Desktop Research Research Articles

Pedagogical Perspectives of Utu: Reclaiming Primacy of African Values for Moral-ethical for Youth Development in Tanzania

Abstract The decline of moral and ethics in Tanzania especially to the youth is associated by different factors among which is the decrease in abiding by traditional values centered in utu concept. This study examined the way in which, pedagogical perspectives of utu contribute greatly in reclaiming primacy of African values for moral-ethical development of the youth in Tanzania. This study has used a desktop research study method whereby literature has been surveyed. The study argues that pedagogical perspectives of utu should be embraced for reclaiming the primacy of African values for moral-ethical development of youth in Tanzania. This study reaffirms the fact that the utu concept can stand out as a paradigm for the holistic concept of the human person and worldview that sees the reality of life as an interrelated. The moral/ethical values practiced in the light of utu on the basis of unity and brotherhood within a human family can help the Tanzanian society to recuperate a sense of national identity. Therefore, Tanzanian society today needs to cultivate, transmit, and practice utu in daily life for holistic development. The study recommends that, the utu concept which advocates the value of human dignity and identity, reminds us of the necessity of clarifying and living what we mean by “values” in education today since not all aspects of life and practice attributed to culture contain educational values worth of human dignity.

Unleashing the Power of Civil Society: Examining the Impact of the Saudi Green Building Forum in Advancing Eco-friendly Construction in Saudi Arabia

This paper delves into the role of civil society in propelling green building practices, one key to a sustainable future. It focuses on the Saudi Green Building Forum (SGBF) “in Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, since 2017” as a case study that illuminates how civil society organizations contribute to environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic prosperity in the construction sector. The concept of green building is traced from its origins through its global development, explicitly emphasizing notable examples from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Saudi Arabia. The paper reassures the audience by outlining the unique and robust alignment of SGBF’s initiatives and its support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), underscoring its commitment to global sustainability. The study presents a descriptive analysis based on desktop research, illustrating the transformative impact of civil society in promoting sustainable construction practices through the SGBF. Key aspects covered include the historical evolution of the green building movement, successful implementations of green building standards, and the activation of civil society institutions and organizations in driving sustainability. The paper showcases SGBF’s strategies and projects as exemplary models of civil society’s contribution to greening the built environment and fostering a sustainable future in Saudi Arabia and beyond. The objective is to inspire by highlighting civil society’s far-reaching impact on the construction sector’s environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable development.

Integrating ESG Principles into Environmental Education: Opportunities and Challenges in the MENA Region

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region grapples with pressing environmental challenges such as water scarcity, desertification, and climate change. However, within these challenges lies the potential for sustainable development. A paradigm shift in environmental education for sustainable development is imperative to address these issues effectively. Environmental education plays a crucial role in instilling resilience in the face of climate change and natural disasters that increasingly impact the region. Redefining EE through Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) can act as a catalyst for positive change. Integrating ESG principles into education empowers citizens not only to understand environmental issues but also to lead sustainable lives and contribute to the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Accessibility to environmental education should be universal, transcending gender, socioeconomic status, and geographical location. Leveraging technology and digital platforms can significantly enhance the reach and impact of environmental education. Methodologically, this article employs a conventional literature review approach, conducting a desktop research to comprehensively examine the existing body of publications related to environmental education for sustainable development in the MENA region. The review explores current environmental educational approaches applied to achieve sustainable development in the MENA region. Subsequently, it introduces alternative approaches that leverage ESG principles consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to redefine the current status quo. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift in environmental education in the MENA region through the integration of ESG principles into the curriculum, promotion of collaborative governance and inclusivity, the region can nurture a new path of environmentally conscious citizens poised to contribute to sustainable development.

