Quantitatively Research Articles

Impacts of illegal mining activities on water quality for irrigation and implications for public health: a case study of the Oda River in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the biological and physicochemical parameters of the Oda River, including the detection of heavy metals. To achieve this purpose, a quantitative experimental research design was employed. Twenty-four water samples were taken along the Oda River from Obeng ne Obeng, Abuakwaa, and Odaso communities. The samples were analysed in a laboratory, and the results were compared to the irrigation water quality standards from the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). The study found that the concentration of turbidity and total suspended solids exceeded the recommended standards of FAO, while the river's pH, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solids concentrations were within permissible boundaries. Lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and fluoride were present at concentrations lower than the recommended guidelines, whereas copper and cyanide were not discovered. However, iron concentrations exceeded the FAO guidelines. Escherichia coli concentrations in the Obeng ne Obeng were lower than the FAO irrigation standards but were higher in the Abuakwaa and Odaso. The Pearson correlation coefficient highlighted significant correlations between the physicochemical parameters. This paper concludes that unregulated mining activities may endanger vital water resources for irrigation, public health, food safety, ecosystems, and livelihoods.

On the limited damp-proofing of residential buildings: do social norms matter?

PurposeThis study draws on neoclassical and behavioural economics theories to provide an empirical insight into the effect of knowledge, costs, and social norms on damp-proofing residential buildings in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThis study used the quantitative approach involving survey data. A sample size of 242 participants was involved in the study. Applying principal component analysis on the responses from the participants, an index for damp-proofing, cost, knowledge, and social norms was derived. After generating the indexes, the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was applied to estimate the impact of knowledge, costs, and social norms on damp-proofing.FindingsThe results from the OLS regression revealed that knowledge has a significant positive effect on damp-proofing while costs and social norms have significant negative effect on damp-proofing in Ghana. This study, therefore, concludes that although neoclassical economic factors such as knowledge and cost affect behaviour (damp-proofing), behavioural factors such as social norms also matter.Practical implicationsThe outcome of this study calls for policymakers to consider putting in place measures that increase knowledge and promote the use of damp-proofing techniques during the construction of buildings. In addition, the study calls for scholars to partake in collaborative research amongst disciplines such as economics, psychology, and the construction industry in order to provide more innovative solutions, the key of which is finding innovative ways to damp proof buildings.Originality/valueThis study is original in its context as it draws on neoclassical and behavioural economics theories to provide an empirical insight into the effect of knowledge, costs, and social norms on damp-proofing of residential buildings in Ghana. This is an area that has received less attention in the areas of building biology and building pathology globally.

Effect of Financial Literacy and Payment Gateway on Financial Performance in MSMEs in Palembang City

This research, aimed at testing the influence of financial literacy and payment gateways on the financial performance of MSMEs in Palembang, yields significant findings. The sampling technique, non-probability with purposive sampling, was employed to gather data from 100 respondents in the culinary subsector MSMEs in Palembang. The research method, a quantitative approach involving the distribution of questionnaires, was used. The data analysis, facilitated by SmartPLS 3 software, included the evaluation of measurement models, structural models (inner models), and hypothesis testing. The research results, which are of paramount importance, reveal that financial literacy has a positive and significant effect on financial performance, payment gateway has a negative and insignificant effect on financial performance, financial literacy has a positive and significant effect on payment gateways, and payment gateways are unable to mediate and have a negative impact between financial literacy and financial performance

Gamification in Enhancing Student Financial Knowledge, Engagement, and Enjoyment in Financial Education

This study aims to examine the impact of gamification on financial knowledge through student enjoyment and student engagement. This study employed a quantitative approach and used a survey to examine the relationships between variables. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling, with 289 students who have previously received financial education at a public university participating as respondents. The research instrument utilized a questionnaire developed based on prior studies. The results were tested using Variational Bayesian Structural Equation Modeling (VB-SEM) to analyze the influence between variables. The findings showed that gamification had a positive impact on student enjoyment and student engagement. This study demonstrates that gamification does not directly influence students' financial knowledge. Student engagement fully mediated the effect of gamification on students' financial knowledge, whereas enjoyment does not affect students' financial knowledge. This study underscores the importance of fostering student engagement in gamification to enhance financial knowledge. The implications of this research include strengthening student engagement through various strategies, such as apperception, motivation, and interaction during the use of gamification in financial education.

