Inadequate Funding Research Articles

A qualitative study exploring stakeholders’ perceptions of registry-based randomised controlled trials capacity and capability in Australia

BackgroundTraditional randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions in clinical research. Traditional RCTs however are complex, expensive and have low external validity. Registry-based randomised controlled trials (RRCTs) are an emerging alternative approach that integrates the internal validity of a traditional RCT with the external validity of a clinical registry by recruiting more real-world patients and leveraging an existing registry platform for data collection. As RRCTs are a novel research design, there is limited understanding of the RRCT landscape in Australia. This qualitative study aims to explore the RRCT landscape in Australia including current capacity and capabilities, and to identify challenges and opportunities for conducting RRCTs.MethodsWe conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with 18 clinician researchers, 6 research program managers and 6 research governance officers. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. We analysed the data using thematic analysis.ResultsWe identified four overarching themes: (1) understanding of the RRCT methodology concept and knowledge of Australian clinical registries and RRCT landscape; (2) enablers and barriers in the uptake and conduct of RRCTs; (3) ethics and governance requirements impacting the conduct of RRCTs and (4) recommendations for the promotion, support and implementation of RRCTs. Understanding of and ability to define an RRCT varied considerably amongst participants, as did their appreciation of the role the registry should play in supporting these trials. Lack of ongoing funding to support both registries and RRCTs, along with low awareness and minimal education around this methodology, were identified as the predominant barriers to the uptake of RRCTs in Australia. The simplicity of RRCTs, specifically their pragmatic nature and lower costs, was identified as one of their best attributes. There was consensus that inadequate funding, onerous research governance requirements and poor awareness of this methodology were currently prohibitive in enticing clinicians and researchers to conduct RRCTs. Recommendations to improve the uptake of RRCTs included establishing a sustainable funding model for both registries and RRCTs, harmonising governance requirements across jurisdictions and increasing awareness of RRCTs through education initiatives.ConclusionsRRCTs in Australia are an evolving methodology with slow but steady uptake across a number of clinical disciplines. Whilst RRCTs are increasingly identified as a beneficial alternative methodology to evaluate and improve current standards of care, several barriers to effective RRCT implementation were identified. Creating greater awareness of the benefits of RRCTs across a number of stakeholders to help secure ongoing funding and addressing both registry and RRCT governance challenges are two essential steps in enhancing the uptake of RRCTs in Australia and internationally.

Alternative gold prospecting methods used by artisanal and small scale miners: A review

Artisanal and Small Scale Mining (ASM) is distinctive to Industrial Mining (IM) upon minimal applications of scientific methods and inadequate funding of its geological exploration activities. Revision of scholarly sources indicate that for ASM, gold prospecting is done using visual features that signify zones of mineralization. Such features comprise soil and lithological indicators, geo-biotic indicators, indicator minerals, pathfinder elements and associate minerals. Others include physical features and mine vestiges. Imminent research on ASM rests upon studying scientific inter-relationships of such techniques and suitable mechanisms of financing activities related to geological exploration, an inordinate barrier to smart productivity of ASM.

Policy framework for integrating data interoperability at public hospitals in South Africa

The implementation of data interoperability in healthcare relies heavily on policy frameworks. However, many hospitals across South Africa are struggling to integrate data interoperability between systems, due to insufficient policy frameworks. There is a notable awareness that existing policies do not provide clear actionable direction for interoperability implementation in hospitals. This study aims to develop a policy framework for integrating data interoperability in public hospitals in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The study employed a conceptual framework grounded in institutional theory, which provided a lens to understand policies for interoperability. This study employed a convergence mixed method research design. Data were collected through an online questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The study comprised 144 clinical and administrative personnel and 16 managers. Data were analyzed through descriptive and thematic analysis. The results show evidence of coercive isomorphism that public hospitals lack cohesive policies that facilitate data interoperability. Key barriers to establishing policy framework include inadequate funding, ambiguous guidelines, weak governance, and conflicting interests among stakeholders. The study developed a policy to facilitate the integration of data interoperability in hospitals. This study underscores the critical need for the South African government, legislators, practitioners, and policymakers to consult and involve external stakeholders in the policy-making processes.