Remarks on sustainable disposal and potential reuse of greywater in an informal urban settlement, Cape Town, South Africa

Background The disposal of greywater is a challenge for informal urban settlements that do not have a reticulation system to collect the wastewater they generate. Greywater, which includes domestic wastewater, represents a potential resource that can alleviate water stress if efficiently managed. This study aimed to provide sustainable disposal and potential reuse of greywater produced using informal settlements in Cape Town, South Africa. Greywater has the potential to contribute significantly to food security in such settlements by providing a source of both irrigation water and toilet flushing. Methods A combination of desktop research and interviews was employed to gather and analyze the data. A total of 69 questionnaires were administered in the study, and greywater management practices were investigated. Results The findings showed deficiencies in the sustainable disposal of greywater from households. To understand the volumes of greywater generated from a household, a model has been proposed in the study, as there has been a lack of focus on making predictions that quantify the volume of greywater recovered from these households. Conclusions In the context of sustainable development, water management, and considering the scarcity of water resources, particularly in semi-arid regions, the use of treated greywater is an alternative method that can reduce the burden of withdrawals. The study has demonstrated that socio-economic status and education level has reciprocal outcomes on the communities’ understanding of environmental issues. Eliminating inappropriate disposal and providing means to sustainable reuse of greywater effluent is the key.

Breaking the cycle: Presenting insights and strategies to overcome violent conflicts hindering social cohesion and progress in South African communities

ABSTRACT This study addresses the pervasive issue of violent conflicts that undermine social cohesion and hinder progress within South African communities. Thus, the study explores the root causes and contributing factors of these conflicts to provide a foundation for developing effective, evidence-based intervention strategies. The investigation revealed five critical themes: (1) community awareness and perceptions of safety, (2) communication and information to ensure safety, (3) causes of violent conflicts in South Africa, (4) community engagement and membership influence and (5) Five Year/third-quarter 2019/2023 Crime Statistics. These themes underscore the complexity of violent conflicts in post-apartheid South Africa, where the persistence of a violent culture, pervasive corruption, and connections between criminal syndicates and government officials exacerbate the situation. The methodology used is desktop research that combined critical review of literature, reports and discussions of identified themes. The study is centred around the concept of Conflict Transformation, which plays a crucial role in fostering relationships and facilitating reconciliation processes in society. This includes grassroots initiatives and the participation of leaders at different levels. The study concludes that that violent conflicts can be mitigated through informed actions and strategic interventions. With these insights, this study offers recommendations as a framework for policymakers and practitioners to develop targeted measures aimed at fostering a safer, more cohesive society. The goal is to break the cycle of violent conflicts to pave the way for sustainable social progress in South African communities.

An Analysis of Digital Marketing Strategies and Website Content Usage : Key Requirements, Metrics and Tactics for Hyper-Personalized SMEs Websites

The study evaluates the integration of website content into Digital Marketing Strategies (DMS) to drive the hyper-personalization of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) websites. The study's objectives were to analyse the key requirements and metrics for integrating website content and DMS for SMEs websites, examine the relationship between website content consumption patterns and DMS, and suggest data-driven tactics for hyper-personalized SMEs websites. The study employs a descriptive design and targets a sample of 95 Digital Marketing Agencies using random and purposive sampling techniques. Data collection was through an online questionnaire and desktop research. Data analysis was done through content analysis and the IBM SPSS statistical tool for descriptive and inferential statistics. The Spearman’s rank correlation revealed patterns highlighting both positive and negative monotonic associations between website content usage and DMS. Additionally, the results show that digital marketing strategies have a statistically significant impact on content usage that can influence the hyper-personalization of websites. In today’s competitive landscape, hyper-personalized websites are essential for SMEs to stand out. Therefore, the study suggests data-driven tactics for leveraging hyper-personalized websites to gain a competitive edge in the digital era.

What are the Impacts of Food Losses on the Nutrition?

Reducing food loss and waste is enshrined in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production, and specifically in target 12.3, which seeks, by 2030, to halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses. Food loss is for any food removed from the supply chain between maturity and sale, including inedible parts as these are integral to the marketed product. The main hypothesis is that the greater the loss of food, the less the supply of food per capita will be, from where the possibilities for feeding the population decrease. Based on data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a mediation analysis will be performed with food losses as independent variables, with dependent variables measuring population nutrition and mediator variables measuring per capita food supply. Various survey methods have been applied, secondary data analysis, сimultaneous equations model(SEM), mediation analysis, as well as desktop research. The results of the study showed that the relationships between Losses Animal Products and the mediator variables are positive – greater losses lead to greater per capita supply. The relationships between per capita supply and prevalence of undernourishment are negative – larger per capita supply leads to a smaller prevalence of undernourishment.

