American International Journal of Social Science Research

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ISLAMIC CREDIT CARDS TO BE ACCEPTED: MUSLIM CONSUMERS’ PERCEPTIONS

2023-01-31T17:43:59+00:00

The use of standard credit cards, which incorporate the practice of riba in the case that a late payment is made, has resulted in a conflict with the perspectives of Muslim clients, which is to be addressed in choosing the best alternative available cards. The primary purpose of this research is to analyze the many existing models of Islamic credit cards to determine which one is most in line with Sharia law. The kind of study that has been done is descriptive, which employed rigorous literature studies and investigated the existing theories. The holy Quran is the source of the fundamental laws that govern what is and is not allowed in terms of credit and debt. After then, the attributes of the cards that are being presented are analyzed in light of those principles to ensure that they adhere to Sharia, which is a religious law. The Muslim community has access to a wide range of credit card options to pick from. Charge cards, Qard Al-Hasan cards, Bai Al-Inah cards, Mushraka Mutanqisa cards, Tawarruq cards, and Murabahah cards are all included in the bundles. Also had are Tawarruq cards and Murabahah cards. Critiques raised voices against Islamic credit cards. Consequently, there is a need for a payment method that may function like a credit card. However, they are still obligated to maintain complete conformity with Islamic principles. This article takes a closer look at the packages mentioned above to understand better the degree to which the various options are accepted. The study explored the crucial features of the existing Islamic credit cards and evaluated the shariah compliance of those concepts. According to the findings and conclusions of the study, the authors concluded that the 'Mushraka Mutanqisa' is the most Shara-compliant and hence most likely to be approved by Muslim customers.

JEL Classification Codes: G21.

INTEGRATING POPULAR CULTURE IN THE LITERATURE CLASSROOM: BASIS FOR A TEACHING MODEL

2023-05-14T16:59:39+00:00

Popular culture’s integration with language lessons, particularly in literature lessons, is a practice already being employed by teachers. Earlier studies, both local and international, were already conducted, integrating pop culture references and materials in the literature classroom: memes, shows, music, games, among others, and groundworks about the approaches in teaching literature and different models in teaching exist but no studies have suggested a teaching model based on the integration of said variables. The current study tried to formulate a basis for a teaching model based on the integration of popular culture and literature lessons. English teachers at the secondary level, especially those who worked in public or private schools in Malolos, Bulacan, were asked how they incorporate pop culture into their literature classes, what challenges they face, and how they deal with them. The study utilized a qualitative ethnographic approach based on the etic perspective. For the investigation, a triangulation method was used. This includes evaluating the teacher-informants' responses to the provided structured essay questions, conducting a focus group discussion, and comparing literature and studies on popular culture and literature instruction. The discussion sharing and the replies to the essay questions were compared to Weil and Joyce's (1973) guidelines for a teaching model. The findings produced a model of teaching based on the specifications of environment, operation, procedure, and learning outcomes.

JEL Classification Codes: G32, F65, L66, L25, M41.

STRATEGIC HUMAN CAPITAL, PRODUCT DIVERSIFICATION, CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP, AND HUMAN LEARNING AS DRIVERS OF PERFORMANCE IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IN KENYA

2023-10-16T18:18:55+00:00

Strategic management is an essential element of contemporary businesses. Firms have embraced these drivers to enhance performance and competitive advantage. Constant environmental changes underline the need for strategies to respond and remain competitive. The study investigates the effect of strategic management drivers on the performance of confectionary manufacturing industries in Kenya. Strategic human capital, product diversification, customer relationship management, and organizational learning are the drivers examined. This study employed a descriptive research design to select a sample of 124 employees from the target companies. The data was analyzed using descriptive and multiple regression models. The results indicate that strategic management drivers significantly affect the performance of the confectionary manufacturing companies. The findings indicated that strategic human capital, product diversification, customer relationship management, and organization learning have a positive and significant effect on the performance of these firms. Strategic human capital and organizational learning had a significant effect, while the influence of product diversification and customer relationship management was moderate. The study concludes that strategic management drivers can help companies enhance organizational performance. The results from this study imply that companies should embrace implementing these drivers to boost performance.

JEL Classification Codes: M1, L200, L66, L25, M41.

USA INVASION IN AFGHANISTAN AND ITS IMPACT ON CENTRAL ASIA

2023-10-24T15:40:27+00:00

This study Examines the effects of the warfare in Afghanistan, which has resulted in immense casualties, change of political power. The political aspects of American presence in Afghanistan and its effects on the Central Asian region are the main subjects of our research. The goal of the study is to comprehend the complex relationship that emerged after 9/11 attacks and the American invasion. We use qualitative and descriptive-analytical techniques to evaluate the effects of American presence on the Central Asian nations. Our analysis focuses on assessing the effects on the economy, security, and sovereignty of the region. Afghanistan's crucial role in determining the geopolitical dynamics of the area has an impact on Central Asia, which has historically served as a crossroads for world powers. Our finding address important issues pertaining to the strategic goals of the United States in Central Asia. We shed light on how they affect regional sovereignty, economy, and security. The dynamics of Afghanistan have continued to influence interactions and conflicts in Central Asia, magnifying the engagement of international and regional forces as well as the activity of fundamentalist groups. The stability of Central Asian nations is being put under further stress by the growth of extremism. In conclusion, our research reveals the complex interactions between American participation in Afghanistan and the stability and growth of Central Asia. We provide a comprehensive analysis of how the U.S. presence has impacted Central Asian dynamics, illuminating its wider security implications for the region and the world.

JEL Classification Codes: N40.

PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED COUNTY GOVERNMENTS IN KENYA

2023-11-25T05:27:00+00:00

Although county governments were introduced for devolution, misappropriation and corruption hinder this objective. This study aimed to examine how financial management practices affect the performance of Central Rift County governments. The research was informed by agency, institutional, and stewardship theories. A descriptive research design was used. The target population was employees within Nakuru County’s public finance sector. A census of all 80 employees was done, and a Cronbach alpha of 0.7 was used to determine the reliability of the research instruments. Secondary data was collected from published materials from county and government agencies. Data was analyzed through the statistical package for social sciences to provide inferential and descriptive statistics. The study revealed that county governments use budget implementation, regular reviews, and monitoring to improve compliance and performance. There was a moderate positive and statistically significant correlation between public budgeting on the performance of Central Rift County governments (r = 0.443; p < 0.05); an average positive and statistically significant correlation between public financial reporting on the performance of Central Rift County governments (r = 0.441; p < 0.05); a moderate positive correlation between public revenue mobilizations on the performance of Central Rift County governments (r = 0.441; p < 0.05), and a moderate positive correlation between public finance procurement on the performance of central rift county governments (r = 0.441; p < 0.05). There is a need to realign the budget processing and reporting format in conformity with IPSAS reporting standards.

JEL Classification Codes: H1, H2, H3, H6, H6.