Stratified Sampling Technique Research Articles

A study of older women’s lives in India beyond four walls

This paper conducts a comparative and exploratory study on altruistic and pay-to-stay care systems, exploring the intersection of tradition and contemporary society. The research delves into the underlying mechanisms of both care systems, shedding light on the daily lives, challenges, and vulnerabilities of older women residing in care homes. Emphasising the state’s and market’s evolving role in the older care system, the study highlights the relatively recent market invasion. Employing an exploratory and descriptive research design, the sample comprises fifty-six women aged 60 and above in Lucknow city’s (Uttar Pradesh, India) care homes. Given the heterogeneity among women in care homes regarding social and moral values, the study utilises multi-stage random, stratified, and purposive sampling techniques as needed for the analysis. Data had been gathered from two care homes— one not charging residents and another a paid facility catering to lower-middle and middle-income groups. The researcher spent a year and a half working in these homes, conducting interviews with all respondents. The paper uncovers distinctions in care homes based not only on altruism and pay-to-stay but also on caste and class dynamics, contributing to social inequality and limiting social mobility. The stratification of the State and market results in varying quality of life for older women. While the market holds potential for innovation and improved service quality, economically dependent women often defer this choice to their family members. Socioeconomic status significantly influences the decision to lead a dignified life, with some women reluctantly relying on the state for survival after being abandoned by their families, leaving them hapless and hopeless.

Knowledge, Attitude, And Perception Of Health Workers Towards Electronic Health Record System (A Case Study Of Uduth, Sokoto)

Background: Electronic Health Records System (EHRS) has shown a lot of advantages over the conventional paper based medical records. Its use has grown rapidly in the developed world and yet most African nations are still lagging behind. In Nigeria, the penetration of EHRS is low with less than 10.0% of hospitals embracing it.Factors responsible for this low penetration or use of EHRS in Nigeria include interoperability issues, epileptic power supply, cost of installation, resistance to change, health providers' and patients' poor orientation. This study aimed to assess level of knowledge, attitude and perception of health care workers on the use of EHRS in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. Methodology: Cross sectional study was conducted in June, 2023 among 132 healthcare workers that were randomly selected using stratified sampling technique. Pre-tested structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was cleaned and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21.0. Univariate analysis to generate summary statistics, proportions and frequency tables was conducted. While Bivariate analysis was conducted to identify variables that were significantly associated with respondents knowledge, attitude and perception at a P-value of <0.05. Results: Majority (70%) of the respondents had good knowledge of EMR and 30% had bad knowledge. 84% of the respondents had positive attitude towards EHRS while 86% of them had positive perceptions on EHRS. Doctors were 85.0% less likely to be knowledgeable about EMR than other healthcare workers (aOR 0.150; 95% CI 0.030 - 0.748). Respondents that were computer literate were 30.0% more likely to be knowledgeable than those who were not (aOR 1.297; 95% CI 3.885 – 4.330) and those that had computer training were 13.0% more likely to be knowledgeable than those who were not (aOR 1.126; 95% CI 0.032 – 0.501). A greater proportion of respondents with good knowledge 90(96.8%) had a good attitude, the result was statistically significant (X2<37.85, p=0.01) A greater portion of the respondents with good attitudes had good perception 108(95.6%) as compared to respondents, with poor attitudes 16(46.2%) the association was statistically significant (χ2=77.39, p <0.01). A greater proportion of respondents with good knowledge had good practice compared to those with poor knowledge. However, the result was not statistically significant feχ2=2.330, p=0.169). Conclusion: majority of the respondents had good knowledge 92(70%), good attitude110 (84%) and good perception towards EHR 114(86%). As such government support and funding of electronic health system in health facilities is recommended.

Silent Struggles: Exploring the Effects of Anxiety and Depression on Higher Level Students

The purpose of the current study was to explore the effects of anxiety and depression on higher level students. The research was descriptive in nature, and to achieve the objectives of the study, a sample of three thousand four hundred and eighty higher level students was selected using stratified sampling technique. The data analysis statistics included both descriptive and inferential analysis. The findings reveal that anxiety and depression have a significant effect on university students, leading to poor academic performance. Moreover, males face higher levels of anxiety and depression as compared to females. This study recommends that teachers and parents should try to identify or understand if their child is going through any sort of mental discord. Teachers should act as role models for students to promote the importance of a content and calm mind and explain to them the importance of mental health.

