scholarly journals Reflecting on perceived failure of entrepreneurship development initiatives to help ignite economic development in Malawi

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Mwatsika
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Limited Liability ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Size Category ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Entrepreneurship Development ◽  
Development Initiatives ◽  
Economic Perspectives ◽  
Start Ups

AbstractThis study reflects on the perceived failure of entrepreneurship development initiatives to help ignite economic development in Malawi. A cross-sectional survey of 337 enterprises collected top-of-the-mind definitions of entrepreneurship, and innovations and their values carried out. Content analyses, comparison of mean values, 2 independent samples tests and multiple linear regression analyses showed that entrepreneurship is perceived as starting and managing one’s own business; being self-employed. Carrying out innovations is low and of low value, but enterprises which carried out innovations had higher median values than those that did not. The study found opportunity-motivated, growth-oriented, limited liability enterprises in the medium-to-large size category to be productive types of enterprises, but there were very few. It is argued that initiatives fail to help ignite economic development because knowledge which guides entrepreneurship development misses the essence of entrepreneurship—carrying out innovations. Secondly, there are no initiatives to support SME innovation and growth through product development, investments in modern production facilities and access to export markets. It is encouraged that key stakeholders adjust their understanding of entrepreneurship to neoclassical economic perspectives, encourage innovative start-ups and provide support to grow the numbers of productive enterprises.

scholarly journals PERCEPTIONS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN MALAWI: A COUNTRY CONTEXT UNDERSTANDING OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 49-62
Author(s):  
Charles Mwastika
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Multiple Perspectives ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Economic Perspectives ◽  
Classical Economic

Entrepreneurship is considered a strategy for economic development, but other scholars found that it does not bring economic growth in developing countries. Although entrepreneurship has multiple perspectives, there is a lack of knowledge about prevailing perceptions and activities undertaken in developing countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. The purpose of this study was to measure the perceptions of entrepreneurship in Malawi to have country context knowledge of the concept that guides what is undertaken as entrepreneurship. A cross-sectional survey of 337 enterprise owners and managers was undertaken using a questionnaire. Participants were requested to provide their top-of-the-mind definitions of entrepreneurship and activities their enterprises had undertaken which were considered entrepreneurial. Analyses of definitions and activities undertaken were used to draw out perceptions of entrepreneurship. The study found that starting and managing one's own business for profit, creating jobs, and being self-employed is the prevailing understanding of entrepreneurship in Malawi. The study further found low innovation among enterprises. Although the perceptions found reflect classical economic perspectives, they are inadequate to ignite economic development because of a lack of focus on innovation. The findings imply that understanding a concept is important in practice.  Therefore, stakeholders are encouraged to appraise their knowledge about entrepreneurship to align with theories where entrepreneurship is the driver of business growth and economic development. Further studies are required on the relationships between perceptions of entrepreneurship, activities undertaken, and economic development to advance entrepreneurial knowledge in Sub-Saharan Africa.

scholarly journals Reflecting on the Entrepreneurship Paradox in Sub Saharan Africa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Mwatsika
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Limited Liability ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Neoclassical Economic ◽  
Economic Perspective ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Sub Saharan

Entrepreneurship is a strategy for economic growth and it is perceived to be higher in developing countries. But other scholars found that it does not bring economic growth in developing countries. The purpose of the study was to reflect on this paradox in Sub Saharan Africa from neoclassical economic theory where entrepreneurship is perceived as carrying out innovations. A cross-sectional survey of enterprises was undertaken in Malawi to measure values of new products, new methods of production, new markets and new enterprises. Comparison of mean values and 2 independent samples tests were used to analyse innovations carried out, types of entrepreneurial enterprises and their prevalence. The study found that carrying out innovations among enterprises in Malawi is low. Opportunity-motivated, growth-oriented and limited liability enterprises are entrepreneurial types of enterprises but there were very few. Therefore the paradox depends on the theory which guides the understanding of entrepreneurship. The classical economic perspective reflects the paradox while the neoclassical economic perspective does not. The study contributes to knowledge on the types of entrepreneurial enterprises and that the paradox depends on the understanding of entrepreneurship. The findings imply that entrepreneurship is ineffective for economic growth in developing countries because of a lack of carrying out innovations. Therefore, the understanding of entrepreneurship in developing countries needs to be adjusted to neoclassical economic theories so that policy focuses on supporting entrepreneurial enterprises for entrepreneurship to be effective for economic growth, ceteris paribus.

