European Journal of Social Sciences

 Volume 42 No 4
April, 2014
Hypersensitivity Toward Criticism and its Relationship to Violence among Mu'tah University Students
440-448
D. Ahmed Abed-Allatif Abu-Asa'ad and Sami Mohsen AL-Khatatneh
 
Abstract:
This study aimed to highlight hypersensitivity toward criticism and its relationship with university violence from Mu'tah university students' perspective. The population of the study consisted of all Mu'tah university bachelor degree students in the first semester of the academic year 2012/2013 whom accounted for (17198) male and female students. The sample of the study included (1704) male and female students whom were selected using the random cluster method. A 33-item scale of university violence was constructed to measure university violence, these items were tested for their psychometric properties. In addition, hypersensitivity scale which was developed by (Al-A'tiq, 2010) was used in this study. Results of the study indicated that there was a medium level of hypersensitivity toward criticism among Mu'tah university students, and the whole university items and total score were medium. There were significant statistical differences at the value (a> 0.05) in estimations of hypersensitivity toward criticism from Mu'tah University students' perspectives, and these differences are attributed to the variable of gender and in favor of male students. Results also indicated significant statistical differences at the value (a> 0.05) in estimations of hypersensitivity toward criticism from Mu'tah University students' perspectives that are attributed to the variable of faculty, and these differences were in favor of Human Studies faculties' students . There also was a positive statistical relationship at the value (a> 0.05) between hypersensitivity toward criticism and university violence. In light of the results , the study recommended with increasing and supporting students activities to fill leisure time and to vent and invest students' potentials , in addition, the study recommended with conducting more studies and research on students' violence that address other variables rather than those addressed in this study.
Keywords: Hypersensitivity, Toward Criticism, Relationship, University, Students
 
 
Collaborative Learning to Increase Production and Marketing Capacity of the Safe Chili of the Chili Farmer Association of Baan Dolng Yang, Ubon Ratchathani
449-463
Malinee Srimaitree
 
Abstract:
The objectives of this study were to create a collaborative learning process on chili growing, farmer association, supply chain, and Farmer-Participatory Safe Chili Market development for the chili farmers in Baan Dolng Yang, Ubon Ratchathani; by using a qualitative methodology and Participatory Action Research on farmer groups, government agencies, private sectors, local administrations and the community. The tools used were observation form, interview scripts, focus group, and arrangements of the community opinion stage. Related-content analysis was done and returned to the communities to be validated. Our results have demonstrated an effective collaborative learning among the chili farmers. 6 formulas of farm-made biofertilizer were shared and learnt, including insect repellant, growth enhancer, and trunk, leaves, and root maintainers. The farmers have also become aware of the benefits of forming an association, including authoritativeness, associative strength, unity, bargaining power, opportunity to expand domestically and internationally, and the support earned from the government sector. The chili supply chain was collaboratively analyzed by the farmers, from the beginning to the end. This has raised the farmers’ awareness of the benefit from the business connection created within the supply chain, and the potential of forming business alliances, and consequently improving the production administration system. Collaborative development of the Safe Chili market was done by having the farmers participate in the marketing goals and strategies setting. Their products were to be differentiated by their reduced-chemical usage, safety, standards, and accreditations. The farmers have collaboratively set up their own marketing plans on the aspects of products, price, promotion, and place or distribution channels.
Keywords: Collaborative learning, Capacity, Safe Chili, Farmers association.
 
