Denis Hyams-Ssekasi

This study examined the influence of an entrepreneurship education learning approach on students’ self-efficacy, with a specific focus on the mediating roles played by entrepreneurial competence and satisfaction. Informed by a conceptual framework drawn from pertinent literature, data were collected through purposive sampling from a diverse cohort of students within technical universities. Employing the AMOS structural equation modelling (SEM) method, the analysis revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between the entrepreneurship learning approach and self-efficacy without mediating variables. However, the study observed no significant direct relationship in the presence of these mediating factors. This suggests that entrepreneurial competence and satisfaction fully mediated the impact of the learning approach on self-efficacy. It is important to note that the study’s findings are contextually bound to technical universities within a less developed economy, cautioning against generalising them to traditional universities. Nonetheless, the study underscored the pivotal role of entrepreneurship education, self-competence, and student satisfaction in bolstering students’ self-efficacy, serving as a potent catalyst for fostering entrepreneurial intentions. Consequently, the study advocated for integrating entrepreneurship learning approaches in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

This meta-analysis appraises the impact of practical science work on the learning outcomes of secondary school students based on 16 recent publications based on a quasi-experimental design. The research includes cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains and compares the performance of students who have been subjected to practical science teaching to those who have been subjected to theoretical teaching. The search of the Scopus, ERIC, and DOAJ databases, adhering to strict inclusion criteria, allowed the definition of quantitative studies used in the meta-analytic procedures. Heterogeneity (I 2 = 94.43 %) was significant, and a random-effects model was adopted with standardized effect sizes determined using Hedges g. This finding has a high general effect (g = 1.15), indicating that practical science work has a significant impact on learning in different contexts. The implementation quality, teacher competence, and resource availability were inconsistent across all the studies, yet the results were quite the same, stating the clear advantage of the experiential, inquiry-based methods of implementation. Heterogeneity diagnostics indicate actual rather than random errors and evidence of limited publication bias, as portrayed by funnel plots. The meta-analysis confirms the pedagogical worth of practical science work and its utilization in curricula, notably in coordination with properly established instructional objectives, as well as in the provision of proper teacher training and infrastructure. These results provide evidence-based policy recommendations for both policymakers and teachers to enhance science education through effective hands-on practices.

India has been on a digital growth trajectory for a few years, prompted by its goal of becoming a trillion-dollar digital economy by 2025. The Indian digital revolution has resulted in a new wave of digital consumption and dividends. This manuscript examines the transformative journey of India's digital revolution, highlighting the strategic opportunities and challenges it encompasses. The Digital India initiative, a cornerstone government policy, has been instrumental in this transformative process, aiming to digitize various aspects of life and governance. Despite a significant increase in internet users and the successful launch of numerous digital projects, a substantial digital divide remains, characterized by disparities in mobile phone ownership, internet access, and digital literacy across different genders, geographical locations, and income groups. Using a qualitative research methodology, this study investigates the economic impact of digitalization on the Indian economy and identifies factors contributing to the digital divide. An extensive literature review and qualitative content analysis identified five primary themes: the digital profile of India, digitization and economic growth, digitalization and economic variables, digitalization across sectors, and the digital divide. These themes elucidate India's progress in digital literacy and financial inclusion, the economic advantages of digitalization, and the obstacles to achieving digital inclusivity. The manuscript proposes a developmental framework with recommendations for policymakers, business leaders, and other stakeholders to mitigate the digital divide and maximize the benefits of digital dividends. It underscores the necessity of a comprehensive digital strategy, the enhancement of digital infrastructure, the development of digital human resources, the promotion of digital literacy, and the fostering of digital entrepreneurial capacity.

Ghana is regarded as one of the main nations driving social enterprise development in all of Africa, despite the lack of a policy for the social enterprise sub-sector. Regardless of these trailblazing initiatives, the sub-sector is still young and vulnerable. As a result, the time is right for the government to implement policy reforms to expedite the growth of the sub-sector, which offers an alternative business model for the achievement of the social and environmental goals embodied in the global goals. All nations are urged to take immediate action in response to the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which offer a global framework for achieving global development while balancing social, economic, and environmental sustainability. The methodology adopted is qualitative in nature, whereby focus group discussions were held, bringing together key stakeholders from the social enterprise sector, industry, academia, and civil society organisations (CSOs) to provide insights into how social enterprises will contribute to SDG achievement. This paper aims to generate new insights into how social enterprises can provide a solution to the UN’s SDGs from the Ghanaian perspective. Our findings reveal a strong link between solving social problems through social businesses and achieving the SDGs, and that social enterprises represent an ideal business model for achieving the SDGs. Their mission-driven approach, innovative solutions, focus on empowerment and inclusion, utilisation of market mechanisms, collaboration and partnership, and understanding and knowledge of local contexts collectively position social enterprises as powerful catalysts for sustainable development.

