Vol 6 Issue 4 October 2018-December 2018

Abstract: This study aims to identify challenges in implementing BL from the perspective of English lecturers in three premier polytechnics in Malaysia. Two research questions were addressed in this study and four constructs were tested using a survey method. Data was gathered from 64 lecturers through the self-administered questionnaires and supported by the email interview from five lecturers in acquiring an in-depth understanding of the study. The result indicates the challenges in adopting BL are mainly concerned with the increase in workload, teaching design, facilities and technical support. In term of online pedagogy, majority of the respondents are unsure with their ability to use technology in presenting effective learning content and additional information. Other challenges which reflect  greatly on the role of administration support include lack of appropriate platform to share lessons and teaching materials, lack of  pedagogical training  and facilities to support BL implementation. Several aspects were also identified to be improved under pedagogical, technological and administration support in ensuring successful implementation of BL in Malaysia polytechnics.

Keywords: Challenges, Blended learning, English lecturers, Polytechnics.

Title: Discovering Challenges of Blended Learning among Premier Polytechnic English Lecturers

Author: Norfaizah bt Bidin

International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research 

ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)

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Abstract: The general objectives of this project were to evaluate influence of procurement practices of implementation on humanitarian projects in Kenya. A case of selected humanitarian organizations in Turkana County. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: to determine the influence of procurement planning on the implementation of humanitarian projects in Kenya; to establish the influence of procurement ethics on the implementation of humanitarian projects in Kenya; to find out the influence of procurement risk on the implementation of humanitarian projects in Kenya and to find out the influence of electronic procurement on the implementation of humanitarian projects in Kenya. The study used descriptive design because it enhanced systematic description that is as accurate, valid and reliable as possible regarding the responses. The study was limited to Handicap International staff attached to the procurement department. In this organization, a population of 450 respondents was targeted, out of which a sample of 135 members representing 30% of target population was drawn using stratified random sampling method. Being an academic study, the period covered was 6 months. This study utilized a sample size of 135.The use of 135 respondents in the study was justified as it was in line with the recommendations of Mugenda and Mugenda  who indicated that a descriptive study should include at least 30% of the total population. Since the sample size of 135 represented 30% of the population it was deemed appropriate. The researcher used questionnaires and secondary data as the research instrument to gather the relevant information needed related to the study. In addition the study used multiple regression analysis to analyze the data. The study concluded that procurement planning had a significant and a positive effect on implementation of humanitarian projects in Kenya. The study also concluded that procurement ethics had a significant and a positive effect on implementation of humanitarian projects in Kenya. The study further concluded that procurement risk had a significant and a positive effect on implementation of humanitarian projects in Kenya. Finally, the study concluded that electronic procurement had a significant and positive effect on the implementation of humanitarian projects in Kenya. This study therefore recommends that humanitarian organizations should develop the resource requirements needs for their department to allow procurement department proper budgetary allocation vote to the needs of the department to avoid wastages of resources and where over spending without planning a risk factor for procurement professionals. This study also recommends that humanitarian organizations should put in place an ethics’ policy and thorough training done to all procurement staff in order to have a wide knowledge on how to deal with ethical issues. The study further recommends that humanitarian organizations should enhance project risk management strategies as this would improve efficiency in implementation of humanitarian’s projects in Kenya. Finally the study recommends that humanitarians organizations should invest in information technology especially e-procurement in their procurement departments to ensure that the procurement process are made more efficient towards aiding implementation of humanitarian’s projects in such organization without necessarily compromising the integrity of any procurement process.

Keywords: Procurement Planning, Procurement Ethics, Procurement Risk And Electronic Procurement.

Title: INFLUENCE OF PROCUREMENT PRACTICES ON IMPLEMENTATION ON HUMANITATRIAN PROJECTS IN KENYA. A CASE OF SELECTED HUMANITARIAN ORGANIZATIONS IN TURKANA COUNTY

Author: Muthoka Peter Kimanthi, Dr. Samson Nyang’au Paul

International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research 

ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)

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Abstract: Price mechanism allows the determination of ways to allocate resources among different goods and services as a result of the interaction of consumers and business outfits. It is the process by which changes in prices guide and shape changes in the value and types of the goods and services that are produced. This however may be a complex situation since pricing is dynamic. Also, since consumers and business outfits strife to maximize their benefits, it is important to establish price mechanism in a socialist economy. This study, hereby presents how price mechanism works in a socialist economy, the merits and limitations comparatively with other market economies. The paper concluded that the existence of price mechanism has little or no relevance in a socialist economy. This implies that the situation may not be operative in a socialist economy where all decision making lies within the government forces. Price mechanism is a distinguishing feature of a free market economy which does not pertain to a socialist economy.

Keywords: Price mechanism, consumers, businesses, producers, socialism, socialist economy.

Title: UNDERSTANDING PRICE MECHANISM IN A SOCIALIST ECONOMY

Author: Park O. Idisi, Ibukun Joyce Ogwu, Wofai Onen Obeten

International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research 

ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)

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Abstract: The major objective of the study was to find out the level of using smartphone among higher secondary school students. Sample of 260 higher secondary students were selected randomly from Tirunelveli district. Survey method was adopted for the study. Data were analysed by t-test. The findings of the study revealed that there is significant difference was found in the usage of smartphone among higher secondary school Students with regard to locality of school and study group.

