Infrastructure Deficiencies Research Articles

Understanding thermal justice and systemic cooling poverty from the margins: intersectional perspectives from Rio de Janeiro

ABSTRACT Heatwaves, which are escalating in frequency, duration and intensity, have prompted governments worldwide to issue vital health warnings to protect populations. These include urging individuals to stay cool, hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure and minimise strenuous activities. Regrettably, a significant segment of the population faces substantial challenges in accessing these crucial recommendations due to a range of issues termed “systemic cooling poverty”. Systemic cooling poverty encompasses intricate layers of physical, social and intangible infrastructural deficiencies, impeding the provision of essential services necessary to ensure thermal safety during extreme heat episodes. Through an intersectional mixed-method examination, this study brings empirical evidence of the structural factors that exacerbate inequalities in attaining thermal safety among the African–Brazilian community, LGBTQI+ and disabled, living in two favelas in Rio de Janeiro. By shedding light on these lived experiences of cooling poverty, we contribute to the understanding of targeted interventions and policy measures that can alleviate the impacts of extreme heat and safeguard public health and well-being as temperatures rise.

Assessment of Liberia's Beer Industry Effluent Discharge Parameters in the Context of Urban Sustainability

Due to untreated brewery effluent and increasing industrial growth, most of Liberia's rivers have considerable water body pollution. The nature and extent of pollution caused by wastewater effluent discharged into these environments have not been thoroughly examined. This study looked into the effects of such effluents on the beer industry in Montserrado, Liberia. It assesses discharged effluent parameters, sustainable management practices, and potential wastewater reuse options within the context of urban sustainability. The findings highlight the need for immediate and substantial intervention to mitigate escalating pollution and associated health risks. The research also noted for the development of practical national industrial discharge standards, regulatory and management framework, tailored to local contexts, rather than a uniform application of stringent regulations that may hinder sectoral growth and intensify public health issues in under-resourced areas. Furthermore, the effectiveness of some treatment technologies. Technology consideration such as onsite treatment and irrigation that enable water reuse options (cooling, agriculture, and resource recovery) which can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of breweries were recommended. However, the implementation of these technologies may face challenges due to infrastructure deficiencies, financial constraints, and public perception regarding the safety and quality of reused wastewater. The analysis concludes that enhancing wastewater discharge effluents management is key for promoting sustainable industrial growth, improving water conservation, and gaining public trust and acceptance. Achieving these goals requires a concerted effort to strengthen policy, enhance technical capacity, and invest in community engagement to foster a sustainable and economically viable brewery sector.

Bridging the Gap: The Reality of Digital Technology Integration by Indonesian Pre-service EFL Teachers

Background: This research investigates the integration of digital technology into teaching practices among pre-service English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers in Indonesia, using the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework. The exploration focuses on the contextual challenges and limited technological infrastructure that hinder effective technology use during teaching practicums. Methodology: Employing a qualitative case study design, the research involved six pre-service teachers from three junior high schools in Indonesia. Data were collected through Video-Stimulated Recall (VSR) interviews, direct observations, and analysis of teaching materials, including lesson plans and multimedia resources used in classroom settings. Findings: The findings reveal that while pre-service teachers were theoretically prepared for integrating technology into education, practical implementation was often compromised by infrastructural deficiencies. Teachers frequently encountered issues such as insufficient internet access and lack of support from supervisory staff, which forced them to rely on basic and offline technological tools despite their preparedness to employ more sophisticated resources. Conclusion: The research underscores a significant gap between the theoretical training provided by teacher education programs and the practical realities in Indonesian schools. It suggests that enhancing technological infrastructure and mentorship in these settings is crucial to effectively translate pedagogical and content knowledge into technology-integrated teaching practices. Originality: This research contributes to the field by highlighting the specific challenges faced by pre-service teachers in developing countries like Indonesia and provides empirical evidence on the discrepancies between their training and actual teaching experiences. The study advocates for an integrated approach in teacher education that aligns theoretical knowledge with practical abilities to navigate technological constraints

Constraints Faced by Farmers in Information Seeking in Bundelkhand Region of Uttar Pradesh

