This research assesses the role of the National Assembly in Nigeria in the formulation of the country’s foreign policy between 2015 and 2021 using an all-public and declassified document big data institutionalist approach. The article breaks away from the perception-driven narratives that dominate the field by creating a rich longitudinal database comprising over 2,400 plenary debates, over 1,100 motions, 320 treaty-related activities, military deployment votes, budget appropriations, and recorded inter-parliamentary interactions. Using the lens of institutional intergovernmentalism, the article conceptualizes the legislative role in the formulation of the country’s foreign policy in four dimensions: ratification, scrutiny of foreign affairs, military deployment, and parliamentary diplomacy. The article presents a methodological approach to studying the intergovernmental dynamics of the executive-legislative relationship in the formulation of the country’s foreign policy, one that is both systematic and empirically driven. Results The results reveal that there is a noticeable trend in the visibility of the legislative role in the formulation of the country’s foreign policy that materialized in the form of a deepening scrutiny of treaties, the enhancement of legislative participation in regional parliamentary bodies, the augmentation of the oversight procedures of the legislature, as well as the more proactive onstage and off-stage roles in the formulation of the country’s foreign policy with a focus on diasporic issues. However, the results reveal that the executive holds the upper hand in the formulation of the country’s foreign policy in areas such as agenda-setting, treaty negotiation, security policy formulation, and the initiation of public expenditure. The article provides an alternative open-source model for the study of the legislative role in the formulation of the country’s foreign policy in fledgling democracies. Received: 06 March 2026 / Accepted: 30 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
This study examined how integrated participatory project life-cycle management practices influence the performance of mango farming projects. It assessed the application of participatory approaches across project initiation, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, as well as the constraints limiting their effectiveness. Using a pragmatism paradigm and a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 375 respondents (drawn from a population of 12,622 using the Krejcie and Morgan formula), along with interviews from 15 key informants. Findings revealed a strong positive relationship between combined participatory practices and project performance (r = 0.822, p < .01). Regression results indicated that these practices explained 66.8% of the variance in performance (R² = 0.668), with a significant positive effect (B = 0.88, p < .001). Key barriers included limited institutional support, inadequate information, market instability, financial constraints, pest and disease challenges, low technical skills, and weak extension services. The study recommends strengthening integrated participatory approaches and addressing systemic barriers to enhance project performance, sustainability, and farmer livelihoods. Received: 02 March 2026 / Accepted: 30 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of energy policies in facilitating the adoption of clean energy in Zimbabwe. This study employed a qualitative research design, focusing on policy analysis and case studies. The sampling technique utilized was purposive sampling, specifically targeting significant renewable energy policies and initiatives within Zimbabwe. Data collection involved key informant interviews complemented by documentary analysis. The interviewees were officials from the energy and climate change sectors. The data sources included government documents, investment reports, and energy sector statistics, such as the integrated resource plan, the national renewable energy policy, and reports from the International Renewable Energy Agency concerning Zimbabwe. The information obtained from the interviews was analyzed to assess the participants' experiences, knowledge, and viewpoints related to the study. Notable findings indicate that the policies have been effective in integrating renewables into Zimbabwe's energy mix, attracting investors, and generating employment, despite the projects being predominantly small-scale. Challenges identified include outdated infrastructure and the necessity for tariff reductions to entice independent power producers. The conclusions drawn emphasize the importance of implementing policies that attract independent power producers and the urgent need to upgrade aging infrastructure. Received: 07 March 2026 / Accepted: 30 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
This paper examines the interplay of death anxiety and absurdity in the poetry of Maki Kureishi through the philosophical frameworks of Albert Camus and Irvin D. Yalom. While existential philosophy traditionally posits the awareness of death as a catalyst for authentic engagement with life, Kureishi’s poetry presents a strikingly different trajectory. Through close textual analysis of selected poems from The Far Thing, this study argues that death awareness in Kureishi’s work produces not revolt but withdrawal, not meaning-making but existential stagnation. The poetic subject is confronted with an absurd universe devoid of inherent meaning, yet fails to respond with the defiant affirmation advocated by Camus. Instead, the subject internalizes absurdity as a condition of paralysis, resulting in a poetics of suspended existence. By situating Kureishi within existential and postcolonial discourse, this paper proposes that her work represents a critical reconfiguration of Absurdism, shaped by cultural, psychological, and socio-political constraints. The study contributes to contemporary literary scholarship by foregrounding the limits of existential revolt in non-Western contexts. Received: 03 March 2026 / Accepted: 30 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
