Sumerianz Journal of Social Science
Online ISSN: 2616-8693
Print ISSN: 2617-1716
Quarterly Published (4 Issues Per Year)
Journal Website: https://www.sumerianz.com/?ic=journal-home&journal=28Archive
Volume 3 Issue 1 (2021)
“Fight Against the Serpent”: Fundamentalist Terror from Nat Turner to Al Qaida in Fiction and Nonfiction
Authors : Kouame SAYNI
DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjss.41.53.58
Abstract:Religion is increasingly present in human relations worldwide. Generally acting as trigger of violence, and using propagandas like the one which inspired the rebellion conducted by Nat Turner, an African American slave in 1831, or that which stimulated the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001 in the USA, religious rhetoric is what nurtures the diverse political, cultural and social conflicts. Through a critical survey of key fiction and non-fiction texts like The Confession of Nat Turner (1967) by William Styron, or Beyond Fundamentalism (2010) by Reza Aslan, a professor of Creative writing, or again the HRW’s 2017 report on politico-religious unrest in Northern Mali, we show how the religious argument, turned in its violent expression, is used as instrument for identity restoration.
Pages: 53-58
Workplace Flexibility in the Post Covid-19 Era: Teleworking, the New Normal
Authors : Austin-Egole Ifeyinwa Stella ; Iheriohanma E. B. J. ; Iheanacho J. I.
DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjss.41.44.52
Abstract:The evolving nature of work, workforce and environment is the driving force behind the need for more innovative and effective work arrangements in all facets of the economy. Making the work environment more flexible provides workers with what they need to manage both their lives and their jobs which leads to higher productivity. Before the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, workplace flexibility had garnered much attention, fundamentally as a workplace incentive for attracting and retaining talent. Presently, the Covid-19 pandemic has altered flexibility from a mere desirable perquisite to a very influential corporate practice that is expected to endure well after the pandemic. As the number of coronavirus cases increase and more employers commit to the physical-distancing practices that health officials say will help slow the rapid spread of Covid-19, by closure of schools, offices etc. workplace flexibility has become a real-time global innovation. Firms have been made to introduce telework (also known as telecommuting or working from “home”), a form of workplace flexibility on a large scale. Teleworking is the process of working from home with the use of internet, e-mail and telephone or any workable electronic gadget. It is the belief of many scholars and authors that with the aid of digitalization and technological innovation, teleworking has laid to rest some concerns such as there being so few jobs that can be done from home and the fear of lack of control over people. This paper sought to find out the extent the above assertions are true. It equally sought to appraise the effects of teleworking on organizational performance, challenges organizations face as a result of imbibing teleworking. A multi-level teleworking framework, rooted on Socio-technical systems (STS) theory, which looks into the part played by personnel, technical as well as organizational factors and their interplay in telework execution and outcome was used as the theoretical framework of this paper. In-depth library research anchored on analytical discussion was adopted as the methodology for this investigation. The review were analysed in line with the objectives of the study. Finally the investigation made recommendations on the efficacy of teleworking as a trend that can be taken as a new normal without exemption.
Pages: 44-52
Enhancing Organizational Performance: The Role of Training and Development
Authors : Eric Osei Kwakye ; Osei-Wusu Bempah
DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjss.41.32.43
Abstract:This study investigated the impact of training and development on employees’ productivity and organizational performance in the Asante Akim South Municipal Assembly as a case study. The study applied structured questionnaires to a sample size of 75 drawn by a convenient sampling technique. The study also employed the purposive sampling technique to generate respondents to be interviewed. The data generated was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings of the study show that majority (77%) of the respondents agreed that training and development has enhanced their efficiency and job productivity. Secondly, majority (68%) of the respondents agreed that training and development enhanced organizational performance. The effectiveness and quality of the training programmes have also been found to be appreciable. The study recommends that departments within the district assembly should conduct more training programmes for their employees on a continuous basis. Organizers of the training programmes should also ensure the effective organization of these programmes.
Pages: 32-43
Exploring the Awareness, Motivations, and Coping Strategies of Problematic Internet Users
Authors : Hasah Alheneidi ; Andrew P. Smith
DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjss.41.19.31
Abstract:This paper presents a systematic review that covers internet addiction and wellbeing studies on adults; followed by a semi-structured interview of a group of 6 problematic internet adult users, analysed through thematic analysis. The interview questions explore motives, awareness level and coping strategies of problematic internet users. The systematic review results are categorised based on DRIVE model and indicate gaps in the literature on internet addiction studies and suggests a holistic direction of studying wellbeing. The interviews resulted in 6 themes that reflected the user’s awareness of the consequences of problematic internet use, coping strategies when there is a high information overload, controlling internet attachment, causes of excessive internet use, preferred using time and psychological effect after spending long hours online.
Pages: 19-31
Roles of Students’ Religious Groups in Stress Management among Undergraduates of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State
Authors : Kehinde Lateef Akinlabi ; Ademola Lateef Adisa ; Mustapha Olayiwola Opatola
DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjss.41.12.18
Abstract:The study identified sources of stress among students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife and assessed forms of support students’ religious groups provided to the students in assisting students in stress management. Primary data were used for the study. Qualitative method which made use of in-depth interview guide was employed to collect data from 30 Students’ Religious Groups Leaders. The data were collected from undergraduates of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, and selected through stratified and purposive sampling techniques. The study concluded that students’ religious groups played vital roles which complemented the statutory functions of stress reduction and management by the university.
Pages: 12-18
Information on Budgeting and Budgetary Allocation in Federal University Library, Lafia, Nasarawa State - Nigeria
Authors : Abdulsalami Lucky Tijani ; Ivongbe Matthew Ihaza
DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjss.41.1.11
Abstract:This project research titled “Information on budgetary allocation in Federal University Library, Lafia (FUL Lafia)” was undertaken to ascertain the level of budgetary allocation and implementation in aiding library services in the institution. The methodology used in the study was the survey which adopted the descriptive sampling of 20 library staffs sampled for the study. The Questionnaire was constructed where each of the items in the questionnaire was grouped in accordance with their relationship to the research questions and analyzed using frequency distribution tables. The findings revealed that the extent of use of these budgetary systems in FUL Lafia is very high as library operations depends highly on proper budgetary allocation. As revealed by the respondents, the budgetary allocation for FUL is adequate. Also it was found that the major challenge being faced in FUL is improper budgetary allocation of funds. The study concludes that practical application of budgeted funds through proper budgetary allocation and implementation will go a long way in providing and equipping students with basic knowledge and competencies necessary for improved academic performance. Subsequently, the study recommends that the budgetary systems and processes being employed by the university authorities should be reviewed and improved upon so as to checkmate excesses and budget padding. In view of the challenges encountered in the budgetary allocation, it is recommended that qualified librarian, auditors and account experts be employed and the necessary tools needed for proper budgetary allocation be made available to them so as to curtail these challenges.
Pages: 1-11