eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2020-10-02 4 001 007 4638 article Agyei Fosu afosu@wsu.ac.za Aim/Purpose The goal of this study was to investigate the financial management practices of SMMEs operating in under developed regions as a challenge facing SMMEs operating in underdeveloped regions using former Transkei Homelands in Eastern Cape Province as a case study. Background In South Africa, the works of Cameron and Miller (2008) highlights that South Africa is ranked among top countries in the world with high failure rates of SMMEs during the first year of establishment. This calls for continues research works to identify factors that could be impeding the progress of SMMEs in South Africa. According to Jayansankaran, (1999) proper financial management practices are among the key deciding factors when it comes to the survival of SMMEs. Mostly SMMEs in underdeveloped regions are owned and managed by one person, the lack of financial management competence on the side of the SMMEs owners or managers in turn could bring serious consequences to the financial stability and grow of the SMMEs. It is against this background that this study focuses on financial management practices among SMMEs entrepreneurs operating their businesses in former Transkei Homelands where survival of SMMEs are critical for economic development of the region. Methodology The researcher in this study uses both quantitative and purposive sampling approaches to design an exploratory study to sample 68 SMMEs owners/managers based in the various towns of the selected region. Contribution This research will add to the growing knowledge about identifying factors that may be impeding survival of SMMEs. Findings The major findings of the study revealed that 95.59% of the owners/managers have no financial management/accounting skills as well as 58.82% of the internal system of recording financial transactions are not audited. Recommendations for Practitioners In view of the findings it is recommended that agencies charged with looking after SMMEs provide training in the area of financial management skills for the SMMEs owners/managers. Recommendation for Researchers Future studies can include the other four principles of financial management principles highlighted by Armstrong (2001). Impact on Society The research will assist to highlight to funders of SMMEs, policy makers and business support agencies the need for educating SMMEs entrepreneurs especially those operating their businesses in underdeveloped regions in proper financial management practices in order to curve the problem of cash flow faced by SMMEs which leads to SMMEs failure. Future Research Exploring the skills of the SMMEs entrepreneurs’ to prepare, understand and interpretation of financial statements are critical in this context. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/4638 Financial management skills SMMEs underdeveloped regions. eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2020-10-06 4 009 021 4639 article Zul Ariff Abdul Latiff zulariff@umk.edu.my INTAN BALKIS SOHAIMI intansohaimi@gmail.com Nurul Nadia Ya'akob nadiayaakob96@yahoo.com Nursalwani Muhamad nursalwa91@gmail.com Aim/Purpose Low cost airline passengers are sensitive towards value for money. They also have their own preferences and perceptions on what encompasses value. This paper discusses passenger intentions to purchase halal food with a specific reference to Malaysia, which has a majority Muslim population (57%). The purpose of this study is to determine the most influential factors that explain passenger intentions to purchase halal meals when flying with low cost air-lines. Background In-flight meals are one of the services being offered by low cost airlines albeit at an additional price. Passengers travelling on LCC flights are required to pay for their meals. The relative importance of food choice and its availability in forming passenger satisfaction with low cost carriers is studied and examined. Although low cost carriers have proven to be a major competitor to full service airlines in Malaysia, halal food availability remains one of the major concerns for passengers flying with low cost airlines. Methodology A random sample approach was used to select passengers one major air- port located in Kelantan. The passengers were interviewed face-to-face using a structured questionnaire. Factor analysis was applied to explain the factors influencing passenger intentions to purchase halal food during a low cost flight. Contribution This paper highlights the factors which explain passenger intentions towards purchasing halal food while flying with low cost airlines. In Malaysia, halal food has been gaining popularity not only from a religious perspective but also due to other positive perceptions increasingly being held by the public that halal food is a more wholesome, hygienic and quality food choice. Therefore different groups of passengers, of various religious backgrounds are increasingly seeking halal food. Policy makers and airline managers based in the South Asia region traditionally did not place a high priority on halal food, however as halal food is becoming more popular, there is increased awareness on the importance of providing halal food to clientele. There are more efforts to study how providing a halal food service can positively impact passenger satisfaction as well as play a role in determining the behavioral intentions and motivation behind passengers choosing to fly with low cost carriers (LCC). Findings The findings indicate that attitude, perceived behavioral control and subjective norms have an impact towards passenger intention to purchase halal food on LCC flights. The results of factor analysis indicate that attitude is the major factor towards influencing passenger purchase intentions. Recommendations for Practitioners The findings offer meaningful implications for marketing researchers and practitioners in the low cost airline industry. It can help airline companies further understand the needs and wants of existing and potential customers. Local and international airlines need to fulfill the needs of their clientele by serving more halal options on flights. Recommendation for Researchers Progress has been made in the availability of in-flight religious ethnic foods but many important research questions and technical support needs remain. Impact on Society The research will assist to highlight purchase intention towards halal food and the importance of religious ethnic foods (e.g. halal food in this case) to meet the passenger requirements. Future Research Future studies can be conducted to explore local and international insights towards halal in-flight food within a broader geographical areas and locations. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/4639 Passenger intention low cost carriers (LCC) in-flight halal food purchasing intention eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2020-10-13 4 023 039 4648 article Nozipho Giba-Fosu ngiba@wsu.ac.za Aim/Purpose The main aim of this study was to investigate the status of records management program at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) using the Nelson Mandela Drive Site of Mthatha Campus as a case study. Background For an organization to function effectively, records (both in electronic and paper format) need to be captured, recorded and secured in order to ensure their authenticity, integrity, reliability and accessibility. The core functions of a university are learning, teaching, research and community engagement, and in order to carry out these functions records are created and received. Records therefore, constitute an essential instrument of administration of any institutions without which operational processes and functions cannot be executed (Kendall and Mizra, 2006). Thus, a proper and efficient managing of records is critical to functioning and administration of institutions. Council of Higher Education (2000) pointed out that record-keeping in the higher education institutions in South Africa was inadequate. Effective records management in universities in the Eastern Cape has not been adequately documented. Hence, this study investigates the records management program that exist in WSU. Although legislations regulating the management of records in South Africa exist, they might be ignorance on the part of certain officials entrusted with managing WSU records and that could have adverse effect on the performance of WSU and ultimately on service delivery. Methodology This study may have influence in policy formulation and compliance with the judicial directives on records management program of universities. It may also help improve service delivery, by enabling orderly, accountable and efficient management of universities records. Contribution This study may have influence in policy formulation and compliance with the judicial directives on records management program of universities. It may also help improve service delivery, by enabling orderly, accountable and efficient management of universities records. Findings The major findings of the study revealed WSU fell below the requirements in terms of records management program on maintaining records that document its business activities. Inadequate infrastructure, inadequacy regarding the desirable control of WSU records at each stage as required by the records life cycle framework was also found to be inadequate and limited knowledge of legal requirements regarding records management. Recommendations for Practitioners Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made. Effort should be made to implement a Centralized control of Decentralized Registry System (Integrated Registry System), provision of training of staff, as well as proper infrastructural facilities to manage WSU records that document its business activities. Recommendation for Researchers There is a need for further studies of this kind in other Universities, Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) Colleges in the Eastern Cape Province in order to establish their practices in managing records that document their business activities. Impact on Society The research will assist to highlight to administrators, policy makers of universities that proper records management could help universities to manage their information efficiently, fulfill their mandate, protect them from litigation, preserve their corporate memory, and foster accountability and good governance. Future Research A study to check the readiness of institution of higher learning to manage electronic records that documents their business activities in the 21st Century digital era will be vital in this context. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/4648 Records management institution of higher learning administration Walter Sisulu University (WSU) eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2019-01-12 3 001 016 4151 article Kit Teng Phuah kitteng.phuah@newinti.edu.my Kelly Kai Seng Wong kellywong@upm.edu.my Jenn Ling TingJL jennling@hotmail.com Aim/Purpose: The focus of this study is to find the relationship between the components in Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) such as attitude, subjective norms (Media), subjective norm (celebrity), psychological attribute (self-esteem) and psychological attributes (social status) which influence Seoul Korea female intention to undergo cosmetic surgery in Seoul, Korea. Background: South Korea was ranked third in the world of cosmetic surgery in 2015. The Korean cosmetic surgery market is a promising market with 24% market share of the total world market. The market data about female willingness to undergo cosmetic surgery strongly suggests that marketers who work in the beauty and health industries associated with cosmetic surgery should pay attention to Seoul Korean women who are in the age group under 40 years old as the potential target market. In Korea, cosmetic surgery is frequently mentioned in normal conversation as a general topic and it is naturally settled as a culture. Methodology: The Seoul Korean female behavior with respect to use of cosmetic surgery is approximately determined by factors underlying the consumer’s behavioral intent. Thus, the theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) is used in this study because it attempts to explain consumer intentions and has a strong power of prediction of utility for a wide range of human behavioral attributes such as attitude, subjective norms (Media), subjective norm (celebrity), psychological attribute (self-esteem) and psychological attributes. A survey was conducted in Seoul, Korea where 400 female were interviewed by self-administrated questionnaire. Descriptive analysis, exploratory factor analysis and multiple regressions were used to examine the factors that influence Seoul Korean female intention to engage in cosmetic surgery. Contribution: This research provides an insight to the health and beauty industry, marketers, decision makers and academics on the factors that influence Seoul Korea female intention to engage with cosmetic surgery. Findings: According to the research findings, Seoul Korean female attitude towards cosmetic surgery are generally positive, or favorable intention. That is to say, they usually think that the most effective way to improve their appearance and social status is to undergo cosmetic surgery. The study results (both qualitative and quantitative) support the proposition that the variables such as the media and the celebrities play important role in influencing females to do surgery. The results also provide important information to formulate and design strategies for the development and effective conduct of advertisements and promotions of cosmetic surgery. Lastly, other potential influencing factors were psychological attributes which are self-esteem and social status. Recommendations for Practitioners: It is suggested that psychologists can try to find the clinical roles in helping the cosmetic surgery patients by identifying patients who may not adjust well psychologically or psycho-socially after surgery. Psychologists can examine the issues related to cosmetic surgery due to the increasing popularity and the link between appearance, body image, eating disorders, sexual functioning and social phobia. Recommendation for Researchers: To help to fill in the research gaps, it is recommended to examine on how cosmetic surgery makes patients feel, how cosmetic surgery affects those around the recipients and what the effect of cosmetic surgery would be on children and teenagers. Impact on Society: The increasing number of cosmetic surgery is having a dramatic impact on the Korean society. In Korea, the number of cosmetic procedures has nearly doubled in the past few years. Distorted perception of self-image, over dependence on the social media is enormous and cannot be overstated had also caused the dramatic rise of cosmetic surgery. The impact of social media has resulted in the rising demand for injectable facial fillers, liposuction, breast implants, buttock augmentation and Botox among younger generation. Future Research: It is suggested to conduct further research involving Korean females who have undergone cosmetic surgery. The extended research should attempt to determine the level of satisfaction towards non-core and post cosmetic surgery services. That is, after sales services, the skills and knowledge of the doctor, the clinic environment and other attributes that further define the total or augmented product. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/4151 Beauty Industry Women Behavior Cosmetic Surgery Intention South Korea eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2019-01-12 3 017 029 4173 article Niyi Israel Akeke niyi.akeke@eksu.edu.ng Aim/Purpose The study seeks to examine the strategic interventions needed to promote the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Specifically, it analyzed the relationship between organizational learning, cultural values and SMEs performance. Background The performance of SMEs has been identified as one of the most important success factors behind growth, development and industrialization of nations. In anticipation of such outcome, SMEs have been given adequate attention in emerging economies such as Nigeria but it has performed below expectations. Existing studies noted that business organizations are able to develop by employing strategic management interventions. Strategic interventions involve a deliberate attempt to move organizations towards a more effective state and improve performance. The expected components of strategic interventions needed to achieve the expected change in performance of SMEs are organizational learning and cultural change. However, there has not been a complete research outcome on the relevance of organizational learning and cultural change to SMEs performance in Nigeria. Therefore, the main research question is; whether organization learning and cultural values contribute significantly to SMEs performance. Methodology In this study, the researcher employs quantitative research methods. Structured questionnaires are used to collect primary data. The study uses data set of 571 owners/managers of registered SMEs with the Ministry of Commerce and Trade in the study area. The structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to address the research objectives. Contribution The study provides useful information to understanding the path to achieving SMEs performance through application of strategic interventions approach. It highlights the relevance of organizational learning to improving market share and profit in the small and medium enterprises sector. Findings The findings indicate that organizational learning can positively boost performance of the SMEs but cultural values, though covaried with organizational learning do not add to performance outcome of the SMEs. The organizational learning is found to play the direct role of boosting performance through team learning, empowerment, embedded system, inquiry and dialogue and continuous learning respectively. Recommendations for Practitioners Increasing performance of small businesses that impact on overall development is a considerable challenge. Consequently, the study highly recommends integration of strategic intervention that is anchored on organizational learning constructs for satisfactory outcome in the SMEs. In achieving this, less emphasis on cultural values may be useful. Recommendation for Researchers It is suggested that this type of study needs to be conducted in public-owned establishments and business corporations with large business structure. This may help to further establish the theoretical relevance of strategic interventions to SMEs performance across various dimensions of business forms and organizations. Impact on Society The findings provide adequate pathway to societal development through SMEs. For the expected growth of society to emerge through investments in SMEs, stakeholders in the society should take advantage of information embedded in strategic interventions in their performance drive. Future Research The study outcomes are much relevant to developing economies in need of small and medium business interventions to tackle growth, unemployment and societal development. Future research, especially in developing and emerging economies may explore the relevance of the approach to boosting small business in their area. The specific contribution of cultural values in that context may be tested. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/4173 Strategic interventions organizational learning cultural values performance SMEs eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2019-07-14 3 031 041 4394 article Agyei Fosu afosu@wsu.ac.za Aim/Purpose The main aim of the study is to critically examine the forces that can impede or support students to use e-learning in higher education teaching and learning environment which require not only pre-technological literacy’s but easy access to the e-learning platform and ICT devices. Background The concept of e-learning has grown considerably in the past three or four decades, which according to Pollock and Cornford, (2003) has prompted a great deal of interest in using and integration of technology into teaching and learning environment thereby transforming the very nature of the traditional higher education system. Murphy et al (2001) have highlighted that not only does the new technologies supplement the conventional course delivery in institutions of higher learning, but they have also become a catalyst for change in higher education. South Africa as a developing nation has adopted the introduction of ICTs in the education system with the hope that it may offer some solutions to the challenges of education in South Africa. The South African Department of Education believes that developments in ICTs and its introduction to the education system creates access to learning opportunities, redresses inequalities, improve the quality of learning and teaching, and deliver lifelong learning (Department of Education, 2004). Even though internet access and ICT devices are becoming more common in South Africa, the use of them for teaching and learning purposes are limited. According to the White Paper on E-education in South Africa (SA, 2004), the Province of Eastern Cape has ranked lowest in terms of number of schools with computers for teaching and learning and as a result many students from Eastern Cape Province who enter higher education do not have adequate technological literacy levels to cope with the demands of higher education teaching and learning environment. Methodology The design of the study was a case study and it utilized quantitative method. The number of sample units in the study was 65 students from Walter Sisulu University, University of South Africa, Pearson Institute of Higher Education (formerly called CTI) and University of Fort Hare campuses based in East London Eastern Cape Province South Africa. The data were analyzed using MS Excel spreadsheet database for conversion into percentages for the descriptive statistics. Contribution It is essential to understand the forces that can impede or support e-learning. Possible solutions can be suggested for successfully integrating e-learning into higher education teaching and learning environment to meet 21st century students’ needs. The South Africa case study identified that a number of respondents indicated that the resources are available for e-learning on their university campuses. But these available resources are not efficiently used by most respondents to support their studies. Findings The results indicated that in the area of infrastructure required for e-learning, the majority of respondents indicated that the resources are available for e-learning on the campuses of the sampled universities. But these available re-sources are not efficiently utilized by respondents to support their studies. Recommendations for Practitioners While universities and other institutions of higher education are encouraging integration of e-learning into the curriculum, it is also imperative that their teaching and learning strategies and policies take into account that some students are unevenly challenged in terms of technological skills and still require additional support. Recommendation for Researchers There is the need to explore in depth the aspects that lead to the successful integration of e-learning into conventional lecture method of courses delivery. Impact on Society With the dawn of 21st century digital and knowledge-based economies evolution where the integration of computers and other ICTs tools in higher education teaching and learning environments have been found to be very beneficial to students, hence not only pre-technological literacy’s of students but easy access to the e-learning platform and ICT devices are critical to higher education learning environment. Assessing students technological skills and access to e-learning platforms to which this study contributes will assist in improving quality education which has a greater impact on society. Future Research In the context in which this study was conducted further examination of the technological skills of academic staff of the successful integration of e-learning into curriculum would be advisable. Keywords: Information and Communication Technologies, technological skills, training. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/4394 Information and Communication Technologies technological skills training. eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2019-10-27 3 043 055 4449 article Juwaidah Sharifuddin juwaidah@upm.edu.my Norhasmat Abdul Aziz hasmatkep@gmail.com Aim/Purpose: The Malaysian government has given numerous incentives to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), including those in the food manufacturing sector, in an attempt to boost their performance. This study aims to assess the effects of these incentives, particularly financial and tax incentives, on the performance of SMEs in the Malaysian food manufacturing sector. Background: Millions of Ringgit has been allocated for the development of SMEs by the Malaysian government. The findings of this study aim to assist the policymakers in improving the current policies in incentive give outs to enhance the effectiveness and reduce the number of SMEs that were forced to close down in less than five years of operation. Methodology: The study was conducted using structure, conduct, and performance (SCP) paradigm on secondary data from 140 companies over a period of five years (2013 – 2017). Correlation analysis was done to explore the relationship between each explanatory market variables included in the SCP paradigm. Contribution: This study provides insights into the effect of different types of government incentives on the performance of SMEs in the Malaysian food manufacturing sector. Findings: The study found that financial and tax incentives gave different effects on the performance of SMEs in the Malaysian food manufacturing sector during the study period. Financial incentive shows a weak positive significant correlation with advertising-to-sales ratio (ASR), return on assets (ROA) and market share (MS) ratio while showing negative significant correlation towards capital intensity (CAP). On the other hand, tax incentive shows a strong significant positive correlation with MS and weak significant positive correlation with CAP, ROA and return on sales (ROS). This shows that financial incentive strongly correlates with SMEs’ performance, whereas tax incentive is associated with market structure and conduct of SMEs in the Malaysian food manufacturing sector. Recommendations for Practitioners: Firstly, the government should consider providing extra assistance to SMEs in entering the sector as entry barriers for the sector is relatively high. Focus can be given in increasing financial incentives at a more competitive rate as it can reduce debt or increase the firm’s equity or aid firms in acquiring assets, which are crucial for efficient and effective production of processed food. Allocation of tax incentives should be reviewed as it does not have a strong correlation with firms’ performance. Recommendation for Researchers: There are limitations to the number of SMEs included in this study. Hence, researchers are recommended to have direct contact with more firms to ensure more accurate data. Impact on Society: With more efficient and effective policies in the government’s financial and tax incentives, more allocation can be channeled to other areas that have direct implications to the citizen. Additionally, with better policies, more jobs will be created in the market, and a highly competitive market will lead to a production of higher quality products that can be enjoyed by the consumers. Future Research: This study has contributed to the SCP paradigm as it demonstrated the effects of government financial and tax incentives on the market structure, conduct, and performance of SMEs in the Malaysian food manufacturing sector. Future researches might focus on non-financial incentives given out by the government such as human resource development, training, industrial infrastructure and amenities, technology development and capabilities, technology transfer, and organizational innovation. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/4449 small medium enterprises structure-conduct-performance food manufacturing industry financial incentives tax incentives eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2019-12-04 3 057 064 4466 article Nursalwani Muhamad nursalwa91@gmail.com Zul Ariff Abdul Latiff zulariff@umk.edu.my Aim/Purpose: This study aims to identify the level of perception level of consumer and the relationship between knowledge, attitude and practice toward consumer perception on the halal cosmetic product. Background: Halal labelled cosmetic sector is expected to thrive in Malaysia. The consumption and expenditure among Malaysian consumers on cosmetic products in personal body care, beauty and wellness products are increasing rapidly over time. At the same time, government bodies have to make sure that manufacturers comply with Malaysia Halal and Sharia standards. Methodology: Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire where 100 respondents were randomly selected in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) exhibition. The data were then analyzed by using descriptive analysis and Pearson correlation analysis. Contribution: This paper studies the effect of knowledge, attitude and practice on the perception of consumer toward halal labelled cosmetic products in Selangor. This study is useful to fill the gaps in the Malaysian literature regarding the importance of knowledge and its relationship with the attitude and practice. Findings: From the results, the consumers are having a high level of perception of halal cosmetic products. Besides that, consumers have sufficient knowledge with the attitude towards the halal cosmetic products, which includes the ingredients that are lawful in Syariah law and can avoid sensitive skin and allergic problem. However, the consumers showed a moderate practice level on the halal cosmetic products as there are more prone to used products from overseas. The analysis of Pearson correlation on three variables has indicated that knowledge, attitude and practice of consumers are identical to the methods of halal cosmetic products. Recommendations for Practitioners: The government should promote the benefits of halal cosmetic products to consumers more often to change their perceptions about the halal cosmetic product in Malaysia. Recommendation for Researchers : More studies can be done regarding the behavior and intention of consumers concerning halal cosmetic products in other states in Malaysia. Impact on Society: The findings can help consumers in understanding the benefits and advantage of halal cosmetic product toward health. Hence, all parties, including the government, policymakers and manufacturers, should encourage and grow consumer interest in halal cosmetic product by making it more accessible and available. Future Research: This study focuses on Selangor only and does not represent other states. Further research is required to generalize the findings of this study aimed at determining the effect of demographic factors on the behavior of consumers concerning halal cosmetic products. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/4466 Knowledge Attitude Practice Cosmetic Halal label eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2019-12-04 3 065 077 4454 article Agyei Fosu afosu@wsu.ac.za Aim/Purpose: The purpose of this study is to expand the knowledge base on factors likely to impede implementation and adoption of web-based learning management systems to blend with traditional methods of lecturing in universities to cater for the next generation of learners in Africa and Eastern Cape Province South Africa in particular. Background: The shift from the industrial economies to 21st century digital and knowledge-based economies, fueled by rapid Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) such as Internet, YouTube, Chartrooms, Skype, Social media networks and its introduction to the educational system not only resulted in a new teaching approach globally but also paved way to usher in new generation of learners (anytime, anywhere learners) in the higher education system. Despite the fact that universities and other institutions of higher education in developed countries and some Africa countries have since recognized that the 21st century global digital and knowledge-based economies evolution has ushered in the next generation of learners, and as a result have taken the necessary steps to blend the traditional method of lecturing in higher education with web-based learning management systems in order to accommodate these learners. However, in Africa not much research have been done on the readiness of higher education institutions in terms of blending web-based learning management systems with the traditional method of lecturing to cater for the next generation of learners. Methodology: Quantitative and two non-probability sampling methods, namely, quota and purposive sampling was used to investigate the technological skills of selected lecturers from universities within Buffalo City Metropolitan as one of the core component to check the readiness of their faculty for the next generation of learners. Contribution: This research will add to the growing knowledge about the blending of web-based learning management with the traditional style of lecturing in higher education in the 21st century digital economies. Findings: The results indicated that the participating lecturers need to be trained and sup-ported in the skills of using of the ICTs and computer programs applicable to enhance web-based learning in teaching and learning environment in higher education in order to cater for the next generation of learners associated with the 21st century digital economies. Recommendations for Practitioners: Much as there is a need for increased in investment in infrastructure within higher education institutions to support teaching and learning, continuous sup-port and training for academics to be technologically literate and also be abreast on rapidly evolving field of ICTs is paramount as it can expedite the teaching and learning process in higher education. Recommendation for Researchers : There is the need to explore in depth the other two components suggested by Mishra and Koehler (2007) which can serve as barriers for successfully integration of technology into teaching and learning by locus of knowledge. Impact on Society: The research will assist stakeholders, policy makers and agencies tasked with transforming institutions of higher learning to identify the barriers likely to hinder transformation efforts and address them accordingly. Future Research: Conducting research on technological skills of students are critical in this context. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/4454 ICTs next generation of learners teaching technological skills lecturers web-based learning management system 21st century digital economies. eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2019-12-10 3 131 155 4471 article CEDEC CEDEC communications@cedec.ca Aim and Purpose: The African-Canadian Career Excellence (ACCE) initiative was developed to address the loss of highly-educated, English-speaking Black youth from the Greater Montreal Area (Quebec, Canada) facing issues of unemployment and underemployment. Background: The ACCE initiative partners – African and Caribbean Synergic inter-organizational Network of Canada (ACSioN Network), Black Community Resource Center (BCRC) and Community Economic Development and Employability Corporation (CEDEC) – worked to mitigate the exodus of educated Black youth through building their professional capacities to attain meaningful, sustainable local employment; encouraging their contribution to Quebec’s vitality, and assisting employers to diversify their workforce. Methodology: The Black undergraduate students of African descent who were surveyed were English-speaking youth from the Greater Montreal Area; these included Canadian citizens, landed immigrants and temporary and permanent residents. Survey respondents will be referred to as Black African undergraduate students for the remainder of this article. In the 2011-2012 academic year, Black African undergraduate students from five Montreal post-secondary institutions were surveyed. On-campus promotion and in-person solicitation resulted in a non-random convenience sample of 92 individuals. Data from the 34 categorical and open-ended questions in an English-language online survey were analysed using SurveyMonkey, Microsoft Excel and SPSS. Contribution: Montreal's English-speaking Black African undergraduate students represent an under-documented demographic in migration studies, specifically in terms of career plans, workplace skills, career path, employment resource awareness and discrimination. This portrait highlights the experience and career expectations of Montreal Black African undergraduate youth and is relevant within the contexts of Black history, community development, skills and career development, education and employment. Findings: These results suggest that English-speaking Black African undergraduates expected to follow an appropriate career path in their desired field by attaining meaningful and sustainable local employment commensurate with their skills. Many of these youth were not able to access the same career opportunities as their peers, and therefore left before fully participating in Quebec’s economy. Recommendation for Practitioner: This article suggests that businesses seeking to diversify their workforce can collaborate with public institutions and civil society organizations to better prepare and integrate Montreal’s skilled Black African youth. It is suggested that career-advancement training focus on addressing job security and skills gap concerns, in addition to awareness of discrimination in the workplace and strategies for identifying and redressing the situation. Recommendation for Researcher: Future research could be conducted within the same Montreal population to compare the findings a decade later. Subsequent outreach to targeted employers might reveal progress and additional recommendations in diversifying their workplace. Impact on Society: Collaboration among public institutions, private businesses and civil society organizations can lead to increased integration of Black African youth into the labor market. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/4471 African-Canadian Black-African youth multiculturalism Quebecers English-speaking discrimination systemic discrimination employability workforce development labor force development community economic development labor market skills gap diversify diversity recruitment strategy public policy African issues eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2019-12-21 3 157 170 4477 article Rosalie Masella 623econometrics@gmail.com James McIntosh james.mcintosh@concordia.ca Aim/Purpose: Data from two large Canadian surveys are used to analyze educational and earnings performance of Blacks and Whites. The main purpose of this study is to determine how well blacks perform relative to Whites in these two areas. Background: Canadian researchers have been studying black performance in education and labor markets since the 1970’s. Much of this research was done before 2000. It showed that there was considerable discrimination in the way Blacks were treated in the labor market but fewer problems concerning their success in the educational system. Since then more data has become available and it is possible to re-examine this issue and explore new dimensions of black economic performance. Methodology: Educational outcomes are categorical and are analyzed by ordered Beta probability models. Earnings functions are estimated by mixed linear regression models where the mixing procedure is used to account for unobserved differences in respondent ability. Contribution : Our results update and expand what was known before 2016 using the most resent Canadian Census and Youth Smoking Survey of which the latter contains academic performance information for students in primary and secondary school. Findings : The main results show that while Black males are able to access the educational system without much racial prejudice, they are not treated fairly in the labor market. Black females do less well in both the educational system and labor markets. Blacks earn significantly less than Whites for all age groups, all levels of education, and in all occupations. They are more likely to be less than fully employed and more likely to be at the bottom of the income distribution. These findings are consistent with earlier studies but the amount of discrimination is larger and black/white earnings differentials are larger than those found by researchers using earlier surveys. Recommendation for Practitioners : These results are disturbing and the persistence over long periods of time suggests that some form of expanded government intervention is needed. Recommendations for Researchers: The surveys used here provide inadequate information on the process of discrimination. More and better data is needed to understand why, for example, black students do less well than their white counterparts in primary and secondary school and yet overcome these problems in tertiary education. Impact on Society: Discrimination of any sort is costly to the victims but is also detrimental to society as a whole since it represents a failure our institutions to deliver a fair and just society for all groups regardless of race or ethnicity. We hope our results will draw attention to the need to address this problem. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/4477 Canada Racism Blacks Ordered probability Models Beta Distributions Mixtures eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2019-12-24 3 171 178 4478 article Bonnie Zehavi bonnie@destabyn.org Summary: This paper presents a general overview of the challenges faced by English-speaking Black community members in Montreal, as well as the exacerbation of those barriers for individuals with a history of justice involvement. Frontline community initiatives focusing on education, employment, and entrepreneurship at DESTA Black Youth Network are profiled as an example of grassroots efforts to mitigate disparate circumstances between English-speaking Black Montrealers and their white counterparts. Statistical data in the areas of educational attainment, rates of unemployment, and income provide the platform for analysis and, recognizing the multiple identity experiences of belonging to a racialized and linguistic minority, an intersectional framework is employed. Recommendations for more race-based study, policy, and funding to better support equity strategies are provided. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/4478 Black Community English-speaking Montreal Intersectional Anti-Black Systemic Racism Justice Education Employment Income Entrepreneurship eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2019-12-31 3 179 185 4483 article Sylvia E. A. Piggott seapiggott@gmail.com Aim/Purpose: This article explains the movement for Afrocentric public schools in Canada, particularly in Montreal, and the controversy it has generated. It is also argued that Black youth would gain significantly from community based educational programs that root their learning more closely in the life, experiences and needs of their community. Background: The Black Academic Scholarship Fund (BASF) is a non- profit organization that has been active in the community since 1981. Its main goal is to provide scholarships to visible minority students who are actively pursuing a course of study in an accredited institution. The objective is to enhance the economic status of the Black community and provide more opportunities for students to achieve their educational goals. The organization received its letters Pa-tent in March 1996 with the registered Charity No. 89440 6396. This has facilitated it fundraising initiatives. The motivation for this presentation derives from the commitment of the Black Academic Scholarship Fund (BASF) to responsible social action and hence to the principles of “collaborative unity and existential responsibility “ espoused by the Black Community Forum of Montreal of which it is a member. The paper presents BASF’s actions and focus on “gaining equity in education and empowering black learners” wherever they are in the system. Findings and Community Impact: The experiences of the work of BASF and other organization such as the QBBE and the BSC are that Black learners, in Montreal, benefit from community-based education centered on the experiences of African Canadians. These programs are intended are resourced essential by the community. In turn they use this capacity to empower Black youth and their families, and better equip them to navigate public school systems and organize in their communities. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/4483 Black learners equity education non-profit organization eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2019-12-10 3 79 130 4470 article Clarence Sylvester Bayne bayne@jmsb.concordia.ca Background: On December 7, 2018, the Black Community Forum of Montreal held a conference on “Community Education and Development: perspectives on English-Speaking Blacks and Other Minorities”. The IJCDMS Journal has selected a number of the conference papers for publication in its Special Conference Series: “Collaborative Unity and Existential Responsibility.” This article serves as an overview to the conference; and provides a theoretical frame-work against which the reader can derive a better understanding of those papers. It allows the reader to reflect meaningfully on the optimal of the decision search rules adopted by various cultural subgroups, by comparing them to the behaviors of successful agent types in the computer simulated studies discussed in this paper. The targeted cultural sub-populations are the English-Speaking Blacks in Montreal. Framework and presentational approach: The overall research approach used is based on critical realism. We postulate that patterns in the responses of leadership in a social dynamic system may be impacted by values and uncertain events that are better explained by using a qualitative system analysis as opposed to traditional quantitative analyses based on positivist assumptions. We consider Montreal and Quebec societies diverse complex adaptive systems generating outcomes, not always predictable, in environments that vary from very hospitable to inhospitable. Findings: There is a history of Black social entrepreneurship initiatives aimed at reducing the negative impact of fragmentation, gaps in communication and knowledge states, and solving the problems of integration and development posed by exclusion, racial and systemic discrimination. Who benefits: This paper is of interest to social entrepreneurs, community developers and strategists; policy makers; government agencies, students and researchers. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/4470 English speaking visible minorities Quebec and Canada non-visible minorities social and economic indicators fitness landscape complex adaptive systems employment rate social entrepreneur ruggedness of landscape eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2018-02-12 2 001 017 3953 article Maryam Pourakbar ma_pourakbar2@yahoo.com Aim/Purpose: The main objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between leadership style, performance, and organizational trust. In addition, it will look into the relationship between four leadership styles and employee performance moderating by organizational trust in the case of Shahid Hashemi nejad Gas Refinery. Background: The leadership is one of the key important functions in the organization. The leader is the one who can control factors and practices in the organization such as: individual rights, working conditions, and policies of the organization, assess progress and assign responsibility. In fact, how the leaders controls these factors and motivate the staff is and index of the extent to which the leader has been effective. For this reason, it is expected that the person who is the leader of an organization does necessarily have an understanding of how to perform all the duties of a manager. However, there has not been a complete research on the effectiveness of organizational trust in the relationship between leadership style (based on Likert’s theory) and the performance of employees in government agencies. Therefore, the main research question is; whether organizational trust has a moderating role in the relationship between leadership style and employee performance. Methodology: The present study is applied research.The measurement instruments used in this research is a survey questionnaire. The Validity and reliability of the questionnaires are based on expert opinions. The statistical population of this research is all employees of Shahid Hashemi Nejad Gas Refinery using stratified random sampling. A total of 196 employees were selected as the sample of this study. The structural equation modeling (SEM) was perfumed in order to answer the research questions. Contribution: This paper aims to focus on the sanctions, limitations and seriousness of the situation and prioritize steps to use the right leadership style in organizations. Findings: In general, the findings of the research indicate the absence of evidence of a moderating role played by organizational trust (horizontal, vertical, institutional) in the relationship between leadership style and employee performance. Recommendations for Practitioners: This paper subtly suggests a certain course of action and serious recognition of flaws and deficiencies in the system that are obvious and emerges and which are critical and must be addressed. Recommendation for Researchers: It is suggested that this type of research needs to be conducted in private-ownership organizations; that one measures and analyzes the impact of leadership styles on employee commitment and the effectiveness of management participation. Considering the level of performance of staff in relation to leadership styles, it is suggested that other factors that affect or interact with employee performance in the organization are investigated. For example, investigate factors affecting the establishment of authoritarian rule. Impact on Society: All public and private companies can increase their employees’ performance by using and improving their leadership style. Future Research: More research needs to be done in private organizations with respect to the impact of leadership styles on employee commitment; and with respect to the effectiveness of management participation versus authoritarian rule. There are other factors affecting or interacting with the performance of employees in the organization that should be investigated. For Example, to investigate the factors affecting the establishment of institutional trust in an organization. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/3953 Leadership styles organizational trust employee performance Structural equation modeling eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2018-02-12 2 019 035 3956 article Kenneth Chukwujioke Agbim kennethagbim2012@gmail.com Aim/Purpose: This study seeks to examine the effect of ethical leadership on corporate governance, corporate performance and corporate social responsibility in selected Nigerian deposit money banks. Background: Business ethics, corporate governance and corporate social responsibility developed as movements to check unethical and corrupt practices in organizations and by extension improve the performance of the organizations. However, the application of these measures has not yielded the desired results. This is evident in the number of top executives of corporate giants like Enron of the United States of America and Satyam of India that have been embroiled in unethical practices. In Nigeria, the corporate corruption and scandal involving top management of deposit money banks has given rise to mergers, acquisition and failure of some of the banks. Thus, this study argues that there is a missing link in the application of these measures. That missing link is ethical leadership. Methodology: The study employed survey research design. Stratified sampling technique was employed to select the respondents that completed the questionnaire. The generated data were analyzed using linear regression. Contribution: The study established that a robust organization can be developed by main-streaming corporate governance, corporate performance and corporate social responsibility using a nurtured ethical leader. Findings: The results reveal that ethical leadership has significant positive effects on corporate governance, corporate performance and corporate social responsibility. Recommendations for Practitioners: Management should show more commitment in the selection and development of leaders and followers. All the stakeholders should be equally involved in the formulation of corporate governance principles. A nurtured ethical leader should be employed to mainstream corporate governance, corporate performance and corporate social responsibility through the organizational culture. Recommendation for Researchers: The use of objective measures or better still subjective measures is suggested as a way of generalizing the present findings. Impact on Society: The findings of this study will expose deposit money bank stakeholders to the consequences of ethical and unethical practices. It will create in bankers the need to abide by ethical leadership and to be whistle-blowers. The findings are expected to engender more stern monitoring measures by the banks’ regulatory agency. These measures are further expected to ensure the reinvention of the banks’ organizational culture so much so that they will contain the core values of code of ethics, corporate governance, performance and social responsibility. The outcome of the study is expected to make the regulatory agency more proactive rather than being reactive to deposit money bank matters. This will consequently put a stop to the fall in the taxes accruable to government in the event of bank failure. Future Research: To generalize the findings for the whole of Nigeria, similar study should be conducted in other geopolitical zones of the country. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/3956 Ethical Leadership Corporate Governance Corporate Performance Corporate Social Responsibility Deposit Money Banks eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2018-03-25 2 037 047 3993 article Nalini Arumugam nalini@unisza.edu.my Aim/Purpose: This research will explore the factors that determine the level of adoption and participation in sustainability practices among the local dairy farmers in Malaysia. Background: Sustainability is often aimed at a solution in most fields: economics, social, and ecological welfare. Sustainability is known as the best technique to practice farming, which ensures the continuity of the practices, guarantees the continuous access to economic resources; the social well-being of the people; and also the preservation of the environment. In order to improve productivity of the dairy industry in Malaysia, it is important for the dairy farmers to be encouraged to embrace the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices in their management of farm operations. Methodology: Data were collected with the use of well-structured questionnaires. The face-to-face interview was conducted for 167 dairy farmers from six selected states in Malaysia. Likert-like scale was used to determine the practices that were adopted by the dairy farmers. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive analysis and regression. Contribution: This paper attempts to bring into focus the sustainable practices in farming industry especially local dairy farmers in Malaysia. It also helps to prioritize the determinants which mainly influence the sustainability in dairy industry. Findings: The findings suggest that the most significant element contributing to sustainability in the Malaysia’s dairy industries was environmental sustainability. It can be concluded that farm sustainability, environmental sustainability, and social sustainability variables explained about 42.6% of the variance that reflected sustainability. Recommendations for Practitioners: The overall findings revealed that the entire element gave a significant role in the sustainability of the dairy industry. It is suggested that the industry in Malaysia develops over time towards sustainability. Recommendation for Researchers: There is need for measuring sustainability thoroughly in every aspect and separately measured the sustainability determinants. Impact on Society: Adopting the good management practices in improving the production by potentially revealing the dairy farmers sustainable operation practices, give benefits determinants influences dairy farmers adoption of sustainability practices; and also insights into the decision making process of dairy farmers in adopting sustainability practices. Future Research: Cross Regional study will provide better insights on intensifying the determi-nants of sustainability and improving the livelihood of small farmers. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/3993 Sustainability Sustainability Development Dairy Farmers Agribusiness eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2018-04-01 2 049 060 4000 article Kit Teng Phuah kitteng.phuah@newinti.edu.my Jenn Ling TingJL jennling@hotmail.com Kelly Kai Seng Wong kellywong@upm.edu.my Aim/Purpose: This study examines the factors that influence customer intention to use mo-bile payment service in Nanjing, China. It also gains a deeper understanding and better insight of Chinese consumer behavior. Background: Mobile payments services represent a tremendously interesting paradox in the world of telecommunications. Although, they are convenient, quick and easy but there is not still enough evidence on how successful this practice is. In Nanjing, China, consumer intention to use mobile payment is still questionable and remains as a skeptical consideration. Methodology: A survey was conducted in Nanjing, China where 612 respondents were interviewed by self-administrated survey. The modified Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) were applied in this study. Descriptive analysis, exploratory factor analysis and multiple regressions were used to accomplish the objective. Contribution: This research provides an insight to the mobile telecommunication industry, marketers, decision makers and academics on the factors that encourage consumers to use mobile payment. Findings: Four factors that influence the consumer behavioral intention were deter-mined in this study (perceived risk, perceived usefulness, subjective norm and attitude). The results of multiple regression indicate that all four variables significantly influence consumer intention to use mobile payment in Nanjing, China, however subjective norm has relatively high impact as compared to others. Recommendations for Practitioners: In order to build a positive expression of the brand, mobile service providers are suggested to enhance the persuasion of the application. As customers provide their privacy information to register for the mobile payment services, providers should strengthen their security system. This not only shapes consumer trust but also prevent privacy leakage. Secondly, mobile payment application providers can imply policies for protecting customer rights from potential risk to increase their agreement of the application. These will lead to unexpected losses financially. Recommendation for Researchers: It is recommended to make a comparison study between two Mobile payment platforms by examining constructs such as usefulness, ease of use, perceived risk as well as security risk, financial risk, social risk and time risk between Alipay and Wechat payment system in China. Impact on Society: Various forms of mobile payment have been adopted by Chinese consumers due to convenience, speed and ease of use. Even though mobile payment does not replace physical payment cards but it has been acting as a substitute for paper-based payment method and it is driving demand and consumer usage. However, there the potential for data to leak creates some level of insecurity and skepticism for Chinese costumers. Future Research: To have an in depth understanding about the consumer intention to use mobile payment, it is recommended to determine the current customers’ satisfaction level by adopting the SERQUAL model. Qualitative and quantitative research with focus group will be a good approach to get a deeper understanding on the factors that influence consumer to use mobile payment services rather than others payment methods. It is also important to get more information regarding customer satisfaction towards the mobile payment platform. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/4000 Mobile payment intention attitude perceived risk perceived usefulness eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2018-04-02 2 061 086 4002 article Clarence Sylvester Bayne bayne@jmsb.concordia.ca Raafat George Saadé rsaade@jmsb.concordia.ca Aim/Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to conduct a multi-case/agent analysis using complexity theory to develop propositions that guide and inform our research for solutions to the problems of integration and full participation of the English-speaking Black community in the societies of Montreal and Quebec. Background: This study was motivated by our interest in community organizational leader-ship, and concerns expressed by Black social entrepreneurs and organizations in the English-speaking Black communities of Montreal. The results of an unpublished survey conducted by the Institute for Community Entrepreneurship and Development (ICED) revealed a strong perception among Black leaders that in spite of their efforts to advance their communities there was too little progress. They attributed this to systemic exclusion and competitive strategies of mainstream non-Black agencies and leaders. Our further investigation of these claims suggested that beside discrimination based on color and race, factors more complex than skin color, being a person of African descent or White hate, were at work. Preliminary patterns in our observations suggest that the problems of exclusion and discrimination needed to be addressed in a broader psycho-social sense and in the context of Canada as a complex political, economic, and social adaptive system emerging continuously from generation to generation Methodology: We used historical analysis and dynamic systems constructs to understand the causality structures of human social systems and to design strategies that have the highest possibilities for improving and optimizing the objective and subjective well-being of members of targeted minority sub-groups in the system. The general research approach is deductive and exploratory. It conforms mostly to critical realist thinking as opposed to traditional scientific methodologies. Contribution: It is our opinion that communication network centers can be designed as part of a strategic planning process to increase the capacity of minority communities for creating, in a timely manner, the ingenuity required for solving problems of social, political and economic exclusion; for promoting sustainable development and improving objective and subjective well-being. The use of the MAS (multiple-agents system) analytical framework allows us to address and assess problems of decision making under varying degrees of uncertainty and in the social and historical context of the study. Findings: Our review of the development and progress of the Black community of Montreal shows that “under the radar” community based organizations and Black Social entrepreneurs have developed governance mechanisms and generated strategies and approaches to decision making that are consistent with the optimal patterns observed in simulations of multi-agent systems (MAS) . In particular, social entrepreneurs seem to support the formal creation of community based communication networks and information sharing as essential for community development. Several of these organizations consider these useful tools for facilitating the sharing of innovative ideas and best practices. Recommendations for Practitioners: The usefulness of the network community systems need to be monitored. Its usefulness will depend on how its outputs are perceived to have contributed to improving the level of fitness (the vitality and well-being/utility) of the community and its members. It will require a holistic approach to community development supported by network centers that provide communication and information services at levels that improve and sustain the capacity of the organizations and the community to adapt and evolve from generation to generation. The mechanisms in place must increase and sustain the capacity of the systems to achieve and maintain the desired level of outcomes consistent with attaining the highest fitness levels for the English speaking Black Communities. This must be tested with the help of information provided by a built in feedback subsystem of the network. Recommendation for Researchers: A central database has to be built into the system where social and economic data and measures of subsystem specific attributes and characteristics are gathered and stored for use by the network organizations and social entrepreneurs. There is no comprehensive measure of a fitness index for the Black community in Montreal. Theoretically speaking, there are too many possibilities to find a precise solution. However, an approximation of fitness can be obtained by constructing a human development index (HDI) in combination with measures of inequality such as comparative data on income, employment and unemployment, poverty, and etc. Impact on Society: The paper raises some questions about the success of the experiment of multiculturalism in terms of greater recognition of the contributions of Canada’s diverse and multiple sub-cultures. It proposes ways to address complaints of failed expectations expressed by Black and immigrant minority groups. The paper offers policy makers and social entrepreneurs a dynamic analytical framework to explore the use of information and communication network theory, and information from simulations of multi-agent adaptive systems theory to develop more informed strategies and actions. Future Research: More research needs to be done to improve the quality and expand the demographic and other data relating to the black communities in Montreal and Quebec. In addition, more research needs to be done on the development of an archival documentation system for the management and distribution of information between the different communities that make up the Black cultural community of Quebec and Canada. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/4002 Complex Adaptive systems minority communities diversity communication technologies ingenuity gap cultural change models communication and in-forming system eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2018-04-06 2 087 103 4006 article Prafulla K Padhi GGLLC2009@GMAIL.COM Aim/Purpose: The objective of this research is to analyze the literature to-date thoroughly and conceptualize a born-global speculative start-up (BGSS) pervasive phenomenon model. Background: The concept of ‘Born-Global’ or International New Venture (INV) firm was introduced into business theory in 1988. Over the last decades BGSSs such as Apple, IBM, Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon and many others have emerged effecting everyday life incomparably by contributing millions of people employment and making significant difference through corporate social responsibility (CSR) for the global community at large. Pervasive technologies and pervasive advertising has played a pivotal role informing the BGSS stakeholders, especially consumers, influencing pervasiveness in the contemporary society. Even though researchers have made invaluable contributions in the field of born – global and entrepreneurship, strikingly to date, the literature is void of a holistic model for BGSS pervasive phenomenon. Methodology: A thorough literature is provided and a holistic model is conceptualized. Contribution: This research makes several contributions to born-global and entrepreneurship literature. It identifies mantras to build and sustain ventures from scratch to global giants. BGSS pervasive phenomenon is a brand-new perspective in the academic research. This research contributes worthwhile insight on how the BGSS pervasive phenomenon is created by the application of pervasive technologies and pervasive advertising for various industries. Venture consonance comprising five essential elements and its interaction is presented to demonstrate the pervasive phenomenon process. The relevant insights described in this paper are useful lessons to entrepreneurs regarding BGSS creation and success. This field of research and researchers interested in the phenomenon would benefit from having access to BGSS, as a common terminology. Findings: This study is the first to validate that BGSSs are successful in creating the pervasive phenomenon through pervasive technologies applications and pervasive advertising. The findings of this research provide information and engagement with the stakeholders of various industries providing advantage to global community. Research shows special traits such as acumen, tenacity, passion, persistence and commitment with deeper conviction of the founder (s) is required to build and sustain BGSS. The research findings also indicate that the investors provide significant value-added attributes and engage with various stakeholders, particularly top leadership team (TLT), in addition to adequate funding for the success of BGSS. The key word is pervasive indicates that a phenomenon is experienced because of technologies permeates all aspects of human lives. Recommendations for Practitioners: TThe process of pervasive technologies and pervasive advertising in practice need to be applied for the good of the society at large. The role of entrepreneurial incubators could be helpful to understand why they are significant to pursue BGSSs pervasive phenomenon. Entrepreneurs need to interact proactively with relevant geo-graphical government agencies to obtain access to logistics and resources in a seamless manner, particularly for the internationalization process, for BGSSs to provide value to various countries. Recommendation for Researchers: Research on BGSSs for other industries that affects daily lives of the global community should be carried out to enrich the findings of the stakeholder engagement for the creation of pervasive phenomenon. Based on the above recommendation, a question is worthwhile to investigate: How are stakeholders in various industries engage in the creation of BGSS pervasive phenomenon. Impact on Society: BGSSs are of great significance for the contemporary society from economic point of view making intrinsic difference in the lives of people. Sustainable BGSS is paramount because it can lead to a socially, environmentally sustainable society, and would increase awareness among various cultural communities globally. Future Research: Scholars should embark upon creating a pervasive phenomenon theory and social critique on conspicuous consumption. Further research could be done on how BGSSs are engaging stakeholders to achieve sustainable competitive advantage through the stakeholder engagement for various industries. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/4006 BGSS Pervasive Technologies Pervasive Advertising Corporate Social Responsibility Pervasive Phenomenon eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2018-06-03 2 105 120 4065 article Hamed Motaghi hamed.motaghi@uqo.ca Saeed Nosratabadi saeed.nosratabadi@phd.uni-szie.hu Thabit Qasem Atobishi Thabit.tobishi@gmail.com Aim/Purpose: The main objective of the current study is to develop a business model for service providers of cloud computing which is designed based on circular economy principles and can ensure the sustainable consumption. Background Even though the demand for cloud computing technology is increasing day by day in all over the world, the current the linear economy principles are incapable to ensure society development needs. To consider the benefit of the society and the vendors at the same time, the principles of circular economy can address this issue. Methodology: An extensive literature review on consumption, sustainable consumption, circular economic, business model, and cloud computing were conducted. the proposed model of Osterwalder, Pigneur and Tucci (2005) is admitted designing the circular business model. Contribution: The proposed model of the study is the contribution of this study where provides the guidelines for the cloud computing service providers to achieve both their economic profits and the society’ needs. Findings Finding reveals that if the cloud computing service providers design their business model based on the “access” principle of circular economy, they can meet their economic profits and the society’ needs at a same time. Recommendations for Practitioners: It is recommended to the startup and the existing businesses to utilize the proposed model of this study to reach a sustainable development. Recommendation for Researchers: It proposes a new circular business model and its linkages with community building. Impact on Society: The proposed model of the study provides guidelines to the cloud computing service providers to design a business model which is able not only to meet their economic profit, but also to meet the society’s and customers’ benefits. Future Research: Future researches can build on this research model which proposed in this study to examine the limitations of this model by using empirical researches. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/4065 Cloud computing circular economy circular business model business model eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2018-07-09 2 121 129 4084 article Zul Ariff Abdul Latiff zulariff@umk.edu.my Intan Zawani Othman intanzawani13@gmail.com Nursalwani Muhamad nursalwa91@gmail.com Aim/Purpose: The objective of this study is, for a given set demographics, to investigate the effect of knowledge, awareness and perception of consumers on the attitude/preferences of consumers for organic product in Kelantan. Background: Organic foods are food products which are free from any chemicals and are safe to be consumed by consumers. The consumers are getting more health conscious and the awareness about the harmful effects of chemical is incrassating. However, the trend towards purchasing organic food is now growing among Malaysians. This leads to the decline of market growth and therefore there is a need to study consumer attitude towards organic food. Methodology: This study predicts consumer attitude based on their awareness, knowledge and perception. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire where 144 consumers where randomly selected in the supermarkets. The data were analyzed by using descriptive analysis and regression analysis to test the hypotheses. Contribution: This paper studies the effect of demographic factor, knowledge, perception, awareness on the attitude of consumers with respect to organic foods in Kelantan. This research demonstrates the critical role of knowledge and education in shaping the attitude towards organic food.This research is useful to fill the gaps in the Malaysian literature regarding the importance of the knowledge and its relationship with the attitude. Findings The findings suggested the significant and positive relationship between knowledge, education level, occupation sector and the respondents’ attitude towards organic food. Recommendations for Practitioners: The consumer knowledge about the benefits of organic foods in Malaysia should be promoted more through television and social media as this influences their attitude when purchasing organic foods at the market. The quantity and the availability of the organic foods should be based on the demand of the consumers. The government should promote the benefits of organic foods to consumers more often to change their perceptions about organic foods in Malaysia. Recommendation for Researchers: More studies can be done regarding the behavior and intention of consumers with respect to organic foods either in Kelantan or other states in Malaysia. Impact on Society: The findings can help consumers in understanding the benefits and advantage of organic foods toward health. Hence, all parties, including the government, policy makers and manufacturers should encourage and grow consumer interest in organic food by making the food more accessible and available. Future Research: This study focuses on Kelantan only and does not represent other states. Due to this, further research is required in order to generalize the findings of this study aimed at determining the effect of demographic factors on the behavior of consumers with respect to organic foods. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/4084 Organic food Awareness knowledge attitude perception demographic factor eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2018-07-27 2 131 144 4094 article Daniel Mirimo danielmirimo@gmail.com Mad Nasir Shamsudin mns@upm.edu.my Aim/Purpose: This research paper attempts to assess how the Malaysia rice industry will behave if and when certain changes occur, such as the removal of policies which affect its rice import price (namely the Vietnam rice floor export price and Thailand rice pledging scheme) and which result from the ongoing region economic integration embodied in ASEAN Vision 2020. Background: Malaysia rice farming sector compared to its ASEAN neighbors has a lower comparative advantage, this is transpiring in the lowering of the rice self-sufficiency targets and levels, moreover it is characterized as less efficiently managed compared to industrial farms. Therefore, Malaysia will continue to be a net importer of rice. It is against the background that this research was done, to anticipate how the Malaysia rice industry would behave if and when the existing trade barriers in the ASEAN rice market are removed and for the adjustment of Malaysia rice farming parameters to meet the desired state of rice self-sufficiency level. Methodology: A system dynamics model of Malaysia rice sector with consideration of its rice import prices from ASEAN trade partners was built and tested to check if it mimics real world behavior pattern. Nevertheless, the exercise in which the model built was purposed is to foresight, the ability to anticipate how the system will behave if and when certain changes occur and a tool for policy design, it is not forecasting and it does not depend on the ability to predict. Contribution: This study is in the line with previous related studies with the concern of the impact of trade liberalization on the global as well as ASEAN rice market, but the beauty of the methodology applied is into taking account of nonlinear relationship among variables of the system, the feedback loop mechanism, time delays, and the incorporation of all variables that are relevant to the problem endogenously. Thus the model simulation results are driven not by external factors, but by the internal structure of the model. The internal structure made of the feedback loos formed by the interdependency between variables. Findings: Simulation results obtained from different Malaysia rice import price scenarios indicate a downtrend of the Malaysia rice self-sufficiency level and of less importance; the change is less than one percentage point. Recommendations for Practitioners: Given the long run trend relationship between the rice import prices and the self-sufficiency levels, it may be advisable to policy makers to let the economic arguments for open trade with the risk of an increasing trend of import prices. It also prevails over the food security arguments, which might be involved in unintended consequences resulting from different forms of government intervention in the market. Recommendation for Researchers: There is a need to continue to conduct test based on new scenarios and model assumptions. New research to assess the impact of selected ASEAN countries price policies on Malaysia rice industry may produce different results and recommendations. For example if we assume these selected ASEAN countries price policies are moving towards a free trade orientation, as well as the Malaysia rice industry. Impact on Society: Food security is essential to the survival of the society. Thus, the supply of a staple commodity such as rice in Malaysia is essential to the social, political and economic stability of the society. Understanding the supply and demand conditions affecting the distribution of this product in the Country is critical for public and private policy making about the development of the economy and society. Rice commodity was conceptualized as a normal good in this study and we gained an insight on the rice consumption per capita behavior through different Malaysia rice import prices. What if the rice commodity is conceptually modeled as an inferior good, definitely rice consumption per capita behavior will change, with its associated impact on the economy and society. This study enables us to investigate the possible outcomes for various scenarios. Future Research: For further research, this system dynamics model of Malaysia rice industry can be improved by including some variables closely related to trade such as the exchange rate between the United States dollar and ASEAN countries currency and the oil price, some variables which can affect the rice production such as the climate change and some variables on the rice consumers side such as the changing consumer preferences (normal Vs inferior commodity), or on the rice/paddy farmers side such as poverty alleviation. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/4094 Rice trade Food security Policy analysis System Dynamics Malaysia ASEAN eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2018-08-09 2 145 158 4101 article Abdul-Rahim Abdulai abdulrahima@grenfell.mun.ca Lois Araba Fynn arabafynn19@gmail.com Aim/Purpose Study aimed to examine the impacts of the Bui-Dam Hydroelectric Power (BHP) project resettlement on communities’ livelihoods. The purpose was to understand how the resettlement affected livelihood assets, activities, and capabilities of communities and households. Background Induced displacements and livelihoods of households and communities have received enormous scholarly attention in many academic disciplines. In this paper, we add to the contributions in this issue area, employing a case study, to examine the livelihood effects to communities involved in the Phase A of the Bui Resettlement Program in Jama, Ghana. Methodology In-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observations were used to closely understand, from the perspective of stakeholders, including affected households, community leaders, and resettlement authorities, the impact of the project on livelihood capabilities, assets and activities. Contribution The study has shown that resettlement presents communities with both challenges and opportunities. This conclusion is important in planning future projects, because, it will allow practitioners to carefully plan with both dimensions at sight. Findings The study revealed that livelihood assets, including agricultural lands and fishing lake, were affected. However, farmlands were replaced while the lake remained accessible to households, posing little change in general livelihood activities. The quality and adequacy of the new resources were however in question, and some households were forced to change activities. Capabilities of resettled people were not affected; however, some were rendered useless in the new location while social ties and sense of belongingness were negatively affected. Recommendations for Practitioners Considering the findings of this research, for future induced resettlement, we recommend that proactive measure be taken to understand the potential impacts of projects to be incorporated into planning. In addition, livelihood supports should be planned on long-term basis, to ensure that all potential impacts are predetermined. Broadly, context-specific safeguard policies should be pursued at the local level. Recommendation for Researchers It is important to consider both the positive and negative impacts of induced resettlement to provide a holistic picture of how it affects households and communities. Researchers studying resettlement must therefore expand their scope of consideration to inform holistic policy actions. Impact on Society The study provides findings that can enhance the sustainability of community livelihoods in the face of infrastructural development activities in pursuit of economic growth. Future Research From the research perspective, future studies could well focus on understanding both dimensions of the impacts of various projects. Such an approach will provide valuable inputs to development planners and practitioners on how to effectively optimize project outcomes. The findings will also serve as a benchmark for people studying the same project long after all the phases are completed. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/4101 Resettlement Dams Community Livelihoods Ghana eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2018-08-20 2 159 168 4102 article Agyei Fosu afosu@wsu.ac.za Aim/Purpose: The goal of this study is to advance understanding of ICT utilization by SMMEs by checking access, ability (in terms of technological skills) and usage of ICT among some SMMEs entrepreneurs operating their businesses in an underdeveloped areas to enhance their business activities in order to utilizes the digital opportunities 21st century digital economies present. Background: In today’s world, no nation or region is untouched by the forces of globalization and digital economy. One of the key pioneering forces of globalization is the advances of ICT like internet, social networks, etc. In the sphere of business, this pioneering force has also altered the way businesses and organizations communicate and interact with customers and society. Such alternation presents obvious opportunities for wealth creation and growth for businesses and organizations that are well equipped to take advantages of them. However, for those that are less-equipped, particularly SMMEs, globalization can easily lead to fore-closures and marginalization. It is a common knowledge that SMMEs entrepreneurs mostly rely on ICT gadgets like mobile phone, Laptops, Tablets to conduct their business activities as many of them do not have enough capital to set up offices with necessary equipment. Therefore, using various ICT functions/programs on these ICT devices to enhance their business activities are critical to their businesses in the 21st century digital economies. Methodology: Purposive sampling has been used to approach fifty-four SMMEs entrepreneurs operating their businesses in underdeveloped areas locally called Townships in Buffalo City Metropolitan. Microsoft excel was used in the descriptive statistics. Contribution: This research will add to the growing knowledge ICT usage in SMMEs in the 21st century digital economies. Findings: The results indicate that the participating SMMEs entrepreneurs need to be educated, trained and supported in the use of the ICT applicable to enhance their business activities in order for them to take advantages of 21st century digital economies present. Recommendations for Practitioners: The agencies tasked with looking after SMMEs in South Africa needs to consider the lacked of utilization of ICTs by SMMEs entrepreneurs operating their businesses in underdeveloped areas as one of the barrier to growing of their businesses and take necessary steps to address it. Recommendation for Researchers: Since age and gender have been proven key-moderating variables in many technology acceptance models. There is a need to explore in depth whether the factors of gender and age also act as barriers. Impact on Society: The research will assist stakeholders, policy makers and agencies tasked with looking after SMMEs to identify the barriers hindering SMMEs to grow and address them accordingly. Future Research: More work needs to be done to check whether gender, age of the SMMEs entrepreneurs have some effects on their attitude towards the integration of ICT into their business activities. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/4102 Information and Communications Technology Small Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises 21st century digital economies eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2017-09-01 1 001 011 3757 article Agyei Fosu afosu@wsu.ac.za Aim/Purpose:This paper seeks to show how University of South Africa (UNISA) is using technology to connect lecturers, tutors and students of [UNISA] in an underdeveloped region in South Africa (SA) to reduce cost and time of travelling to access information, tutorials and help [available] in designated centers, hence making quality and higher education more accessible and less costly. Background: This empirical study gives evidence to back the effectiveness, helpfulness and cost reduction of using technology as a medium of making quality and higher education accessible to under developed regions. Methodology: Quantitative and purposeful sampling was deemed appropriate for the study, whereby 200 questionnaires was developed and specifically distributed to UNISA students from former Ciskei towns at East London Tutorial Center. Contribution:The paper is about the usage of mobile technology for knowledge creation and dissemination, instruction and learning, The data generated and presented add to the knowledge base about underdeveloped countries. This data and the conclusions reached based the analysis could be of interest to researchers, university administrators, politicians, planners and policy makers in underdeveloped countries. Findings: Evaluation of the overall effectiveness, helpfulness and cost reduction of e-tutorials show a slight advantage over the face-face tutorials. Recommendations for Practitioners: In the quest for ways and means of making quality and higher education accessible to underdeveloped regions, no matter which medium is chosen, the periodic measurement of success in terms of effectiveness, helpfulness, and cost implication in relation to the learner cannot be over looked. Recommendation for Researchers: More work needs to be done to check the effectiveness of technology as an efficient medium to provide access to quality and higher education to underdeveloped regional economies. Impact on Society: The results could have significant implications for raising the level of education and advancing employment equity by improving the delivery and accessibility to quality and higher education to underdeveloped regional economies. Future Research: The analysis of cost efficiency and effectiveness done in this work is just representative of one point of view: the student one of accessibility and cost. There is, however, need in future work to research the implications for the institutions of higher education (in terms teaching design, curriculum design, knowledge of individual learning types, need for change in and rate of change in knowledge view, learning philosophies), individual stakeholders, and the competitive re-positioning of society. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/3757 Development Higher education Technology eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2017-09-07 1 013 037 3858 article Steven J Clarke steven.clarke@rmit.edu.vn Mohammadreza Akbari reza.akbari@rmit.edu.vn Shaghayegh Maleki Far shaghayegh.malekifar@rmit.edu.vn Aim/Purpose : This paper is a review of the progress of the Vietnam socio-economic and development plan and an assessment of the extent to which Vietnam is putting in place the critical social and economic development structures that will enable it to reach the status of “developed nation” in the time set (2020) by its national strategic plan. The research will identify and review trade patterns, trade policy and the effect of foreign aid on Vietnam’s plan to transform its economy and society from a developing nation status to status of developed nation. The overriding question stands as “is” Vietnam effectively moving towards developed nation status soon”? Background: This paper examines the history of Vietnam from the command economy in its transition to a market driven economy, the criteria, hurdles and challenges as the country moves towards a developed country status. Methodology: Applied research based on the body of research in socio-economic development theory, international trade and market theory. The review is conducted by collecting and analyzing data on foreign trade, foreign aid, business and general economic growth, development and social wellbeing. It identifies and appraises the trade patterns, trade effects, socio-economic policies and the effect of foreign aid] on the economic growth and the progress of the country towards becoming a developed nation state. Contribution: The findings will assist academic, business and government researchers, policy and decision makers engaged developing Vietnam’s trade policies and strategic plan for its it future growth and economic progress towards a developed nation status. The paper will also provide additional insight into the business and market structure and environment in Vietnam and the role it plays aiding its growth and development. Findings Vietnam has experienced significant progress to date based on conventional developed nation criteria. However, there is an ongoing need for continued assertive governmental application of geo-economic and geopolitical policies focusing on sustainable, comprehensive, and vital social, cultural and economic growth. Recommendations for Practitioners : Specific policies and strategies for government and business reforms in Vietnam must focus on, 1. Replacing the projected benefits in growth utilizing accomplishments to date from negotiations and strategic development of the TPP, in-spite of current delays or withdrawal. 2. Continuing use of US financial aid and ODA sources to enhance HDI and support Vietnam’s commercial and social opportunities 3. Continued industrial zone development 4. Continued human labor improvements 5. Continued export expansion programs 6. Continued close working relationship with the WTO 7. Continued development strategies including SEDS, SEDPs, and FTAs Recommendation for Researchers: Researchers, when collecting economic and social data, need to [adhere to World Trade Standards data collection, measurement, classification, and estimation of trading data: for example,] precisely define, and determine the validity, accuracy, expected bias and relevant statistics and classification methods used by government agencies and international organizations. Impact on Society: Vietnam’s drive towards developed nation status will enhance the quality of life for a greater number of its citizens. Future Research: Future researchers ought to focus on specific elements of HDI and forms of foreign aid support for long-term economic and social development, and enhancing governmental reform of its dynamic and strategic development potential. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/3858 Developing nation trade terms patterns preferences development and policy foreign aid import substitution and export-led growth eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2017-10-31 1 039 061 3785 article Majo George majo.george@rmit.edu.vn Elsa Cherian elsacherian13@gmail.com Aim/Purpose: This research paper attempts to deeply and rationally probe into the present situation, discussing the expected role of the Spices Board of India, which in 1987 started to function replacing the erstwhile Cardamom Board, where the focus was only on the Cardamom plantation sector and export development. Background: Cardamom, the “Queen of Spices” is the third most expensive of the spices, next only to saffron and vanilla. The Cardamom Plantation and export development sector is now just one of the many focal points of expected action of promotional endeavors of the Spices Board of India. The cardinal problem is the 1990's market threat from Guatemala, which floods the market with Cardamom with cheaper prices, though it is qualitatively inferior to Indian green Cardamom. The second problem for Indian exports is that the higher cost of production coupled with increasing domestic market demand causes lower quantities for exports. Apart from the functional insufficiency of the Spices Board of India, in the view of the Cardamom farmers and secondary and tertiary market intermediaries, the present auction system, the scattered unorganized farming community at large, and other governmental promotional deficiencies together make the complexity of the present situation confounded. Methodology: It was decided that conventional research methods, using structured survey methods and questionnaire, were not feasible or realistic as collecting data from a wide range of personnel vary from cardamom farmers to wholesalers to market intermediaries including exporters, extractors of oleo resin from cardamom proved arduous. For this study the methodology used to gather information was a mixture of ethnographic and classical statistical sampling methods. The data was mainly collected by interviews as this will help to get an in depth feel of the pulse of all the involved participants. Thus it was felt that a more first-hand personal interactions was really necessary, not to just garner information from quantitative data but also to gauge through the in-person mood and tenor the grievances of all concerned with cardamom industry and to know the expectations of the related parties, especially from the Spices Board of India. Contribution: This paper attempts to bring into focus the provocations, limitations, and seriousness of the situation of the sector, and to prioritize the steps to be taken to regain the lost glory of the Indian Cardamom. Findings: The findings and analysis show that the Indian Cardamom Plantation Sector should be aware of the significance and market relevance of the “Organic” method of cultivation of Cardamom. Also there is a need for quality control practices in the sector that enable strict attention to meeting MRL (Maximum Residue Level) as demanded by the importing nations, and attention to the “functional refining factors” and expectations set out by the spices Board of India. All of these are based on the findings which are analyzed, without preconceived notions and authors’ subjective remarks. Recommendations for Practitioners: This paper reveals the view and understandings of the practitioners in the Indian Cardamom sector. It subtly suggests a certain course of action and serous recognition of flaws and deficiencies in the system that are obvious and emerges and which are critical and must be addressed. It underlines needs to be addressed; flaws in performance, and articulates the grievances. Recommendation for Researchers: More work needs to be done to have a clear analysis of the market demand of the cardamom products in order to project periods when demands of cardamom fluctuate the market, both domestically and internationally. In addition, it is important to study the various organic methods, which can be adopted by the farmers to produce high quality cardamom, which can meet the demand of the consumer as well as the standard required by various governments around the globe. Impact on Society: It reflects clearly, the general and prevalent concern of the Indian farming community and market intermediaries’ vis-à-vis the promotional role they expect the Spices Board of India to play in order to ameliorate the gravity of the bottlenecks being faced by the Indian Cardamom sector. Future Research: There are many areas to be studied in the Indian Cardamom Industry. This research paper attempts to highlight the unmitigated problems faced by the various strata of farmers, the indispensability of going “Organic”, and the need for the intervention of the Spices Board of India, and other relevant State Agri-Horticultural agencies, marketing Co-operative societies; subsidies and grants to be given by the government to encourage both organic cultivation and value addition using Carbon dioxide extraction of Oleoresins, packing, export market research, etc. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/3785 Global marketing producers spice board India eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2017-10-31 1 063 071 3836 article Agyei Fosu afosu@wsu.ac.za Aim/Purpose: The main aim of the study is to identify some of the barriers to the integration of technology into the teaching of mathematics in high schools. Background: Writing on chalkboards as a method of transferring knowledge is a key fea-ture of traditional approach to teaching may have been successful in the past, but the minds of the current generation vary from those of the previous generation. Today’s students are immersed in technology. They are much more up-to-date on the latest technology and gadgets. Technology has certainly changed how students access and integrate information, so it plausible that technology has also changed the way students thinks. Growing up with cutting-edge technologies has left them thinking differently than students of past generations. This call for new innovative approaches to teaching that will cater to the students of today. Of course it is not wise to discard the traditional way of teaching that the past teachers have painstakingly created because of its past and some current success. This is why it is recommended to use this approach as a base for the new ones. Thus, if there is a way to transfer the advantages of this approach of teaching to new innovative approach then teachers should do everything in their power to merge the past and the present into one innovative teaching approach. Methodology: Purposeful sampling was used to survey a total of 116 high school mathematics teachers in the former Transkei Homelands. But only 97 questionnaires were deemed usable because of the way they have answered the questions. Microsoft excel was used in the descriptive statistics Contribution: To identify some barriers that need to be addressed by stakeholders, policy makers in high school education so that high school mathematics teachers will be able to integrate technology into their classroom teaching to meet today students’ learning needs. Findings: The results indicated that the participating teachers need to be trained and supported in the use of the new technologies applicable to teaching mathematics. Recommendations for Practitioners: The Eastern Cape department of education needs to consider the lacked of technology training as a barrier to the integration of technology into the teaching of mathematics and take necessary steps to address it. Recommendation for Researchers: There is the need to explore in depth whether the factors of gender and age also act as barriers. Impact on Society: The research will assist stakeholders, policy makers of high school education to identify the needs of mathematics teachers. That is to say, the skill sets, experience and expertise, as well as teaching equipment and classroom design and environment required by mathematics teachers. Future Research: More work needs to be done to check whether gender, age of the teachers have some effects on their attitude towards technology integration as well as evaluate the role played by choice of teaching methodology and teaching objectives. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/3836 Mathematics teachers technological skills training. eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2017-11-26 1 073 083 3890 article Zul Ariff Abdul Latiff zulariff@umk.edu.my Mohammad Amizi Ayob amizi@umk.edu.my Aim/Purpose: This research seeks to determine the consumer preferences between local and import rice by using theory of knowledge, attitude and perception model (KAP). Background: Rice industry has received special attention from the government and was put as the most important food crop for ensuring the nation’s food security. This study tries to reveal the preferences of the consumer for imported rice as compared to local rice based on their knowledge, attitude and perception. Methodology: The simple random sampling technique is adopted in selecting 154 rice consumers in the Kelantan area. 154 questionnaires were distributed to them. Contribution: This paper studies the preferences of the consumer for local and imported rice. The findings presented and conclusions reached could be of interests to consumers, researchers, society, manufacturers and government. Findings: The findings from factor analysis supported the proposed model indicated that consumer knowledge is the first factor that influenced consumer preference on the rice followed by perception and attitude. It is also suggested that the demographic factor have a relationship with consumer preference based on their knowledge, attitude and perception. Recommendations for Practitioners: The consumer knowledge of local rice in Malaysia should be promoted more through television and social media as this influences their attitude when purchasing rice at the market. The quantity and the availability of the local product should be based on the majority of the consumers that usually shop for rice in medium amounts from the store near their house. Government should promote local rice to consumer more often to change their perceptions about local rice production in Malaysia. Recommendation for Researchers: More studies can be done regarding the behavior of consumers toward imported rice compared to local rice either in Kelantan or other states in Malaysia. Impact on Society: The findings can help rice producers to understand the customers’ needs and wants. Hence, government and local producers need to fulfill society needs by producing rice which has the quality demanded by local consumers. Future Research: This study focuses in Kelantan only which does not represent other states. Due to this, further research is required to obtain the national consumer preference for rice. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/3890 Consumer preference local rice imported rice knowledge attitude perception eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2017-12-03 1 085 102 3896 article Oberiri Destiny Apuke apukedestiny@gmail.com Ivo Nkasire Apollos iyendoo@gmail.com Aim/Purpose: This study investigates the public perception towards Facebook usage in the 2015 political campaigns in Nigeria. Background: The utilization of online networking in political issues has kept on developing in late time, even though it was not at first recognized as a political apparatus, political aspirants and politicians at large have now understood its capability. Hence, it has turned into one of the fundamental platforms for political aspirants to propagate diverse campaign messages to their constituents who have an interest in their political career and aspirations. Methodology: The study made use of descriptive survey design with a questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. Data were analyzed using the 2016 Microsoft Excel statistical package with frequency counts and simple percentages presented in tables and graphs. The hypotheses generated in this study were tested via inferential statistical chi-square analysis at 0.05 level of significant. Contribution: Studies that investigate the public perception of the usage of Facebook in electioneering campaign in Northern Nigeria, notably Taraba State is in its embryonic stage. Therefore, this paper is an extension to such body of knowledge. Findings: The study demonstrated that Facebook was used in the 2015 senatorial electioneering campaigns in southern Taraba, and this influenced electorate to vote a particular candidate. However, it is the perception of the respondents that there were dysfunctions such as deliberate distortions in the information about opponents, abusive speech, distortion of the facts about personal performance, and misinformation as a strategy for influencing on the Facebook pages of the electorates and candidates. Recommendations for Practitioners: Reliability (e.g. message must be clear, focused, well conveyed, believable, credible, free from abusive speech and attacking of opponents) should be an essential concept in the posted political messages or promises of politicians so as to draw more fans to themselves. Recommendation for Researchers: It should be noted that this study centers on southern Taraba alone, therefore, in order to get a more generalized results, it is pertinent for further research to include other parts of Nigeria. Additionally, a combination of content analysis and interview will be helpful in examining the nature of the abusive words/speeches used on Facebook in the 2015 southern Taraba senatorial electioneering campaign. Impact on Society: Some of the limitations have to do with the nature of the questionnaires them-selves and the kind of variables and measurement models required. The measurements are perceptions rather than quantitative interval or ratio scale measures taken on the variable. Therefore, future research should adopt quantitative interval or ratio scale measures on the variable in order to obtain scientific results. Future Research: It should be noted that this study centres on southern Taraba alone, therefore, in order to get a more generalizable results, it is pertinent for further research to include other parts of Nigeria. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/3896 Campaign; Facebook; politics; senatorial elections; Taraba; Nigeria. eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2017-12-28 1 103 115 3931 article Ariel N Delfino arielndelfino0927@gmail.com Aim/Purpose: The general purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the KALAHI-CIDSS project on community development in the East Coastal Area of Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, Philippines after its implementation. Background: Examining the impact of the KALAHI-CIDSS project on community development helps to determine the program’s priority issues that the government should be able to address. Methodology: This study used a purely qualitative method in gathering data following the case study design, and employed three different data gathering techniques. This method was used to develop in-depth analysis and provide appropriate baseline information on the impact of the KALAHI-CIDSS project on community development. Contribution: The results of this endeavor will generate useful information for concerned Philippine government agencies to improve their programs or projects to-ward societal development. The formulation of possible relevant policies or additional activities under this project will deliver essential development to the lives of beneficiaries in terms of combating poverty and ensuring safety and protection during the onslaught of natural catastrophes. Findings: The KALAHI-CIDSS project, while not free from flaws, has gained a lot of recognition as an effective poverty reduction program because of the job opportunities it generated in the poor communities, particularly in the East Coastal Area of Lagonoy. Significantly, it helped the community stakeholders to establish shared trust, mutual understanding, and cooperation among them. Its implementation promotes gender equality and stake-holder empowerment, upholding accountability and transparency in the community. Recommendations for Practitioners: The construction of infrastructures (e.g. seawalls) kept residents safe and protected from natural hazards. However, since poverty is a multi-dimensional issue, the government should not concentrate predominantly on the economic aspect of the lives of the Filipinos. Instead, they need to establish collaborative efforts with various government agencies to combat the prevalent problems in the country. Recommendation for Researchers: There is still room to examine different aspects of this program such as different measurement and analysis to figure out how influential this program is. Impact on Society: The significant positive feedback from the stakeholders may be used as baseline data to continually implement the project to those communities that need to be safe, protected and developed, as well as to reduce the poverty incidence. However, the implementing agency must consider the weaknesses found in this study as a guide for improved project implementation. Future Research: The information generated in this study has the potential to be helpful to the scientific community focusing on the impact of KALAHI-CIDSS on community development. However, this does not provide enough concrete and empirical measurements that could actually provide scientific infor-mation regarding the impact of the project. Thus, conducting further in-vestigation about the impact of KALAHI-CIDSS on community develop-ment by employing quantitative methods will be the future focus of the author. Utilizing a quantitative approach will provide the comprehensive and objective type of processes, tests, and results needed in order to be able to generalize the project’s impact on KALAHI-CIDSS beneficiaries all over the Philippines. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/3931 KALAHI-CIDSS community development poverty reduction program community participation Philippines eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2017-12-31 1 117 148 3932 article Prafulla K Padhi GGLLC2009@GMAIL.COM Aim/Purpose: Since the valuation of a born-global speculative start-up (BGSS) has been a guessing game and there is no framework in the literature from ethical fashion smart wearable (EFSW) venture valuation perspective, this research explores to create a holistic model using multi-stage valuation method to valuate BGSS at its inception and investigates how ethical is ethical fashion? Background: The concept of ‘Born-Global’ firm was introduced into business theory during 1988. Nowadays, ventures start with a global vision from their inception to introduce products and services in overseas markets. Speculative investment has been a common practice to start-up expedition. Investors gamble on speculative start-ups. The inception phase of any start-up is the embryonic phase and is, therefore, more speculative than successive phases for additional investments. BGSS at its inception possess no operating history. Today fashion industry is one of the largest industries globally, growing leaps and bounds with valuation at 3 trillion U.S. dollars. The emerging smart fashion wearable market projected to cross US$ 30 billion during 2017. Fashion exists not only in garments but also other wearable such as the bracelet, watches, jewelry, and other accessories. Ethical fashion is all about betterment for the people and community at large. This paper identifies the relevant actors and their impact on the ethical aspects and status of the fashion industry. Methodology: The methodology used in this research both qualitative and quantitative approach. Since ethical fashion is a social phenomenon, the qualitative approach is appropriate to deal with various perspective analysis of ethical fashion using case study on four ethical fashion smart wearable ventures. The quantitative method calibrates the valuation of a BGSS at the inception stage using a noble pragmatic multi-stage valuation method because it provides the incentive to focus on achieving the best risk/cost ratio. Contribution: This research bestows valuable insight using a noble multi-stage valuation method that has been proven successful based on author´s extensive practice to value BGSS at its inception contributing new knowledge to the literature. The application of informing system to frame the discussion on the inter-disciplinary domain of ethical fashion smart wearable creates awareness for fashion industry stakeholders and academic researchers. Findings: The analysis shows that BGSS is a contemporary phenomenon since so many smart fashions wearable companies have gone through thought provoking and compelling stories to became successful in a highly competitive smart fashion wearable industry. BGSS concept is a brand-new perspective in the EFSW academic research. The findings of this research provide information to various stakeholders of the fashion industry and benefit to a global community at large with a more nuanced understanding of the changes and challenges of the emerging EFSW industry and the way to measure the valuation of a venture at its inception. Recommendations for Practitioners: This paper reveals nuance understanding for the practitioners in the BGSS valuation at its inception. Since all the traditional valuation methods have their drawbacks when applied to the inception stage of BGSS, this study recommends using multi-stage valuation method because it provides incentive for the best risk/cost ratio. Fashion brands (designers and other stakeholders) should abide by the ethical criteria to make a difference in the global community at large by reducing degradation of the environmental conditions. For the future of ethical fashion, ethical choices must be an available alternative to customers. Fashion companies need to embark upon design to not only be ethical but also stylish, therefore need to create trust by adopting transparency and integrity throughout the value chain. Fashion brand should take advantage of ethical fashion criteria to provide assurance to consumers with socio-cultural aspects in mind, to promote their fashion collections effectively. Recommendation for Researchers: More research work needs to be accomplished to have a clear analysis of the ethical fashion perspective to cover environmental, socio-cultural, fair trade, human rights, animal rights and other aspects. It is important to study the various stages of BGSS valuation from growth stage to initial public offering stage and beyond to bridge the gap between academic research and practitioners using the multi-stage valuation method. Impact on Society: Since ethical fashion is of great significance for the contemporary society, raising awareness among various cultural communities globally to promote avantgarde ways regarding ethical fashion criteria, specifically to curb the degradation of the environment, stopping the cruelty on animals and protecting the human rights among consumers is paramount. Future Research: This study will bridge the gap between practice and academic research, scholars should embark upon creating a total addressable market (TAM) theory and empirical analysis studies because the total addressable market is the key and practical determinant of BGSS success. Ethical fashion academic research should be pursued beyond sustainability on smart wearable. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/3932 EFSW BGSS Informing Systems Multi-Stage Valuation eng Informing Science Institute International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies (IJCDMS) 2576-4306 2017-12-31 1 149 156 3933 article Zul Ariff Abdul Latiff zulariff@umk.edu.my Mohammad Amizi Ayob amizi@umk.edu.my Mohamad Izwani Halim skylinebigbos@yahoo.com Aim/Purpose: The objective of this study is to determine the preferences of food sellers in Kelantan towards the halal-labeled fish ball. Background: Fish balls are the popular value-added products in Malaysia. Fish ball production is in second place after fish cracker production for processed fish-based production in Malaysia. Thus, this study tries to expose the preferences of the food sellers toward halal-labeled fish ball based on KAP model. Methodology: A convenience sample technique is employed in selecting 58 food sellers in Kelantan. The food sellers were interviewed face-to-face by using a structured questionnaire. Contribution: This study is about the perception of the food sellers towards the halal labeled fish ball in Kelantan. Consumers, researchers, society, manufacturers, and government can use the results that had been revealed and the conclusions that had been reached. Findings: The result indicates that knowledge, attitude, and practice of food sellers have an impact toward the halal labeled fish ball. This showed that food sellers know the ingredient used in the halal labeled fish ball. The result of factor analysis indicates that knowledge is the major factors that influence the decision of food sellers in selling halal labeled fish ball products. Recommendations for Practitioners: Food sellers also should be exposed more about the official halal logo by JAKIM and another country halal logo that is certified by Malaysia government as this can increase their confidence level toward the halal labeled fish ball. The manufacturers should include a halal logo on their fish ball packaging to influence food sellers in purchasing the fish ball. The manufacturers Food sellers also should be exposed more about the official halal logo by JAKIM and another country halal logo that is certified by Malaysia government as this can increase their confidence level toward the halal labeled fish ball. The manufacturers should include a halal logo on their fish ball packaging to influence food sellers in purchasing the fish ball. Recommendation for Researchers: Another study can be done regarding the consumers’ behavior toward fish ball based on the halal label in Kelantan or Terengganu or Pahang or other states in Malaysia. Impact on Society: The results of the study can help manufacturers to understand the needs and wants of customers. Government and local producers need to fulfill the needs of society by producing a fish ball, which has the halal label on the packaging. Future Research: This study just focuses on Kelantan, and it does not represent other states. Fur-ther study should be done at other state to obtain the nation preference of halal-labeled fish ball. http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/3933 Fish ball halal labeled knowledge attitude practice