Electronic records management in government departments and parastatals in Zambia

Traditionally, records have existed as print sources of information. Therefore, many records in most government departments and agencies in many developing countries such as Zambia remain paper records. However, as countries push to implement the concept of e-governance, government departments and agencies are deploying electronic records management systems (ERMS) to manage electronic records. The study employed a survey research design, exploiting purposive sampling method to sample 50 government departments and parastatals. Data was collected from 42 records officers, registry clerks, or officers in charge of managing records through a questionnaire. The collected data was analysed quantitatively using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The findings reveal that the majority 76% of government departments and parastatals in Zambia kept e-records. Only 24% indicated that they do not keep e-records. The study also shows that the adoption and use of ERMS in government departments and parastatals in Zambia is not widespread. For example, only 9.5% of government departments and parastatals in Zambia have deployed EDRMS commercial software such as TRIM and HP Records Manager. The study further established that inadequate funding was the greatest challenge towards the effective management of e-records, alongside issues such as the absence of clear policies, laws, and standards, lack of qualified staff, inadequate end user ICT infrastructure, and lack of senior management support and corruption.

Entrepreneurship Education and Its Impact on Informal Sector Development in Zambia: A Theoretical Perspective

The research examined entrepreneurship education and its impact on informal sector development in Zambia following a theoretical perspective. The desk research methodology based on integrative literature review was followed. Articles were searched from online databases such as Wiley Online, Springer, Semantic Scholar and Google Scholar. The research revealed that entrepreneurship education plays a significant role in driving informal sector development in Zambia, a developing economy seeking to achieve sustainable economic development. The research concluded that entrepreneurship education represents a significant initiative for sustainable informal sector development in Zambia through its impacts on employment creation and literacy. The research also revealed challenges faced in provision of EE in Zambia including lack of supporting policies, inadequate funding, lack of staff, inadequate infrastructure and poor entrepreneurial culture. The research recommended the need for effective institutional interventions to support EE in Zambia. The study also recommended for integration of EE into the Zambia’s educational curriculum.

Abstract PR005: Helping academic investigators develop small molecules for the clinic: The NCI Developmental Therapeutics Program and Stepping-Stones

Abstract Academic researchers working in small molecule drug discovery and development face unique challenges – key among these include limited access to the full range of resources needed, inadequate funding which does not cover costs for routine/iterative product development tasks, and unavailability of expertise for the full range of regulatory critical path steps required for an IND. For academic institutions which lack deep resources, specialized core facilities, or endowments, these challenges are even more dire. In recognition of these realities, the NCI Developmental Therapeutics Program (DTP) expanded its capability through creation of the Stepping-Stones program, which provides resources to academic-based researchers who are working towards advancing their small molecule therapeutic candidates from ‘bench to bedside’. Through the Stepping-Stones program, NCI grant-supported small molecule therapeutics focused projects demonstrating high productivity are eligible to obtain access to NCI/DTP drug development capabilities and resources to fill in ‘gaps’ for specific activities that are not covered through their existing funding, but which are necessary to facilitate advancement along the critical path. Examples of services provided have included molecular profiling for ADME/DMPK studies, screens for secondary pharmacology and in vitro safety, synthesis optimization and chemical synthesis, and formulation development, to name a few. By filling in such discrete ‘gaps’, project teams can ‘de-risk’ a candidate earlier and develop stronger data packages to better position themselves for attracting additional investment for development toward clinical testing, or as the data warrants pursue an earlier re-direction of effort before going too far down the critical path. An overview of Stepping-Stones including details for how to be considered for this program and its interactions with other programs at NCI that support drug discovery and development is described, in addition to an overview of DTP’s discovery and development services which usher R&D programs from discovery through preclinical development and IND-enabling studies to support first-in-human trials. From this presentation, academic based ‘drug hunters’ will obtain knowledge about the Stepping-Stones program as a support mechanism to enable their continued efforts and gain an improved understanding about the ‘ecosystem’ of drug discovery and development programs offered by the NCI for the extramural community of researchers. Citation Format: Sharad Verma, Morgan O' Hayre, Rose Aurigemma. Helping academic investigators develop small molecules for the clinic: The NCI Developmental Therapeutics Program and Stepping-Stones [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Optimizing Therapeutic Efficacy and Tolerability through Cancer Chemistry; 2024 Dec 9-11; Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2024;23(12_Suppl):Abstract nr PR005

Prioritization of Secondary Education over Basic Education in Ghana: The Gains and Losses

This paper explores the prioritization of Secondary Education over Basic Education in Ghana and its consequences for educational equity and sustainable development. Basic Education, encompassing early childhood and primary levels, forms the foundation for lifelong learning and socio-economic growth. However, Ghana’s recent policies, particularly the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, have shifted focus towards expanding Secondary Education, leading to increased enrollment yet creating challenges at the foundational level, such as inadequate funding, infrastructure, and teaching quality. Using Human Capital Theory and Educational Ladder Theory, this study underscores the importance of Basic Education in building essential skills for higher education and employment. A mixed-methods approach comprising literature review, document analysis, and comparative case studies reveals that an overemphasis on Secondary Education may undermine foundational competencies. Key recommendations advocate targeted reforms and increased investment in Basic Education, including setting qualification standards and in-service training for early childhood educators, equitable resource allocation, and structured professional development for teachers. By aligning Basic and Secondary Education policies, Ghana can ensure continuity and coherence across educational stages, strengthening its education system’s resilience and promoting equity, inclusivity, and sustainable development.

