Concurrent Mixed Methods Approach Research Articles

Designing Hospitality Curriculum for the Future: A Comprehensive Assessment of an Undergraduate Program in the United States

ABSTRACT Educational curricula require systematic and regular evaluation to maintain relevance and university Hospitality Management programs are no exception. This study assessed gaps and trends in curricular topics, soft skill development, and practical skills and experiences through a case study of a university program in the United States (U.S.). A concurrent mixed-methods approach involving multiple stakeholders guided comprehensive curriculum development and revealed differing values on certain topics and skills. This study emphasizes the need for Hospitality programs to adapt their curriculum by incorporating hands-on industry experience, leadership training, and development of both hard and soft skills, ensuring students are well-prepared for future industry demands. It contributes to the understanding of the industry-academia gap through the lens of education and curriculum, benefiting the reevaluation of similar U.S. programs.

Genetic Services in Appalachia Conference Series.

This study examined the data generated as part of a seven-session webinar series that focused on genetics care provision in the medically underserved, rural Appalachian region and examined how these services have adapted to challenging practice environments. Barriers and facilitators to care in our region were considered. Data included a baseline survey of registrants, transcripts of sessions, and feedback about sessions. We analyzed data with a sequential and concurrent mixed methods approach. Registrants (n = 137) were disproportionately healthcare providers with genetic services expertise (37.2%). Approximately half (43.8%) of registrants were from KY, WV, and TN in the central Appalachian region. Our baseline survey found that the most noted barriers were the cost of services, lack of providers, and access to care. The most common facilitator was telehealth. Analysis of transcripts identified barriers that were consistent with those noted in the baseline survey, but additional support and network opportunities were discussed to allow for learning across services. Numerous barriers to service delivery were noted; however, despite challenges, participants identified opportunities and resources in the community. These insights will inform a research agenda aimed at advancing genetics services in rural Appalachia, addressing challenges, and leveraging assets for improved healthcare access and outcomes.

Work-integrated learning challenges of engineering diploma students at select South African universities of technology

Purpose. The study aimed to identify the challenges experienced by select universities of technology, industry mentors, and engineering diploma students regarding the work-integrated learning (WIL) component of the study programme. Methodology. A concurrent mixed-methods approach was used, which included a survey and focus group interviews. Both purposive and convenient sampling processes were used to select the sample. The survey sample comprised 25 university of technology employees, 28 industry mentors, and 165 learners. The focus group was comprised of six members selected based on their involvement and expertise with WIL issues, including a placement officer, a training manager, a WIL facilitator, senior technicians, and a corporate director. Results. The most significant challenge was the long waiting period for learners to find suitable placements, which impacted their completion and graduation. Learners lacked the relevant computer literacy skills required by the industry, as well as communication skills. Learners also faced challenges working with industrial drawings and documentation, and could not manage projects in the workplace. The inability to work in teams, and having the correct attitude to work were also highlighted as challenges. The responsibilities outlined in the logbooks did not always correspond with those in the workplace either. The learners also complained about infrequent visits from university staff to monitor their performance in the workplace. It also became apparent that the academic institutions did not adequately prepare the learners for the world of work. Conclusions. The study highlighted the many challenges encountered by the learners, the academic staff involved in WIL activities and the industry mentors, implying the need for a strategic overview, and overhaul of the relevant WIL programme, including policies and processes. Recommendations are made on how all the players could address the challenges.

Leveraging on Agricultural Cooperatives in Feed and Fodder Production Among Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Meru County, Kenya

Climate change is having a severe effect on the availability of feeds and fodder, which causes irregular milk output and high production costs for farmers and cooperatives. This study focuses on the role of agricultural cooperatives in promoting feed and fodder, and management. A cross-sectional survey design with concurrent mixed methods approach entailing quantitative and qualitative methodologies was adopted. The target population was drawn from seven dairy producer groups supported by the Meru dairy cooperative union. Systematic random sampling was used to sample one hundred and ninety-five respondents from seven selected dairy cooperatives. Purposive sampling was used to select key informants in the dairy value chain. Primary data was collected using key informants, interview guides, household survey questionnaires and focus group discussion guides. The data collected was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The study findings indicate that 92% of respondents produced their own fodder, while 28.3% outsourced. High cost of feeds and fodder was a major challenge. The agricultural cooperatives supported farmers in production and bulking of super Napier fodder. They also support farmers in access feeds and fodder for This study recommeds agricultural cooperatives should conduct trainings on modern feed and fodder production, as well as conservation of fodder and home made rations. The study also recommeds that policy makers should legislate laws that support dairy cooperatives in feed and fodder production.Also laws stould be legislated to protect smallholder farmers from exploitation by feed manuafacturers.The study also recommeds further studies on feed, fodder contamination qne quality analysis.

