Articles

Comparative Performance of Pre-Commercial vs Existing Maize Hybrids in Zambia

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Maize production in Zambia has remained below the global average, with a national yield of 2,800 kg/ha compared to the world average of 5,000 kg/ha, as reported by FAO. This yield gap is mainly attributed to challenges such as pests, diseases, declining soil fertility and the use of low yielding varieties with limited resistance to pests and diseases, that are not suited to local Agro ecological conditions. To address these challenges, this study was conducted at Agri-Wind in Serenje District, Zambia, to evaluate and compare the performance of six pre-commercial maize hybrids against sixteen commercially available hybrids. A total of twenty-two maize hybrids were assessed, including six pre-commercial varieties (PV17, PV18, PV19, PV20, PV21, PV22) and sixteen commercial varieties (V1 – V16). The trial was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Performance evaluation focused on yield potential, insect and disease resistance, as well as distinctiveness, uniformity, and stability (DUS). Data were analyzed using ANOVA in Field Book (CIMMYT) at a 5% significance level (p = 0.05). Results indicated that V5 and PV19 were the highest-yielding hybrids, producing 5,850.70 kg/ha and 5,498.18 kg/ha, respectively. These varieties, along with PV18, showed strong resistance to Northern Leaf Blight (NLB) and Maize Streak Virus (MSV), making them promising candidates for commercial release. Although PV17 had a lower yield (3,781.05 kg/ha), it demonstrated the best resistance to NLB (score of 1.5), suggesting its potential for disease-prone areas. In contrast, PV21, which had lower yields and weaker disease resistance, was deemed less suitable for release. Generally, PV19, PV18, and PV17 emerged as the most promising pre-commercial hybrids, while V5 was recommended for high-yielding areas. In addition, the DUS analysis revealed superior characteristics in the pre-commercial hybrids, such as enhanced anthocyanin coloration and optimal growth duration, indicating their potential adaptability to local agroecological conditions.

Energize Distribution Transformer 1 at Electrical Engineering Workshop State Polytechnic of Samarinda

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Distribution transformers play a vital role in the electrical infrastructure by converting high voltage from the primary voltage source to a voltage suitable for use by end consumers. The energizing process, which is connecting the distribution transformer to the power source, is a critical stage in the implementation and operation of the electrical network. However, a thorough understanding of the factors that affect the efficiency, safety, and reliability of energizing is needed to ensure optimal transformer performance. The transformer energizing process begins with the secondary side of the transformer being given a voltage of 220/380 V 3 phase 50 Hz as input and making the secondary polarity of the transformer primary. Then the primary side of the transformer changes to the secondary side which outputs a voltage of 20 kV 3 phase 50 Hz. During the energizing process, the current flowing on the input or source side was measured at ± 5 A for each phase, 16.83 A at neutral, and 0.06 A at ground. The results of this process successfully energized the 25 kVA distribution transformer to a step-up with a note of the loss for the induction process indicated by the current flowing on the input side under no-load conditions.

The Traumatic Implications of Sexual Assault on the Academic Performances of Female Students: A Study of Tertiary Institutions in Anambra State

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This research seeks to investigate the traumatic implications of sexual assault of female students of selected tertiary institutions in Anambra State on their academic performance. The specific objectives were to basically assess the relationship between sexual assault and non-attendance to lectures   and the relationship between sexual assault and academic failure. The research was carried out using a descriptive survey design. The population of the study was one thousand three hundred and seventy (896) female students of three selected tertiary institutions under study. Data was collected from primary source using a well structured questionnaire. Designed instrument was validated through content validity using five experts from both the industry and academia. Data were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient at 0.05 probability level of significance aided by computer through the application of statistical packaging for social sciences (SPSS version 23). Findings indicated that: there was a significant relationship between sexual assault(r = 0.104, p = 0.000, p-value < 0.05) and non-attendance to lectures   and the relationship between sexual assault (r = 0.014; p=0.001; p-value < .05) and academic failure. It is recommended that school management should establish counseling units across all tertiary institutions with professional counselors employed to counsel victims as well as encouraging them to move on with their usual academic life.