This research was conducted with the objective of studying the constraints faced in information seeking by farmers in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. A sample of 210 respondents was randomly selected, and data were collected through a structured and pre-tested interview schedule. The gathered data were analyzed and tabulated to identify constraints related to information seeking in the study area. The findings highlighted various challenges faced by farmers, including issues such as the absence of information in the local language, lack of training, financial constraints, limited educational qualifications, restricted access to computers and information sources, insufficient electricity and internet availability, infrastructure deficiencies, inadequate community facilities, disorganized social structures, and the presence of an inferiority feeling. The study underscores the multifaceted nature of status of constraints faced by the farmers of Bundelkhand in Uttar Pradesh regarding accessing sources of information

Mitigating soft and hard infrastructure deficiencies in emerging markets

This study examines the impact of soft and hard infrastructure deficiencies on foreign firms’ investments in emerging markets and firm strategies to mitigate such impact. Soft infrastructure refers to intangible components such as institutions and regulations, while hard infrastructure encompasses tangible physical components like transportation, energy systems, and water supply. Drawing on resource dependence theory, we argue that foreign firms are likely to decrease their investment scale in countries with deficient soft and hard infrastructures to reduce uncertainty. We further propose two strategies to mitigate the negative effects of infrastructure deficiencies. First, foreign firms can adopt an influencing strategy, increasing their influence on the host government to alleviate the negative impact of soft infrastructure deficiencies. Second, a shielding strategy can be employed to reduce dependence on the host government, particularly when dealing with hard infrastructure deficiencies. We analyze data from a sample of 3,341 foreign firms operating in 88 emerging economies between 2005 and 2020 and find empirical support for these arguments, highlighting the significance of infrastructural considerations for foreign investments in emerging economies.

LEADERSHIP IN GLOBAL HEALTH: NAVIGATING CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPACTFUL OUTCOMES IN AFRICA AND SRI LANKA

Effective leadership is paramount in addressing the complex challenges and harnessing the opportunities in global health, particularly in regions such as Africa and Sri Lanka. This review explores the multifaceted dimensions of leadership within the context of global health, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities faced by these regions. In Africa, leadership in global health is confronted with a myriad of challenges including limited resources, political instability, and infrastructural deficiencies. The burden of infectious diseases, inadequate healthcare access, and socio-economic disparities further exacerbate the complexities. However, amidst these challenges lie opportunities for transformative leadership. Visionary leaders can leverage partnerships, innovative technologies, and community engagement to strengthen health systems, promote preventive healthcare, and address the root causes of health inequities. Similarly, in Sri Lanka, leadership in global health faces its own set of challenges and opportunities. Despite notable achievements in healthcare infrastructure and disease control, the country grapples with emerging health threats, non-communicable diseases, and disparities in healthcare access. Effective leadership is essential in mobilizing resources, fostering intersectoral collaboration, and implementing evidence-based interventions to ensure equitable health outcomes for all segments of the population. In both regions, transformative leadership in global health necessitates a multidisciplinary approach that integrates political commitment, scientific innovation, and community participation. Leaders must possess strong communication skills, cultural competence, and a deep understanding of local contexts to navigate the intricate socio-political landscapes. Furthermore, fostering leadership capacity at all levels of the healthcare system is crucial for sustainability and resilience in the face of evolving health challenges. By examining the challenges and opportunities for leadership in global health within the contexts of Africa and Sri Lanka, this review underscores the importance of visionary leadership in driving impactful outcomes. Empowering leaders to navigate complexities, foster collaboration, and innovate solutions is essential for advancing the global health agenda and achieving health equity on a global scale.
 Keywords: Leadership, Global Health, Africa, Sri Lanka, Healthcare, Review

The Challenges and Opportunities of Emerging Markets for Firm Internationalization

This study examines the challenges and opportunities of firm internationalization in emerging markets, using MTN Nigeria as a case study. Through a mixed-methods approach involving semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and a survey of 150 MTN Nigeria employees and managers, the study identifies the key challenges faced by the company, including weak and unstable regulatory environment, infrastructure deficiencies, intense competition, cultural differences, lack of skilled local talent, and corruption. The study also highlights the main opportunities capitalized on by MTN Nigeria, such as the large and growing population, liberalizing telecommunications sector, potential for innovation in digital and financial services, growing middle class, untapped market segments, and strategic partnerships with local firms. The findings are compared with existing literature, revealing consistencies, extensions, and implications for theory and practice. The study contributes to the understanding of firm internationalization in emerging markets by providing a nuanced analysis of the specific challenges, opportunities, and strategies in the Nigerian telecommunications industry. It also highlights the limitations of existing theories and the need for adaptation to the unique institutional, cultural, and competitive contexts of emerging markets. The study offers recommendations for future research, including comparative studies across different emerging markets and critical examinations of the broader societal and developmental implications of firm internationalization.

