International Journal of Social Science Research and Review

Challenges to Provision of Water at District Level by Local Government: the Case of Goromonzi District

2024-10-09T10:23:53+00:00

This study investigated challenges undermining the provision of water in the Goromonzi District of Zimbabwe. Interviews were conducted on a sample of thirty respondents drawn from rural and rural-urban residents of the district to determine conditions that affect water provision at district level. Thematic and content analysis was used to analyse data. The findings reveal that some rural dwellers travel distances that exceed 2 kilometres to fetch water from boreholes, especially during the hot but dry months of the year. The results further revealed that some wells in homesteads dry up during the year, forcing the villagers to scout for water outside their villages. The Goromonzi Rural District Council bears the responsibility of constructing boreholes in the district. However, this task is shared between ward councillors and the local Member of Parliament who are expected to lobby for funding towards the constructing of boreholes in their areas of jurisdiction. The inflationary economy Zimbabwe is experiencing erodes the district’s capacity to implement community development projects, including borehole drilling. This study recommends the adoption of radical fiscal policies that could curb inflation, including the adoption of stable currency that is less susceptible to inflation.

The Role of Alternative Service Delivery Models in Improving Access to Health Care, Education, and Water Services in the South African Public Service

2024-10-09T10:25:07+00:00

This study examined the role of alternative service delivery models (ASDM) in improving the availability and quality of health care, education, and water services in the public service of South Africa. The research used secondary data sources to assess the impact of various ASDMs on important public services such as healthcare, education, and water and provided a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of these models in meeting the vital needs of South African communities. The study found that the adoption of ASDMs in South Africa has contributed in part to improving access to basic services such as health care, education, and water, but there are still minor difficulties in ensuring the full effectiveness of ASDMs. These challenges include a lack of knowledge of the way to innovate, resistance to innovation, cases of health negligence, and issues related to public and private partnerships (PPPs). The study suggested that in order to further optimise the impact of ASDMs, South Africa's Government should invest more in information and communications technology (ICT), implement training and awareness programs on ASDMs' role, and regularly monitor PPP projects.

The Role of Japan in the US Strategy for the Indo-Pacific Region Under President Joe Biden

2024-10-09T10:31:34+00:00

This article analyzes Japan’s role in the US’ Indo-Pacific strategy under President Joe Biden’s administration from the perspective of realist theory. In the context of intensifying US-China strategic competition and the rise of the Indo-Pacific region as a global geopolitical focal point, Japan’s role as a key US ally has become increasingly important in shaping the regional security space and order led by Washington. The research results show that Japan plays a pivotal role for the US in balancing power and preventing the Russia-China alliance from restructuring the security space in Northeast Asia in particular and the Indo-Pacific in general. Finally, the article concludes that Japan’s active participation has made a significant contribution to maintaining a rules-based regional order while enhancing both Japan’s and the US’s positions in the region.

Attitude of Faculty Members’ towards Open Educational Resources: A Systematic Review of Literature

2024-10-09T10:45:49+00:00

Aim of the Study: This study aims to investigate faculty attitudes toward Open Educational Resources (OER), identify factors influencing their adoption, and explore the implications for educational policy and practice. Design/Methodology: The study synthesizes findings from multiple research studies through a systematic review approach to examine the adoption and impact of OER in higher education. Findings: Faculty generally hold positive attitudes toward OER, valuing their potential to lower educational costs, improve access to learning materials, and enhance teaching effectiveness. Despite these benefits, barriers such as copyright issues, insufficient institutional support, and lack of quality assurance impede broader adoption. The variability in OER integration across different contexts highlights the need for tailored strategies to address these challenges. Practical Implications: The review underscores the necessity for robust institutional policies and support systems to facilitate effective OER integration. By focusing on the interplay between individual attitudes, institutional policies, and contextual factors, the study provides insights for enhancing educational accessibility and quality through OER. Originality/Value: This review contributes to the understanding of OER integration in higher education by systematically analyzing faculty attitudes and identifying key barriers and benefits. It emphasizes the importance of addressing contextual and institutional factors to improve OER adoption and implementation.

Integrating Ancient and Modern Wisdom: Application of Wang Yangming's "Unity of Knowledge and Action" Theory and Solution-Focused Therapy in Modern Psychology

2024-10-09T11:20:47+00:00

This study explores the application and integration of Wang Yangming's "Unity of Knowledge and Action" theory with Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) in modern psychology. Wang Yangming's theory emphasizes the inseparability of knowledge and action, positing that only through practice can true understanding and realization of knowledge be achieved. On the other hand, Solution-Focused Therapy focuses on setting specific goals and utilizing individual resources to solve problems. By comparing the theoretical foundations, practical methods, and ultimate goals of these two theories, this paper finds both similarities and unique aspects. The integration of the philosophical concepts of "Unity of Knowledge and Action" with the practical methods of Solution-Focused Therapy can provide more comprehensive and effective solutions in psychological counseling, education, and organizational management. This paper also illustrates the effects and advantages of this theoretical integration through case studies and proposes future research directions aimed at further advancing psychological theory and practice.

