), as was financial performance (M = 3.49, SD = 0.77). The relationship was weak and not statistically significant, r(224) = .064, p = .337; F(1, 224) = 0.93, p = .337, R2 = .004, explaining under one percent of the variance in financial performance. Rather than indicating receivables management is unimportant, the result suggests these practices alone do not explain differences in financial performance in this sample. The paper recommends practical financial literacy and credit training support, and calls for further research into factors that may condition this relationship.
The Cronyism Risk Leadership Appointments and Merit Based Selection in Australia Original Research Article Country Australia
Leadership appointments create governance risks when personal connections displace evidence of capability. This article distinguishes legitimate professional networking from cronyism and nepotism, and argues that the central concern is whether appointment decisions rest on transparent, job-related and independently reviewable criteria. It draws together organisational research, Australian Public Service merit principles, corporate governance guidance, prudential standards and public inquiry findings. The analysis identifies four potential mechanisms through which relationshipdominated selection can weaken organisational integrity: reduced procedural fairness and trust, inhibited employee voice, a mismatch between leadership capability and organisational responsibilities, and the reproduction of socially homogeneous decision-making networks. Public inquiries illustrate the consequences of deficient governance, but do not establish cronyism merely because institutional failure occurred. Nor do available national cost estimates measure losses attributable to cronyism. The article proposes a practical framework combining predefined capability requirements, structured assessment, conflict management, independent participation, comparative reasons and review after appointment. It concludes that the legitimacy of an appointment depends on evidence of suitability rather than the absence of any prior relationship.
Effect of Strategy Formulation on Organizational Performance of Biscuit Manufacturing Firms in Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
Pages 39-45
Ruth Macharia || Prof. Kennedy Kirima || Dr. Ezekiah Kimani
This study examined the effect of strategy formulation on organizational performance of biscuit manufacturing firms in Kenya. The survey used descriptive research design. The target population comprised 500 employees from selected biscuit manufacturing firms in Kenya, including Manji Industries Limited, Sunveat, Parle Products (Parle), Bakers Ltd, Golden Biscuits, and Nuvita. These firms were deliberately selected due to their significant contribution to Kenya’s biscuit industry and the diversity of their organizational structures. The instruments of data collection were questionnaires. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that strategy formulation significantly influenced organizational performance of biscuit manufacturing firms in Kenya (B = 0.105; P = 0. 096). The study concluded that Companies that make proper strategy formulation are in a better position to adapt to the changes in the market, make sound decisions and achieve their performance goals, which eventually lead to sustainable growth and enhanced market position. The study recommends that the management must engage the key shareholders in the procedure of strategy development so that it leads to buy-in and improved implementation. Through wellorganized strategic planning activities, companies would enhance the allocation of resources, competitiveness as well as overall organizational performance. Future studies should explore other organizational and environmental conditions such as innovation, organizational culture, market competition, technology adoption and financial strategies that could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing performance
A Future in Ethical AI Practice: A Framework for Adoption and Application in Australian Organisations Original Research Article Country Australia
The arrival of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a mainstream business tool presents both a profound opportunity and a significant challenge to the Australian economic and social fabric. Its promise of unprecedented innovation and productivity is shadowed by complex ethical risks from entrenched algorithmic bias and opaque decision-making to serious infringements on privacy and fractured lines of accountability. This paper contends that securing public trust and realising AI's full potential in Australia demands that organisations move beyond superficial ethical statements. Instead, they must weave ethical diligence into the fabric of strategy, product development, and daily operations. Success hinges on a proactive, multi-stakeholder model that acknowledges the distinct, yet critically interconnected, perspectives of AI practitioners, the end-users impacted by their work, and the interdisciplinary teams needed to bridge the technical-social divide. Through an analysis of Australia's current ethical AI landscape, including key government frameworks and industry findings, this paper puts forward a practical framework for ethical AI adoption. The model rests on four pillars: robust Governance and Leadership to drive accountability; practical, lifecycle-wide Implementation to embed ethics from conception to deployment; pervasive Education and a supportive Organisational Culture to foster shared responsibility; and proactive External Engagement and Transparency to earn a durable social licence to operate. Adopting such a framework offers a path for Australian organisations to mitigate emergent risks and build sustainable advantage, contributing to a future where AI genuinely serves human flourishing and equitable progress
Strategic Planning Practices and Performance of Supermarkets in Nairobi City County, Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
Pages 54-60
Sharon Chepkemoi Bett || Dr. Ezekiah Kimani || Dr. Maina Justus
Supermarkets in Nairobi City County have faced serious performance challenges, including the collapse of several large chains, yet the contribution of strategic planning to their performance remains under-researched. This study determined the relationship between strategic planning practices and the performance of supermarkets in Nairobi City County, Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted as a census of the 147 registered supermarkets, guided by the Resource-Based View. Data were collected from branch managers, departmental supervisors and senior operational leads using a pre-tested five-point Likert questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha above .70). In total, 118 usable questionnaires were returned, an 80.27% response rate. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 29 using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and regression analysis. Strategic planning practices were applied to a high extent (mean = 3.91, SD = 0.84); a clear vision and mission was the most established practice and staff involvement the weakest (mean = 3.24). Strategic planning practices were positively and significantly related to performance (r = .584, p < .001; β = 0.245, p = .001). The study concludes that formal, participative planning enhances supermarket performance and recommends that managers involve operational staff in planning and review plans regularly.