Assembling plateau urbanism through special economic zones evidence from the Tibetan Plateau, China

This paper presents an in-depth analysis of urbanization dynamics on the Tibetan Plateau through the lens of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), addressing a research gap in the understanding of urbanism in highland and global south contexts. Given the current surge of assembly-based thinking within urban scholarship, we employ an assemblage framework to comprehend the heterogeneous constitution of urbanization, integrating human and non-human components, as well as socio-material, political, and spatial governances. Through a meticulous examination of three comprehensive case studies from the Tibetan Plateau SEZs, including a state-led new town, a renewable energy-driven industrial zone, and an industrial enclave, we delineate the diverse forms of plateau urbanism. Our findings underscore the imperative for contextually tailored urban development strategies that consider the distinctive geographical, ecological, and socio-political conditions of the Tibetan Plateau. It emphasizes the need for adaptive governance and planning that can address infrastructure deficiencies, environmental constraints, and the integration of local communities. Furthermore, we also call for further exploration of urbanisms in other highland regions, advocating for a more longitudinal, crosswise and nuanced understanding of urbanization processes in various global contexts.

Challenges of green startups in the post-soviet economies

This article delves into the difficulties faced by environmentally conscious startups in the post-Soviet economies. The breakup of the USSR gave rise to a period characterized by economic restructuring and a shift towards market-based economies, but green startups encounter numerous obstacles arising from a lack of entrepreneurial expertise, insufficient funding, and complex regulations. In Russia, the dominance of the oil and gas industry hampers the drive for alternative energy ventures, while Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova grapple with funding gaps and infrastructure deficiencies. The South Caucasus countries face issues related to oil dependency, burdensome regulations, and limited access to funding, while the Baltic states prioritize swift innovation and adeptly navigating regulations. Central Asian nations, blessed with abundant natural resources, face challenges including regulatory restrictions and geopolitical complexities that impede the transition to green practices. Collaborative efforts are vital in overcoming these hurdles, enabling regulatory reform, strengthening sustainable initiatives, and fostering innovation to promote the growth of green startups in these economies.

ENHANCING MEDICATION QUALITY CONTROL IN NIGERIA: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF REGULATORY CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

Medication quality control in Nigeria faces multifaceted challenges rooted in regulatory inefficiencies, infrastructural limitations, and systemic inadequacies. This study undertakes a comprehensive analysis of these challenges while proposing pragmatic solutions to bolster the quality control framework in the Nigerian pharmaceutical sector. Drawing upon extensive literature review and expert insights, the research identifies key regulatory challenges impeding effective medication quality control in Nigeria. These challenges encompass inadequate regulatory capacity, inconsistent enforcement mechanisms, rampant substandard and counterfeit medications, and limited access to essential medicines. Additionally, infrastructural deficiencies such as inadequate laboratory facilities and insufficient human resources further exacerbate the problem, leading to compromised patient safety and public health risks. In response to these challenges, the study proposes a multifaceted approach to enhance medication quality control in Nigeria. This includes strengthening regulatory frameworks through legislative reforms aimed at bolstering enforcement capabilities and harmonizing standards with international best practices. Moreover, improving regulatory capacity through training programs and investment in state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure is essential to enhance surveillance and detection of substandard medications. Furthermore, fostering collaboration between regulatory agencies, healthcare providers, and pharmaceutical manufacturers is imperative to streamline supply chains and ensure the integrity of medications from production to distribution. Additionally, public awareness campaigns and community engagement initiatives play a pivotal role in empowering consumers to make informed decisions and report instances of substandard medications. By addressing these regulatory challenges and implementing comprehensive solutions, Nigeria can significantly enhance medication quality control, safeguard patient health, and foster a conducive environment for pharmaceutical innovation and growth.
 Keywords: Medical, Medication, Drugs, Quality Control, Nigeria, Regulations, Review.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN AFRICA: A REVIEW OF GROWTH AND CHALLENGES