A Mixed Methods Evaluation of Wearable Technology: Findings from the Vivo Play Scientist (VPS) Program

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a Canadian recreation centre launched a community-based intervention to increase physical activity (PA) and reduce sedentary behaviour (SB). The Vivo Play Scientist (VPS) program provided a free wearable device (Garmin Vivofit4) that synchronized with a customized eHealth dashboard. Aim: The study investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of the VPS program through the participants’ use and experiences of the device and dashboard using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Method: We employed a concurrent mixed-methods approach of online surveys and semi-structured telephone interviews and estimated the device and dashboard’s perceived usefulness and ease of use with TAM. Results: Of the 318 participants (mean age 39.8) 87 enrolled and completed the survey at baseline-T0, 4 wks-T1, and 8 wks-T2. Maximal-variation sampling was used to select 23 participants (78%, F) for interviews. We compared frequency of use, perceived usefulness and ease of use of the device and dashboard across all surveys using non-parametric statistical tests. A thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Participants had some experience using a wearable device (46%) or eHealth application (49%). A high use (≥4 d/wk.) of Vivofit4 at T1 (93%) and T2 (87%) occurred, but dashboard use was less frequent (≥1 d/wk. T1 54.0% and T2 47.1%). Average levels of perceived usefulness and ease of use for the Vivofit4 and dashboard remained constant from T1 to T2. Average daily PA scores decreased from T1 to T2 (4.9 to 4.5; p = 0.017). Conclusion: Participants were guarded about the value of the dashboard use and reported several challenges associated with the VPS program, but the free device and dashboard did provide PA support during the pandemic.

Exploring commercial sex work among transgender women in Nepal: Contributors and stigma-A mixed-method study.

Transgender women are considered as one of the most vulnerable populations for commercial sex work and sexually transmitted infections. This mixed-method study aimed to explore the factors associated with commercial sex work among transgender women of Nepal along with their experience and the stigma associated with it. A concurrent mixed-methods approach was employed in this cross-sectional study conducted from July to December 2022 in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. A total of 152 transgender women participated in the quantitative survey, and 17 of them were selected for in-depth interviews (IDIs). The chi-square test was employed at a 5% level of significance to identify factors associated with commercial sex work. Qualitative data from the IDIs were thematically analyzed, with key themes emerging around reasons for engaging in sex work and the stigma associated with it including the Silence, Shame, and Dignity & Treatment domains under sex work stigma. Out of 152 transgender women, 104 (64%; 95% CI: 60.5-75.0%) were found to be currently working as a commercial sex worker. Factors such as education, household wealth, homelessness, history of sexual and verbal abuse, including rape and physical attacks, and socialization with others were found to have a statistically significant relation with commercial sex work at p<0.05. Despite engagement in commercial sex work, a higher proportion experienced sex work stigma under the Sex Work Stigma Scale. The findings, derived from both quantitative and qualitative studies, emphasize the urgency of targeted interventions to alleviate the challenges faced by this marginalized population. The observed higher proportion of commercial sex work and sex work stigma underscores the pervasive social challenges of transgender women. A comprehensive and coordinated effort is essential, bringing together governmental, private sector, and public awareness initiatives to effectively manage stigma and address the underlying causes of commercial sex work.

Investigating the resilience and challenges of informal street traders in South Africa's tourism sector: a focus on migrant entrepreneurship

ABSTRACT Selling products and services to tourists is often the main or sole source of income for local and migrant informal traders participating in the tourism sector in developing countries. However, they are vulnerable to exogenous shocks, with the COVID-19 pandemic a recent example. During COVID-19, international travel and domestic movement bans affected the livelihoods of many local and migrant informal traders, with the absence of government support exacerbating the plight of migrant traders in particular. This study provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by informal traders in three of South Africa’s main tourist cities against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a concurrent mixed-methods approach, the study explores how migrant and non-migrant entrepreneurs navigated the crisis. This research not only highlights the critical role of resilience and other survival strategies for especially migrant traders but also offers practical implications for the recognition of their resilience and the contribution of both local and migrant traders to job creation withing the realms of the informal tourism sector. This study extends resilience theory by applying it within the socio-economic context of the tourism sector of an important migration destination on the African continent.

