Examining Bank Deposit and Gross Domestic Product: Building A Better Model through Dynamic Econometric Models with Cointegration Analysis Original Research Article Country Philippines
Bank deposit is inseparably linked to economic growth of any nation. Proper functioning of these banks leads to economic growth of a nation. They are patterns of resources that aim to meet the needs ranging from personal consumption to business investments. This paper examines the use of dynamic econometric models and cointegration analysis to better model bank deposits and gross domestic product of the Philippines. The annual data was gathered from the Federal Reserve Economic Data of Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis from 1960 to 2020. Findings revealed that among the three dynamic econometric models, the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model was found to be the better model on examining bank deposits and gross domestic product. With cointegration analysis, autoregressive variable can significantly affect the entire economic system. In other words, the increase or decrease of bank deposits can significantly cause the entire economic activity. The findings imply that bank deposits consistently impacted by economic development as measured by GDP; and policymakers should focus on this and pay particular attention to the interest rate and the re- discount rate as important tools for monetary policy to draw deposits and finance loans. Heightened monitoring of deposit mobilization must be placed to ensure an increase of economic activity. The Philippines must also maintain political stability to encourage banks to expand their operations and to intensify their efforts to mobilize deposits.
Optimizing Strategies for Preventing and Addressing Cyber bullying among Adolescents in Primary and Secondary Schools Original Research Article Country China
Cyberbullying is an extension of traditional school bullying into the online space, which severely affects the healthy development of adolescents. Factors such as low-level awareness, negative peer groups, and a single evaluation standard contribute to the emergence of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is an act of infringement, and schools have an irreplaceable role in its prevention and intervention, positioning them as a central authority in addressing cyberbullying among adolescents. Schools can optimize their efforts to combat cyberbullying by establishing institutional mechanisms for regular bullying management, creating a diversified anti-bullying education curriculum, fostering a school-wide anti-bullying atmosphere, and constructing an inclusive educational environment to enhance the effectiveness of anti-cyberbullying initiatives.
The "Statistical Report on the Development of the Internet in China" indicates that by December 2021, the total number of internet users in China had reached 1.032 billion, with an internet penetration rate of 73.0%. Among them, the number of minor internet users was 183 million, with an internet penetration rate of 94.9%, significantly higher than that of the adult population. Furthermore, 82.9% of minor internet users own their own internet-enabled devices, with mobile smart terminals being their primary means of access. The proportion of those using smartphones to access the internet is the highest, reaching 65%.This set of data indicates that adolescents, especially minors, have an extremely high rate of internet access, which is also showing a trend of younger age groups coming online. This trend suggests that adolescents are increasingly adapting to the development of internet technologies. However, due to their relatively limited ability to distinguish right from wrong, while internet technologies are transforming their lives, they also provide a "convenient" environment for the occurrence of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying severely harms the mental health of adolescents, and schools bear an irreplaceable responsibility in its prevention and intervention. How to optimize the strategies for schools to prevent and address cyberbullying, and how to improve their practical effectiveness, have become urgent practical issues that need further research.
Driving Success: “the Impact of Quality Assurance Practices on Fast-Food Chain Performance” Original Research Article Country Philippines
Pages 16-27
Alex L. Señara, DM || Dominggo K. Gubalane, CPA PhD || Atty. Joan M. Delatado, DM || Leopoldo L. Salas
This study investigates critical quality assurance practices within the Philippine fast-food industry, a vital sector demanding continuous improvement for customer satisfaction and sustainability. Through analyzing literature and best practices, it proposes an interconnected framework for enhanced efficacy. The central argument emphasizes a holistic approach encompassing employee well-being and safety through strategic investments in safety measures, forming the foundation for reliable service. The research also highlights the need for adaptive quality standards, advocating for regular assessment and stakeholder feedback integration to align with evolving trends and Philippine consumer preferences.
Furthermore, it underscores the pivotal role of employee morale, recommending a multi-faceted approach involving positive work environments, open communication, development opportunities, and engagement surveys to foster a motivated workforce. To optimize quality control, the study stresses proactive continuous improvement strategies, including formalized evaluation systems, employee suggestions, and technology leveraging. Finally, it emphasizes clearly defined roles, comprehensive training incorporating local best practices, ongoing support, and measurable metrics linked to quality goals. Implementing these recommendations can significantly enhance quality assurance, improve operational efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, and sustain competitive advantage in the Philippine fast-food landscape.