scholarly journals Areas of Work Life as Predictors of Occupational Burnout of Nurses and Doctors in Operating Theaters in Poland—Multicenter Studies

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 26
Author(s):  
Piotr Jarzynkowski ◽  
Renata Piotrkowska ◽  
Wioletta Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska ◽  
Janina Książek
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Exhaustion ◽  
Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Personal Accomplishment ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Occupational Burnout ◽  
Multicenter Studies ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mean Values

Introduction: Researchers’ interest in occupational burnout results primarily from the dangerous and extensive consequences of this phenomenon. The aim of the study was to analyze the level of occupational burnout among nurses and doctors in operating theaters. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey study conducted on 325 nurses and doctors of seven hospitals in Poland. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Areas of Worklife Survey (AWS) by Michael Leiter and Christina Maslach. Results: The mean values for the level of occupational burnout for the entire sample according to the scale from the Maslach Burnout Inventory by C. Maslach amounted to 14.35 for emotional exhaustion, 8.56 for depersonalization, and 11.90 for personal accomplishment; when compared to reference levels, they classified emotional exhaustion at a low level, depersonalization at an average level, and personal accomplishment at a high level of burnout. Areas of work life are predictors of occupational burnout. The analysis showed a relationship between three of the six variables. As the workload increased, so did the level of burnout among participants, and the categories of honesty and values. Conclusions: The conducted research has shown that occupational burnout among nurses and doctors in operating theaters occurs in all dimensions of this phenomenon (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, job satisfaction). It was also shown that the areas of work life (workload, control, community, rewards, fairness, values) are predictors of occupational burnout among the respondents. This article shows how important the problem of burnout among operating theater medical staff is. Perhaps it will allow nurses and doctors to recognize this syndrome and encourage them make changes to their work to prevent burnout.

scholarly journals Festival tourism and socioeconomic development: case of Kwahu traditional areas of Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick Doe ◽  
Alexander Preko ◽  
Hellen Akroful ◽  
Effie Kwaaba Okai-Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Socioeconomic Development ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Development Theory ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The People ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Traditional Area

PurposeThe place of festivals in national economic development has received increased attention from researchers globally. However, there appears to be a relatively small and disparate literature on the subject especially within the Ghanaian context. The study seeks to contribute to the global recognition of festivals as developmental tools and thus presents the effects of festival tourism on socio-economic capital of the people of Kwahu traditional area (Ghana) and how festival tourism in the region engenders economic benefits to businesses and the community.Design/methodology/approachThis study is guided by the social development theory. A quantitative cross-sectional survey utilizing convenience technique was used to gather data from a sample of 398 residents of the selected towns and the regression model was used to analyse the data.FindingsThe findings revealed festival tourism to have a positive effect on community cohesiveness but not statistically significant. Further, the festival brought economic gains but had negative social effects on development of the selected towns.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is destination-specific. The application of the findings to other festivals would demand a bigger sample size for generalisation to be made.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that for growth of festival tourism in Ghana to be actualised, the Ghana Tourism Authority needs to ensure festivals do not erode entrenched traditional values and negate efforts at developing social structures and systems by putting measures to reduce the negative effect of commoditisation of festivals on the communities' cultural authenticity. Law enforcement agents should also be massively beefed up to curtail crime and social vices.Originality/valueThe study's findings extend earlier studies to extend the scope in festival tourism literature. This study found that festival tourism has effect on both community cohesion and economic development of the people of Kwahu traditional area.

scholarly journals Filipino Nurses in Cebu City Reveal High Level of Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Willingness in Providing Care to COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Denney ◽  
Alexandra Astor ◽  
Joanna Cabrilles ◽  
Kristiane Codera ◽  
Edzil Marice Forteza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Filipino Nurses ◽  
High Level