Undi 18 di Malaysia: Pasca Pelaksanaan dan Cabaran Berterusan

Most countries in the world have already allowed their 18-year-old citizens to vote in the country’s general elections; however, there are also countries that allow citizens as young as 16 to vote. The readiness of young voters is an issue highlighted by many researchers through post-implementation analysis of UNDI18 in Malaysia. This is due to the involvement of young voters which affects the legitimacy of the newly formed government. Additionally, existing research narratives focus on context from a specific demographic point of view or the analysis of topical issues in general. The objective of writing this article is to analyze the implementation of ‘UNDI18’ as well as the challenges and post-challenges faced by young voters in this country presented by previous researchers and provide new findings in the aspects discussed by the Parliament of Malaysia. This qualitative study highlights the ‘desktop research’ strategy with thematic, narrative and descriptive analysis. This article presents three main syntheses on ‘UNDI18’ and the legitimacy of the government formed through the themes generated from the content analysis. The article also discovered that social elements shape the difficulties faced by young voters in this nation, with external factors taking the lead. The article concluded that we need to develop a strategic policy that educates young voters on political and democratic issues, empowering them to make more persuasive decisions. This also entails the government’s obligation to address the issue of political education or elections for young people, and to identify specific departments or agencies that are responsible for this task.

Understanding Digital Rights in An Era of Digital Politics in Africa

As more African countries connect their citizens to the Internet and other digital technologies in a bid to improve services, questions are being asked about the protection of human rights for nationals online. The wake of the COVID-19 pandemic forced many countries on the continent to search for alternative ways to provide services. Varying national shutdowns also impacted democratic processes like elections and accompanying actions such as voter registration and campaigning. This paper aims to assess the trends and challenges around the implementation of digital rights and propose the way forward for scholars and practitioners promoting digital rights. Data was collected using desktop research to identify and assess common themes and differences across the continent. The results show that as technologies continue evolving at a fast pace, it is fundamental for African governments to reassess and adapt their laws to maintain and protect the rights of their citizens online.

The Intersection of Intellectual Property and Public Health

Purpose: The general objective of this study was to investigate the intersection of intellectual property and public health. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the intersection of intellectual property and public health. Preliminary empirical review revealed that intellectual property laws, while designed to promote innovation, often created barriers to accessing essential medicines and technologies, particularly in low-income regions. It highlighted how patent protections, while incentivizing pharmaceutical development, led to high drug prices that limited access and exacerbated health disparities. The study emphasized the need for a balanced approach to IP regulations that would encourage innovation while ensuring that new treatments are affordable and accessible. It called for a re-evaluation of IP frameworks to align better with public health objectives and promote global health equity. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Theory of Intellectual Property as a Public Good, Theory of Technological Determinism and the Theory of Access to Medicines and Health Equity may be used to anchor future studies on the intersection of intellectual property and public health. The study recommended several key actions to address the issues identified. It suggested revising IP policies to include more flexibility, such as compulsory licensing and support for generic drug production, to improve access to essential medicines. The study advocated for international collaboration to balance IP protections with health needs and proposed that policymakers craft regulations that support both innovation and accessibility. It also emphasized the importance of ongoing research and evidence-based decision-making to guide IP reforms and promote global health equity. Additionally, it recommended fostering partnerships between governments, international organizations, and pharmaceutical companies to enhance healthcare access and address disparities.

Intellectual Property Rights in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

Purpose: The general objective of this study was to explore Intellectual Property Rights in the era of Artificial Intelligence. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to Intellectual Property Rights in the era of Artificial Intelligence. Preliminary empirical review revealed that the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed the landscape of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), presenting both opportunities and challenges. It highlighted that traditional IP laws are increasingly inadequate to address the complexities introduced by AI-generated content, necessitating a rethinking of existing frameworks. The study emphasized the need for recognizing AI's role in the creation of new works and inventions and the importance of developing balanced approaches to protect both human and AI contributions. Ethical considerations, such as accountability, transparency, and fairness, were also deemed crucial in ensuring responsible AI use. Overall, the study called for a comprehensive and proactive approach to integrate AI into IPR, ensuring robust protections while fostering innovation. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Technological Determinism Theory, Innovation Diffusion Theory and Legal Realism Theory may be used to anchor future studies on Intellectual Property Rights in the era of Artificial Intelligence. The study recommended revising existing IP laws to explicitly include AI-generated content and inventions, clarifying criteria for authorship and inventorship. It suggested expanding theoretical frameworks to accommodate AI contributions, emphasizing the collaborative nature of human and AI creativity. Practical measures, such as enhanced cybersecurity and legal safeguards for AI-generated trade secrets, were advised. Policy-wise, the study advocated for international cooperation to harmonize IP laws concerning AI. Developing ethical guidelines for responsible AI use and implementing education programs to inform stakeholders about AI and IP implications were also recommended. These measures aimed to create a balanced IP framework supporting innovation while protecting the rights of all stakeholders.