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effectiveness of a Reflective Supervision Professional Development Series Within Early Care and Education

ABSTRACT The positive impacts of Reflective Supervision (RS) are becoming increasingly evident. This approach may be especially important for early childhood teachers, who must deliver academic curricula and attend to children’s social-emotional development while maintaining high-quality program standards in increasingly challenging environmental contexts. However, to effectively provide RS to early childhood teachers, supervisors must first be trained in this approach. This paper describes the results of one such innovative training effort using data from a statewide, community-based program evaluation and a pilot open trial in the United States. Participants (N = 83 supervisors) were offered foundational training in RS followed by monthly skill-building sessions. We used a concurrent mixed methods approach, integrating observational, survey, and interview data collected simultaneously to assess feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of the RS professional development series. Data integration was achieved through contiguous narrative and joint display approaches. Research Findings: The RS series was feasible to implement, acceptable to participants, and led to improved reflective supervisory competencies. Practice or Policy: The RS series may represent an opportunity to effectively support the early care and education workforce, and in turn, benefit children. We discuss some differences between samples that may be useful for future implementation efforts across early care and education settings.

Physical Literacy and Physical Activity in Early Years Education: What's Known, What's Done, and What's Needed?

Background: Physical literacy (PL) is increasingly recognised as essential for fostering lifelong engagement in physical activity (PA), particularly when nurtured in early childhood. Yet there remains limited understanding of how stakeholders in early years (EY) education perceive, value, and implement a PL-informed approach. This study aims to explore knowledge and beliefs regarding PL and PA in relation to 3-5-year-olds, investigating key questions around perceived importance, current practices, and barriers to implementation. Methods: A concurrent mixed-methods approach was used, incorporating semi-structured expert interviews (n = 11), focus groups (n = 22), and a survey (n = 210). Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes from qualitative data, and survey data were analysed to complement and triangulate the qualitative findings. Results: The findings revealed variation in stakeholders' awareness of PA recommendations and confusion over terminology. Whilst stakeholders acknowledged the importance of PL, there remains uncertainty about the connection between theory and practical application. Identified barriers included resource limitations, conflicting priorities, and insufficient training and policy support. Feedback on an educational PL-EY model was generally positive, suggesting strong potential as a tool to support PL understanding and application in early childhood contexts. Conclusions: Given the pivotal role of EY education in shaping children's behaviours, health, and wellbeing, this study highlights the necessity of a holistic approach to interventions, strong stakeholder involvement, and evidence-based practices to foster PL in EY children. The PL-EY model presents a promising direction for future resources and education and raises critical questions about what effective interventions to develop PL in this age group should consider and look like.

Knowledge on adolescent and reproductive health among secondary school students in Khulna City, Bangladesh

The main objective of this study was to investigate the depth and breadth of knowledge and ideas about adolescent health among secondary-level students. A concurrent mixed method approach, both quantitative and qualitative methods, was followed to carry out the study. Students enrolled in tenth grade under the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) in Khulna City, Bangladesh, were chosen as the respondents of the study. Kotwali and Khanjahan Ali Thana of Khulna City were rationally chosen as the areas of the study. A total of 40 schools were randomly chosen, and 400 surveys, 10 surveys from each school, ideally 05 boys and 05 girls, were carried out, including 10 in-depth case studies. Findings indicated that, on average, more than half of the adolescents have knowledge gaps about adolescents and reproductive health, for example, misconceptions about the adolescent period and age range of puberty, vague understanding of the first sign(s) of physical appearances, and face critical emotional and social challenges. Both qualitative and quantitative data further showed that they hardly get sufficient cooperation and support from family and social environments in dealing with their challenges, display risky health behaviour, and make major decisions based on their self-discretionary assumptions to deal with crises. The findings of this study would provide important guidelines to parents and guardians, local and district and regional and national level GOs and NGOs health professionals who work with adolescent and reproductive health services, policymakers, academics, and researchers to create an adolescent-friendly environment.

