A mutual fund is a pool of capital managed by an Asset Management Company (AMC), which gathers funds from individual and institutional investors. These funds are then invested across various securities, including stocks, bonds, real estate, and other capital assets, as well as in other mutual funds. Asset Management Companies typically offer various categories of equity mutual funds, each with its own risk profile. When evaluating mutual funds, performance metrics like trailing return and rolling return are commonly used. However, long-term investors must also consider other factors—such as assets under management (AUM), expense ratios, the number of stocks in the portfolio, and the experience of the fund managers when selecting a mutual fund.
This study aims to explore the relationship between the performance of selected equity mutual funds and the key factors that investors consider when choosing a fund. The research employs t-statistics to identify any significant correlations.
The findings indicate that there is no substantial relationship between the trailing return of any type of equity mutual fund and the factors chosen by investors. However, the number of stocks in the portfolio and the experience of the management team slightly influence the rolling return of large-cap equity mutual funds. Additionally, assets under management have a minor impact on the rolling return of mid-cap mutual funds.
The Influence of Patriotic Advertising on Consumers’ Intention to Purchase Domestic Cars in Vietnam Original Research Article Country Vietnam
Pages 09-25
Nguyen Thi Phuong Linh || Pham Phuong Hoa || Dam Thi Minh Huong || Pham Minh Ngoc || Nguyen Thi Nguyet || Nguyen Hong Tham
This study examines factors influencing Vietnamese consumers' intention to purchase domestic automobiles, applying Message Framing Theory, Norm Activation Theory, and Means-End Chain Theory. Key factors include personal norms, awareness of consequences, ascription of responsibility, consumer effectiveness, self-brand connection, and patriotic advertising. Structural equation modeling results show that personal norms strongly impact purchase intention, mediated by awareness of consequences and responsibility. Consumer effectiveness and self-brand connection also enhance purchase intention. Additionally, patriotic advertising, when strategically framed, boosts consumer engagement. These findings offer insights for domestic brands and policymakers in leveraging normative and emotional factors to strengthen market competitiveness.
Implementing Telemedicine in Vietnam: Opportunities, Challenges,and Recommendations Original Research Article Country Vietnam
Pages 26-32
Quynh Anh Vu || Le Trung Duong || Minh Trang Dinh || Tho Thi Pham || Minh Quan Tran
Healthcare and telemedicine play a crucial role in national development, both in Vietnam and globally. Although telemedicine has existed and evolved since the 1990s, health disparities remain a persistent challenge across various regions of Vietnam, affecting both rural and urban populations and limiting equitable access to patient-centered healthcare. Therefore, Vietnam should implement proper solutions in order to maintain and enhance the benefits of applying the telemedicine system in Vietnam while reducing the strain negatively affecting this system.
Financial Literacy and Investment Decisions amongst Small Scale Tea Farmers in Bomet County, Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
Financial literacy is increasingly critical due to the growing complexity of the global economy, with its absence hindering individuals' ability to make sound investment decisions. This study examines how financial literacy impacts the investment decisions of small-scale tea farmers in Bomet County, Kenya, focusing on their knowledge of borrowing, budgeting, saving, and record-keeping. A descriptive survey design was employed, with data collected from small-scale tea farmers in Bomet Central Sub-County using simple random sampling. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 22.0, incorporating both descriptive and inferential statistics. Reliability tests confirmed the questionnaire's validity, with Cronbach alpha values ranging from 0.713 to 0.882. Findings revealed that savings literacy significantly positively influenced investment decisions (β = 0.174; p = 0.036), while borrowing literacy (β = -0.022; p = 0.805), budgeting literacy (β = -0.055; p = 0.501), and record-keeping literacy (β = 0.041; p = 0.647) had no significant impact. The study concludes that improving savings literacy is essential for enhancing investment decisions among small-scale tea farmers. It recommends continuous financial literacy programs focusing on effective saving strategies, goal setting and the benefits of savings for future investments to improve financial planning.