Evolving Environmental Regulations in Response to Climate Change

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to explore the evolving environmental regulations in response to climate change. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the evolving environmental regulations in response to climate change. Preliminary empirical review revealed that that environmental regulations needed to be flexible and adaptive to remain effective amidst the rapidly changing climate landscape. It found that static regulatory frameworks were insufficient for addressing the complexities of climate change and highlighted the necessity for regulations to be updated regularly based on the latest scientific and technological advancements. Additionally, it emphasized that the success of these regulations depended on strong institutional capacities, effective enforcement, and international cooperation to ensure comprehensive and impactful responses to global climate challenges. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Theory of Environmental Regulation and Policy Change, Theory of Ecological Modernization and Theory of Policy Feedback may be used to anchor future studies on evolving environmental regulations in response to climate change. The study recommended that environmental regulations be designed with built-in flexibility to adapt to new scientific knowledge and technological advancements. It suggested enhancing institutional capacities by improving funding, training, and enforcement mechanisms. The study advocated for increased collaboration among stakeholders and greater international cooperation to create a unified regulatory framework. It also emphasized the importance of integrating economic and social considerations into regulatory design, supporting innovation, and ensuring transparency and inclusivity in policy-making processes. These recommendations aimed to improve the effectiveness of climate regulations and foster a more comprehensive and collaborative approach to addressing climate change.

Human Rights in the Context of Global Migration

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to explore human rights in the context of global migration. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to human rights in the context of global migration. Preliminary empirical review revealed that global migration is deeply intertwined with significant human rights issues that vary across different regions and migrant populations. Migrants, regardless of their reasons for moving or legal status, frequently faced exploitation, discrimination, inadequate access to essential services, and social exclusion. The study emphasized that these human rights violations were often systemic and influenced by broader socio-political and economic structures. It highlighted the pervasive nature of rights violations at multiple stages of the migration process and pointed out substantial gaps in the implementation and enforcement of international frameworks designed to protect migrants. Specific groups, such as women, children, and undocumented migrants, were identified as particularly vulnerable, necessitating tailored interventions. The study argued that protecting migrants' human rights was both a moral and pragmatic necessity for fostering inclusive societies and called for a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards this goal. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Human Rights Theory, Push- Pull Theory of Migration and Social Capital Theory may be used to anchor future studies on global migration. The study recommended further development of migration and human rights theories to account for the complexities of contemporary migration flows, suggesting interdisciplinary approaches to enhance theoretical frameworks. Practically, it underscored the need for targeted support services for vulnerable migrant groups, the creation of safe migration pathways, and the establishment of specialized services addressing their unique needs. Policy recommendations included the adoption of comprehensive national and international policies that uphold the rights of all migrants, the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws, and the establishment of independent monitoring bodies. The study advocated for enhanced international cooperation to address migration challenges and suggested investing in data collection and research for informed policy-making. It also recommended promoting public awareness and education campaigns to foster inclusive attitudes towards migrants and counteract negative stereotypes, aiming to create a more just and humane global migration system.