Determinants of online Customer Experience among Generation Z online Shoppers in Nigeria Original Research Article Country Nigeria
Different generations do have distinct set of factors that underpinned their shopping habits and for retailers that not only seek survival in the ever evolving retail landscape, understanding how generation z use smart devices to enhance their shopping experience is critical to success and bottom line of e – retailers. This study developed and tested a conceptual model of factors that significantly impacted online customer experience among generation z internet shoppers in Nigeria. Adopting a cross sectional research design, data that were collected simultaneously on seven independent variables, namely, online ease of use, online store trust, online privacy and security, online and web aesthetics, online service quality, online social interactions and online product assortment as well as one dependent variable (online customer experience) through purposive and snowball sampling techniques from 340 online generation z internet shoppers in Nigeria between December 2024 and February 2025 were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) 22 and Analysis for Moment Structure (AMOS) 22. The results of data analysis showed significant relationships between online customer experience and each of online ease of use, online and web aesthetics, online social interactions, online privacy and security, online service quality, online store trust.However, no significant relationship was found between online product assortment and online customer experience. It was recommended that e retailers could maximize return on investment by developing marketing segmentation strategies that enable them focus on generation z customer.
Influence of National Housing Policy Determinants on Implementation of Government Low-Cost Housing Project in Nakuru County, Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
Pages 39-60
Catherine Njeri Waweru || Caleb Odhiambo Onjure || Patrick Kasyula
Access to adequate and affordable housing is considered a human right globally. However, the demand of houses is still high mostly in developing countries like Kenya. While there has been some progress in delivering housing units by the Government there have been challenges largely arising from some failures in policy, legal and institutional design therefore the study sought to assess the determinants of effective implementation of policies on low-cost housing projects in Kenya. Specifically, the study established how availability of resources, stakeholder collaboration, political goodwill and legal framework affect the housing policy implementation in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study was informed on the concept of Stakeholder theory , Resource-based view, Principal agent theory ,Legal Institutionalism Theory and Implementation Theory. The study adopted descriptive research design. The target population was individuals who were actively involved in the implementation of Housing Project in Nakuru County, Kenya. They include 14 community representatives, 7 county officials from the department of Lands and Housing, 5 officials from the Ministry of lands and urban development and 25 technical officers from the contracted companies who were actively involved in the construction of the houses. Since the target population is manageable, the study employed census design to incorporate all the 50 targeted respondents. The study established that low housing projects are not finished on time. Similarly, the study posited that resource availability, stakeholder collaboration, political good will, and legal framework have positive and significant effect on the implementation of policies on low-cost housing projects in Kenya. The study further established that there is unclear and not well-defined legal framework provides clarity on responsibilities enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions. Compliance with regulations does not promote sustainable development practices, resource conservation, and environmental protection. Further, collaborative efforts do not enable comprehensive planning and integrated approaches to housing development. Similarly, collaborative decision-making processes do not promote social cohesion, inclusivity, and empowerment within the community. Housing projects in Nakuru do not have sufficient financial resources to secure construction materials, labor costs, ensuring timely project implementation. The study concluded that there are gaps in the existing legal framework in addressing stakeholder engagement. There are also gaps in collaboration efforts. The study recommended comprehensive and integrated and collaborative planning. The study further recommends clear policy formulation on stakeholder engagements and integration in low-cost housing projects in Kenya. The study also recommended proper resourcing and budgeting for the projects. Further study is recommended to investigate how existing legal framework affects stakeholder engagement.
The Karabakh Conflict and Regional Security Issues in The South Caucasus Original Research Article Country Georgia
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan began before the collapse of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh conflict has been going on for several decades and has repeatedly posed a serious threat to regional security in the South Caucasus. The Karabakh conflict is political and territorial by nature. This conflict has had a huge impact on political processes in the South Caucasus. Although the Karabakh conflict has “calmed down” at this time, the threat of its resumption may again become serious.
This conflict is often intervened by both regional and other non-regional political actors, naturally based on their own interests, which often creates a problem for the security of the region. The Karabakh conflict has repeatedly escalated into military actions at different times. The agreements reached between the opposing countries were often violated by both sides, which made the situation tense from time to time. The Karabakh conflict last resumed in 2020, but an agreement was reached that ended with a concrete result. However, it still remains an unresolved conflict [1].