Digital Literacy and Taxpayer Compliance in Coretax Implementation: The Role of Ease of Use and Trust Original Research Article Country Indonesia
Pages 61-68
Nyoman Sentosa Hardika || I Made Ariana || Ni Ketut Sukasih || Nyoman Aryaningsih
This study examines the direct effect of digital literacy on taxpayer compliance while evaluating its indirect effects through parallel and serial mediation pathways involving ease of use and trust. This study adopted an explanatory quantitative research design to analyze the causal relationships among digital literacy, perceived ease of use, trust, and taxpayer compliance under Indonesia’s Coretax implementation. Empirical data were collected from 105 active individual taxpayers in Badung Regency, Bali, selected through purposive sampling and measured using structured 5-point Likert-scale questionnaires. We analyzed the data using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in WarpPLS 8.0, evaluating both the measurement model (validity and reliability) and the structural model. The results reveal that digital literacy impacts taxpayer compliance strictly through a sequential serial mediation mechanism (Digital Literacy → Ease of Use → Trust → Taxpayer Compliance), rather than via a direct positive path. While digital literacy is a vital prerequisite for perceived ease of use, technical proficiency alone does not ensure compliance— highlighting a "digital literacy paradox" when not supported by system simplicity and institutional trust. Ultimately, the integrated TAM-SSF framework demonstrates solid empirical robustness, accounting for 29% of the variance in taxpayer compliance (𝑅 2 = 0.29) and achieving high predictive relevance (𝑄 2 = 0.404) within Indonesia’s Coretax implementation framework.
Development and Evaluation of an Integrated Spreadsheet-Based Working Paper for Advanced Financial Accounting Practice Original Research Article Country Indonesia
Pages 69-75
I Made Ariana || I Wayan Karman || Ni Ketut Masih || Made Sura Ambara Jaya
This study aims to develop and evaluate an integrated spreadsheet-based working paper for advanced financial accounting practice. This research uses a Research and Development (R&D) approach and adopts the PPE (Planning, Production, Evaluation) model. The research procedure begins with the planning phase, which focuses on analyzing user needs. The subsequent phase is production, which involves building a prototype of the integrated spreadsheet-based working paper application. The process then proceeds to the evaluation phase through direct testing with students, utilizing user response questionnaires as the data collection instrument. Data analysis used a descriptive quantitative approach by comparing actual scores with ideal scores. Based on the analysis, the integrated spreadsheet-based working paper product for advanced financial accounting practice effectively meets practical learning needs. It is deemed feasible from technical, operational, and economic perspectives. This study contributes to developing an integrated spreadsheet-based accounting practice working paper application that meets technical, operational, and economic feasibility criteria, making it suitable for implementation in actual instructional settings.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Customer Orientation in a Bertrand Duopoly with Differentiated Products Original Research Article Country Japan
This paper investigates the strategic effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and customer orientation (CO) in a Bertrand duopoly with differentiated products. Extending prior research on quantity competition, the study develops a threestage game in which two firms first choose between CSR and CO cultures, then set their respective levels, and finally compete in prices. The result shows that, unlike under Cournot competition, neither CSR nor CO increases firm profits under price competition. The incentive for firms to care for all consumers or only their own customers disappears when competition is based on prices rather than quantities.