Behind the Digital Mask: Unveiling the Drivers of Anonymous Negative Word-Of-Mouth in Education Original Research Article Country Vietnam
Pages 56-69
Minh Hoa Nguyen || Thi Minh Huong Dam || Phuong Hoa Pham || Minh Ngoc Pham || Thi Nguyet Nguyen || Hong Tham Nguyen
This study investigates factors influencing anonymous negative electronic word-of-mouth (NeWOM) regarding school services among Gen Z on social media. Grounded in Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and Spiral of Silence Theory (SoS), the research examines the roles of fear of negative evaluation (FNE), response efficacy (RE), perceived opinion support (POS), self-efficacy (SE), threat severity (TS), online privacy concerns (OPC) and Vulnerability (VU). A quantitative approach was employed, utilizing PLS-SEM analysis with data from 478 respondents. The findings demonstrate that online anonymity significantly amplifies NeWOM, with fear of negative evaluation (FNE) and online privacy concerns (OPC) being the most influential factors. In contrast, perceived opinion support (POS) and self-efficacy (SE) were found to be statistically insignificant. Additionally, the study reveals that Vulnerability (VU) positively moderates the relationship between online privacy concerns (OPC) and NeWOM, highlighting the role of perceived risk in shaping anonymous online behavior. These findings highlight the psychological and social drivers of anonymous NeWOM and emphasize the need for proactive reputation management and transparent communication in education.
Beyond the Double Shift: “Exploring the Emotional And Financial Strain on Single Mother Working Students” Original Research Article Country Philippines
Pages 70-76
Dr. Alex L. Señara || Dr. Karen Jane S. Ungab || Joan T. Batahoy || Junmar C. Pizaña || Jacqueline L. Segundo,
This study explores the lived experiences of twelve single mother working students in Business Administration of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, Mindanao, Philippines, examining the multifaceted socio - economic, psycho-social, and educational challenges they face. Through a qualitative phenomenological approach, the research delves into the emotional well-being, social dynamics, and economic circumstances of twelve single mothers working students. Findings reveal that the pressures ofmanaging multiple responsibilities often lead to emotional distress and depressive symptoms, exacerbated by limited time and resources. Participants consistently prioritized their children's well-being and education, frequently at the expense of their own needs. Social isolation and financial instability, stemming from varied employment situations, significantly impacted their decision-making and overall well-being. The study underscores the critical need for robust social support and financial stability to improve the lives of single parents and their children. Ultimately, this research highlights the urgent need for targeted policies and interventions, including government social legislation, to mitigate the complex challenges faced by single parents and enable them to achieve a fulfilling quality of life.
Effect of Technology Adoption on the Performance of Oil Marketing Firms in Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
Pages 77-83
Faith Jepchirchir Kiprop || Dr. Jeptepkeny Bowen || Prof. Simon Kipchumba
The oil marketing industry in Kenya faces stiff competition and fluctuating profitability, prompting firms to explore innovative strategies to enhance performance. This study aimed to determine the effect of technology adoption on the performance of oil marketing firms in Kenya. Anchored on the resource-based view and dynamic capabilities theories, the research employed a descriptive research design, targeting 64 heads of strategy in all oil marketing firms in Kenya. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using correlation and multiple linear regression models. The results indicated that technology adoption significantly improves organizational performance, explaining 90.5% of the variance in performance. Firms that strategically adopt new technologies experience enhanced operational efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness. The findings underscore the critical role of technology adoption in driving firm performance, making it a key strategic priority for industry players. The study recommends that oil marketing firms invest in emerging technologies and foster a culture of continuous innovation to remain competitive in the dynamic energy sector. The insights from this study offer valuable contributions to industry players seeking sustainable and innovative strategies to enhance performance, making it a relevant topic for the conference's focus on innovation and partnerships.