Awareness of Central Sector Scheme among the Entrepreneurs in MSME Sector: An Investigative Study

MSME is one of the key driving force to promote entrepreneurship and make effort to encourage entrepreneurial activity. Numerous policies, initiatives and programs are being implemented by Government at both national and international level for promoting entrepreneurial spirit among prospective entrepreneurs. The focal point of this research paper is to measure the extent of awareness regarding various central sector schemes of the Government of India. This was a descriptive study involving 396 sample respondents selected by applying Taro Yamane (1976) Formula and using stratified sampling technique. The study was conducted in MSME sector of Calicut district from Northern region in Kerala. A structured questionnaire is administered to collect data regarding demographic factors and awareness level of sample respondents in the study area and also test the association between these two variables. The Researcher discovered that most of the entrepreneurs have no awareness about the Government scheme. So, it should be the onus of the authorities to establish rapport with entrepreneurs and erect awareness through advertising initiatives, internet platforms etc and the banking institutions ought to reflect at its branches a variety of scheme promoted by the Government.

The Blockchain Technology Applications and its Impact on Governance Performance: A Field Study on the Transportation Sector in Palestine

Objectives: Blockchain technology (BCT) is an advance technical solution incorporating many technologies, with the capacity to overcome governance's limitations. As a consequence, our study aims to analyzing how BCT applications affect governance performance (GP), testing the mediating role of operational efficiency (OE) in the ministry of transport in Palestine (MTP). This study was conducted during the period from 2022 to 2024. Methods: A paper applied research design (Survey), and a study unit consisting of 90 participants at MTP was used out of the target population (110). In contrast, simple random and stratified sampling techniques were applied for the determination of the research sample. Data collected via questionnaires and the study's hypotheses were evaluated using PLS-SEM. Results:. The main results showed that BCT and their impact on GP from the perspective of employees were high. Until the period of the research, Palestine lacked a clear strategy and policy for the usage of BCT. There was an impact of BCT dimensions on GP at the level of significance. OE has a fully mediating role in the effect of decentralization & traceability and a partial mediating role in the effect of transparency on GP. Conclusions: The paper advises MTP management to start a sound BCT and invest in it concurrently in order to materialize OE and achieve GP efficiency. Future studies can apply the study model to other sectors to verify the reliability of the model.

Effect of Strategic Change on Performance of Media Firms in Nairobi Kenya

Purpose: Given the rapidly evolving media landscape in Nairobi, Kenya, which presents a unique opportunity to explore the impact of strategic change on organizational performance, this study addresses the effectiveness of various change strategies thereby offering valuable insights for media managers and policymakers striving to enhance the resilience and growth of media enterprises in Nairobi. Design/Methodology/Approach: Employing descriptive and correlational research design, the study used closed ended questionnaires with a sample of 122 departmental heads out of a target population of 176 departmental heads from 6 major media firms in Nairobi; Nation Media Group, Standard Group, Royal Media Services, Mediamax Network Limited, Radio Africa Group and Capital Group Limited. The departmental heads for editorial, technical, sales and marketing, administrative and public relations formed the target and sample. Simple random sampling and stratified sampling techniques were adopted. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Data was presented using tables. Findings: Strategic Change significantly affected performance in media firms P 0.00<0.05. This suggests that strategic change variables had a significant effect on performance of media firms hence rejection of null hypothesis. Implications/Originality/Value: The study recommends that media firms should adopt a systematic change management strategy to facilitate seamless transitions and cultivate leadership abilities at all levels to enable leaders to proficiently initiate and oversee changes.

PENGARUH PERSEPSI MANFAAT PERSEPSI KEMUDAHAN PENGGUNAAN DAN ONLINE CUSTOMER REVIEW TERHADAP MINAT PENGGUNAAN APLIKASI MYPERTAMINA DI KABUPATEN GIANYAR

MyPertamina is a digital financial application that can be used to pay cashless fuel oil. This study was conducted to test whether the variables in this study had a joint and individual influence on the interest in using MyPertamina in Gianyar Regency. The number of target groups consisted of 96 respondents, with a stratified sampling technique and based on criteria. Data analysis used classical hypothesis testing and multiple linear regression analysis. Overall the results of the study show a positive and significant trend. The variables Perceived Usefulness (X1) and Online Customer Review (X3) partially have a unidirectional and real influence, however, perceived ease of use (X2) shows a positive but not significant trend, meaning that the more positive values generated, the greater the interest in MyPertamina, but the convenience provided by MyPertamina is not strong enough to affect interest in using MyPertamina actually.