Analysis of Key Indicators for Reach, Act, Convert, and Engage (RACE) in Social Media Platforms for B2B Companies in Indonesia Using the AHP Method

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B2B marketing involves the sale of products or services between companies, utilizing strategies at the corporate level. In this context, information plays a critical role and has evolved to adapt to modern times. Digital Marketing Communication leverages the latest technology to deliver integrated, efficient, and measurable communication, aiming to build strong relationships with customers. This study aims to analyze and provide recommendations for social media marketing strategies within a B2B company, focusing on selecting the most suitable social media platform for digital marketing activities. The approach centers on the use of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, which is applied to determine the most influential criteria in social media marketing. Key criteria such as reach, act, convert, engage are identified through surveys and interviews with digital marketing experts. The AHP analysis provides a structured approach to evaluating different social media platforms and strategies, helping companies make informed decisions about which platforms will be most effective. The results indicate that the AHP method can yield effective and efficient strategic recommendations for managing social media marketing activities, ultimately reducing the company’s marketing costs. These recommendations are expected to guide B2B companies in optimizing their social media marketing campaigns in the future.

Analysis of Debt Structure and Liquidity on Company Performance with Firm Size as a Moderation Variable: Sub-Sector Food and Beverage Listed on the IDX in the Period 2018-2022

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This research aims to analyze and know the influence of Short-Term Debt, Long Term Debt, Total Debt to Assets, Total Debt to Equity, and Liquidity on Company Performance with Company Size as a moderating variable on manufacturing companies of the consumer goods industry listed in the Indonesia Stock Exchange 2018-2022 period. The population of this research is manufacturing companies in the consumer goods industry sector, which consists of 47 companies. The sampling selection is conducted using the purposive sampling method. Therefore, 38 samples are obtained. The data analysis method in this research was carried out using panel data testing and data processing using the EViews program. The results of this research showed that partially and simultaneously, Short-Term Debt (STD), Long-Term Debt (LTD), and Total Debt to Assets (TDTA) have a significant effect on Company Performance. Firm Size can moderate the impact of Short-Term Debt, Long-Term Debt, Total Debt to Asset, Total Debt to Equity, and Liquidity on Company Performance.

Training Development to Eliminate Competency Gap at Component Rebuild Section (PT LC)

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Workers are an important factor in and have a very important role in carrying out tasks in a company. Companies understand that skilled workers can provide excellent results. Improved worker performance leads to increased productivity and desired results, thus affecting the quality of the product.  Competence is a key factor that improves employee performance. This level of proficiency has a direct impact on the work of each worker. The current problem is that there is a difference in competence between the company’s needs and the competence of the available workforce. The subjects of this research are employees of PT Lignite Coal, especially those who work in the Component Development Section and the objects in this study are work competency variables and employee performance. The instruments used in data collection are observation, focus group discussions and interviews and data management or documents related to existing training. This research uses an analysis method with an open coding process. Open coding is an approach to theme pieces and incorporates several concepts identified during data collection in an organized and systematic way. By obtaining data related to competency gaps that occur in the Component Rebuild Section, it can be analyzed for training programs developed from existing training programs to be more on target and according to work needs in the Component Rebuild Section so that there are no more competency gaps. The research data shows that there is a competency gap that occurs due to differences in the adaptability, knowledge and expertise of each tradesperson in the component rebuild section (remanufacturing process).

The results of this study indicate that training has a positive and significant effect on increasing employee competence which can improve employee performance which affects the quality of the product. Training programs with the right material and the right delivery method by adapting to the latest technology will greatly help in eliminating competency gaps and developing employee competencies so that employees are able to work well where employees are able to adapt to new technology and are able to increase their knowledge which in turn is able to analyze and provide recommendations for improvements which ultimately affect the performance of components that are able to achieve the specified target life.