Progression of Pilot Trials to Completed Randomized Controlled Trials in Plastic Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Well-designed pilot trials are essential in determining feasibility prior to initiating definitive randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and their implementation into clinical practice. The primary outcome of this study was to identify the number of pilot or feasibility studies in Plastic Surgery that progressed to a definitive RCT. Secondary outcomes included a) number of pilot studies expressing feasibility statements and outcomes and b) reporting quality. MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and clinicaltrials.gov were searched for all pilot RCTs and definitive RCTs in plastic surgery between 2012-2023. Pilot trials were matched to definitive RCTs by keyword, author, and citation report. Feasibility outcomes were presented using descriptive statistics. Reporting quality was evaluated using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials 2010 randomized pilot and feasibility trials extension. Among 11,540 and 6035 citations screened in 2 separate literature searches, 171 pilot studies and 779 definitive RCTS were included, respectively. Ten (5.8%) pilot studies were associated with a completed RCT, 4 (2.3%) were in progress, and 2 (1.2%) were stopped. For studies that did not progress to a definitive RCT, "inadequate funding" (n = 11, 41.4%) was the most cited reason followed by "insufficient efficacy to justify study progression" (n = 5, 17.3%). The average reporting adherence to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials items was 65.6% (SD 16). Fifty (29.2%) pilot RCTs reported a feasibility statement and 30 (17.5%) reported feasibility outcomes. Few pilot trials in plastic surgery progressed to a definitive RCT, and most did not present feasibility statements or outcomes. Pilot studies should precede RCTs and include clear feasibility statements and outcomes.

Challenges in Construction Technology Encountered by the Construction Consultancy Company in the Kingdom Bahrain

Technology management is becoming more significant nowadays because of the fast-moving growth of technology in the different fields of specialization. This study focused on the challenges encountered by the construction company as consultant to contractors, challenges during the construction stage of the on-going project and analyze the challenges involving the technology used in the process. This study employed the qualitative method of research using an interview and observation in gathering data about the challenges encountered by the construction consultancy company. The subject of the study includes one project and one contractor being observed and involved in the study. Results showed the challenges encountered by the company being consultant to the project includes working drawing issues, contractor’s insufficient fund, contractor’s poor financial management, client’s choice of contractor, delayed payment to contractor, clients’ inadequate fund for the project, and delayed schedule. The challenges during the construction stage of the on-going project include construction quality issues, weather conditions, construction methods, piling works issues, gravel and sand supply, concrete pouring issues, timing during Ramadan, workers’ alibis on praying, diverse nationalities, insufficient manpower supply. In addition, the challenges involving the technology used in the process are construction technologies and computer aided design. It is recommended that the company create policies on technology management with a focus on technology planning, managerial and financial economics, and technological solutions to environmental problems in the Middle East, particularly those pertaining to weather and human comfort.

Systematic Review on the Impact of Instructional Leadership on Implementing Teachers' Continuous Professional Development Program in Tanzania: A Case Study of Primary Schools in Mkuranga District

This study investigates the role of instructional leadership in implementing and succeeding Teachers' Continuous Professional Development (TCPD) programs in primary schools within Tanzania's Mkuranga District. Through a systematic literature review, the research underscores the critical importance of instructional leadership in shaping educational quality and student outcomes. The data was collected systematically from databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, Research Gate, and PubMed were selected due to their extensive collections of peer-reviewed journals, articles, and conference papers. This review synthesizes findings from 18 selected articles published between 2010 and 2024, focusing on administrators' and teachers' perceptions of instructional leadership, its influence on TCPD program implementation, challenges faced by administrators, and strategies for improving instructional leadership in primary schools. The review reveals that effective instructional leaders articulate a clear vision for educational improvement, align professional development with school goals, and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous learning. Despite the recognized benefits, challenges such as inadequate funding, resistance to change, and administrative turnover hinder TCPD implementation. The study offers strategic recommendations, including targeted training for leaders, professional learning communities, resource allocation, monitoring and evaluation, and community engagement, to enhance instructional leadership and TCPD effectiveness