 
Impact of Nigeria’s Child’s Rights Act on Alternative Dispute Resolution and the Criminal Justice System
464-481
Chukwunweike A. Ogbuabor and Edith O. Nwosu
 
Abstract:
Nigeria’s juvenile justice system has been in need of comprehensive reform to bring it in tandem with international best practices. The juvenile courts established by Children and Young Persons Laws of the various states of the federation appeared to have existed more on paper than in reality. The objectives of the laws were not actually attained as most of the provisions were observed more in the breach than actual observance. The enactment of the Child’s Rights Act was thus not only overdue but a welcome development. This paper examines the impact of the Child’s Rights Act on the juvenile justice system in Nigeria particularly as it affects the resolution of criminal offences using alternative dispute resolution processes. Also, it examines the impact of the Act in the last ten years of its enactment. The paper is of the view that the Act is revolutionary and represents a paradigm shift in the Nigerian criminal justice system, although there are short-comings which require legislative and administrative attention in order to have an efficient and strong juvenile justice system.
Keywords: Impact, Child’s Rights Act, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Criminal Justice System, Paradigm Shift.
JEL Classification Codes: Code – K42: Illegal Behaviour And The Enforcement of The Law
 
 
Monetary Policy and Liquidity of Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria: A Panel Data Analysis
482-494
Jonathan Emenike Ogbuabor and Gladys Chiekwe Aneke
Abstract:
This study examined the impact of monetary policy on the liquidity of deposit money banks in Nigeria using panel data analysis. The results indicate that none of the monetary policy variables (including money supply, minimum rediscount rate, exchange rate of the naira, cash reserve ratio, credit to the private sector, and inflation rate) impacted significantly on the liquidity of deposit money banks in Nigeria even at 10% level of significance. These unexpected results, which are contrary to theoretical expectations, may be due to the huge distortions in the Nigerian economy, such as the existence of a huge informal sector that renders the CBN monetary policy ineffective. The study therefore recommends that the CBN should vigorously pursue its ongoing cashless policy in order to reduce the volume of cash circulating outside the formal sector and also to achieve greater financial inclusion. This will improve the effectiveness of the CBN’s monetary policy in Nigeria. In addition, since the minimum rediscount rate (MRR) and the exchange rate of naira (EXCH) impacted negatively on the liquidity of deposit money banks, the CBN should carefully implement its money stock management and exchange rate control strategies in order not to injure the liquidity of deposit money banks in Nigeria.
Keywords: Monetary Policy; Bank Liquidity; Panel Analysis; CBN; Nigeria
 
Pragmatic Design of E-Governance Evaluation Framework: Building Upon the E-Governance Literature
495-514
Marya Butt
 
Abstract:
The paper presents a pragmatic approach for e-governance evaluation by constructing a methodology on the basis of e-governance literature i.e. e-government models and the e-governance dimensions. The assessment of the e-government models dispense six generic e-governance components i.e. internal setup, web availability, interactivity, transactions, integration, and participation. The e-governance dimensions (e-services, e-management, e-commerce, and e-democracy) are exploited to identify performance indicators for front end and back-end evaluation. E-governance evaluation is incomplete without addressing both front and back end modes of the service delivery. In this perspective, a three tiered framework for evaluation is presented. The devised framework is tested in a public body of the Netherlands and results are analyzed, reports are prepared with the suggestions and delivered to the stakeholders. Since it is a pragmatic approach, the paper seeks to impart learning to the public bodies and as a part of it, results utilization feedback is collected from the stakeholders to reveal the effectiveness of the study. The paper is a contribution to the literature that focuses on how e-governance fundamentals could contribute to develop a pragmatic e-governance evaluation approach.
Keywords: E-governance evaluation, e-governance dimensions, pragmatic approach.
JEL Classification Codes: H110, H700, H430.
 
Characters Design for Animated Film Production in Science Fiction Genre by Semiotics Theory
515-521
Niphon Kunaruck and Suppakorn DisatapundhuI
 
Abstract:
This paper aims to analyze designs of signifier and signified, using of elements and composition of arts and designs, and to find guidelines for characters designing that is suitable for production, signified communication and characters of Thainess. The study was conducted by analyzing 10 samples of successful animated films and then analyzed results were applied in this experimental research; characters sketch design that consisted of actors character figure, props figure and backgrounds and; assessment of appropriate level of characters sketch designs by concept, genre, story and key indicator signifiers or codes to find their appropriateness for development. Design guidelines signifiers and signifiers meaning of the actors, props and backgrounds characters can use the table of codes system for characters design that input key indicators, signifiers or codes consists of 1) Personal Codes 2) Prop Codes 3) Scene Codes 4) Product Codes 5) Science Fiction Codes, and 6) Cultural Codes. The satisfaction was evaluated by rating scale method. The results average satisfaction of 3.98 was good or very satisfied.
Keywords: Characters Design, Animation, 2D Animation.
 