Competitive Advantage among Medium-Sized Enterprises in Juba, South Sudan: Why Research on Organizational Structure Needs New Direction

The role played by small and medium enterprises in the growth and development of economies is critical. Understanding how firms improve their performance to achieve competitiveness should, therefore, concern countries keen on economic growth. However, small and medium enterprises face growth challenges because they operate simultaneously in the global and local markets, making innovation imperative. This study investigated the effect of cost reduction capabilities and organisational structure capabilities on the competitive advantage among Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSEs) in Juba, South Sudan. The study was guided by the resource-based theory and dynamic capability theory. The target population constituted 491 MSEs operating in Juba, South Sudan. Yamane formula was used to calculate the sample size of 246 MSEs, which was selected using stratified and random sampling techniques. Questionnaires were used for data collection, and the data was analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. The results indicated a positive and statistical significance between organisational structure (β = 0.582, t = 9.569, p < 0.05) and the competitive advantage among MSEs in Juba, South Sudan. The study concluded that a formal organisational structure significantly affected the competitive advantage of MSEs. The study recommended that management should strengthen their organisational structure to facilitate the development and enhancement of leadership capabilities.

Mediating role of Social Support and Self-efficiency on Academic stress and Student’s Psychological well-being among Public and Private Universities in Mogadishu -Somalia.

Background Academic stress is a significant factor affecting students’ psychological well-being, particularly in higher education. Understanding the mediating roles of social support and self-efficacy can provide insights into how these factors influence students’ psychological well-being in public and private universities. Methods The study examined the mediating roles of social support and self-efficacy in the relationship between academic stress and psychological well-being among university students in Mogadishu, Somalia. Utilizing a stratified sampling technique, data were collected from 663 students across public (52.6%) and private (47.4%) universities through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using path analysis to assess direct and indirect effects. Structural equation modeling technique was used for data analysis. Results The analysis revealed a significant direct effect of academic stress on psychological well-being (β = 0.133, p = 0.000). Academic stress was not significantly related to social support (β = 0.128, p = 0.066) and self-efficacy (β = 0.075, p = 0.099). However, both social support (β = 0.059, p = 0.000) and self-efficacy (β = 0.838, p = 0.000) were significantly related to psychological well-being. The mediating analysis showed that social support partially mediated the relationship between academic stress and psychological well-being (Indirect effect = 0.070, CI [-0.036, 0.197], p = 0.000), while self-efficacy did not mediate this relationship (Indirect effect = 0.063, CI [0.054, 0.218], p = 0.097). Conclusions The findings suggest a significant positive impact of academic stress on psychological well-being, while social support partially mediates this relationship, highlighting its buffering role. Conversely, self-efficacy, although positively contributing to psychological well-being, does not mediate the effect of academic stress. These results underscore the importance of robust social support systems and targeted interventions to enhance students’ coping mechanisms and overall psychological well-being. Study limitations and implication are discussed.

The Impact of Social Media Use on Students’ Self-Esteem in Higher Education in Eastern Ethiopia

This study aims to assess social media use's impact on university students' self-esteem. Social media factors that affected the self-esteem of university students were investigated based on the daily time spent on social media. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Self-esteem was measured using the established Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The stratified sampling technique was deployed to select 335 undergraduate university students for this study. Descriptive analysis was performed to analyze the demographic details of the response data collected, including age and social media usage. Correlation and regression analyses were executed using SPSS software to test the correlations between social media factors and self-esteem among undergraduate scholars. As a result, students’ self-esteem among the scholars was significantly affected by their time spent on social media. I recommend that further studies be conducted to investigate the main factors that affect the student’s self-esteem and regard for university scholars.

Intention to Use FinTech Payments: The Perspectives of Benefits, Risks, and Openness to Change