Recasting technocracy theory and analysis: Avenues for a critical-qualitative research framework

Technocracy strongly marks contemporary transformations of political and institutional regimes. Such increasing relevance triggered an exponential growth of dedicated research. Yet, this research often features a quantitative approach based on a reified conception of technocracy, resulting in a rationalist and functionalist perspective neglecting the political dimension. Technocracy is thus implicitly conceived as a depoliticised phenomenon deterministically set to ever-expand in democratic regimes. In contrast, this article proposes a recast of technocracy theory and analysis. First, we rethink the phenomenon of technocracy by exploring the agency of technocratic politics. Second, in epistemological and methodological terms, we lay the foundations for a systematic and robust qualitative research framework capable of tackling this form of politics by other – technocratic – means. To this end, we propose Critical Discourse Analysis as a main candidate to fulfil our theoretical-epistemic purposes, offering a detailed roadmap of a critical-qualitative approach to technocrats’ agency and discourse.

Effectiveness of Using Animated Video Media Stories Prophet Ibrahim A.S. on Learning Motivation Students In Elementary School

This research examines the effect of using animated media of the story of the prophet Ibrahim AS on students' learning motivation in elementary school. This study was conducted using a quantitative research type experimental. The research was conducted in one experimental class containing students with diverse academic abilities. The data collection technique used a wide pretest and posttest questionnaire. Data processing used a simple linear regression statistical data test carried out on the SPSS version 27 data application. Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that the use of animated video media had an effective influence on students' learning motivation in elementary school. The data test results showed a significance value of 0.000 <0.05, so Ho was accepted and Ha was rejected, so there was an effect influence in increasing students' learning motivation.

Proposing the Model to Accelerate SMEs to Apply Green Economy Practices Through the Utilization of Social Crowdfunding

Following Indonesia's commitment to promoting the achievement sustainable consumption and production practices (RCP- SDGs Number 12), a plan must be put in place to motivate important players (SMEs) to support the green economy. The limitations of SMEs in terms of funding to be able to implement green economic practices are accommodated through access to financial technology, namely social crowdfunding. To gain insight into how SMEs implement green economic practices by utilizing social crowdfunding, a survey was conducted on 75 SMEs use descriptive research design. The results of the descriptive analysis found that some SMEs have not been able to take advantage of social crowdfunding due to several reasons: not being able to access the right website, having requirements that are difficult to fulfill and their technology skills are not yet good. An interesting insight that was extracted from the results of this survey is the high level of confidence among SMEs that implementing green economic practices using social crowdfunding can improve business performance and are confident that they can overcome all difficulties. The proposed conceptual model can apparently be supported by research results which produce the proposition namely:" willingness to participate in implementing green economic practices using social crowdfunding needs to be driven by creating strong awareness and interest by triggering 3 important determinants, namely stakeholder management, community engagement and entrepreneurship strategy”. In the future, this conceptual modeling can be used to conduct quantitative research so that it can explore the facts in the field in a comprehensive manner.

EFFECTIVENESS OF SELECTED SONGS ON SPOTIFY TO CONTINUOUS TENSES MASTERY THROUGH DEDUCTIVE APPROACH

This study aims to examine the effect of selected songs on Spotify to continuous tense mastery through a deductive approach. Conducted as a quantitative research employing a pre-experimental design with one group pre-test post-test, it focused on ninth-grade students of SMP Negeri 25 Pontianak Utara in the Academic Year 2023/2024. Data collection involved a multiple-choice test comprising 12 questions, validated and deemed reliable through reliability and validity tests. Results indicated a significant enhancement in students' scores, with a pre-test mean score of 61.79 and a post-test mean score of 91.38. The t-test value of 8.508, surpassing the critical t-table value of 1.701, affirmed the alternative hypothesis. Moreover, the effect size of 1.58 signified strong effectiveness. Consequently, the study concluded that selected Spotify songs effectively facilitate continuous tense mastery through deductive methods. This research highlights opportunities for further exploration, suggesting investigation in diverse educational settings or with different student demographics to validate the efficacy of using selected songs for mastering other grammatical tenses.

The Influence of Murabahah, Musyarakah, Mudharabah and Qardh on the Profitability of Islamic Commercial Banks

This research aims to determine how the effect of Murabahah, Musyarakah, Mudharabah and Qardh financing on profitability at Islamic Commercial Banks for the period 2017-2021. The research method used in this research is quantitative research method. The data collection method was carried out through documentation using secondary data taken from the financial statements of each Islamic commercial bank in 2017-2021. The sampling method used purposive sampling technique with the analysis technique used was multiple linear regression using the SPSS version 26 application. The results showed that none of the Murabahah variables had an effect on profitability. Musyarakah variable has a negative and significant effect on profitability. Meanwhile, Mudharabah and Qardh variables have a positive and significant effect on profitability. The managerial implication is that Murabahah as the type of financing most often used by Islamic banks provides a relatively stable fixed income because it uses the principle of a fixed margin agreed upon in advance. Musharakah involves joint capital participation between the bank and the customer, where the bank gets a share of the profits or bears the losses according to the agreement. The bank acts as the capital owner (shahibul maal) who hands over funds to the business manager (mudharib) and gets a share of the profits.