Ondo State is faced with various safety concerns in its residential environment, including home fire incidents, and miscreant activities. This study therefore appraised safety facilities in housing units in Ondo State, Nigeria. The physical characteristics of housing units, the safety conditions of housing units, and effects of safety facilities in housing units among others were examined.The study employed multistage sampling procedure. Random sampling technique was employed to select three local government areas across the three senatorial districts in Ondo State, while sample size of 400 was drawn from the population of 1,150,600 in the three selected local government areas. Reconnaissance survey of the study area was carried out and thereafter, proportional allocation sampling technique was employed to select the sample size of 400 in the selected local government areas; questionnaire was systematically administered, every fifth residential building was selected, targeting either the landlord or tenant. Secondary data were sourced from journals, newspapers, internet, Ondo State Ministry of Works and Transport as well as National Bureau of Statistics. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for the data analysis.The study revealed that safety facilities such as fencing (x ?=2.41), emergency exits (x ?=2.41), and guard dogs (x ?=1.95) were available in most housing units, while fire extinguishers, first aid equipment, and security guards were lacking in other housing units. The study revealed that the respondents were satisfied with some basic safety features, but dissatisfied with others, particularly those that involve higher maintenance and technical investment. Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis revealed strong positive correlation coefficient (r = 0.301, p = 0.039<0.05) between availability of safety facilities and sustainable housing units condition. Received: 07 March 2026 / Accepted: 29 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
This study investigates the influence of leadership style on the relationship between project initiation and the sustainability of donor-funded projects in the Tabora Region of Tanzania. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from key project stakeholders to assess how leadership practices shape project outcomes. The findings indicate that project initiation significantly enhances program success (? = 0.451), while leadership style plays a strong mediating role (R = 0.766; R² = 0.586), accounting for 24.77% of the effect. The results suggest that effective leadership strengthens the link between sound initiation practices and sustainable outcomes. The study highlights the importance of adopting appropriate leadership frameworks and appointing competent leaders early in the project lifecycle to improve long-term project success, accountability, and overall impact. Received: 08 March 2026 / Accepted: 28 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
This exploratory study examines how artificial intelligence (AI) applications in global supply chain management, enterprise resource planning, and logistics operations can inform and benefit Cambodian industries. Through analysis of case studies spanning retail giants (Walmart, Amazon, Apple), logistics leaders (DHL, UPS), manufacturing innovators (furniture customization, Industry 4.0), agricultural technology platforms, and service sectors, this research identifies best practices in AI implementation across multiple domains. Key applications include demand forecasting, inventory management, route optimization, fraud detection, sustainability initiatives, quality management, and customer relationship management. Findings reveal that AI technologies, particularly machine learning, predictive analytics, computer vision, and natural language processing deliver substantial operational improvements including cost reductions of 20-30%, enhanced delivery efficiency, improved compliance rates up to 98%, and significant environmental benefits. For Cambodia's emerging digital economy, these applications present opportunities across e-commerce logistics, agricultural supply chains, manufacturing, retail innovation, and service delivery. However, implementation challenges include high initial costs, data infrastructure requirements, technical expertise gaps, digital literacy barriers, and the need for phased adoption strategies. The study concludes that strategic, sector-specific AI adoption adapted to Cambodia's infrastructure realities and market characteristics—could significantly enhance operational efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability across Cambodian industries, particularly in urban centers where digital infrastructure and consumer readiness are most advanced. Received: 03 March 2026 / Accepted: 30 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
With the advent of Crypto-Welfare, it is becoming clear that cryptocurrencies and complementary social currencies (SCCs) can serve as innovative tools for reducing poverty and promoting financial inclusion. SCCs strengthen local economies by promoting internal trade, while cryptocurrencies provide a decentralised global platform, improving access to financial resources. The synergy of blockchain technology in crypto-welfare programmes improves transparency and efficiency in resource distribution, minimising corruption. Case studies, such as the CARE Crypto Fund Project and the Microwork Project, demonstrate how cryptocurrency-based initiatives can empower vulnerable communities. Cryptocurrency vouchers enable financial independence for women, while stablecoins simplify transactions and strengthen economic stability. However, challenges remain, including limited digital access in underdeveloped areas and regulatory uncertainties. Governments and NGOs are encouraged to invest in digital infrastructure and educational programmes to maximise the benefits of these initiatives. Cryptocurrency-based welfare programmes show significant potential in addressing socio-economic disparities and creating opportunities for sustainable development globally. Received: 01 March 2026 / Accepted: 30 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