Negotiation as A Key Stage in Mediation: Specific Features. Characteristics and Practical Aspects Original Research Article Country Ukraine
The article examines negotiation as a key stage of mediation and the principal mechanism for achieving mutually acceptable agreements between parties to a conflict. It explores the nature and specific features of the negotiation process in mediation, identifies its differences from conventional negotiations, and analyzes the mediator’s role in organizing constructive interaction between participants. Particular attention is paid to the transition from positional confrontation to identifying the parties’ interests, the influence of emotional factors and communication barriers, and the challenges posed by unequal negotiating power, manipulative behavior, and psychological pressure. The article considers the main stages of the negotiation process: preparation, opening the negotiations, identifying the subject of the conflict, exploring interests, generating alternatives, reaching agreements, and assessing their feasibility. It argues that the effectiveness of negotiations in mediation is determined not only by whether an agreement is reached but also by the voluntariness, informed nature, legality, and practical feasibility of the agreed solutions. The article concludes that negotiation in mediation is an important instrument for constructive conflict resolution and development of a culture of dialogue.
Leadership Styles and Employee Absenteeism in Namibia's Mining Sector: A Qualitative Case Study of Namdeb Diamond Corporation Original Research Article Country Namibia
Employee absenteeism remains an important organisational challenge, particularly in labour-intensive and safetysensitive industries where continuous workforce availability is essential for operational efficiency and employee safety. Leadership represents an important organisational factor that may shape employee motivation, trust, morale, engagement, and attendance behaviour. This study examines the influence of leadership styles on employee absenteeism at Namdeb Diamond Corporation in Namibia. The article is extracted from a broader qualitative case study examining workplace management practices and employee absenteeism in the Namibian mining sector. An interpretivist philosophy and qualitative case study design were adopted, with data collected through semi-structured interviews involving 20 purposively selected participants comprising operational employees, supervisors, and managers. NVivo 15 was used to organise transcripts, manage the coding structure and store coded extracts, but the interpretation of themes remained the responsibility of the researcher. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns within participants' experiences and perceptions. The findings indicate that leadership has a substantial influence on employee attendance behaviour. Supportive leadership practices characterised by coaching, open communication, supervisor visibility, employee recognition, safety communication, and attention to employee welfare were associated with greater trust, morale, motivation, and willingness to attend work. Conversely, favouritism, poor communication, inaccessible supervisors, inconsistent leave administration, perceived bias, inadequate fatigue management, and prioritisation of production over employee welfare were associated with demotivation, mistrust, burnout, and absenteeism. The findings further demonstrate that leadership does not influence absenteeism in isolation but operates through organisational justice, social exchange, employee well-being, and perceptions of organisational support. The study concludes that leadership development should form an integral part of absenteeism management in mining organisations. Namdeb should strengthen empathic and transparent leadership, improve supervisory accountability, promote consistent treatment of employees, and equip supervisors with communication, emotional intelligence, conflict-resolution, and employee-well-being competencies
E-Procurement Implementation and Procurement Efficiency at NamPower, Namibia: A Mixed-Methods Assessment Original Research Article Country Namibia
Electronic procurement has increasingly become an important component of digital transformation in public and stateowned organisations. E-procurement systems are intended to reduce administrative burdens, shorten procurement processing times, improve information management, and strengthen the overall efficiency of procurement operations. However, the implementation of an electronic system does not automatically guarantee improved organisational performance, as the realisation of efficiency gains may depend on system quality, employee competence, organisational readiness, and the integration of the system into existing organisational processes. This article assesses the effect of e-procurement implementation on procurement efficiency at NamPower, Namibia. A mixed-methods design was employed, incorporating quantitative survey data from 116 respondents and qualitative interviews with 10 procurement officers, system administrators, and departmental managers. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings demonstrate that e-procurement has contributed substantially to procurement efficiency at NamPower. Procurement System Quality recorded a high mean score of 4.060 (SD = 0.720), while User Competence emerged as the strongest direct predictor of Procurement Performance (β = 0.408, p < .001). Organisational Readiness was also a significant predictor (β = 0.290, p = .010). Qualitative findings strongly corroborated the quantitative evidence, with nine of the ten interview participants reporting improvements in efficiency, particularly through reduced paperwork, faster transaction processing, automated supplier notifications, and reduced administrative workload. Nevertheless, system integration challenges and inadequate training constrained the full realisation of efficiency gains. The article concludes that e-procurement has improved procurement efficiency at NamPower, but its effectiveness depends substantially on the organisation's ability to develop user competence, strengthen organisational readiness, and improve interoperability between procurement and other enterprise systems.