Hindu–Muslim Conflict in India: Causes, Consequences & Resolution

2024-10-09T11:32:57+00:00

India, renowned for its status as the world's largest democracy, is a richly diverse nation characterized by a multitude of ethnicities, languages, religions, and cultures. This diversity, while a source of national pride, also reveals profound fissures where historical grievances, socioeconomic disparities, and political aspirations intersect, fostering significant communal and ethnopolitical conflicts. The Hindu-Muslim conflict serves as a prominent example of such tensions, deeply rooted and shaping the socio-political fabric of the nation for centuries. This research paper investigates the origins and complexities of the Hindu-Muslim conflict by addressing three fundamental questions: What are the underlying causes of this persistent violence? Who bears responsibility for perpetuating these conflicts? And what practical and effective measures can be implemented to address and prevent their recurrence? To answer these questions, the paper employs a robust theoretical framework that synthesizes perspectives from sociology, political science, and conflict studies, with a primary focus on the instrumentalist approach to ethnopolitical conflicts. This approach highlights how political actors exploit ethnic identities and historical grievances for strategic gains. The study is underpinned by a detailed analysis of major case studies of communal violence, offering insights into the interplay between ethnic identity formation, historical legacies, and socioeconomic inequalities. The paper further examines the role of contemporary political elites in exacerbating tensions through strategic manipulation of communal identities and the politicization of cultural symbols. By exploring the dynamics of these factors, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the conflict’s origins and persistence. It also proposes actionable strategies for conflict resolution, including policy recommendations and community-based interventions, to foster long-term communal harmony and stability. Ultimately, this study contributes to the broader discourse on managing ethnopolitical conflicts by offering nuanced insights and practical solutions for mitigating violence and promoting peace in a diverse and complex societal context.

A Judge's Views on the Termination of Marriage Agreements in Mixed Marriages

2024-10-09T11:47:54+00:00

This paper investigates the judicial viewpoints regarding the dissolution of marriage agreements in mixed marriages, which involve participants from diverse cultural, religious, or national backgrounds. The study endeavours to identify the distinctive challenges and considerations that judges encounter in these cases by examining case law, legal principles, and judicial comments. The termination procedure can be complicated by the complex legal questions surrounding jurisdiction, applicable law, and the recognition of foreign judgments that are frequently present in mixed marriages. In additions, the interpretation and enforcement of marital agreements may be influenced bu cultural and religious differences, which can affect decisions regarding asset division, child custody, and spousal supports.

Ethics and Corruption in Higher Education

2024-10-10T20:56:08+00:00

This paper explores the phenomenon of corruption and unethical behavior which has become commonplace in higher education. The lack of professional ethics, rigged competitions, favor exchange, announced tenders for particular bidders, nepotism, falsified academic titles and publications that do not meet the required criteria, selling grades, etc., make corruption a worrying factor. Despite positive achievements, Kosovo is facing significant problems of corruption, which reduces the level of trust of citizens in state and public institutions, including the education system. In addition, students feel threatened and unprotected by institutional structures, due to this phenomenon. In democracy, citizens show interest in seeing justice applied in the education system in their country. Students are nowadays conscious of making the difference between the unethical and ethical behavior of their professors. If students do not believe in the transparency and effectiveness of the education system, the consequences may be much greater than the impact on economic growth. In this regard, Universities have been constantly considered as organizations that respond slowly to changes that are influenced by external factors, having in mind that they function on the basis of professional bureaucracy, however, leaving the impression of corruption and unethical behavior towards students. If, as a result of corruption, citizens do not believe in the education system, the consequences may be greater than the impact on economic growth.

Folk Development Colleges (FDCs)

2024-10-10T21:09:33+00:00

Folk Development Colleges (FDCs) are community- based education system established in 1975 to stress the commitments to youth and thus national development. The youth's state, position, and prospects are paramount and fundamental for the nation development to lower-middle-income and developing country like Tanzania that should not be neglected as a group that symbolize and represent a remarkable potential cluster within our societies and acts as a latent human capital resource to various production areas including the construction industry. Notwithstanding their significant importance, the effects of technological development and global business competition have left much youth even in Tanzania suffering from high unemployment records which marks the severe and challenging thought in getting a well-founded and stable foothold into the labor market. Despite unemployment states the construction industry in Tanzania is still under pressure to find the potential knowledgeable, skilled and experienced youths to undertake charges to fill the gap of skilled workforce shortages in the industry. Towards this end, this study aims to examine whether the FDES have a significant effect in producing the skilled workforce to meet the dynamic demands of the construction industry job market and hence reducing the construction workforce shortages. One hundred and three (103) respondents were purposely sampled with both qualitative and quantitative methods involved through questionnaires, in-depth face-to-face and telephone interview for data collection. Using factor analysis, seventeen effects of FDES to meet the construction industry job market demand were identified through a comprehensive literature review; then, RII (relative importance index) were used to identify the perception gaps among stakeholders and obtaining eleven potential effects upon analyzing online survey data. The findings show that FDES have a substantive contribution in imparting knowledge, skills and competence to help in reducing the construction workforce shortages within the Tanzania Construction Industry. Moreover, the results have documented an increased number of enrollment and programs that can help to promote self-employment, enhance reduction of skilled labor shortages in the construction industry and cater the dynamic demands of the construction industry job market.