Objective - The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly transformed many aspects of daily life, including the way payments are made. While the usage of cashless payments has increased, cash remains the main mode of payment in Malaysia. Therefore, this study aims to explore the factors driving the intention to use FinTech payments based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) with the Value-based Adoption Model (VAM). Methodology/Technique – 546 usable responses were collected using a stratified sampling technique across 13 states in Malaysia. Then, structural equation modeling using the partial least squares approach was applied to test the hypotheses. Finding – The findings show that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social benefit, privacy risk, and openness to change are the significant determinants of intention to use FinTech payments. Openness to change was found to be the most significant predictor of intention to use FinTech payments. However, the study failed to confirm the impact of social influence, economic benefit, security risk, and regulatory support on the intention to use FinTech payments. This study does not fully validate the significance of UTAUT and VAM constructs. Novelty – To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that uses the UTAUT and VAM on intention to use FinTech payments together with openness to change and regulatory support. This is a framework that covers the decision-making determinants from the perspectives of benefits, risks, individual characteristics, and the external environment. Type of Paper: Empirical JEL Classification: G23, G28, G29 Keywords: FinTech Payment, Intention to Use, UTAUT, VAM, Benefits, Risks Reference to this paper should be referred to as follows: Chen, N.H; Habibullah, M.S; Sapar, R. (2024). Intention to Use FinTech Payments: The Perspectives of Benefits, Risks, and Openness to Change, GATR-Global J. Bus. Soc. Sci. Review, 12(3), 91–113. https://doi.org/10.35609/gjbssr.2024.12.3(1)

Anxiety and sleep mediate the effect of food insecurity on depression in single parents in Ghana

BackgroundData on the association between food insecurity and depression in single parents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are limited, and no study has reported the serial mediation effects of psychosocial factors in this association. This study examines the extent to which anxiety and sleep serially explain the food insecurity and depression link among single parents in Ghana.MethodsData on 627 single parents were obtained through a multi-stage stratified sampling technique. Food insecurity was assessed using the Food and Agriculture Organization Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), and depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10). Multivariable OLS models and bootstrapping serial mediation analyses were performed to evaluate the hypothesized associations.ResultsThe mean age (SD) was 45.0 (14.7) years; 67.3% females. After full adjustment, food insecurity was significantly associated with increases in anxiety symptoms (β = 0.61, 95%CI = 0.476 − 0.737), sleep problems (β = 0.04, 95%CI = 0.02 − 0.07), and depression (β = 0.24, 95%CI = 0.12 − 0.36). Food insecurity indirectly related to depression via anxiety (β = 0.35, 95%CI = 0.26-0.44) representing 55.8%, sleep (β = 0.03, 95%CI = 0.0032-0.0575) suggesting 4.0%, and anxiety→sleep (β = 0.013, 95%CI = 0.0024-0.0265) yielding 2.0% of the total effect.ConclusionsFood insecurity was positively associated with depression. This association was partially and serially explained by generalized anxiety and sleep problems. Efforts to address depression among single parents should consider interventions for food insecurity and psychosocial problems, particularly in LMICs.

Unlocking employee engagement: Investigating the influence of informational justice in Nigerian banking sector

This study explores the relationship between informational justice and employee engagement. The objectives of the study are to examine the influence of informational justice on affective engagement, behavioral engagement, cognitive engagement, and physical engagement. To guarantee a representative and varied sample of the Nigerian banking industry, a survey design was used, and participants were chosen using the stratified sampling technique. We collected necessary data from primary sources and deemed 209 copies of the 231 distributed questionnaires valid and suitable for the study. Preliminary findings suggest a strong positive relationship between employee engagement levels and perceptions of informational justice. Workers with higher levels of participation in all four categories—behavioral, cognitive, physical, and affective—tend to perceive a high degree of informational justice, where communication is clear, prompt, and comprehensive. This suggests that employees are more likely to be emotionally committed, display positive work behaviors, be intellectually focused, and be physically present in their tasks when they feel well-informed and sense fairness in the sharing of information. The findings contribute to the literature in several ways, including improving the understanding of informational justice in Nigeria's banking sector. Furthermore, the findings offer practical insights for the bank seeking to enhance employee engagement through improvements in communication processes and transparency.

Psychosocial challenges and coping strategies of bully-victims among students in Kwara state, Nigeria

The study investigated the psychosocial challenges and coping strategies of bully-victims among secondary school students in Kwara State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey was adopted. With a sample of 396 bully-victims which were selected using proportionate, stratified and snowball sampling techniques. The findings revealed that they experienced more psychological challenges than social challenges, such as anxiety, anger control issues, and difficulty forgetting bullied experiences. Bully-victims adopted more aggressive, social, and cognitive coping strategies than helpless strategies. There were no significant differences in psychosocial challenges based on age and school type, but differences existed based on gender. Significant differences also existed in coping strategies based on gender, age, and school type. The study recommended developing problem-solving strategies for bully-victims and addressing their psychological, social, and behavioral issues concurrently.