Abstract Background: COVID-19 is a rapidly spreading illness and has resulted in a global pandemic. In the Philippines, active cases of COVID-19 are rising and have threatened both local health and healthcare workers given the limited information on this new disease. Despite several studies conducted to assess the awareness, knowledge, attitude, practices, and willingness of nurses to provide care during this pandemic, there are scarce reports regarding Filipino nurses. Thus, our study assessed such criteria in staff nurses across different Cebu hospitals.Methods: This study utilized a descriptive research design using the cross-sectional survey method. A web-based survey and convenience sampling method was adopted to collect the data from Filipino nurses from any hospital in Cebu, of which, 137 participated in the study. A 43-item questionnaire was developed, which was spread out into 5 parts that comprised of the demographic profile, knowledge (15 items), attitude (10 items), practices (9 items), and willingness to care for patients with COVID-19 (9 items). The data was processed and analyzed using inferential statistical tools.Results: Majority of the nurses were females (70.80%), whose ages were 20-25 years old (54.01%), single (89.78%), mostly college degree holder (90.51%), and employed in hospitals for 1-3 years (64.96%). They also rely on the internet (99.27%) as a source of information related to COVID-19. They also displayed an overall knowledge of 65% especially about the COVID-19 causative agent, its transmission, and pathogenesis. Furthermore, the respondents were generally knowledgeable of the various information regarding COVID-19 at a rate of 79.56%. The mean values for attitude, practices, and willingness to provide care were 4.45 (very favorable), 4.65 (always), and 4.52 (very willing) respectively.Conclusions: Generally, the results of our study were favorable across the 5 parts of the survey. Overall knowledge and extent of practice was high, which can be attributed to government efforts of educating healthcare workers and observance of the mandated protocols. In addition, attitude significantly affected the willingness of the nurses to provide care. However, knowledge and practice did not affect the nurses’ willingness as the drawbacks and demands of their occupation outweighed and decreased their willingness.

Radiographic morphometry of the hoof and third phalanx of apparently healthy Nigerian horses

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.C. Ogbanya ◽  
C.A. Eze ◽  
J.I. Ihedioha
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Reference Values ◽  
Proximal Phalanx ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Apparently Healthy

The objective of the study was to establish reference values for radiographic soft tissue indices of the hooves of apparently healthy Nigerian horses and to identify sex and age-related variations if any. Lateromedial radiographic examinations of the forelimb hooves of 52 apparently healthy Nigerian horses of both sexes aged young (1 – 5years), adult (6 – 10years) and old (11years and above) were carried out in the cross-sectional survey design. Radiographic soft tissue indices such as hoof wall distal phalanx distance (HWDPD), hoof wall proximal phalanx distance (HWPPD), coronary extensor distance (CED), sole depth (SD), hoof cup (HC), palmarocortical length (PCL) of the third phalanx, hoof wall angle (HWA), angle of third phalanx (AP3) and angle of rotation (AR) were measured and compared between sexes and among age groups. There was no significant sex variations in the indices investigated. However, the mean SD and HC showed age-related significant variation. The mean SD was only significantly (P less than 0.05) lower in old horses compared to young and adult horses. The mean values of HC were significantly (P less than 0.05) lower in adult and old horses compared to young horses. Radiographic morphometric indices assessed in this study may differ with those reported from other breeds, so they can be used in the future as reference values for diagnosis of laminitis in front feet of Nigerian horses.

scholarly journals The Impact of Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of Kindergarten Teachers on Their Oral Condition in Al-Rusafa Sector/ Baghdad-Iraq.

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 40-47
Author(s):  
Israa S Al-Atiyah ◽  
Nada J Radhi
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Kindergarten Teachers ◽  
Dynamic Force ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Oral Health Knowledge ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
The Impact

Background: Teachers are considered as dynamic force who take a pivotal position in any educational system. Since they may play a significant role in passing the preventive information and health promotion, it is important that their own oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices conform to the professional recommendations. The aim of this study was to evaluate oral health knowledge, attitude and practices among kindergarten teachers, and their impact on teachers’ oral health condition in Al-Rusafa Sector, Baghdad, Iraq. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 80 kindergarten teachers. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among these teach¬ers. This questionnaire format contains two parts that deals with oral health knowledge, attitude and practices of teachers, and this was followed by clinical oral examination for all the teachers. Simple random sampling technique was employed for the selection of the study participants. Descriptive analysis was done and data was analyzed using Bonferonni t-test and ANOVA test. Results: Teachers demonstrated adequate but incomplete knowledge regarding oral health. More than 85.0% of teachers were aware of preventive measures to keep good oral health and knew the bad influence of neglecting the oral hygiene. About 65.0% of teachers had the awareness about dental plaque composition and its bad effects. Meanwhile, 45.0% of them were aware about the signs of tooth decay, also 32.5% were aware about the benefits of regular correct brushing on the gingiva. No obvious differences were noticed regarding teachers’ DMFS, plaque and gingival indices mean values in association to the level of teachers’ knowledge, however, a positive relation were found between favorite attitude and practices and mean values of DMFS, plaque and gingival indices. Conclusions: The studied kindergarten teachers demonstrated adequate but incomplete oral health knowledge with many of them adopting poor attitude and practices. There is a definite and immediate need for an integral educational program for kindergarten teachers on basic oral health knowledge and favorable practices. Moreover, teachers’ healthy practices can affect their oral health condition positively.