This study aims to examine the effects of critical reading instruction on students’ reading attitudes in an EFL classroom. The results revealed several educational implications for both learners and educators. It offered an academic approach to mitigating the significant reading challenges faced by secondary school students. This study employed a quasi-experimental design, specifically a non randomized control group framework. To collect data, pre-test and post-test questionnaires were administered. The research was conducted at sena Ghimbi Secondary school, located in Ghimbi Town, Oromia region, Ethiopia.a questionnaires served as the primary instrument for data collection in this study. Prior to its application, the researcher assessed the validity and reliability of the instrument. Subsequently, the gathered data were analyzed using a t-test. The findings of the study indicate that the attitude of the students in the experimental group, who were taught using the critical reading instruction approach is more positive compared to those who did not receive this instruction. Consequently, it is advisable for subject area teachers to provide their students with more opportunities to practice critical reading strategies, rather than relying solely on a limited set of strategies. Received: 03 March 2026 / Accepted: 30 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
In the modern economy, digital fraud has become a fund- mental socio-technical process which is integrated in everyday organizational, technological and institutional workings. The dominance of compliance-based risk methodologies remains challenged, as they tend to priorities reactive enforcement actions over adaptive and anticipatory governance ones. Based on institutional theory and strategic risk governance, this article presents a?Three-Pillar Resilience Model that treats fraud risk governance as a strategic competence consisting of structural vigilance, technological intelligence and cultural viability. Structural vigilance?increases board responsibility, cohesiveness of internal control and audit scrutiny. Technological intelligence utilizes AI-based anomaly detection, blockchain-enabled audit architectures and predictive?analytics, for continuous, real-time monitoring. Cultural viability improves ethical climate, protection of?the whistleblower and normative commitment to integrity. The model proposes?a multi-fold governance model and argues that the joint effects of structural, technological, and cultural controls produce nonlinear reductions in fraud risk that are greater than isolated controls. The paper advances the literature on institutional and risk governance by conceptualizing fraud prevention?as a dynamic capability rather than a compliance activity. Integrating fraud governance with enterprise strategy, the model provides a?scalable guide for anticipatory resilience in increasingly digitized and networked economies. Received: 16 March 2026 / Accepted: 30 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
Against the backdrop of a fast-evolving, ever-more uncertain global environment marked by shifting geopolitical configurations, technological upset, climate change, and economic instability, regional formations such as the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) are forced to reassess their strategic positioning and develop economic resilience. This study critically examines the effects of globalization on Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa's capacity to negotiate structural vulnerabilities and leverage its regional integration agenda towards sustainable development. Specifically, the study investigates how macroeconomic instability, commodity export reliance, low diversification, external debt tensions, pandemic shocks, and climate risk have impacted Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa regional strategy and development outcomes. Drawing upon a mixed-methods approach—integrating cross-country data analysis with qualitative expert interviews—the analysis assesses how much Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa is building institutional and economic resilience to global shocks. The findings reveal that despite policy progress towards intraregional trade liberalization and industrial policy integration, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa continues to be constrained by institutional capacity constraints, low investment in human capital, and unequal digital infrastructure.. This involves reimagining value chains in the region, enhancing policy coherence, green climate-resilient investments in infrastructure, and pursuing strategic relations beyond traditional development cooperation. The paper concludes with policy recommendations towards long-term building of regional resilience, from institutional transformation, targeted capacity building, and growth models that align with the 2050 Vision of COMESA. Received: 07 March 2026 / Accepted: 30 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
This study examines whether institutional quality and financial development enhance the effectiveness of foreign aid in reducing poverty in Pakistan. Using a dynamic panel dataset spanning 1995-2025, the study employs a System Generalized Method of Moments (System GMM) estimator to address endogeneity, persistence, and unobserved heterogeneity. The model incorporates interaction terms between foreign aid and institutional quality, as well as between aid and financial development, to capture conditional effects. The results indicate that foreign aid significantly reduces poverty; however, its effectiveness is strongly conditioned by domestic institutional and financial environments. Strong institutions and developed financial systems amplify the poverty-reducing impact of aid, while weak governance and financial underdevelopment constrain it. The findings highlight the importance of complementary reforms in maximizing aid effectiveness. Received: 02 March 2026 / Accepted: 28 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