Real-Time Monitoring and Performance of Environmental Conservation Projects in Nakuru County, Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
This study examines the influence of real-time monitoring in environmental conservation projects in Nakuru County, which has led to significant delays and cost overruns. Despite the recognized importance of monitoring, traditional methods have proven inadequate, resulting in inefficiencies and poor project performance. By examining the impact of real-time monitoring on these projects, this research aimed to fill the gap in understanding and improve project management, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and success of conservation efforts in the region. Anchored on the PMBOK framework, this study explored real-time monitoring in project management. The PMBOK framework organizes project activities into five core process groups—initiation, planning, execution, and closure—to enhance project efficiency. In environmental conservation projects, real-time monitoring plays a crucial role in supporting these processes by providing timely data that informs decision-making. A quantitative research design was used, with data collected from 33 project stakeholders via structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis via SPSS confirmed data reliability and assessed the impact of real-time monitoring using regression and correlation analyses. Findings highlight the significance of monitoring in the execution phase. Monitoring supports task coordination and early issue detection (β=0.123; p<0.010), aiding timeline and cost control. Regression analysis revealed a moderate positive correlation (R=0.777) between real-time monitoring in the execution phase and project performance, explaining one-third of the variance (R²=0.604). These insights emphasize the need to integrate monitoring into project management practices. Recommendations include capacity-building, and advanced tools (GIS, remote sensing, data analytics) to optimize conservation efforts in Nakuru County.
Reproductive and Sexual Health Acquaintance as Factor On the Teenage Pregnancy among Adolescents Original Research Article Country Philippines
Pages 97-102
ALEX L. SEŇARA, D.M || MA. CLEOFE O. DELOS SANTOS || HONEYLOU AZ. OPONDA || JUNNALYN B. CASTRO || MARISSA B. DATOON
This study critically investigates the intricate relationship between sociodemographic factors and sexual and reproductive health knowledge among adolescent girls residing in Poblacion, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, Philippines, a region marked by persistently elevated teenage pregnancy rates. Employing a quantitative research designwith purposivequota sampling, the study surveyed 100 female adolescents aged 10 -24, examining variablessuchasage, religion, educational attainment, and parental marital status. Contrary to initial hypotheses, the findings revealed that sociodemographic factors, when considered in isolation, did not demonstrate a statistically significant direct impact on reproductive health knowledge. However, a notable positive correlation emerged between parental involvement and adolescents' comprehensionof reproductive health, underscoring the vital role of familial engagement. These findingsemphasize the urgent need for targeted, community-based interventions that actively involve parents and provide comprehensive, age-appropriate sex education. By fostering enhanced health literacy, these interventions can play a crucial role in mitigating the prevalence of teenage pregnancies within this vulnerable population.
Resource Planning and Performance of Projects by Kenya Urban Roads Authority in Nakuru County, Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) projects have faced significant delays, largely due to resource planning challenges, especially the untimely allocation of funds. These delays not only extend completion timelines but also escalate costs, compromise work quality, and deter the operational efficiency. The current study examined the effect of resource planning, within integrated project planning, on the performance of road projects by KURA in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study was anchored on resource dependency theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population comprised 35 ongoing KURA projects in Nakuru County, with project managers, contractors, and community leaders as respondents; three per project, totaling 105. These individuals formed the unit of observation. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, while analysis involved descriptive methods and inferential techniques, including regression and correlation analysis. Descriptive research findings revealed that integrated project planning significantly affects the performance of projects. The correlation analysis revealed a strong, positive, and significant relationship between resource planning and project performance (r=0.723**, p=0.000). This implies that effective planning for material, financial, and contingency resources plays a crucial role in project outcomes. Additionally, regression analysis indicated a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.523, meaning that resource planning accounts for 52.3% of the variation in project performance. The statistically significant t-value of 8.883 (p=0.000) at the 95% confidence level further reinforces the critical influence of resource planning on the performance of Kenya Urban Roads Authority projects.
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