The Impact of Data Privacy Laws on Digital Marketing Practices

Purpose: The general study focused on investigating the impact of data privacy laws on digital marketing practices. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the impact of data privacy laws on digital marketing practices. Preliminary empirical review revealed that privacy laws such as GDPR, CCPA, APPI, and LGPD significantly transformed digital marketing practices, necessitating a shift towards more ethical and transparent data handling. These regulations increased compliance costs and administrative burdens but also improved data security and consumer trust. Companies that proactively adapted to these regulations by investing in robust data protection measures experienced enhanced consumer engagement and brand loyalty. The study highlighted the critical role of privacy-enhancing technologies in facilitating compliance and maintaining effective marketing strategies. Overall, the impact of data privacy laws was profound, requiring ongoing adaptation and innovation in digital marketing practices to balance regulatory compliance with consumer trust. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), Institutional Theory and Technology Acceptance Model (ATM) may be used to anchor future studies on data privacy laws. The study recommended several strategies for advancing the understanding and implementation of data privacy laws in digital marketing. It suggested that future research should explore the relationship between data privacy regulations and consumer behavior to develop effective marketing strategies. Businesses were advised to adopt proactive compliance measures, invest in data protection technologies, and educate consumers about their privacy rights. Policymakers were encouraged to develop balanced regulations through stakeholder collaboration and to harmonize international data privacy standards. The study also emphasized the importance of promoting privacy-enhancing technologies through public-private partnerships and government incentives to safeguard consumer data while supporting marketing innovation.

The Evolution of Employment Law in the Gig Economy

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to explore the evolution of employment law in the gig economy. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the evolution of employment law in the gig economy. Preliminary empirical review revealed that traditional employment laws were insufficient for addressing the unique needs of gig workers, who face significant gaps in legal protections and benefits. The rise of gig work exposed flaws in existing legal frameworks, which were designed for permanent, full-time employment and fail to accommodate the flexible and often precarious nature of gig jobs. It was determined that existing laws needed substantial reform to better protect gig workers while maintaining the flexibility that defines gig work, emphasizing the need for updated legal frameworks that reflect the realities of modern employment. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Theory of Precarious Work, Flexicurity Theory and the Labor Market Segmentation Theory may be used to anchor future studies on the evolution of employment law. The study recommended several key reforms to address the shortcomings in the legal framework for gig workers. It suggested developing hybrid employment models that combine traditional benefits with the flexibility of gig work, reforming legal classifications to better fit gig work patterns, and enhancing regulatory frameworks to be more adaptive to technological and market changes. The study also advocated for promoting worker representation, implementing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the impact of reforms, encouraging international collaboration for harmonized regulations, and launching education and awareness initiatives to inform gig workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. These recommendations aimed to create a more equitable and effective labor market for gig workers.

Human Rights and the Refugee Crisis

Purpose: This study sought to explore human rights and the refugee crisis. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to human rights and the refugee crisis. Preliminary empirical review revealed that significant gaps remained in the protection of refugee rights despite existing international frameworks and policies. It found that refugees frequently faced inadequate living conditions, limited access to essential services, and insufficient integration opportunities. The research also highlighted the growing impact of environmental factors, such as climate change, on displacement, revealing that current policies often failed to address these emerging challenges effectively. The study emphasized the need for a more integrated approach that combines immediate humanitarian relief with long-term strategies to enhance both protection and integration for refugees. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Human Rights Theory, Realist Theory in International Relations and the Constructivist Theory in International Relations may be used to anchor future studies on the refugee crisis. The study recommended several key actions to improve the response to the refugee crisis. It suggested enhancing international collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders to ensure more effective aid delivery. It also emphasized the need to incorporate environmental considerations into refugee policies and strengthen legal frameworks to better protect refugee rights. Additionally, the study advocated for improved access to essential services, community-based integration approaches, support for advocacy and capacity building, and long-term planning to ensure sustainable and effective responses to the refugee crisis.

The Influence of Social Media on Judicial Independence

Purpose: This study sought to analyze the influence of social media on judicial independence. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the influence of social media on judicial independence. Preliminary empirical review revealed that social media exerted considerable pressure on judicial processes, potentially compromising judges' independence due to increased scrutiny and criticism. It found that misinformation and sensationalism on social media significantly eroded public trust in the judiciary, leading to distorted perceptions of judicial fairness. Judges were often influenced, consciously or subconsciously, by social media discourse, affecting their decision-making processes. The study highlighted the need for ongoing attention and research to understand and mitigate these influences, ensuring the preservation and strengthening of judicial independence in the digital age. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Silence Theory, Media Dependency Theory and Spiral of Silence Theory may be used to anchor future studies on judicial independence. The study recommended developing comprehensive guidelines for judges' social media engagement to maintain impartiality, and emphasized the need for further research into the psychological impact of social media on judges. It advocated for judicial education and training programs focused on digital literacy and stress management, and suggested establishing institutional support systems for judges facing social media pressures. Additionally, it recommended proactive engagement of judicial institutions with the public through social media to build trust and counteract misinformation. Continuous research and monitoring of social media's impact on the judiciary were also advised to adapt and implement effective strategies proactively.