Recruitment Practices and Perceptions of Fairness in the Namibian Police Force: A Qualitative Assessment Original Research Article Country Namibia
Recruitment is a critical human resource management function in law enforcement because the quality, competence, and integrity of personnel entering a police organisation have implications for organisational performance and public confidence. The Namibian Police Force (NAMPOL) operates a formal recruitment system involving vacancy advertising, application screening, shortlisting, physical assessments, interviews, and final selection. However, concerns remain regarding the efficiency of manual recruitment procedures, consistency in implementation, transparency, and perceptions of fairness. This study qualitatively assessed current recruitment practices and perceptions of fairness within NAMPOL. The study adopted a constructivist philosophy and a qualitative case study design. Purposive sampling was used to select participants with direct knowledge or experience of recruitment activities. Fifteen questionnaires were distributed and 11 were completed, representing a response rate of 73.3%. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics for closed-ended responses and thematic analysis supported by ATLAS.ti for qualitative responses. The findings indicate that NAMPOL has a structured and formal recruitment system, with public advertising, screening, standardised interviews, panel selection, and defined job requirements identified as important strengths. However, the system remains substantially manual and paper-based, resulting in delays, administrative inefficiencies, and difficulties in processing large numbers of applications. Perceptions of fairness were mixed. Although 54.6% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that recruitment decisions were based on merit and objective criteria, 18.2% strongly disagreed and 27.3% remained neutral. Similar variation was observed regarding consistency across departments. Participants identified favouritism, leadership influence, limited feedback, inconsistent communication, and inadequate transparency as concerns affecting trust in recruitment outcomes. The study concludes that NAMPOL possesses an established recruitment framework, but improvements in consistency, transparency, communication, technological support, and competency-based assessment are required to strengthen perceptions of fairness and recruitment effectiveness.
Staff Knowledge and Compliance with Public Procurement Laws among County Governments in Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of staff knowledge on compliance with public procurement laws among county governments in Kenya. The study assessed staff knowledge using familiarity scores with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, training hours, and professional certification status, while compliance with public procurement laws was measured using tender advertisement compliance rates, evaluation committee certification rates, and audit compliance rates. The study sought to provide empirical evidence on how procurement staff's knowledge, training, and professional certification influence adherence to public procurement laws and regulations within Kenya's devolved county governments. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive research design using a quantitative approach. The target population comprised all forty-seven county governments in Kenya, with county governments serving as the unit of analysis. Fourteen county governments were purposively selected to represent different regional economic blocs and varying levels of procurement compliance. A total of 52 completed questionnaires were returned. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. Findings: The study found that staff knowledge had a positive and statistically significant effect on compliance with public procurement laws among county governments in Kenya (β = 0.605, t = 7.009, p < 0.001). These findings indicate that higher levels of staff knowledge are associated with improved compliance with public procurement laws, highlighting the importance of procurement legislation familiarity, staff training, and professional certification in promoting adherence to procurement requirements within county governments. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study contributes to theory by integrating Virtue Ethics Theory, Competency Theory, and Institutional Theory to explain the relationship between staff knowledge and procurement compliance. Practically, it recommends continuous staff training, professional certification, and improved knowledge of procurement legislation. From a policy perspective, the study recommends strengthening professional development frameworks and staff knowledge assessment to enhance compliance, transparency, accountability, and value for money in county governments.
Conditional CAPM model with a logit variable Original Research Article Country Brasil
Despite the criticisms, the improvement of the static CAPM, giving rise to new conditional models, brings greater security to the investor throughout the business cycle. The CAPM and its static versions were and are of great importance in finance. Nowadays we find more complex adaptations of the CAPM model, which allow us to have answers to questions in finance that for a long time remained unsolved. Given this panorama and considering all this great discussion about the validity of the CAPM, this article seeks to present the conditional model. To achieve such an objective, the tests of the conditional models (beta varying over time) will be studied, using Artificial Intelligence. These tests are convenient for incorporating variances and covariances that change over time. Among the tests of the conditional models, we highlight that of Jagannathan and Wang (1996) with the application of a Logit variable.
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