Entrepreneurship in Africa has emerged as a dynamic force, witnessing both remarkable growth and formidable challenges. This review delves into the multifaceted landscape of African entrepreneurship, providing insights into the key drivers of its expansion and the persistent obstacles it confronts. The growth of entrepreneurship in Africa is propelled by a confluence of factors. A burgeoning population, coupled with increasing urbanization and connectivity, has created a fertile ground for business innovation. Government initiatives and international partnerships have also played pivotal roles, fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurial endeavors. Notably, a rising culture of innovation and a wave of tech-driven startups are contributing to the continent's economic diversification. However, this entrepreneurial surge coexists with a host of challenges that demand attention. Infrastructure deficiencies, including unreliable power supply and inadequate transportation networks, hamper the operational efficiency of businesses. Limited access to financing remains a pervasive issue, hindering the potential of aspiring entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into viable enterprises. Regulatory complexities, bureaucratic hurdles, and political instability further complicate the entrepreneurial landscape. Navigating the intricate socio-economic fabric of Africa, entrepreneurs face unique cultural and contextual challenges. Disparities in education and skill levels pose barriers to entry, requiring a concerted effort to bridge gaps and empower a diverse pool of aspiring business leaders. Recognizing the significance of inclusivity, the Review emphasizes the need for tailored support mechanisms to address the specific needs of women and marginalized communities in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. In conclusion, this Review presents a nuanced overview of entrepreneurship in Africa, acknowledging its growth drivers while addressing the complex challenges that entrepreneurs encounter. It underscores the imperative for comprehensive strategies that not only foster a conducive environment for business growth but also address the diverse and context-specific impediments to entrepreneurial success. By embracing the dual facets of growth and challenges, Africa can unlock its entrepreneurial potential and pave the way for sustainable economic development.
 Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Growth, challenges, Review, Urbanization.

Barriers to BIM Implementation in the HVAC Industry: An Exploratory Study

In recent times, the rise of urbanization, industrialization, population growth, food security, and the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increased demand for indoor spaces with efficient air conditioning systems. As a result, there is a growing interest in creating more complex HVAC systems to improve indoor spaces. Building information modeling (BIM) offers numerous benefits to the HVAC industry, such as clash detection, budget and time reductions, and increased efficiency. However, its implementation is currently hindered by various challenges. This research aims to identify the major barriers to BIM implementation in the HVAC industry in Turkey, using a questionnaire survey of 224 domain experts working in 42 different companies across various fields of the HVAC industry. The study utilized several statistical analyses to categorize and prioritize the most critical barriers, including reliability tests, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) test, Bartlett’s test, and ranking of factors (IRI). The results indicate that the “Deficiencies of Infrastructure and Lack of Qualified Personnel (DIP)” factor group constituted the most significant barrier, followed by “Lack of Documentation and Specifications (LDS)”, “Deficiencies of Case Studies and Project Drawings (DCP)”, and “Lack of Motivation and Resistance to BIM (LMR)”. Moreover, our research revealed that 60% of the participants’ companies allocate less than 40% of their budgets to technological infrastructure, which hinders the adoption of BIM. To promote BIM in the HVAC sector, we recommend enhancing personnel capacity building, improving skills and knowledge about BIM, promoting guidelines, and providing free access to documentation for practitioners.

Use of Practice-Based Research Networks in Massage Therapy Research.

Massage therapy is a profession, not simply an intervention, and pathways are needed to connect all key massage therapy profession components-clinicians, patient/clients, and the work-to the scholarship and research that describes, investigates, and shapes practice. While the volume of massage-related research has grown over the past few decades, much of the growing massage evidence base is not reflective of real-world massage therapy, nor is research typically conducted through the clinical lens of the massage therapy discipline. This situation reflects the unfortunate disconnect between massage therapy research and massage therapy practice, while magnifying a key research infrastructure deficiency within the massage therapy discipline: the who and where research is conducted is disconnected from the who and where massage therapy is practiced. Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) are a staple of primary care and other health professions research reflecting real life, discipline-focused practice that seeks to address the needs of the discipline's practitioners and patients. The PBRN model fits well with the directional need of massage therapy research. This paper presents a commentary on the use of PBRNs in massage therapy research, and the current state of PBRN research within the field of massage therapy, namely the recently launched MassageNet PBRN.