MATHEMAGIC SQUARE PUZZLE: AN INTERVENTION IN IMPROVING BASIC OPERATION SKILLS ON INTEGERS

Basic operation skills on integers are crucial for building a strong mathematical foundation. However, many students in early schooling show poor performance in these fundamental skills. To address this issue, this study aims to assess the effectiveness of using the MatheMagic Square Puzzle as an intervention to enhance integer operation skills among Grade 7 students at Kapalong National High School. The study had a total of 114 students, and it employed quantitative research with a one-group pre-test post-test design and purposive sampling. Results revealed that the overall mean score level of basic operation skills on integers of the experimental group in the pre-test is very low, which is interpreted as it did not meet the expectation. While results in the post-test revealed from the overall mean is average, which is interpreted as satisfactory. Results indicate significant difference between the pre-test and post-test of the experimental group shows that there is a significant difference in the performance levels of the experimental group before and after the intervention. The study revealed a significant improvement in students' ability to solve basic operations on integers. This improvement proved the effectiveness of the MatheMagic Square Puzzle intervention and proved it to be a valuable tool in mathematics education, specifically for teaching integers. The researchers suggest implementing MatheMagic Square Puzzle widely for teaching basic integer operations in Grade 7 due to its effectiveness in improving student performance. They also suggest studying its effectiveness across various grades and mathematical concepts to expand its impact. KEYWORDS: MatheMagic Square Puzzle, Basic Operation on Integers, Intervention, Grade 7 students, Philippines

Exploring the Duality of Formal and Informal Controls in Driving Eco-Innovations

Eco-innovations are crucial for addressing environmental challenges. Based on a survey of 301 large German firms, we explore the roles of formal and informal environmental management control systems (EMCSs) in translating external perceived stakeholder pressure (PSP) into eco-innovations. By employing partial least squares structural equation modeling, the findings indicate that both formal and informal EMCSs positively and partially mediate the relationship between PSP and eco-innovation. Building on the natural resource-based view (NRBV), our study contributes to the accounting literature by exploring the taxonomy of formal and informal controls. The results demonstrate the important role of informal EMCSs alongside formal EMCSs in developing the capabilities necessary to channel PSP toward eco-innovations, emphasizing the role of management controls in sustainable development. Furthermore, we contribute to quantitative research on the role of management controls in the field of environmental sustainability and innovation. The implications of our study are relevant for managers as formal and informal controls are anchored differently in the firm and therefore require different approaches to create a balance of both.

Pengaruh Interaksi Sosial terhadap Kemampuan Emosi Anak Usia Dini di Raudhatul Athfal Tunas Kualuh Kecamatan Kualuh Hilir Kabupaten Labuhanbatu Utara

This study aims to determine the effect of social interaction on the emotional abilities of early childhood in Raudhatul Athfal Tunas Kualuh, Kualuh Hilir District, North Labuhanbatu Regency and identify the effect of social interaction on children's emotional abilities. This type of research is descriptive quantitative research, the population in this study involved 30 respondents and respondents using instruments that were tested for validity and reliability of sampling techniques using probability techniques, data collection instruments using observation and documentation. As for the formulation of the problem, namely how is the social interaction of children in RA Tunas Kualuh, how is the emotional ability of children in RA Tunas Kualuh, and is there an influence of social interaction on children's emotional abilities in RA Tunas Kualuh? The data analysis techniques used are normality test, and homogeneity test and hypothesis test (T test). Based on the results of the study that the validity test shows that the instruments for social interaction variables (X1) and emotional abilities (Y2) are valid and reliable. Normality test with Kolmogorov-Smirnov shows that the data is normally distributed (Asymp.Sig. = 0.370). The homogeneity test showed that the variance between groups was homogeneous (Sig = 0.517). The results of the hypothesis test (T test) indicated that social interaction has a significant influence on children's emotional abilities (Sig = 0.000), with a Beta coefficient of -0.723. This study concluded that social interaction plays a significant role in influencing children's emotional abilities in RA Tunas Kualuh, with the instruments used being valid and reliable. Thus Ho is rejected and Ha is accepted that social interaction does have a significant influence on children's emotional abilities.