 
Intergenerational Difference in Perceptions Towards Delayed Marriage
522-530
Kelani Karamat and Kelani K. A
 
Abstract:
This paper investigates intergenerational difference in two generations by cross-examining perceptions of older and younger generations on delayed marriage and some of its causes. The sample used consisted of 160 younger and 150 older generations, randomly drawn among University staff and students using the stratified random sampling method. A self constructed questionnaire with internal consistency reliability coefficient of 0.9 was used to elicit information from respondents using a stratified sampling method. The data obtained were analysed using SPSS version 20. T-test analysis was carried out to find difference in the perceptions of younger and older generations. The result of the study revealed a statistically significant difference in the two generations’ perceptions on delayed marriage and its causes. Recommendations were made on how to harmonize the two positions.
Keywords: Delayed marriage, Generation, Modernization, Perception, Value difference.
 
 
An Investigation Study for Increasing Workflow Execution Performance on Grid Environment
531-536
Laila Ajam
 
Abstract:
Different commercial projects have been done in field of building, directing and executing workflows in Grid environment; most of them are entered manually into the system containing services not available physically. Such services are assigned as physical during execution; this phenomenon has several advantages; for instance, they are created dynamically in the services' distributed environments and disappear. So if they are selected during execution, the work quality is promoted and also the work is felt on the architectures taking into consideration the services' quality into the composition. This article is to present new mechanisms; the techniques used in it are artificial intelligence and web services.
Keywords: Grid Environment, Workflow, Web Service, Quality of Service, Distributed Systems.
 
 
Laos Logo: Cultural Corporate Identity in the Globalization
537-547
Kham Chaturongakul
 
Abstract:
Lao logos are cultural compression that contain signification and synopsis of various objects in order to communicate the corporate’s concept. This qualitative study investigates Lao logos in the past that are currently not in use. It also finds about the logos that have been used since 1975 when the country’s ruling system changed. Communication components of cultural identity of Lao logos are as well studied. The communication research methods and semiology are used in this study to decode and find the meaning and difference from the social context; art styles and aesthetics among collected a thousand of logos in Laos and abroad. The interviews were conducted among Lao art and culture experts, designers and informal informants in the study areas of Luang Prabang, Vientiane and Champsak.
Keywords: Laos Logo, Cultural Corporate Identity, Globalization.
 
 
GATT/WTO Trade Liberalization Development Objectives: An Alternative Strategy is Needed
548-558
Mohamad Saeed Abdallah ALsheyab
 
Abstract:
This study examines the comparative advantage theory as the main basis for trade liberalization to show whether it is still valid to achieve the expected development objectives or not. In spite of the simple and positive outcomes promised by comparative advantage theory, it has been emphasized that it suffers serious defects that render it unrealistic and inconsistent with real circumstances in world economics. GATT/WTO export-led growth system which is based on comparative advantage may assist countries to achieve economic growth rather than economic development. In order to achieve a sustained economic growth in the per capita income, the state has to achieve a rise in the output per unit of input. The new concept of competitive advantage (rather than comparative advantage) is needed to enable developing countries to achieve competitiveness that raises their standard of living and assist in achieving sustainable economic growth.
Keywords: Distributed system, Grid computations, Resource detection, Resources searching tree, Hierarchical model, Centralized model, TTL, Conscious search, Bitmap based method, Network traffic.