Game On: A Journey into Computational Thinking with Modern Board Games in Portuguese Primary Education

Recent studies highlight the potential of modern board games (MBGs) to foster computational thinking (CT) skills in students. This research explored the impact of integrating MBGs into a primary education classroom through an embedded concurrent mixed-methods approach, with a pre-experimental design in its quantitative aspect and content analysis in its qualitative dimension, with 20 fourth-grade students from a school in Portugal. The students participated in 10 game sessions, each lasting 50 min, and their CT skills were assessed using Bebras tasks in both the pre-test and post-test phases. Statistical analysis, including the Shapiro–Wilk test for normality and paired sample t-tests, revealed significant improvements in key CT areas, particularly abstraction, algorithmic thinking, and decomposition. Descriptive statistics were also calculated, and content analysis using Nvivo software was conducted on field notes, corroborating the quantitative data. The results suggest that MBGs can serve as a valuable educational tool for developing CT skills in young learners. This study not only highlights the effectiveness of MBGs but also emphasises the need for further research using more robust experimental designs to enhance CT development in educational settings.

Mixed methods research on reflective writing in teacher education.

In this paper, mixed methods research is presented and discussed in the context of research on reflective writing for the professional development of pre-service teachers. First, we present prominent theoretical frameworks to analyze reflective writings. Second, we review relevant methodological approaches of research on reflective writings in teacher education, such as qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods. Third, we present a study from our research lab combining qualitative content analysis and linguistic analyses as an example for a concurrent mixed method approach. The results of the qualitative content analysis indicated that 198 reflective writings of pre-service teachers were primarily descriptive and on a low level. Computational linguistic analyses revealed that affective and cognitive terminology utilization in reflective writing differed significantly across the different levels of reflection, with a higher frequency of such terms correlating with deeper levels of reflection. Thus, essential challenges and opportunities of implementing such a mixed method study to analyze reflective writings are illustrated and discussed. Finally, we conclude the paper by discussing on how mixed methods approaches might be further advanced in the field of reflective writing research in teacher education.

Training Needs of Ward Education Officers for Ensuring Quality Education a Study of Primary Schools in Mkuranga District, Tanzania.

This study was set to find out the training needs of Ward Education Officers` in ensuring Quality Education in Tanzania. It mainly focuses on determining WEO`s supervisory training needs that will enable them to ensure quality education provisions in schools in Mkuranga District, highlighting the challenges that WEO's face while carrying out supervision of schools and establish the remedial measures to the identified challenges WEO's face in Mkuranga District. The study sample comprised of 26 informants made up of 25 WEO`s and 1 District Education Officer (DEO). A concurrent transformative mixed method approach was applied because each method of data collection complements each other. Questionnaires and interview guide questions were used to collect data from the respondents. The reliability of quantitative data was established through Cronbach- Alpha where by (r=0.828 for WEO`s questionnaire) while reliability for qualitative data was established through trustworthiness. Quantitative data was analyzed by using descriptive analysis to generate frequency, means and percentages by using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 Computer while Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and presented in words by verbatim quotations. The study concluded that, WEOs are facing the challenges that hinder their ability to provide effective supervision for ensuring quality education in schools. Such major challenges include lack of training, inadequate resources and lack of cooperation from the community in which they work. WEOs are in dire need for training in order to enable them supervises school for ensuring quality education. The study therefore recommends that, the program designers plan for supervising training to the WEOs either before being appointed or the inset training if they want WEOs to fit into there jobs. Also WEOs should only be selected among teachers who have the knowledge of education management and supervision.

Zoom Improv is accessible and enhances medical student empathy

BackgroundEmpathy declines during medical training, despite its importance.MethodologyIn this randomized controlled trial, we assessed the impact of Zoom improv on medical student empathy using a concurrent mixed-methods approach. Quantitative assessment with three survey tools and qualitative assessment by content analysis of Zoom session field notes were conducted.ResultsZoom improv participants had higher empathy scores in perspective-taking and fantasy and lower scores in personal distress compared with the control group. Medical students who participated in Zoom improv exercised emotional expression, active listening, and giving “gifts,” which apply to healthcare settings in which affirming team members with empathic concern can advance communication, patient rapport, and teamwork.DiscussionThis pilot study highlights promising findings for the incorporation of Zoom improv in medical education, including enhanced empathy, self-reflection, and understanding how these skills impact work in healthcare. Future studies may expand on the optimal timing to teach improv. Future studies conducted on virtual platforms may also further investigate our finding that the fantasy domain of empathy increases after Zoom improv sessions, whereas this increase in fantasy was absent from previous in-person studies. Given the increase in telehealth and virtual medical visits, exercising empathy skills through a screen during training may be an important addition to medical curricula.