Keywords: Smartphone usage, Higher secondary students.

Title: USAGE OF SMARTPHONE AMONG HIGHER SECONDARY STUDENTS WITH SELECT SOME DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES

Author: T.Vanaja, Dr.A.Veliappan

International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research 

ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)

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Abstract: Performance appraisal is one of the areas institutions use to determine the potential of its employees. Performance appraisal can be defined as systematic assessment of how well employees are performing their duties relation to established standards. This paper aims to explore how management of secondary schools in Kenya can be affective through the teacher performance appraisal and development tools. The appraisal system implemented by the Kenyan government through teachers service commission is discussed in details and suggestions on how secondary schools can efficiently managed via teacher appraisal highlighted.

Keywords: Management, performance, appraisal and development.

Title: Effective management of secondary school in Kenya through teacher performance appraisal and development (TPAD)

Author: Daniel Mungai Njuguna

International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research 

ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)

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Abstract: Most initiatives of wildlife conservation in Africa are geared towards the objective of integrating the riverine communities in the centre of management. In the case of Cameroon, the wildlife law does not recognise indigenous knowledge in conservation matters of wildlife; meanwhile it is very effective in this exercise. This study was initiated to carry out an inventory of indigenous knowledge available within the riverine communities surrounding the Dja Biosphere Reserve (DBR) on conservation matters. The methods of work adopted were the collection of data through questionnaires, focus group discussions and information obtained was synthesised. Data was collected in 47 villages from 4 clusters (North-South-East-West) of the DBR. In each of these clusters, questionnaires were administered to resource persons, giving a total of 120 questionnaires. A total of 16 animal species benefited sustainable management by indigenous means in the zone amongst which are 56% (9 species), 25% and 19% (2 species) which are class A, B and C respectively. About 71% of the indigenous knowledge identified appears to be effective in the sustainable management of wildlife. The indigenous knowledge was grouped into 4 categories (totems, prohibitions, chiefs’ authorisation and dissemination agents). This knowledge that is more or less effective can be capitalised upon and taken into account in the texts in force which regulate hunting in order to reinforce the management of the concerned species amongst which 9 of the 16 species identified within this indigenous knowledge  are classes A and 4 are of class B. The wildlife law shall be more efficient with the consideration of indigenous knowledge in the texts in force, in compatibility with the objectives of sustainable management of wildlife for which this study has permitted to identify in the DBR.

Keywords: Wildlife, Conservation, Indigenous knowledge, Sustainable management, Dja Reserve Biosphere, Cameroon.

Title: Indigenous knowledge as a tool for Wildlife Conservation in the Dja Biosphere Reserve, Cameroon

Author: Tabue Mbobda Roger Bruno, Chimi Djomo Cédric, Djanteng Seme Phanuella, Nanfack Arsel d'Estaing , Noiha Noumi Valery , Barnabas Neba Nfornkah, Forbi Preasious Funwi, Kabelong Banoho Louis Paul Roger, Zekeng Jules Christian, Awono Nkoa Jean-Paul, Wabo Puemo Frank, Ngoma Louis Roger, Zapfack Louis

International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research 

ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)

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Abstract: The primary concern of many organizations is the systematic utilization of logistics competence in order to sustain their lead upon competitors. Similarly, to gain competitive power, organizations use logistics capability strategically and meet customer expectations consistently. Thus, need to establish logistic capabilities among many manufacturing firms. Thus, the general objective of the study was to determine role of logistic capability on supply chain performance of manufacturing firms in Kenya. A case of Unilever Ltd. The study specific objectives were to determine effect process capability, flexibility capability, service reliability capability and information integration capability on supply chain performance of manufacturing firms. The study was informed by Dynamic Capabilities Theory, Transaction Cost Economics Theory and Resource-Based Theory of the Firm. This study adopted an explanatory research design.  The study population specifically focused on 189 employees. The study applied stratified and simple random sampling to slecet 128 staffs to whom questionnaires were provided. The study used questionnaires to collect data from respondents. The reliability of the instruments was established using the Cronbach Alpha Coefficient tests. The study used descriptive and inferential statistics. In descriptive analysis, the study used percentage, frequencies, means and standard deviations. Inferential statistics was done and Pearson correlation coefficient to find out whether there is correlation between the study variables in order to generate the values of the coefficients. The findings revealed that process capability plays a critical role in influencing supply chain performance. For instance, the use of technology which has tremendously reduced the total costs incurred in the firm’s operations. Besides, through flexibility capability, firms are able to have a competitive advantage over competitors since the material flow is tailored to meet customer’s requirements. Also, technology integration is responsible for the improvement in products and processes in accordance with the changing market demands. Therefore, it is crucial for firms to incorporate a logistic development strategy that addresses the specific requirements of the target markets. Moreover, there is need for continuous innovation and improvement through the provision of different logistic services. In addition, firms need to accumulate resources and competencies which allow them to have a more developed technological capability than their competitors. Finally, firms need to simplify the logistic process and ensure that their logistic services are unique

Keywords: Process capability, Flexibility capability, Information integration capability, Service reliability capability and Supply chain performance.