The Evolution of Intellectual Property Rights in the Digital Age

Purpose: This study sought to explore the evolution of intellectual property rights in the digital age. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the evolution of intellectual property rights in the digital age. Preliminary empirical review revealed that the digital age has significantly transformed the landscape of intellectual property rights, necessitating adaptations to traditional IP frameworks to address new challenges such as digital content piracy and unauthorized distribution. It was found that while digital technologies, like blockchain and NFTs, offer potential solutions for enhanced IP protection, existing laws often fell short of addressing the complexities introduced by these advancements. The study highlighted the need for harmonized international standards and ongoing adaptation to effectively manage and protect intellectual property in the rapidly evolving digital environment. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Theory of Technological Determinism, Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) Theory and the Theory of Legal Realism may be used to anchor future studies on the evolution of intellectual property. The study recommended several strategies to address the evolving challenges in intellectual property rights due to digital advancements. It suggested the adoption of technologies like blockchain for better IP management and the need for improved international cooperation to address cross-border enforcement issues. Additionally, it advised policymakers to harmonize IP standards globally and support innovations in IP protection technologies. The study also emphasized the importance of education to enhance awareness of digital IP rights and recommended legal reforms to update existing laws to better suit the digital age.

Antitrust Laws and the Future of Market Competition

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to investigate antitrust laws and the future of market competition. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to antitrust laws and the future of market competition. Preliminary empirical review revealed that while existing antitrust frameworks had been instrumental in promoting competition and preventing monopolistic practices, they faced significant challenges in the digital age. The rapid evolution of technology and the rise of digital platforms had created new competitive dynamics that traditional antitrust laws struggled to address. The dominance of a few tech giants led to market concentration, reducing the scope for competition and innovation. The study highlighted the inadequacies of current antitrust enforcement in dealing with digital platforms, data control, and network effects. Additionally, it emphasized the need for international cooperation and a balanced approach to antitrust enforcement that considered both competition and innovation to ensure that the benefits of the digital economy were widely shared. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Structure-Conduct-Performance (SCP) Paradigm, Contestable Market Theory and Innovation and Monopolistic Competition Theory may be used to anchor future studies on antitrust laws and the future of market competition. The study recommended updating theoretical frameworks to include factors like data control and network effects, and adopting more flexible and adaptive approaches in antitrust enforcement. It advocated for the creation of specialized regulatory units focused on digital markets, equipped with the necessary resources and expertise. The study also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in antitrust enforcement to address cross-border anti-competitive practices effectively. Furthermore, it suggested continuous dialogue with industry stakeholders to develop more informed policies and emphasized the role of consumer education in promoting competitive markets. These recommendations aimed to enhance antitrust laws and ensure robust market competition in the digital age.

The Effectiveness of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems in Knowledge Management

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems in knowledge management. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the effectiveness of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems in knowledge management. Preliminary empirical review revealed that ERP systems significantly enhanced knowledge management by integrating business processes, eliminating data silos, and improving decision-making and operational efficiency. Success depended on factors like organizational culture, top management support, and user training. ERP systems facilitated continuous improvement and innovation by providing real-time data access, enabling swift responses to market changes. Despite challenges like high costs and resistance to change, these could be mitigated through careful planning, strategic alignment, and effective change management, making the investment in ERP systems worthwhile for improved KM and organizational performance. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Resource-Based View (RBV) Theory, Socio-Technical Systems (STS) Theory and Knowledge-Based View (KBV) Theory may be used to anchor future studies on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. The study recommended integrating ERP systems into KM frameworks to enhance theoretical models, emphasizing strategic alignment and continuous user engagement for practical implementation. It advised organizations to develop policies prioritizing ERP and KM alignment, foster knowledge-sharing cultures, and implement robust change management strategies. Continuous improvement and innovation were highlighted, with recommendations for regular system evaluation and incorporation of technological advancements. Long-term strategic planning was also emphasized, including comprehensive plans for ERP implementation, maintenance, and alignment with organizational goals to maximize the effectiveness of ERP systems in knowledge management.