RESOURCE PROCUREMENT AND CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE IN LAIKIPIA COUNTY, KENYA

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine how resource procurement influences climate-smart agriculture projects in Laikipia County, Kenya. Theoretical Framework: This study is anchored on Transaction Cost Economics Theory, which states that a project will attract transaction costs all through the procurement process. This study anchors on this theory as small-scale farmers need to be innovative to reduce procurement costs and have bargaining power over exploitive stockists. Method: A concurrent mixed method approach that adopted the descriptive cross-sectional survey and correlational design was employed to study two World Bank-sponsored Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture projects. Stratified and Simple random sampling were employed to get a sample of 225 small-scale farmers and purposeful sampling identified four key informants. Data was collected using questionnaires and an interview guide and analyzed using descriptive, inferential, and content data analysis techniques. Results and Discussion: The composite mean and standard deviation of 3.25 and 1.163 respectively. The relationship between resource procurement and the performance of climate-smart agriculture projects had a fairly strong linear coefficient of correlation (r= 0.524) and p-value of (p=0.000&lt;0.05) indicating a fairly strong and significant relationship. Therefore, effective procurement of inputs, machinery, and other resources is critical in sustainable agriculture. Research Implications: Consequently, it is critical to have policies that promote effective procurement and safeguard small-scale farmers from exploitive stockists. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by providing reliable and triangulated empirical data through authentic methodology enhancing suitability for data generalisability and replicability. The relevance and value of this research is evidenced by the need to promote food security in a healthy ecology

RESOURCE ALLOCATION AND CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE IN LAIKIPIA COUNTY, KENYA

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine how resource allocation influences climate-smart agriculture projects in Laikipia County, Kenya. Theoretical Framework: Pareto Efficiency Theory states that at a certain level, it is not possible to utilize more resources to improve one party, without jeopardizing the other party. The study sought to heighten the level of food production to guarantee food security without threatening the environment. Method: A concurrent mixed method approach that adopted the descriptive cross-sectional survey and correlational design was employed to study two World Bank-sponsored Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture projects. Stratified and Simple random sampling were employed to get a sample of 225 small-scale farmers and purposeful sampling identified four key informants. Data was collected using questionnaires and an interview guide and analyzed using descriptive, inferential, and content data analysis techniques. Results and Discussion: The composite mean and standard deviation of the respondents' opinions on resource allocation were 3.52 and 1.143, respectively. The correlation coefficient of resource allocation and the performance of climate-smart agriculture projects was weak, with r=-0.220 and p-value p=0.000&lt;0.05. Therefore, though resource allocation is a crucial factor in food production, judicious and effective resource allocation is critical to realizing the full potential of the projects. Research Implications: Consequently, it is critical to have policies that promote the effective allocation of public and private goods to promote food production coupled with enhanced healthy ecology. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by providing reliable and triangulated empirical data through authentic methodology enhancing suitability for data generalisability and replicability. The relevance and value of this research is evidenced by the need to promote food security in a healthy ecology.

RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP AND CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE IN LAIKIPIA COUNTY, KENYA

Objective: To examine the extent to which resource stewardship influences the performance of climate-smart agriculture projects in Laikipia County, Kenya. Theoretical Framework: The study was anchored on the Stewardship theory that envisages that unsupervised managers, will derive their satisfaction from the organization's success hence, remain accountable stewards. Judicious stewardship is the only way to achieve food security in a healthy ecology. Method: A concurrent mixed method approach that adopted the descriptive cross-sectional survey and correlational design was employed to study two World Bank-sponsored Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture projects. Stratified and Simple random sampling were employed to get a sample of 225 small-scale farmers and purposeful sampling identified four key informants. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guide and analyzed using descriptive, inferential, and content data analysis techniques. Results and Discussion: The respondents’ opinions on resource stewardship had a composite mean and standard deviation of 3.47 and 1.138 respectively. The relationship between resource stewardship and the performance of climate-smart projects had a weak linear correlation of (r= -0.007) and p-value (p=0.923&gt;0.05) indicating a weak and insignificant relationship. Despite the portrayed confidence in resource stewardship, stewardship is not a quick-fix approach hence, detested in the use of resources. Research Implications: Consequently, it is vital to have policies that enforce, promote, and subsidize activities that stimulates stewardship in food production. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by providing reliable and triangulated empirical data through authentic methodology enhancing suitability for data generalisability and replicability. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by the need to promote food security in pursuance of the achievement of sustainable development goals.