scholarly journals Filipino Nurses in Cebu City Reveals High Level of Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Willingness in Providing Care to COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Denney ◽  
Alexandra Astor ◽  
Joanna Cabrilles ◽  
Kristiane Codera ◽  
Edzil Marice Forteza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Filipino Nurses ◽  
High Level

Abstract Background: COVID-19 is a rapidly spreading illness and has resulted in a global pandemic. In the Philippines, active cases of COVID-19 are rising and have threatened both local health and healthcare workers given the limited information on this new disease. Despite several studies conducted to assess the awareness, knowledge, attitude, practices, and willingness of nurses to provide care during this pandemic, there are scarce reports regarding Filipino nurses. Thus, our study assessed such criteria in staff nurses across different Cebu hospitals.Methods: This study utilized a descriptive research design using the cross-sectional survey method. A web-based survey and convenience sampling method was adopted to collect the data from Filipino nurses from any hospital in Cebu, of which, 137 participated in the study. A 43-item questionnaire was developed, which was spread out into 5 parts that comprised of the demographic profile, knowledge (15 items), attitude (10 items), practices (9 items), and willingness to care for patients with COVID-19 (9 items). The data was processed and analyzed using inferential statistical tools.Results: Majority of the nurses were females (70.80%), whose ages were 20-25 years old (54.01%), single (89.78%), mostly college degree holder (90.51%), and employed in hospitals for 1-3 years (64.96%). They also rely on the internet (99.27%) as a source of information related to COVID-19. They also displayed an overall knowledge of 65% especially about the COVID-19 causative agent, its transmission, and pathogenesis. Furthermore, the respondents were generally knowledgeable of the various information regarding COVID-19 at a rate of 79.56%. The mean values for attitude, practices, and willingness to provide care were 4.45 (very favorable), 4.65 (always), and 4.52 (very willing) respectively.Conclusions: Generally, the results of our study were favorable across the 5 parts of the survey. Overall knowledge and extent of practice was high, which can be attributed to government efforts of educating healthcare workers and observance of the mandated protocols. In addition, attitude significantly affected the willingness of the nurses to provide care. However, knowledge and practice did not affect the nurses’ willingness as the drawbacks and demands of their occupation outweighed and decreased their willingness.

scholarly journals Perception of patient safety culture among hospital staff

2021 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-104
Author(s):  
Rumyana Stoyanova ◽  
Rositsa Dimova ◽  
Bianka Tornyova ◽  
Momchil Mavrov ◽  
Harieta Elkova
Keyword(s):  
Patient Safety ◽  
Safety Culture ◽  
Patient Safety Culture ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Introduction A patient safety culture (PSC) is a complex phenomenon, representing an essential part of the organizational culture and refers to the shared values, conceptions and beliefs which contribute to the formation and encouragement of safe behavioural models in a health organization. With this study, the authors wanted to delineate the attitude of hospital staff in Bulgaria regarding PSC and to document to whether attitudes differ between physicians and other healthcare professionals (HCPs). Methods A national cross-sectional survey among 384 HCPs was conducted using an online version of the Bulgarian version of Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (B-HSOPSC). The data was analysed with descriptive statistics, non-parametric Mann-Whitney U and x 2 tests. Results The physicians represented 37.50% (144) of the sample and other HCPs 62.50% (240). Respondents from governmental/municipal hospitals prevailed (53.6%). The dimensions “Staffing” and “Non-punitive response to error” were most problematic, as their percentage of positive response rates (PRRs) were lowest. However, “Handoffs and transitions” and “Supervisor/manager expectations and actions promoting safety“ showed the highest mean values in both physicians and other HCPs. From all participants, 76.0% have never reported an adverse event or error. Conclusion The results of the study show that all respondents demonstrate a positive attitude regarding PSC. A comparison of the mean values and that of PRRs in the dimensions did not show any group differences, according to the type of staff position, i.e. physicians or other HCPs.

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