Examining the status of school improvement program implementation in primary schools: a case study in South Ethiopia region

The implementation of a School Improvement Program (SIP) is a means to enhance the overall quality of education and ultimately improve students’ academic outcomes. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the extent of SIP implementation with respect to its main domains in primary schools of Gamo Gofa Zone, South Ethiopia Region. Accordingly, the current study focuses on four key areas in schools, which include teaching-learning, school leadership and management, parent-community school relations, and healthy school environment. A descriptive survey research design was used with a quantitative research method. From 16 primary schools; 99 teachers, 32 principals, 44 school improvement committees and 396 students were selected using a simple random sampling technique. The research utilized close-ended questionnaires and document reviews as data-gathering instruments. Quantitative data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and one-way ANOVA, while qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive narration. The findings revealed that the implementation of SIP in the four main domains was moderate status. However, the domains of teac hing-learning and school leadership exhibited a high level of implemen tation. The study also identified significant differences among districts regarding the extent of implementation in the teaching-learning and community participation domains. Moreover, the results of grade four zonal and grade eight regional examinations indicated that SIP is not yet properly implemented and needs high consideration. Therefore, raising awareness about the revised school improvement Blueprint and framework through short-term training, establishing an incentive system to encourage best practices and implementing formal monitoring and evaluation tools are suggested to boost the status of SIP implementation in the study area.

The Role of Market Segmentation and Competitive Positioning in Increasing Brand Awareness in the Indonesian Retail Industry

This study examines the influence of advertising spending, customer relationship management, market segmentation, and competitive positioning on brand awareness and revenue growth in the retail sector of Indonesia. Data from 300 participants were gathered and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares version 3, employing a quantitative methodology. The findings demonstrate that all proposed connections are statistically significant and positive, suggesting that making smart investments in advertising, implementing good customer relationship management techniques, conducting precise market segmentation, and establishing a strong competitive position have a substantial impact on increasing brand awareness and driving revenue growth. These findings provide significant information for retail managers and marketers who want to optimize their marketing strategy and achieve sustainable growth in a competitive market.

Gamification as a Tool to Improve Vocabulary in English Language in High-School Students

Gamification has gained popularity among educators who perceive it as a useful tool for carrying out the teaching-learning process optimally. The lack of positive results in the learning of English as a foreign language has become one of the main challenges Mexico faces considered the language as a priority. English teachers know the importance of finding options to present new words to students in a way they could learn appropriately. Vocabulary is a meaningful key of language learning, based on it, other skills are developed. Trough unplugged gamification there has been determinate the relation between the strategy and academic results in written tests in vocabulary area, specifically nouns, among fourth-semester students in high-school education at Plantel Norte, Escuela de Bachilleres. The study follows a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental design, correlational scope, and a longitudinal study moment when nouns have been measured based on tests administered before and after the development and use of these low-cost games.

The Influence of Proactive Personality, Social Support and Self-Esteem Towards Career Adaptability Among Full Time Postgraduate Business Faculty Students

This paper studies the relationship between proactive personality, social support and self-esteem on career adaptability among postgraduate business students, in a public university in Malaysia. The study used the quantitative approach and online survey questionnaires to collect data from the business doctoral students. Regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between proactive personality, social support and self-esteem with career adaptability among postgraduate students. The study collected from 214 postgraduate students reported that proactive personality and social support are significant in explaining career adaptability while self-esteem was found not significant in explaining career adaptability. This study sheds light on the factors contributing to postgraduate students’ career adaptability. The main challenge lies in adjusting to the work environment, which is influenced by the workplace and the support from employers, especially the Human Resource (HR) teams. HR can develop strategies to help these students better adapt to their new roles, making their transition into the professional world smoother and more successful.

Inter-agency coordination during public events in City Mall Kalibo, Aklan

This study delves into the dynamics of inter-agency coordination during public events within CityMall Kalibo, focusing on young adults aged 18-34, predominantly female, and encompassing various educational and occupational backgrounds among event management respondents. Employing a descriptive research design and quantitative approach, the study investigates the perceptions of respondents regarding factors influencing inter-agency coordination, including verbal and non-verbal communication, coordination, collaboration, cooperation, and resource allocation. Findings reveal that effective inter-agency coordination leads to positive outcomes such as increased profitability, work efficiency, and a therapeutic work environment during public events. Notably, there were no significant differences in the factors affecting coordination among respondents. The study underscores the pivotal role of inter-agency coordination in public event management, emphasizing its impact on event execution and organizational performance. The shared perception of its significance across different respondent groups reinforces its importance in facilitating successful event execution. This research, conducted in Poblacion, Kalibo, Aklan, sheds light on the intricate dynamics of inter-agency coordination, providing valuable insights for event management practitioners and policymakers alike.