The role(s) of China in Africa and in particular to the Republic of Zimbabwe has often been viewed by many scholars as polar and more to benefit the Republic of China than the later. This paper examines this allegation with the motive to craft strategies that will suggest a symbiotic economic scenario between the dyad in the Construction Industry. Researched anecdotes have pointed at the economic relationship between these two countries as of a parasitic nature, nurturing dependency, poor labour practices, and exclusion of local stakeholders on the part of the Republic of Zimbabwe when compared to the official and unrecorded exploits on the essential raw materials by the Republic of China. This is despite real infrastructural developments the Republic of Zimbabwe has achieved within the economic networks with the Republic of China. This paper uses a case study approach to identify critical strategies for rebalancing the economic relationship, including stricter local content policies, technology transfer, transparency, joint ventures, and sustainable infrastructure planning. The paper takes the position that, there is need by the Republic of Zimbabwe to subject it economic situation to both structural reforms and policy shifts towards Chinese enterprises to achieve equitable economic outputs and outcomes. Received: 08 November 2025 /Accepted: 29 December 2025 /Published: January 2026
The South China Sea is a focal point for tensions between international law, great-power politics, and regional security in the Asia-Pacific region. This article critically analyses the 2016 arbitral award in Philippines v. China under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and considers the implications of China’s persistent defiance. Drawing on a multidisciplinary approach combining legal analysis, International Relations theory, and geopolitics, the paper argues that the arbitration did clarify legal entitlements (dismissing China’s expansive ‘nine-dash line’ claims, clarifying the legal status of maritime features, and recognising the Philippines’ EEZ rights), but has not led to a modification of China’s strategic conduct. The paper illustrates how China’s militarization of artificial islands, control over sea lanes, and wielding of economic and diplomatic influence represent limits to what international law enforcement can compel when a major power is its subject. These trends highlight the friction between written law and power politics, expose the fragility of UNCLOS enforcement mechanisms, and reveal the potential in multilaterally-driven diplomacy, regional security architecture, and integrated governance approaches that address legal, environmental, and strategic concerns. The South China Sea case thus provides lasting lessons about the efficacy of international maritime law, the role of smaller states in formulating legal claims, and the prospects for a rules-based order in contested waters. Received: 18 November 2025 /Accepted: 30 December 2025 /Published:January 2026
This article examines the process of migrant integration in Western Europe from a sociological perspective, with a specific focus on migrants from third countries. Integration is conceptualized as a complex, multidimensional, and bidirectional process shaped by interactions between migrants and host societies. Drawing on classical and contemporary sociological theories, including approaches to assimilation, multiculturalism, and transnationalism, the study highlights the relevance of structural, social, cultural, and political dimensions in shaping integration trajectories.The article adopts a qualitative methodology based on a systematic review of sociological literature, policy documents, and institutional reports produced by the OECD, the European Commission, and the International Organization for Migration. These sources are used to analyze key forms and indicators of integration, such as labor market participation, access to education and housing, social relations, cultural adaptation, and civic and political engagement, within the context of Western European integration policies.The analysis indicates that migrants from third countries face more substantial barriers to integration than native populations and intra-EU migrants. These challenges include legal and administrative constraints, labor market segmentation, overqualification, discrimination, limited social networks, and restricted opportunities for civic participation. The article concludes that effective integration requires comprehensive and inclusive policy approaches that address structural inequalities, promote social cohesion, and support mutual adaptation between migrants and host societies. This multidimensional sociological perspective contributes to ongoing academic debates and provides a foundation for future empirical research and evidence-based policymaking. Received: 12 November 2025 / Accepted: 28 December 2025 / Published: January 2026
The speed of new technology evolvement and globalization continues to cause environmental market challenges that impact the production industry in complexity and competitiveness as the volume of customization increases. The research study aims to design a structured integration of lean and agile methodologies as a unified approach to address the issue of product underperformance as technology evolves. The study found that there is no existing structured methodology that combines lean and agile methodologies as a single method to support customer satisfaction and expectations. Many experienced companies have developed their own unique, unstructured methods that combine both lean and agile methodologies. Still, they continue to face challenges such as production dilemmas, resistance, and skepticism as technology evolves. The lean method manages predictability while the agile methodology manages unpredictability. The technological innovation of today creates uncertainties that lead to a product's life cycle experiencing both predictable and unpredictable effects. This study employed a six-action framework to integrate lean and agile methodologies in managing product underperformance. The study used the Taguchi design of the experiment to support a robust improvement integration process. The results showed that integrating lean and agile methodologies offers better efficiency and effectiveness than using either a single lean or agile methodology. Received: 19 November 2025 / Accepted: 31 December 2025 / Published: January 2026