Aerobic Exercise Versus Plyometrics in Reducing Anxiety Levels in College Students With Mild Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Background Generalized anxiety disorder is one of the most prevalentmental disorders, characterized byexcessive anxiety and worry that affectboth mental and physical health. These pervasive illnesses have a crippling effect on people's everyday lives, quality of life, and wellness and are also highly linked with cardiovascular risk factors. Physical activity-based therapies have shown promising effects in treating a range of mental disorders, from psychosis to dementia. Out of many conventional therapies, aerobic exercise and plyometrics have been found to be effective in reducing anxiety levels. Aim This study aims to compare the effectiveness of aerobic exercise and plyometrics in reducing anxiety levels in college students with mild generalized anxiety disorder. Materials and methods A total of 96 subjects were selected for the studyusing a stratified sampling technique;48 subjects were assigned to the aerobic exercise group (Group A) and 48 to the plyometric group (Group P). Randomization was done using the sealed envelope method. This study includes students aged 18-25 years, both genders, with a body mass index of <30, a Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) score of 8-15, and at least six months without practicing any kind of physical activity. The exclusion criteria are subjects with other psychotic disorders, a history of cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, inflammatory disease, malignant conditions, neurological disorders, anemia, with comorbid conditions, who were involved in supportive therapy for anxiety such as cognitive behavioral therapy, use of anxiolytic drugs, females with menstrual disorders, and subjects with recent trauma or injuries (fracture, ligament sprain, or muscle strain). The treatment duration for both groups was three days per week for a total of four weeks. Group A consists of five minutes of warm-up, 30 minutes of walking, and five minutes of cool-down, for a total of 40 minutes. Group P consists of warm-up of five minutes, high knees, single leg hop and jump squats of two sets and 10 repetitions for 30 minutes, and a cool-down of five minutes, for a total of 40 minutes. Conclusion The anxiety levels were analyzed using the BAI, revealing that bothgroups have shown improvements in Beck anxiety scores; however,Group A has shown a comparatively more significant improvement than Group P.

Unveiling the drivers of sustainable housing choices among millennials in emerging markets

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the complex interplay between technology, personal norms and emotional factors in shaping the sustainable housing choices of millennials in emerging economies. It integrates the model of goal-directed behavior, technology acceptance model and norm activation model, incorporating both self-interest and prosocial motivations. Key adaptations involve replacing perceived behavioral control with financial self-efficacy and substituting hedonic motivation for anticipated positive emotions. Moreover, it introduces location as a practical anchor. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive research design was used in this study. Data were gathered from a sample of 610 millennial residential real estate investors across Indian smart cities. A multistage stratified sampling technique was used to ensure a representative sample. For data analysis, partial least squares structural equation modeling was used. The analysis focused on hypothesis testing to examine the relationships between the constructs of interest. Bootstrap t-values and effect sizes were used to assess the significance and magnitude of these relationships, respectively. Findings One of the key findings of this study was the establishment of significant positive relationships between awareness of consequences, ascription of responsibility and personal norms with behavioral intentions. This underscored the importance of personal ethical considerations in shaping intentions. Perceived usefulness and ease of use were found to significantly influence attitudes positively, highlighting the relevance of these factors in forming favorable attitudes toward behaviors. Attitude, subjective norms, financial self-efficacy and location played significant positive roles. However, negative anticipated emotions decreased desire. This illustrated the complex role emotions play in motivational processes. The study also revealed that subjective norms did not significantly contribute to shaping personal norms. This indicated a potential decoupling of societal expectations from personal ethical obligations in the decision-making process. Practical implications This study offers actionable insights for both policymakers and real estate developers. For policymakers, the findings highlight the need to craft initiatives that go beyond mere awareness, instead fostering a deep sense of personal responsibility and environmental stewardship among potential homebuyers. For real estate developers, the emphasis on financial self-efficacy and location suggests a strategy shift toward designing sustainable homes that not only meet environmental standards but also align with buyers’ financial confidence and geographic preferences. Together, these strategies can drive a more widespread adoption of sustainable housing, making sustainability a tangible and appealing choice for millennials. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this empirical research study was one of the first studies that contributed to the literature by integrating the model of goal-directed behavior, technology acceptance model and norm activation model. This study thus offered a nuanced understanding of the interplay between normative influences, usability perceptions, ethical considerations and emotions in the context of behavioral intentions.