RESOURCE CAPACITY PLANNING AND CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE IN LAIKIPIA COUNTY, KENYA

Objective: The purpose of this study was to establish the extent to which capacity planning influences the performance of climate-smart agriculture projects in Laikipia County. Theoretical Framework: The study was anchored on the theory of change whose pillars are planning, participation, and evaluation. These factors are critical in capacity planning of scarce resources and evaluating the effectiveness of the process. Method: A concurrent mixed method approach that adopted the descriptive cross-sectional survey and correlational design was employed to study two World Bank-sponsored Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture projects. Stratified and Simple random sampling were employed to get a sample of 225 small-scale farmers and purposeful sampling identified four key informants. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guide and analyzed using descriptive, inferential, and content data analysis techniques. Results and Discussion: The respondent’s opinion on capacity planning had a composite mean and standard deviation of 2.88 and 1.219 respectively. Capacity planning and the performance of climate-smart agriculture projects had a strong correlation coefficient of r=0.644 and p-value p=0.000&lt;0.05. Therefore, resource capacity planning is fundamental in enhancing climate-smart projects, through proactive decisions, risk management, and cost reduction. Research Implications: Consequently, it is imperative to have policies that prioritize and promote capacity planning of the scarce public and private goods to enhance their allocation. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by providing reliable and triangulated empirical data through authentic methodology enhancing suitability for data generalisability and replicability. The relevance and value of this research was evidenced by the need to promote food security in pursuance of the achievement of sustainable development goals.

Peru’s National Policy on Financial Inclusion and Its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goal I

This article analyzes the implementation of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) and its alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) I: Eradicate poverty. Despite the progress achieved, structural gaps persist and substantially limit the NFIS’s contribution to poverty reduction, especially among rural, indigenous, extreme poverty, and other vulnerable groups. The article employs a mixed methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative techniques. On the qualitative side, a hermeneutic documentary analysis of the NFIS and related regulations was carried out, with a critical textual interpretation supported by specialized software. Quantitatively, descriptive statistical techniques were applied to analyze official financial inclusion indicators—methodological integration was achieved through analytical triangulation under a concurrent mixed methods approach. The progress of initiatives under the NFIS was evaluated, identifying limitations such as the digital divide in rural areas, limited financing for Micro and Small Enterprises, gaps in financial education, and growing exposure to digital fraud. Although the NFIS promotes greater access to financial services, it does not explicitly focus on the poorest and most excluded populations. Therefore, it is recommended that the objectives and indicators of the NFIS be reformulated to focus on universal access and effective use of financial services by the population in extreme poverty and chronic exclusion. In addition, a strategic articulation with social protection policies is necessary, as well as promoting culturally relevant microfinance and inclusive finance models, strengthening consumer protection, and consolidating public–private alliances in high-poverty areas. Finally, strong monitoring and accountability are also key.

Integrating Faith and Fashion: How Muslim Women in Ghana Are Redefining Workplace Dress Codes

This study assessed the interplay of fashion, religion, and employment among Muslim women in Ghana’s formal sector. It examined their fashion consumption behaviors and how religion influences their attire choices, focusing on their awareness of Islamic fashion laws. Employing a concurrent mixed method approach, the study targeted Muslim women in various formal institutions in Accra, Ghana. Data collection involved questionnaires, observations, and interviews. Descriptive and Regression analysis was conducted to test hypotheses. The study discovered a significant association between contemporary fashion features in Muslim women’s styles and their knowledge of Islamic fashion laws. It also revealed that Islamic and contemporary fashion characteristics influence their understanding of clothing regulations under Islamic law. The study suggested the integration of religious beliefs in the fashion industry. It recommends involving professionals with religious and fashion expertise in education, promoting current trends in fashion that align with Islamic laws, and enforcing workplace rights for Muslim women. This study provides unique insights into how Islamic laws influence the fashion choices of Muslim women in Ghana’s formal sector, bridging a gap in understanding the intersection of faith, fashion, and professional life. Additionally, the findings highlight the dual impact of fashion and religion not only on personal identity but also on professional engagement within the workplace. These results emphasize the need for a more inclusive fashion industry that respects and reflects diverse religious tenets while supporting women in their career endeavors. This integrative approach could potentially enhance workplace inclusion and boost the career prospects of Muslim women in the formal sector.