Product Innovation Strategy and Micro Insurance Penetration in Embu County, Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
The insurance penetration rate in Kenya remains consistently low, currently at about 2.43%. To tackle this issue, insurance companies have adopted various strategies to make their products more appealing to the target market. This study examined the influence of product innovation strategy on micro insurance penetration in Embu County, Kenya, guided by the diffusion of innovation theory. A descriptive research design was used, focusing on all 11 insurance companies operating in Embu County, which served as the unit of analysis. The study included 6 respondents from each insurance company, comprising branch managers, underwriters, agency managers, marketing team leaders, accountants, and customer relationship managers, resulting in a total of 66 respondents. Data was verified for completeness, coded, and analyzed using SPSS. Both descriptive and inferential analysis methods were applied, with the results presented in tables. The descriptive findings indicated that product innovation strategies significantly influenced microinsurance penetration. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship (r=0.725**; p=0.000), suggesting that product innovation strategy has a significant influence on microinsurance penetration. Regression analysis showed an R² value of 0.526, meaning that 52.6% of the variation in microinsurance penetration is explained by product innovation strategy. The study concludes that product innovation plays a crucial role in enhancing microinsurance penetration. It recommends that insurance companies customize microinsurance products and bundle them with other financial services to increase customer value and drive higher penetration rates.
The Influence of Electronic Word of Mouth on Purchase Intention Original Research Article Country Indonesia
This research aims to analyze the influence of Electronic Word of Mouth on information adoption with the usefulness of information as a mediating variable and its influence on purchasing intentions in beauty clinic services.The object of this study is the Erha beauty clinic. The sampling method used is non-probability sampling with a sample size of 149 respondents. Data collection used in this study is a questionnaire, and the analysis technique uses SEM with the help of the smart-PLS 4 analysis tool. The results of this study indicate that the quality of information has a positive but insignificant effect on the usefulness of information, the quantity of information has a positive and significant effect on the usefulness of information, the credibility of information has a positive and significant effect on the usefulness of information, the usefulness of information has a positive and significant effect on the adoption of information and the adoption of information has a positive and significant effect on purchase intention, the usefulness of information cannot mediate the quality of information adoption, usefulness can mediate the quantity of information adoption, the usefulness of information can mediate the credibility of information adoption, and adoption can mediate the usefulness of information purchase intention.
Effect of Psychosocial Well-Being on Employee Performance in Registered Flower Farms in Meru County, Kenya. Original Research Article Country Kenya
In Meru County, Kenya, flower farms are a vital economic pillar, yet challenges persist in achieving optimal employee performance, including productivity, job satisfaction, and attendance. This study investigates the effect of psychosocial well-being on employee performance in registered flower farms in Meru County, Kenya. Guided by the Resource-Based View Theory and Expectancy Theory, the study adopted a descriptive research approach, targeting 115 key personnel, including Farm Managers, Human Resources Managers, and Health and Safety Officers. A census approach was used, with data collected from 99 respondents (86.1% 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 0.70 or higher. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics (frequencies, means, standard deviations) and inferential statistics (correlation, regression). Ethical standards, including informed consent and confidentiality, were upheld. The findings reveal a near-perfect correlation (r=0.999, p<0.01) between psychosocial well-being and employee performance, with regression results indicating a substantial positive effect (B=1.097, p<0.001). Moderate perceptions of well-being programs (e.g., 31.3% agreeing they enhance performance) suggest gaps in implementation. The study concludes that prioritizing psychosocial well-being through mental health initiatives, stress management, and work-life balance programs significantly enhances employee performance, offering a strategic pathway for improving productivity in flower farms.
Analysis of the Kams Shown by Independent Auditor Companies for Businesses in the “Food, Beverage and Tobacco” Sector in Bist between the Periods 2020-2023 Original Research Article Country Türkiye
In this study, the Key Audit Matters (KAMs) indicated by the Independent Auditors in the financial reports of the companies in the 'Food, Beverages and Tobacco' sector in Borsa Istanbul (BIST) for the years 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 were analyzed. As a result of the analysis, the number and types of Key Audit Matters indicated by the 34 Independent Auditor firms examined over four years vary. The Key Audit Matters indicated by these companies have been set forth according to each year's market conditions and the areas that pose a risk to investors on a sectoral basis. The number of businesses in the "Food, Beverages and Tobacco" sector in the 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 periods, the number of Key Audit Matters, what they are, and which Key Audit Matters and numbers the independent auditor firms focused on were examined. The most frequently cited Key Audit Matters for each period and their numbers were investigated. Again, the averages of the number of Key Audit Matters for each period and the number of enterprises were taken and the average annual decrease in the number of KAMs was determined.