Is adoption of modern dairy farming technologies interrelated? A case of smallholder dairy farmers in Meru county, Kenya

Attempts have been made to promote the adoption of modern dairy farming technologies (MDFT). However, the adoption of these technologies largely remains underutilized. This study aimed to analyze the determinants of the adoption of MDFTs in Meru County. Using purposive and proportionate sampling techniques from 355 smallholder dairy farmers in Meru County, Kenya, this study analyzed the factors that facilitate or impede the adoption of MDFTs. We use a Multivariate probit (MVP) to evaluate adoption decisions by dairy farm households facing multiple MDFTs. The results reveal a significant correlation among the eight MDFTs suggesting that modern technologies are interrelated. The MVP model results indicate that household income, education level, number of extension contacts, access to credit, farmer group membership, farming experience and livestock monetary value had positive effect on the adoption of MDFTs. Education level and extension contacts had a positive influence on the adoption of fodder establishment and preservation technologies. Farming experience in dairy farming had a positive effect on the adoption of well-structured and clean sleeping areas, and the growth of Rhodes grass. Household income had a positive effect on the growth of Rhodes grass and feed mixture. This work illustrates a need for a policy implication and insight into a need for the county government and private milk processing companies to increase extension frequency to enhance the adoption of MDFTs. Additionally, there is a need to increase access to affordable credit, this should be considered by the government by establishing strengthening a smallholder low-interest and efficient local credit schemes and institutions.

TEACHERS' ATTITUDES &amp; BARRIERS TO IMPLEMENTING CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

This study aimed to investigate the teachers’ attitudes toward incorporating climate change education in secondary schools. It was a descriptive study with quantitative research design. Two hundred secondary school teachers were selected through a stratified sampling technique. For data collection, a five-point self-developed Likert scale was used. Data was analyzed over SPSS 20. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. It was found that most of the participants agreed about the importance of climate change in education, but they face barriers to implementation. The main challenges found were insufficient resources, training, and a crowded curriculum. The professional development participation particularly anticipated positive attitudes towards the climate change education. There was no significant difference in attitude towards the climate change based upon gender. A significant association was found between the subject taught and attitude towards climate change education. Findings highlight the need for targeted support, including improved resources, training, and curriculum integration, to enhance teachers' capacity and confidence in delivering climate change education.

Relationship Between Risk-Taking and the Growth of Youth Owned Enterprises in Kenya

Purpose: Youth businesses play a key role in poverty alleviation when run based on entrepreneurial orientation. However, these micro and small enterprises face a mix of achievement and frustration, with previous findings showing that three out of five companies fail within the first few long periods of activity, despite government efforts to improve the sector. This study aimed to examine the relationship between risk-taking and the growth of youth-owned enterprises in Kenya. Methodology: The study is supported by expected utility theory. A cross-sectional survey methodology was utilized which incorporated qualitative and quantitative research methods. A stratified sampling technique was employed to obtain 397 SMEs from 55,300 SMEs registered by the seven selected counties in Kenya namely; Nairobi, Murang’a, Nakuru, Machakos, Mombasa, Kisii, and Isiolo counties. Data was analyzed using descriptive and regression analysis. Results: The study findings demonstrate that risk-taking had a positive association with the growth of youth-owned enterprises in Kenya. Conclusion: The study concluded that risk-taking helps youth-owned businesses in Kenya to expand. The study suggested that owners of youth businesses should focus on how to carry out a thorough risk assessment and oppose any risk related to financial, social, and psychological risk respectively.

The Operation Management Practices of Night Market Vendors in Selected Cities and Municipalities in the Province of Albay

The study examined the operation management practices of night market vendors in selected cities and municipalities within the Province of Albay and utilized a quantitative research approach and a descriptive- correlational design. Data from 206 vendors were collected through a self-administered questionnaire, employing a stratified sampling technique. The research aimed to identify significant differences in operation management practices based on vendor profiles and to explore the significant relationship between these practices and encountered challenges. Results indicated that the majority of night market vendors were aged 51-60, predominantly male, high school undergraduates, and married. They typically started with initial capital below Php10,000, had operated for 3-5 years, and earned daily income below Php5,000. Sole proprietorship was common, with 1-2 employees. Vendors reported high involvement in procurement, product preparation, pricing, sales, marketing, and customer service. Internal challenges such as sourcing, lack of proper storage facilities, managing costs, lack of innovation, and staff training engagement were noted, along with external challenges like compliance, weather conditions, competition, negative online reviews, and customer relations. While vendor profiles did not significantly affect operation management practices, a significant relationship existed between these practices and internal challenges. However, no significant relationship was found between operation management practices and external challenges. Based on these findings, a Night Market Operations Business Manual was proposed to improve operation management practices, encourage collaboration, and address challenges for enhanced business success and sustainability.