Implementation of Business and Environmental Order by the Municipal Police Unit Based on Grobogan Regency Regional Regulation No. 15 of 2014 on Public Order in Grobogan Regency

2024-10-14T21:11:54+00:00

Public order is a dynamic situation that allows local governments, authorities, and citizens to organize their activities in a detailed and orderly manner. Public order is closely related to the role of the Civil Service Police Unit (Satuan Polisi Pamong Praja) as an agency responsible for enforcing regional regulations. This study examines the implementation of the functions and duties of the Civil Service Police Unit in realizing business order and environmental order in Grobogan Regency, based on Regional Regulation No. 15 of 2014 concerning Public Order. The research questions address how the Civil Service Police Unit carries out its functions related to business order and environmental order, the challenges it faces in fulfilling its roles, and the methods employed to address these obstacles. The methodology used in this study is juridical-empirical, utilizing primary data obtained directly from the source without intermediaries. The Civil Service Police Unit executes its functions and duties through both repressive and non-judicial actions. Non-judicial actions focus on maintaining and/or restoring public order and community tranquility concerning deviations from regional policies, in accordance with legislative provisions, and may ultimately lead to court proceedings. Prior to non-judicial actions, repressive measures are taken to prevent violations, including socialization efforts to inform the public about regional regulations related to the enforcement of public order, specifically regarding business order and environmental order in this study.

The Independence of Judiciary in Imposing Criminal Sanctions on Law Enforcement Officials in the Context of Juvenile Criminal Justice

2024-10-14T22:42:39+00:00

The state is trying to improve the juvenile criminal justice system in Indonesia. Departing from changing the retributive or retaliatory paradigm to a restorative justice paradigm. Fulfillment of rights is also an obligation of the state in accordance with the international instruments Beijing Rules Juvenile and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The state guarantees the implementation of a better criminal justice system by carrying out, one of them, the criminalization of law enforcement officers within the scope of juvenile criminal justice. The criminalization process has a juridical impact. Criminalization of law enforcement officers within the scope of juvenile criminal justice results in judicial independence. This criminalization interferes with judicial power. This research is descriptive analytical with normative juridical research methods. The type and source of data in the form of primary data was obtained by literature study. The analysis method used was the qualitative analysis method. Judicial independence occurs because legislative institutions do not comply with the concept of the Rule of Law, namely mutual respect and understanding of the powers of each institution. The disharmony between the SPPA Law and the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia regarding judicial power resulted in law enforcement officials submitting a request for a judicial review to the Supreme Court, which was then granted. The results of the decision are stated in the Constitutional Court Decision Number 110/PUU-X/2012. The decision states that Article 96, Article 100, Article 101 of the SPPA Law is contrary to the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia and does not have binding legal force.

Policy on the Implementation of Diversion for Child Offenders in Street Crimes (Klitih)

2024-10-14T23:08:42+00:00

This research aims to examine the policy of applying diversion to child perpetrators of street crime (klitih). Klitih itself causes unrest in the community and can also result in the loss of a person's life, thus making children face the legal process. In its implementation, a child's involvement with the legal process must not neglect the rights of children both physically and socially. Law Number 11 of 2012 concerning the Juvenile Criminal Justice System is present as a form of restorative justice that protects children's rights. this research uses normative legal research methods. The results of this study indicate that the success of the policy of applying diversion to child offenders can not only be influenced by the positive active response of law enforcement officials, but also the involvement of parents and the community as a companion and supervision of children. Although in its journey, diversion does not always get a positive response from the community because it assumes that child offenders must still be punished, which then creates obstacles faced in the application of this diversion. However, these obstacles can still be overcome with good cooperation between all parties.

Upholding the Voice of Tibet: Efforts for Preservation of Tibetan Language and Cultural Identity

2024-10-22T17:05:43+00:00

Since the Chinese occupation of 1959, Tibetans have endured years of displacement, and have been forced to migrate to different countries, particularly in South Asian countries like India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Forced to live in a culturally different space, Tibetans have often expressed concern over a possible erosion of their linguistic heritage and cultural identity. This study primarily uses a qualitative approach involving the use of both primary and secondary sources to examine the repercussions of Tibet's occupation and their relocation on their lives at present, both in terms of identity and language preservation. The findings of this study illustrates that while the first-generation immigrants only spoke Tibetan, the second generation of Tibetans, despite the migration, were fairly proficient in Tibetan language, particularly in its spoken form, due to consistent interactions in their native language at home. However, upon relocation, the second and third generation Tibetans were often forced to inculcate second and third languages, such as Hindi and English, both as principal mediums of education due to demands of a globalized market. The adaptation of culturally unfamiliar languages was described to have created significant anxieties and insecurities among the community regarding the possible loss and replacement of their cultural identity. Through an exploration of local, national and international language preservation efforts, this paper aims to provide a phenomenological interpretation of language conservation and preservation among Tibetans.