Assessment of Physical Status of The Irrigation Structures in Nyarubogo Irrigation Scheme, Rwanda

The physical status of irrigation structures holds immense importance in ensuring the efficient and sustainable management of water resources for agricultural purposes. This study aimed to assess the physical status of the Nyarubogo irrigation scheme structures, which has implications for the level of performance of this irrigation scheme. Specifically, the study assessed the effectiveness of the irrigation infrastructures in terms of intake efficiency, canal physical condition, and command area development. Cross sectional study design was employed, and units for the study were randomly selected to be included in this study. Observation method were used to characterize the physical condition of the Nyarubogo irrigation scheme while questionnaire survey were used to collect data on the implication of socioeconomic characteristics on the performance, and effectiveness of irrigation system. The collected data were fitted to the irrigation structures assessment approaches suggested by Bos, Zende and Nagarajan. Analysis of farmer’s responses was through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (Version 27). This study evaluated the physical status of about 130 irrigation structures in Nyarubogo irrigation scheme. The structures included 7 division boxes, 73 water drops, 2 aqueducts, 42 turnouts, 4 bridges, and 2 Culverts. Overall, the scheme had an effectiveness of 63.8%, with culverts, bridges, and water drops presenting more than the average functional condition of 64.38%, 75.00%, and 100.00%, respectively. The intake efficiency during this study was found to be 67% accumulated from efficiencies of sediment level (20%), embankment (35%), and sluice gate (12%) based on their weightage percentage and rank scores. The overall canal condition was good and was quantified to 70%. The command area development was exhibiting subpar performance, registering a mere 32% effectiveness. Moreover, the study evaluated how farmers' socio-economic status influenced the inadequate maintenance of the Nyarubogo irrigation systems. It uncovered numerous elements contributing to this dilemma: there was limited engagement of women and youth in agricultural pursuits, low educational attainment, challenges surrounding land ownership (specifically, land tenure), the small size of land holdings per household and a notable absence of government incentives for maintenance efforts. These factors, however, when coupled with inadequate funds derived from water fees, significantly obstruct the proper care of these irrigation infrastructures. On the other hand, high runoff due to heavy rainfall was mentioned by the majority of farmers (20.7%) among the primary causes of poor maintenance of irrigation structures. Generally, the evaluation of the Nyarubogo irrigation system structures emphasizes the uneven levels of efficacy and challenges, highlighting the necessity of focused maintenance efforts and enhanced water management techniques.

Audit, Transparency, and Future Directions for the Sehat Card Plus Program: Insights and Recommendations

The Sehat Card Plus program in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan, launched to provide free healthcare services, has faced growing demand as it now extends from inpatient (IPD) to outpatient (OPD) services. Despite its transformative potential, the program struggles with transparency, resource allocation, and accountability issues that compromise service delivery and patient outcomes. This study critically examines the program’s operational challenges using data from various healthcare facilities across KP, highlighting significant shortages in medical equipment, inadequate fund distribution, and inefficiencies within the program’s administrative processes. Recommendations for stricter audit protocols and improvements in operational transparency are provided to enhance the program’s effectiveness

The effects of export-facilitating quality infrastructure on Africa’s exports

PurposeThe continuous export challenges due to the inadequate quality infrastructure have brought to the fore the importance of export facilitation-quality infrastructure. Different infrastructure investments have been implemented to facilitate export; however, the outcomes were different across export facilitation infrastructures. This study investigates Africa’s export effects of the implemented export-facilitating quality infrastructure.Design/methodology/approachAn augmented gravity model is specified that is derived from the Helpman, Melitz and Rubenstein framework, which has two steps in the specification and estimation of the model. The extensive margin is the first step – the probability of export – while the second step is the intensive margin of export – the actual export values or volumes.FindingsThe main drivers of the decision to export are telecommunication infrastructure, internet usage and the logistic performance index. At the intensive margin of export, exporting time, the proliferation of telecommunication infrastructure and improvement in the logistics performance index significantly improve the intensity of export, while it is not the case for internet infrastructure usage. Thus, the soft-quality infrastructure has mixed outcomes at both export margins, while the hard-quality infrastructure is insufficient and ineffective for export facilitation, which invalidates the study’s hypothesis that export-facilitating quality infrastructure stimulates exports.Practical implicationsThe implemented export-facilitating quality infrastructure measures have achieved marginal improvement in exports. This is due to the inadequate development finance and investment towards enhancing export-facilitating quality infrastructure. Thus, extensive quality infrastructure is needed to facilitate and intensify exports for sustainable development in Africa.Originality/valueThis study departs from previous studies by investigating export facilitation from the lens of export-oriented quality infrastructure rather than the trade time and costs as dominated in the literature. Moreover, the determination of the extent to which quality infrastructure has influenced the probability of export is rarely investigated.