Overcoming Distance Education Challenges in Nigeria: A Call for Collaborative ICT Integration

This article looks at the benefits of Distance Education (DE) or Open Learning Systems as the means of providing education that meets the growing demand for education on the account of the financial concerns and changing priorities. The historical development of communication methods is one of the factors that shaped the education sector considerably and now we have the open learning systems as a popular way of. The aim of the establishment of DE as highlighted by scholars is to create another parallel system which can be integrated with formal education. Other objectives include promoting flexibility, constructing an egalitarian society, facilitating in-service and lifelong education and utilizing communication technology for wider outreach. ICTs hold the key to global educational initiatives, providing an environment of collaboration and disseminating ideas in the most effective manner. Although ICTs belong to one of the most transformative technologies, Nigeria is faced with challenges of integration of ICTs, among them deficiencies in ICT infrastructure. Distance education has proved to be successful for the purpose of widening educational chances but Nigeria faces problems like low ICT penetration, erratic power supply, and meagre economy. It is noted that ICTs play a critical role in the development of distance education in Nigeria and that this research stresses the need for collaboration among all relevant stakeholders— government, private companies, and international organizations—to enhance ICT infrastructure, implement international cooperation frameworks, and integrate ICT literacy and use into academic courses. Keywords: Distance Education (DE), Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), OLS, Education Issues, Flexibility in Education, ICT Infrastructure, and Inclusive Learning.

Non-governmental Organizations’ programmes and Poverty Alleviation in Enugu State Nigeria

There has been tremendous involvement of NonGovernmental Organizations in helping governments alleviate poverty in Nigeria. This study therefore investigated the programmes of Non-governmental Organizations towards alleviating poverty using Enugu State as a case study. Specifically, it sought to examine the poverty alleviation programmes embarked upon by the NGOs; to ascertain how these programmes impacted on poverty alleviation; and to determine the various challenges affecting the success of these programmes in Enugu State. Descriptive survey design was employed for the investigation. Three (3) notable NGOs were engaged in the study. Population of the study was 527 persons comprising of staff of the three NGOs involved in the study and the beneficiaries of their programmes. Questionnaire instrument was used to elicit data for the study. T-test analysis technique was used to test the hypotheses formulated. Findings of the study revealed that there are various programmes initiated by NGOs in Enugu State and these programmes positively impacted on the citizens. However, these organizations were found to face various challenges which include limited funding, infrastructural deficiency, etc. The study recommended among other recommendations that NGOs should collaborate with government and private sector organizations to address funding and infrastructure deficiencies.

Overcoming systemic and institutional challenges in policy implementation in South Africa's water sector

The water sector in South Africa is faced with numerous challenges, among which include; increased flooding and prolonged droughts caused by increased climate variability, rapid population growth, unsustainable water demands and withdrawals by various water users, deficiencies in institutional management and infrastructural maintenance, lack of political will with accompanying high levels of corruption and steady deteriorations in all sub-sectors of the economy. Other significant challenges include provision of water in rural communities, water pollution especially from poorly operated wastewater treatments works, acid mine drainage, nutrients from agriculture, siltation of dams. A combination of these factors has led to high levels of water scarcity and an immense burden on the water supply. However, it must be noted that in 1994, South Africa (SA) embarked on developing numerous policies and strategies to address water challenges. While some levels of success have been achieved in terms of policy formulation, there is, however, a lack of comprehensive coordination and synergy that cut across the broad objectives of these policies in meeting environmental, social and economic targets and aspirations. Additionally, the implementation of the policies and programmes is stalled by structural, systemic and institutional factors, coupled with new challenges arising from climatic variabilities. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods together with rapid appraisal of existing literature, we explore systemic and institutional factors impeding the implementation of policies and strategies designed to drive South Africa's water sector as envisaged within the National Development Plan of 2012. We argue that the water sector is faced with multifarious and interweaving challenges such as inadequate human capital, changes in climatic conditions, limited financial resources, infrastructural deficiencies largely linked to poor urban planning and rapid growth of informal settlements, rampant corruption and mismanagement, lack of stakeholders' involvement and compartmentalisation of institutions. This paper, therefore, recommends a community-based approach that enforces transparency and the participation of civil society, cross-sectoral cooperation and a broad range of stakeholders and decentralisation of policy implementation strategies.