Developing ESG Legal Frameworks in Emerging Markets: Challenges and Lessons for Vietnam Original Research Article Country Vietnam
This paper analyzes the current situation and key challenges in developing a legal framework for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices in developing countries, with a particular focus on Vietnam. Despite initial efforts—such as the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection and Circular No. 96/2020/TT-BTC—Vietnam’s ESG legal system remains fragmented, lacks coordination, and fails to generate sufficient compliance incentives. Major barriers include weak institutional capacity, limited transparency, low awareness, ineffective enforcement mechanisms, and underdeveloped corporate governance structures. Drawing on international experiences, the study proposes six key solution groups: (1) aligning ESG regulations with national development strategies; (2) encouraging stakeholder participation; (3) improving transparency and standardizing ESG reporting; (4) strengthening institutional capacity and data infrastructure; (5) integrating ESG into public investment policies; and (6) enhancing transparency and anti-corruption mechanisms. Lessons from countries like Singapore and Malaysia highlight the importance of clear roadmaps, technical support, and the establishment of specialized coordinating agencies. This study contributes to the policy discourse by providing strategic orientations for building a coherent and effective ESG ecosystem tailored to Vietnam’s context, thereby promoting sustainable development within the business sector
The Effects of “Gunȏ Bong” Cultural Tourism on the Quality of Life of Residents in Brgy. Lemsnolon, T'boli, South Cotabato Original Research Article Country Philippines
This study explores how cultural heritage tourism, particularly Gunȏ Bong, influences the quality of life of residents in Brgy. Lemsnolon, T’boli, South Cotabato,a significant site of T’boli cultural identity and local economic activity. While tourism grants more opportunities for cultural preservation and income generation, it also brings challenges, including increased living costs, environmental problems, and potential cultural exploitation.
However, through the development of tourism , residents, as the main stakeholders of the community are also the most affected by both its positive and negative effects. The satisfaction of dimensions of well-being such as material well-being, emotional well-being, health and safety well-being and the general quality of life (QOL) of residents should be a top priority for local leaders and government officials to effectively sustain cultural tourism and social cohesion in the community. Finally, the study emphasizes clearly defined goals and identifies continuous improvement strategies, including enhanced tourism policy, empowering people and strengthening community-based program if they wish to ensure cultural tourism that will truly benefit the community.. Implementing these recommendations can significantly improve the quality of life (QOL) of residents in the community.
Unpacking Resilience: “the Interplay of Entrepreneurial Capabilities on Sari-Sari Store Survival in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental” Original Research Article Country Philippines
Pages 120-127
Dr. Alex L. Señara || Dr. Julius Sol O. Jamero || Ester E. Gabutan || Juvy T. Gonzaga || Rden G. Gayramara || Evan A. Magsayo || Maria Luisa Bolacito
This study delves into the multifaceted challenges encountered by sari-sari store operators in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Philippines, revealing a pervasive sentiment of disillusionment stemming from a perceived lack of socio-economic advancement despite their efforts. This feeling of stagnation, supported by observational data indicating weariness, is primarily attributed to a foundational deficit in essential business acumen and effectivefinancial management practices. Theinherent characteristics of sari-sari stores, including slow capital turnover and unpredictable sales, further compound these difficulties, hindering crucial reinvestment and growth. The precarious operational landscape is significantly exacerbated by external economic pressures, notably the volatility of goods prices, restricted accessto necessary capital forinventory, and the persistenterosion of already thin profit margins dueto high inflation. Thesefactors often compel operatorsto adoptreactive,short-term survivalstrategies, limiting their capacity for proactive business planning and sustainable growth. Moreover, the increasing saturation of the local market with competing sari-sari stores intensifies the pressure on individual businesses, particularly given that many operators enter this sector out of necessity due to limited alternative employment opportunities, rather than driven by strategic entrepreneurial ambitions. Consequently, this analysis underscores a critical need for targeted and holistic interventions beyond financial assistance. To truly empower these vital community micro-enterprises, comprehensive business training programs focusing on financial literacy,strategic planning methodologies tailored to their specific context, and the development of adaptive capabilities are essential. Simultaneously, efforts to facilitate access to stable and reliable supply chains, coupled with initiatives to explore opportunities for market differentiation within the competitive environment, hold the key to enhancing their resilience, fostering sustainable growth, and ultimately improving the socio-economic well-being of these operators and their communities in Balingasag.
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