SME ACCEPTANCE ON ISLAMIC SME FINANCING, AN OVERVIEW FROM ISLAMIC BANKING ATTRIBUTES

This paper aims to integrate the theory of planned behavior—focusing on the variables of attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control—with the concept of Islamic banking attributes, including access to Islamic finance and product range. By doing so, it proposes a conceptual framework to determine the preferences for Islamic SME financing. The framework formulation is based on a comprehensive review of literature related to SME financing behavior and Islamic banking acceptance. This paper addresses the critical issue of inadequate financing faced by SMEs, which significantly hampers their growth potential. By identifying the existing gap in Islamic SME financing and proposing a framework to understand these preferences, this study contributes to the literature. The findings of this research will not only assist entrepreneurs in identifying alternative and reliable sources of financing to achieve their growth objectives but will also aid policymakers and other stakeholders in enhancing the lending infrastructure and related technologies for SME financing.

Comparative Analysis of Business Environment Dynamics in Central and Eastern Europe: A Multi-Criteria Approach

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the world economy and global society. However, small- and medium-sized enterprises are among the most vulnerable and affected groups of businesses, and in some cases, life-saving interventions have resulted in serious existential implications. The difficulties of insufficient demand, non-negligible fixed costs, and inadequate financing are unsustainable for many firms. Thus, the main aim of this study is to evaluate the variables influencing business activities, apply macroeconomic variables to compare the business environments in fifteen European countries, and utilize appropriate statistical techniques to confirm the results. Significant differences exist in the business climate across selected European countries, as identified by the TOPSIS method, CPI, and GCI. Low levels of corruption, strong economic stability, and high competitiveness make countries like Germany and Austria attractive for business environments. Estonia is also a leader in technological innovation and low corruption. Conversely, Bulgaria and Romania are struggling with higher levels of corruption and reduced competitiveness, potentially impeding business endeavours. The Visegrad Group countries are in the middle of the spectrum, scoring average to good but with opportunities for improvement in corruption and innovation. Overall, the business climate in these countries is diverse, reflecting their unique economic, political, and social circumstances.

Education policy and its impact on socioeconomic outcomes in Northern Nigeria: A sustainable development perspective

This paper examines the impact of education policy on socioeconomic outcomes in Northern Nigeria through the lens of sustainable development. Focusing on the alignment of these policies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), the study explores how efforts to improve access, quality, and equity in education contribute to broader regional development. The study concludes that education plays a critical role in reducing poverty (SDG 1: No Poverty) and promoting gender equality (SDG 5: Gender Equality), emphasizing the urgent need for inclusive educational policies that bridge regional disparities. Despite progress, challenges such as inadequate funding, infrastructure deficits, and cultural barriers continue to hinder the full achievement of these goals. Utilizing human capital theory, the study analyzes how investment in education enhances individuals’ productivity and economic potential, fostering long-term socioeconomic growth. Hence, the study recommends that government bodies, NGOs, and communities collaborate to address these challenges and ensure the sustainability of educational reforms in Northern Nigeria.

Transforming Higher Education in Sierra Leone – A Path to Sustainable Development

This paper examines the critical role of higher education in driving sustainable development in Sierra Leone, guided by Transformative Learning Theory (TLT) and Sustainable Development Theory (SDT). The study investigates challenges within the higher education system, such as inadequate funding, outdated curricula, and limited research capacity, and presents a comprehensive framework for transformation. These obstacles hinder the effectiveness of higher education institutions (HEIs) in contributing to national development. The paper highlights innovative teaching methods, such as Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and experiential education, as strategies to foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and leadership capabilities among students. By aligning academic programs with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and emphasizing interdisciplinary research and industry collaboration, HEIs can play a pivotal role in Sierra Leone’s socio-economic progress. Drawing on successful models from universities such as Aalborg, the University of Malaya, and the University of Cape Town, the study demonstrates how interdisciplinary research and industry partnerships can drive innovation and development. The findings underscore the need for coordinated efforts from academia, industry, government, and international partners to transform Sierra Leone’s higher education system into a driver of sustainable development. The paper concludes that, while challenges persist, the integration of transformative learning and sustainable development principles can enable HEIs to equip graduates with the skills necessary to address the country’s most pressing socio-economic and environmental issues.