This study investigates the feasibility of establishing a grant system to provide financial support to social enterprises in Ghana, drawing inspiration from the British National Lottery system. The study is grounded in the Theory of Demand for Gambles and the Expected Utility theory to understand the decision-making processes of lottery participants. The authors organised focus group discussions in the UK and Ghana and analysed relevant policies and guidelines. The research proposes the introduction of a Social Enterprises Support Lottery in Ghana. This lottery system is modelled after the British National Lottery, with modifications in the number of pools and prize tiers to enhance its attractiveness and revenue potential. The administration of funding processes involves a comprehensive allocation strategy, designating a significant portion of lottery proceeds to support social enterprises. To ensure the sustainability of the proposed model, the authors suggest a multifaceted approach, including collaboration with government agencies, rigorous regulatory frameworks, expert panels for funding allocation, and transparent operational mechanisms. The study envisions the proposed lottery system contributing to the achievement of various SustainableDevelopment Goals (SDGs) in Ghana, such as poverty reduction, decent work and economic growth, and improved health and well-being, as well as environmental preservation.

Levels of unemployment and environmental challenges make social entrepreneurship and social enterprise very important for the sustainability of society. Higher education has played a fundamental role in driving entrepreneurship and innovation in local, national, regional, and global contexts. The authors of this article explore the state of the legislative framework in Ghana, as well as social enterprise education, stakeholder engagement, models and challenges. The methodology applied for this paper is concept mapping, enabling the critical exploration of the relevance of social enterprise in the context of higher education, and demonstrating how it could practically serve as a panacea to rising youth unemployment. This research concludes by making a case for including social enterprise in the higher education curriculum.

The use of technology is inevitable in a society of knowledge, being implemented including at the level of local governments where has the potential to improve interactions between local authorities and citizens through the simplification of procedures, as well as contributing to open local government. The innovation and digital transformation of government means the further modernisation of public administration, seamless cross-border mobility and enhanced digital interactions. The paper aim is to show that local governments operate in an increasingly open and receptive manner by using innovation and an increasing number of digital tools that facilitate the development of local communities and the improvement of living standards.

This study aims to analyze the existence of gender inequality in Nepalese society and the response of the government towards it through policy documents. It also explores the changing scenario of women representation in the political and public sector because of the government policies. This research provides a critical review of the government policies and social practices regarding affirmative action and gender equality in Nepal. This research further unravels the systematic review of policy documents and future insight into government policies to enhance the position of women in public sector employment.
This research is based on secondary data and a descriptive method has been adopted to show the status of women in Nepal. Secondary data were taken from the academic published articles and policy documents of the Government of Nepal. This research has found that the Government of Nepal has taken up aggressive steps to ensure gender equality in each sector by increasing representation of women. The latest constitution of Nepal, 2007 and the second amendment of Civil Service Act, 1993 are the key policy documents from which, women representation in public sector has been increasing marvelously. Hence, the country has been moving towards gender equality and has impacted positively on society. It could be an example for other developing countries as well.

Workforce is a tangible and talent-driven asset for high-performing organisations in today's global economy. Arguably, if workforce is not adequately planned, it impacts the effective execution of future business strategies. This research uses Standard Chartered and HSBC Holdings as a case study. A sample size of 60 participants is selected and descriptive data analysis employed to examine the online survey questionnaire. The findings indicate that HRA helps organisations to develop and sustain high-quality planning and eliminates the conventional obstacles HRA provides. It aligns strategic planning by head counting and establishing a clear view of talent demand and supply problems. It is a useful tool used to evaluate the impact of their decision and prioritise future investments in the workforce. Key identifiers include: Control, employee production efficiency, and structure. The study recommends organisations combine demand planning and internal supply analysis to identify workforce gaps and plan accordingly.