Development of domino media to improve problem solving and mathematical communication for Islamic boarding school students

Mathematical problem solving and communication skills are important factors in learning mathematics. Therefore, it is necessary to develop learning media, especially in Islamic boarding school curricula where the learning load is greater than the regular curriculum. On this basis, the aim of this research is to develop domino card media to improve problem solving and mathematical communication skills of Islamic boarding school students. Development was carried out at Al-Izzah IIBS Batu Middle School, Malang, using the ADDIE model. Data obtained from documents, observations, questionnaires and tests were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative approaches. Based on the results of the validation analysis, the domino card media was declared valid from the aspects of design, material, curriculum, consistency, language, practicality, problem solving development and mathematical communication. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of using domino card media in learning is classified as effective, if seen from the results of the problem solving ability test with an N-Gain score of 76.79%, and the results of the mathematical communication ability test with an N-Gain score of 61.79%. Many factors cause this non-optimality, including a lack of mathematics lesson hours, a busy lesson schedule that is less suited to conditions, many demands on students, and the learning load in the curriculum.

Shockvertising - Viewers’ visual communication perspectives of a controversial skincare advertisement

The rise of digital advertising has led to the creation of various innovative materials to capture the target market’s attention. To stay competitive, many advertisers use “shockvertising”, creating controversial advertisements with a significant impact on viewers’ attitudes and sentiments. This survey research is based on Lester’s Six Perspectives in Visual Communication theory which explained that viewers’ personal, historical, technical, cultural, ethical and critical perspectives are the determining factor in nalysing their controversial consideration perception. In this study, the use of the theory is to explore viewers’ perspectives on a controversial Malaysian skincare advertisement. Using a quantitative approach, 250 respondents rated their perception of a SlimmeWhite skincare TV advertisement. The responses were analysed using SPSS to address three research questions, finding correlations and mean results. The study found that personal technical and ethical perspectives significantly influenced viewers’ attitudes towards the advertisement, identifying these as the controversial aspects. In contrast, critical and cultural perspectives were the least controversial. The advertisement was deemed highly controversial, but gender did not affect viewers’ perspectives. This research concludes that the resulting data are very valuable for advertising students, brand advertisers and companies in understanding viewers’ perspectives on controversial elements in Malaysian skincare advertisements.

The Influence of Product Innovation and Service Innovation on Interest in BMT Sarana Wiraswasta Muslim through Trust as an Intervening Variable

Aims: This study aims to determine the influence of Product Innovation and Service Innovation on Interest in Baitul Maal Wa Tamwil (BMT) Sarana Wiraswasta Muslim with Trust as an Intervening Variable. Study Design: This study uses a quantitative approach with primary data types. Place and Duration of Study: Respondents in this study were 100 traders who were classified based on location, namely at the Upper Dinoyo Market, Lower Dinoyo Market, Side Landungsari Market, and Edge Landungsari Market in Malang City. Methodology: The sampling technique in this study used the proportionate stratified random sampling technique. Data collection for this study was conducted offline using interviews and closed questionnaires with a Likert scale featuring four response options. The data analysis included both outer and inner model analyses and hypothesis testing, conducted using software like Microsoft Excel and SmartPLS. Results: Based on the results of the analysis carried out, it was obtained that Product Innovation and service innovation had a significant effect on the Interest of Baitul Maal Wa Tamwil (BMT) Sarana Wiraswasta Muslims, Product Innovation, and service innovation had a significant effect on the Trust of Baitul Maal Wa Tamwil (BMT) Sarana Wiraswasta Muslim, Trust had a significant effect on the Interest of Baitul Maal Wa Tamwil (BMT) Sarana Wiraswasta Muslim’s. Furthermore, trust can mediate the influence of product innovation on the Interests of Baitul Maal Wa Tamwil (BMT) Sarana Wiraswasta Muslim. However, Trust cannot mediate the influence of Service Innovation on the Interest of Baitul Maal Wa Tamwil (BMT) Sarana Entrepreneurs. Conclusion: The variables of Product Innovation and Service Innovation have a significant effect on Interest and also increase Trust in Baitul Maal Wa Tamwil (BMT) Sarana Wiraswasta Muslim. Trust is proven to mediate the relationship between Product Innovation and Interest, indicating that trust strengthens the influence of product innovation on interest. However, Trust does not mediate the relationship between Service Innovation and Interest, implying that trust formed among members plays a more important role in determining interest, regardless of service innovation.