Residents’ willingness to pay for sustainable solid waste management services: a case of Glenview suburb, Harare, Zimbabwe

Solid waste generation is an inevitable outcome of anthropogenic activities, which is an issue of concern in Zimbabwe. Among other challenges, inadequate finance is a key challenge to reach sustainable waste management. This study focuses on residents’ willingness to pay for improved solid waste management services. Analytical case study research design, employing quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis and presentation was adopted. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, observations while analysis was done using SPSS and content analysis. Results indicated that most respondents were house owners (53.92%) and 46.08% were tenants. Solid waste generated consists of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Solid waste collected by the city council (57.84%), private collectors (36.27%) while remaining is collected by other individuals and scavengers. Interviews and questionnaires outcomes denote that solid waste was collected once a week (43.14%), twice a week (3.92%) and rarely collected (38.24%). Solid waste is disposed through open dumping, burning, pits and landfilling, although most of the disposal strategies pose environmental health problems. Solid waste mismanagement is attributed to lack of awareness, weak legal framework and shortage of resources, specifically finance. Questionnaire respondents (66.67%) argued that proper solid waste management is important and needs to be improved. Participants (65.69%) revealed that they were willing to pay for improved solid waste management, however, 34.31% were unwilling. Willingness to pay for improved solid waste management was determined by educational level and house ownership status. Improving residents’ willingness to pay for proper solid waste management requires an integrated approach and increasing residents' awareness.

Competences of Basic Science and Technology Teachers in Junior Secondary Schools for Effective Service Delivery in Bassa Area Directorate of Education, Plateau State, Nigeria.

This study investigated the competences of Basic Science and Technology teachers in Junior Secondary Schools for effective service delivery in Bassa Area Directorate of Education, Plateau State. The study adopted a survey design and employed closed ended structured questionnaire, Teacher Competence on Students Academic Achievement in Basic Science and Technology Questionnaire (TCSABSTQ) for data collection from respondents. The population of the study comprised 51 Basic Science and Technology teachers in 39 Junior Secondary Schools in Bassa Local Government Area while a sample of 20 respondents was selected using simple random sampling technique. The instrument was determined using test-retest reliability method with a reliability coefficient r=0.93. Mean scores were used in answering research questions. The study found out that most Basic Science and teachers in secondary schools in Bassa Local Government Area were qualified and competent to teach the subject as they mostly held B.Ed. or NCE in Integrated Science or a Bachelor of Science with a corresponding qualification in education such as Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE). Results showed that Teachers’ competences affected students’ performance as the quality of education students receive depends on the qualification of teachers. The study identified inadequate workshop and training, inconsistency in Integrated Science curriculum, lack of adequate instructional materials and inadequate funding as the challenges faced by teachers in teaching Basic Science and Technology in Junior Secondary Schools in Bassa Local Government Area. The study recommended among others that teachers should be encouraged to also register with professional science bodies such as the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN,) and new teachers should constantly go through in-service training, workshops and seminars to improve their pedagogical skills and subject matter competence. Accepted: 17/10/2024

Overview of the problems of VET education: an Attempt for Classification and Cross-Mapping the Problems from 2024: A Case study

This study systematically examines the multifaceted challenges facing vocational education and training (VET) in Bulgaria, highlighting the persistent issues that undermine the effectiveness of the system. Through a comprehensive classification of these challenges, the research identifies key areas such as inadequate funding, outdated curricula, insufficient industry linkages, and a lack of qualified teaching personnel. The analysis reveals that long-term neglect, frequent political shifts, and ineffective policy measures have contributed to a significant skills gap among graduates compared to their predecessors. It summons cores of the multi-layered long-standing problems in Vocational education in Bulgaria. Long-term neglect, frequent changes in the views of various political entities with a strong influence on vocational education, inadequate malapropos and untimely fragmented half-measures, as well as the lack of the participation of serious business and expertise in vocational education are among the many reasons for the low level of technical and professional skills of the modern graduate of a vocational high school compared to his predecessor from the time of Polytechnicism. The absence of a cohesive framework for cooperation between educational institutions and industry stakeholders exacerbates the disconnect between VET programs and labor market needs. The paper also aims to provide a structured overview of the current state of VET in Bulgaria, offering insights that can inform future policy development and strategic interventions.