Figurative language is a central mechanism through which human communication transcends literal expression to achieve richer semantic depth. This study investigates the role of figurative expressions in linguistic communication with particular focus on their semantic functions. Anchored on Perrine’s (1969) Theory of Figurative Functions, the research explores how figurative language enhances meaning through imaginative pleasure, additional imagery, emotional intensity, and means of concentration. A qualitative descriptive design was employed, using data purposefully extracted from the New Oxford Secondary School Course SS1. Figurative instances including metaphors, similes, personification, hyperbole, and idioms were identified, categorized, and thematically analyzed. Findings reveal that figurative expressions function as powerful communicative tools that transform abstract concepts into concrete imagery, intensify emotional tone, and condense complex meanings into concise and memorable forms. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these expressions encode cultural values, reinforce social consciousness, and foster interpretive engagement among users. The study concludes that figurative language remains indispensable to meaning-making, enabling speakers to convey subtle nuances, evoke vivid mental representations, and achieve communicative precision across linguistic contexts. Received: 18 November 2025 / Accepted: 29 December 2025 / Published: January 2026
Democracy in Uganda has evolved in a stop-start fashion since the overthrow of Idi Amin, and its regional foreign policy has been brash if not aggressive. Consequently, Uganda has played a direct role in nearly all of its neighbours and beyond. The transformation of its foreign policy can be accounted for by the interplay between the military and the political class, whose worldviews and ideologies are Pan Africanist, one way or another. Their behaviour has been based on a petrodollar-fueled gunboat diplomacy that the discourages the use of soft power. This paper applies an actor-specific theory to analyze the impact of Uganda’s foreign policy behaviour of military and political élite activity within the region. And it observes that the military constituency has shaped Uganda’s foreign policy to such an extent that the threat, and occasional recourse, to force marks Uganda’s relations with immediate neighbors and even those far away—those that pose an existential threat to Uganda in particular, solid and constant threat. This has been the setting for the country’s military incursions in the Central African Republic, Somalia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, Rwanda and Kenya. It argues that the endurance of the country's foreign policy in the region rests on the hybridization of the actors and a neologism that consists of a military, a political elite and other critical foreign policy capacities. This would bring the country’s foreign policy in regional integration to look legitimate. Received: 18 November 2025 / Accepted: 28 December 2025 / Published: January 2026
Throughout the twentieth century, human labor was the primary driver of economic expansion, with capital serving as a supplement. But the emergence of digital automation, robots, and artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly upset this equilibrium. Once associated with the creation of jobs, investment now frequently results in the displacement of workers as technical capital replaces human labor. The study focuses on the recent conversion of the classical production function, which is typically expressed as Y = f(L, K, T, E), into what is known as the modern K_T, a technological capital-dominated conversion. According to the analysis, as productivity rises, labor's contribution to employment and wages decreases, leading to social and budgetary imbalances. In addition to endangering the viability of PAYG (Pay-as-you-go) pension plans and enhancing state finances, these structural shifts force politicians to reconsider taxation, redistribution, and the social compact in a world where the creation of economic value is less dependent on human labor. Received: 02 December 2025 / Accepted: 31 December 2025 / Published: January 2026
This study investigates the face-threatening acts (FTAs) in organizational meetings, with a particular focus on how they are represented in the writing and presentation of minutes across political, religious, and educational institutions in Abuja, Nigeria. Drawing on Brown and Levinson’s (1987) Politeness Theory, the research explores how institutional participants employ four main politeness strategies (bald on record, positive politeness, negative politeness, and off record) to negotiate authority, maintain harmony, and preserve institutional face. Using a qualitative descriptive design, minutes were analyzed as both linguistic and sociocultural artifacts that encode patterns of power, deference, and solidarity. Findings reveal that minute writing is not a neutral act of record keeping but a pragmatic process shaped by cultural norms of respect, hierarchy, and collective identity. Bald-on-record strategies function to assert authority and ensure efficiency; positive politeness strategies build solidarity and motivate cooperation; negative politeness strategies express deference and mitigate imposition; and off-record strategies manage sensitivity through indirectness and depersonalization. The study concludes that organizational minutes are inherently politeness texts that balance administrative precision with relational diplomacy, reflecting the intersection of language, culture, and institutional power in Nigerian workplace communication. Received: 18 November 2025 / Accepted: 31 December 2025 / Published: January 2026