Roles of international agricultural organizations in economy revamp: The Nigerian experience

The enduring problems of hunger and poverty in Nigeria are mostly the result of the agriculture sector's failure to have the desired positive impact on the populace. Hence, the study reviewed the roles of international agricultural organizations in economy revamp: the Nigerian experience. In retrospect, a few governments did make an effort to make a statement about agriculture through the creation of farm settlement programs and state-owned agricultural development organizations. However, welfare concerns more than ever served as justification for these activities rather than absolute economic need. The intervention of International Agricultural Organization (IAO) through various types of international agricultural programmes became significant by concentrating on sustainable agricultural practices, technology transfer, capacity building, and policy advocacy, modernizing agriculture, infrastructure development, policy advocacy and reforms, global agricultural trade , market access and trade, climate resilience, research and development, international research and collaboration, food security and agricultural development. To mention but a few, World Bank, International Fund for Agricultural Development and United State Agencies for International Development have contributed to agriculture revamp in the Nigerian economy. Challenges Affecting the Nigerian Agricultural Economy in International Business include: Infrastructure Deficiency, Limited Access to Finance, Inadequate Research and Development, Policy Instability and Inconsistency. It was presented in the study that by providing solutions to these challenges will contribute to a way forward to revamp agriculture in the Nigerian economy, making it more robust, sustainable, and inclusive.

Predicting citizens municipal solid waste recycling intentions in Morocco: The role of community engagement

This research paper investigates municipal solid waste recycling with a focus on Morocco's efforts to improve waste management and recycling rates. Despite initiatives and policies, challenges persist, including limited public awareness and infrastructure deficiencies. Using data collected through a questionnaire delivered through the internet from Mars to May 2023. Utilizing the theory of planned behavior, the study extends to include Community Engagement. Findings highlight the significant influence of Perceived Behavioral Control and Attitude on recycling intentions, emphasizing the need for empowerment and positive attitudes. Community Engagement emerges as a crucial catalyst for promoting sustainable waste management. Subjective Norms exhibit limited impact, necessitating targeted strategies to address social barriers. The paper concludes that understanding these determinants is crucial for effective waste management policies, contributing to knowledge on recycling behavior and promoting sustainability in Morocco and beyond.

Strengthening Healthcare Delivery in the Democratic Republic of Congo through Adequate Nursing Workforce

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) grapples with a critical shortage of nurses, exacerbating disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. This mini-review examines the factors impacting the nursing workforce in the DRC and presents potential solutions to strengthen it. Decades-long regional conflicts have endangered the nursing workforce, resulting in an imbalanced distribution that disproportionately favors urban areas over rural regions. Inadequate healthcare funding, compounded by mismanagement, has led to resource scarcity and inequitable distribution, further hampering nursing efforts. Additionally, stagnant policy reforms and ineffective advocacy have hindered improvements in nurse employment, wages, education, and working conditions. Infrastructure deficiencies and medical supply shortages have also contributed to reduced incentives for nursing professionals. Therefore, we undertook a mini-review aimed at offering a succinct and targeted overview of nursing care in the DRC. This involved analyzing available literature and data concerning the nursing workforce with a particular focus on the DRC. We believe that addressing these interlinked challenges necessitates comprehensive strategies that prioritize establishing regional stability, responsibly allocating and increasing healthcare funding, incentivizing nurse recruitment and retention through policy adjustments, enhancing healthcare infrastructure and nursing education, and fostering both local and global collaboration. Investing in nursing is paramount for transforming healthcare delivery in the DRC, particularly considering nurses' pivotal roles in delivering preventive, therapeutic, and palliative care services. Strengthening nursing capacity and addressing systemic challenges are essential steps toward mitigating healthcare disparities and enhancing population health, aligning with the objectives outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Utilization of Information Technology is an Elixir to Maximizing Efficiency in Business Organizations

This study has been able to justify the notion that the utilization of information technology is an elixir to maximizing efficiency of business organization. The paper used the qualitative approach applying survey design. The study purposively selects fifty (50) entrepreneurs and business owners to form the sampled subjects. The instrument for data collection used for this study was the close ended questionnaire with question items measured with the 4-likerts “Extent Format” (VHE, HE, LE, VLE). Conclusively, it was found that computers, mobile phone, computer software and internet are utilized for maximizing efficiency of business organizations to a high extent. Also, it was revealed that challenges as such infrastructural deficiencies, lack of maintenance culture, poor/no access to the internet and lack of skilled and competent ICT personnel has affected the utilization of information technology to a high extent. It recommended that business owners should ensure to put in place a standard ICT structure that will support effective and full utilization of information technology.