Financial Dynamics of Listed Banks in Pakistan: Exploring the Interplay between Cost-Income Ratio, Capital Adequacy, and Performance Metrics

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This study delves into the relationship between the Cost-Income Ratio, Capital Adequacy, and the performance of listed banks in Pakistan. Drawing data from 2014 to 2022 annual reports, the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) in STATA version 18 is employed for analysis. The findings disclose a negative connection between capital adequacy and performance, particularly return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE). While the correlation lacks statistical significance for ROA, it becomes significant in the context of ROE. Additionally, a statistically significant negative correlation is identified between the cost-income ratio and both ROA and ROE. Total equity debt displays a negative relationship, achieving significance concerning ROA. Bank size demonstrates a significant negative correlation with both ROA and ROE. GDP exhibits a positive link, significant only with ROE. These findings contribute valuable insights into the dynamics of financial indicators influencing bank performance in the Pakistani context.

The Influence of Work Motivation and Organizational Culture on Performance Mediated by Work Discipline of Employees of the One Stop Integrated Service and Investment Service, Tapin Regency, South Kalimantan Province

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The purpose of this study was to determine and analyze the significant influence of motivation, organizational culture on work discipline, significant influence of motivation and organizational culture on employee performance, significant influence of work discipline on employee performance, analyze work discipline mediate work motivation on performance and analyze work discipline mediate culture organization on the performance of employees of the Investment Service and One Stop Integrated Service in Tapin Regency, South Kalimantan Province. In this study, data analysis and hypothesis testing were carried out using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis with the SmartPLS 3.0 application. The results of the study show that there is an influence of organizational culture and motivation on employee work discipline, there is no influence of motivation and organizational culture on performance, there is an influence of work discipline on performance, work discipline does not mediate the influence of motivation on employee performance of the Regency Investment and One-Stop Service Office. Tapin.

The Future of Nickel Mining Industry – Study at PT VALE

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Indonesia is the world’s largest producer of nickel. With the increasing global demand for nickel, it presents an opportunity for Indonesia to enhance its revenue potential through the export of nickel ore. Concurrently, the Government of the Republic of Indonesia has implemented policies to promote the downstream processing of nickel ore, thereby creating a multiplier effect on the country’s economy. PT VALE Indonesia stands as one of the largest nickel mining companies in Indonesia. The opportunity to process nickel ore holds the potential for added value and profits for PT VALE Indonesia. However, the production and sales of nickel by the company have experienced a decline over the years. This becomes intriguing as valuing the company requires forecasting nickel prices.

This research analyzes the historical performance of PT VALE Indonesia and provides insights into potential further declines in performance, offering strategic steps as preventive measures for the company’s sustainability. Utilizing nickel price projections and pro forma methods, this research represents a form of company valuation study. Additionally, it sheds light for investors that, as of December 30, 2022, the company was undervalued by the market.

Welfare Packages and Staff Performance in Polytechnics in Anambra State South East, Nigeria

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 The study examined welfare packages and staff’s performance in selected polytechnics in Anambra state, Nigeria. It identified the types of employee welfare packages that are being enjoyed by staff of the polytechnics, it explored into the relationship between welfare package and staff’s performance, and  determined ways in which adequate employee welfare can enhance the performance of  staff of the selected polytechnics in Anambra state. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study was guided by three research questions. The population of the study consisted of 1,600 Academic and Non-teaching (non-academic) staff of Anambra state Polytechnics Mgbakwu, Federal Polytechnics Oko, Grundvig Polytechnics Oba.  A sample size of 280 was obtained from the population using Borg and Gall’s formula. Data was collected from primary and secondary sources. A questionnaire structured on 5point Likert scale was used for data collection. The data collected was analyzed using percentage count, frequency and mean based on data related to the research questions and the Pearson Correlation. The results of the study showed that the employee welfare packages enjoyed by the staff of the selected polytechnics in Anambra state are Educational promotion programmes, Capacity building Programmes and Subsidized transport fare. The study revealed that adequate employee welfare packages could enhance staff performance by promoting staff job commitment and satisfaction as well as enhance productivity and efficiency in the utilization of resources. The study recommended that there should be continuous provisions for staff welfare packages such that could be so motivating to increase work morale and increase employees’ work efficiency among staff of Polytechnics in Anambra state.