Okon E. Ani, Margaret B. Edem and Eno J. Ottong
This paper aims to investigate the extent/level of internet access, and use by academic staff in the University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria, as a teaching/research tool.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the extent/level of internet access, and use by academic staff in the University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria, as a teaching/research tool.
Dsign/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection, with academic staff in the University of Calabar as respondents.
Findings
The findings of the survey show extensive internet use by the respondents, although with a low level of access to the internet (26.92 per cent), as most of the respondents have access to the internet through a commercial internet cybercafé off campus, while only 3.08 and 1.54 per cent could access the internet in their offices and university library, respectively. The basic reasons for internet access, and use by the respondents, are for communication through e‐mail (16.87 per cent), teaching (15.66 per cent), and research related activities (14.58 per cent). The findings also indicated that although there exists a high level of skills in internet access, and use by the respondents, there is a need to organize regular formal user training by the university library (university management), for all academic staff in the University of Calabar, as well as each Nigerian university.
Originality/value
The paper recommends the provision of equitable internet access not only in the University of Calabar, but all Nigerian universities. Most significantly the paper advocates a national policy of providing internet access for all academic staff in their offices in Nigerian universities, and effective electronic collection development to supplement traditional print resources in the university libraries towards enhanced electronic access, and use by academic staff.
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Isaac Edem Djimesah, Hongjiang Zhao, Agnes Naa Dedei Okine, Elijah Duah, Kingsford Kissi Mireku and Kenneth Wilson Adjei Budu
Due to the high rate of failure of most crowdfunding projects, knowing the most essential factor to obtain funding success on the crowdfunding platform is of great importance for…
Abstract
Purpose
Due to the high rate of failure of most crowdfunding projects, knowing the most essential factor to obtain funding success on the crowdfunding platform is of great importance for fund seekers on the crowdfunding platform. The purpose of this study is to explore crowdfunding success factors to know the most essential success factor for stakeholders of the crowdfunding platform to make the best decision when seeking funds on the crowdfunding platform. This study identified and ranked crowdfunding success factors for stakeholders of crowdfunding platforms. Sixteen factors were identified and categorized under five broad headings. These were; project ideas, target capital, track records, geographical proximity and equity.
Design/methodology/approach
To rank the identified crowdfunding success factors and subfactors, this study used the Multi-Objective Optimization Based on Ratio Analysis (MULTIMOORA) integrated with the Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solutions (EDAS).
Findings
Target capital ranked first among the five categories—while duration involved in raising funds ranked first among the sixteen subfactors. An approach for analyzing how each success factor enhances a crowdfunding campaign was developed in this study. This study provides valuable insight to fund seekers on the crowdfunding platform on how funding success can be achieved by knowing which factor to consider essential when seeking funds on the crowdfunding platform.
Originality/value
This is the first study to explore crowdfunding success factors using the MULTIMOORA-EDAS method. The use of this method will help fund seekers on the crowdfunding platform to know which crowdfunding success factor is essential, thereby aiding fund seekers to make the best decision when seeking funds on the crowdfunding platform. Also, this study is particularly helpful for business owners, platform operators and policymakers when deciding how to allocate resources, plan campaigns and implement regulations.
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The purpose of this study is to examine gender and rural economic relations of the Nrobo of Southeastern Nigeria. Specifically, the study was designed to examine the subsistence…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine gender and rural economic relations of the Nrobo of Southeastern Nigeria. Specifically, the study was designed to examine the subsistence strategies, gendered role patterns and gender gaps in economic relations of the Nrobo.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used ethnographic methods of participant observation – adopting chitchatting and semi-structured interviews. Also, focus group discussion (FGD) was used to cross-check the validity of data from the other instrument.
Findings
This study found among other things, that although there is still verbal expression of gendered roles division, it does not mirror what actually obtains in society, except bio-social roles. Ideological superiority of men reflects the patrilineal kinship arrangement of society. Theoretically, some of the hypotheses of gender inequality theory were disputed for lack of adequate explanation of gender and economic relations in an egalitarian-reflected society such as Nrobo.
Originality/value
This study, to the best of my knowledge, is the first attempt to ethnographically examine gender and economic relations among this group. As such it adds to the corpus of ethnographies on the Igbo of Southeastern Nigeria.
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Ogochukwu Gabriella Onah, Anselm Anibueze Enete, Chukwuemeka Uzoma Okoye, Chukwuma Otum Ume and Chukwuemeka Chiebonam Onyia
The goal of this study was to determine the impact of access to credit facilities on financial performance among farmers of cooperative societies. The study also tested the…
Abstract
Purpose
The goal of this study was to determine the impact of access to credit facilities on financial performance among farmers of cooperative societies. The study also tested the predictive power of financial literacy.
Design/methodology/approach
The descriptive survey research design was used for the study while the sample size was 240 farmers of cooperative societies from South-East Nigeria. The farmers were categorised into those with access to credit facilities and those without access to credit facilities. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. Data were analysed using multiple analyses of variance (MANOVA) and multiple regression analysis.
Findings
Farmers with access to credit facilities reported higher financial performance such as return on investment, working capital, net profit, profit margin and sales. However, those without access to credit facilities reported lower mean scores on financial performance. Also, financial literacy, like financial knowledge, attitude and awareness, significantly predicts the impact of access to credit facilities on financial performance. It was also found that the duration of repayment of credit facilities, like medium and long term, contributes more to improving financial performance.
Originality/value
This study has shown that even though access to credit facilities impacts financial performance, financial literacy is an important consideration. Also, the duration of repayment is a crucial factor.
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Bismark Osei, Mark Edem Kunawotor and Paul Appiah-Konadu
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of flood occurrence on mortality rate and life expectancy amongst 53 African countries.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of flood occurrence on mortality rate and life expectancy amongst 53 African countries.
Design/methodology/approach
The study utilizes panel data from the period 2000–2018 on 53 African countries and system generalized method of moments (system GMM) for the analysis.
Findings
The result indicates that flood occurrence causes the destruction of health facilities and the spread of diseases which reduces life expectancy. In addition, flood occurrence increases mortality rate amongst 53 African countries.
Research limitations/implications
Practical implications
The study recommends that governments amongst African countries should implement strategies being enshrined in Conference of Parties (COP, 2021) on climate change. This will help to reduce the level of climate change and flood occurrence.
Originality/value
Previous studies focussed on the adverse effect of flood occurrence without considering the issue of life expectancy amongst African countries. This study contributes to existing empirical studies by examining the effect of flood occurrence on mortality rate and life expectancy amongst African countries.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-07-2022-0508.