Title: ROLE OF LOGISTIC CAPABILITY ON SUPPLY CHAIN PERFORMANCE OF MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN KENYA: A CASE OF UNILEVER LTD

Author: Onesmus Mutuku, Dr. Anaya W. Senelwa

International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research 

ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)

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Abstract: Procurement performance of the manufacturing firms is considered as a source of concern to both public and private sector clients. Manufacturing firm’s performance remains a prominent issue in service delivery all over the world. However, in a manufacturing firm, there is a growing concern regarding the reasons why the requisite objectives are not achieved as per the public expectation. Thus, the general objective of the study was to determine the effect of supply chain linkages and procurement performance in manufacturing firms: a case of Kenya breweries limited. The study-specific objectives were to determine the effect of customer linkages on procurement performance, to establish the effect of supplier linkages on procurement performance, to assess the effect of internal linkages on procurement performance, to establish the effect of information-based linkages on procurement performance in Kenyan manufacturing firms. The study was informed by the Transaction Cost Economics Theory, Institutional Theory and Resources based theory. The study type utilised descriptive research design and employed quantitative approaches.  The target population encompassed 115 employees drawn from five major departments of EABL headquarters in Kenya. Simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 86 employees. The study used questionnaires to collect primary data. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistical techniques which included frequencies, means, and standard deviations. Pearson Product Moment correlations were used to establish the relationships between the variables. Multiple regressions were used to establish the cause-effect relationships. The findings indicated that customer linkages, supplier linkages, internal linkages and IT-based linkages had a positive and significant effect on procurement performance. Specifically, it is through customer linkage that the firm gains critical strategic competitive weapon for effective procurement performance. Also, supplier linkage enables the firm to be aware of the production capacity of its suppliers and allows them to contribute product ideas. Besides, internal linkages have made it possible for the firm to have an integrated system for the flow of products. Consequently, it is recommended for firms to involve customers in the design phase of its products. Moreover, firms need to provide their suppliers with future demand forecasts so that they can develop the capacity to meet the demand. As well, there is a need for a high level of delivery and logistic communication so that there is the easy retrieval of inventory status. Finally, it is recommended that firms engage in the implementation of collaborative procurement initiatives such as order schedule and delivery information sharing to improve further procurement performance. 

Keywords: Customer Linkages, Supplier Linkages, Internal Linkages, Information-Based Linkages and  Procurement Performance.

Title: EFFECT OF SUPPLY CHAIN LINKAGES AND PROCUREMENT PERFORMANCE IN MANUFACTURING FIRMS: A CASE OF EAST AFRICAN BREWERIES LIMITED

Author: Ann Njeri Kago, Dr. Anaya W. Senelwa

International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research 

ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)

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Abstract: Government procurement offers an exceptional and matchless route that is fast and direct to empower women, youth and the disabled and combat poverty. However, all over the world, challenges facing public procurement are less inclusion due to low number of people with disabilities (PWDs) accessing government procurement opportunities. In spite of the legal, policy and institutional reforms undertaken so far in the public procurement sector in Kenya, people with disabilities suppliers still find it hard to effectively access procurement opportunities in public sector in Kenya.

Thus, the general objectives of the study were to investigate determinants of access to public procurement opportunities among PWDs suppliers in Nairobi County. The study specifically, determines influence of financial resources, information technology, training and procurement experience on access to public procurement opportunities among PWDs suppliers. The study is guided by Social – Economic Theory and Resource – Based View Theory. The study used a descriptive research design. The target population were 140 PWDs supplier located in Nairobi County (registrar of Company, AGPO). Simple random sampling was used to obtain a sample population of 103. Data for the study was collected through administering questionnaires. The results indicated that financial resources, information technology, training and procurement experience had significant effect on access to PPO for PWDs. Therefore, there is need for firms with PWDs to have high financial linkages to make it easier for them to access funds for conducting procurement business. Also, training of PWDs in ICT proficiency is necessary so as to enhance their access to public procurement opportunities. Finally, PWDs need to be sensitized on how to search for tenders and prepare government procurement documents.

Keywords: Public Procurement Opportunities, PWD, Disabilities Suppliers.

Title: DETERMINANTS OF ACCESS TO PUBLIC PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES AMONG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES SUPPLIERS IN COUNTY GOVERNMENT IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY OF NAIROBI COUNTY

Author: Nicellah Wairimu Mwai, Dr Anaya W. Senelwa

International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research 

ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)

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Abstract: The paper is reviewing the wage bargaining theory as regards to the Nigeria environment. The primary purpose of wage bargaining is to determine wage, terms and conditions of employment of employees.  Improvements in the terms and conditions of workers employment is the chief task of trade unions and collective bargaining is the major means whereby trade unions can ensure that the terms and conditions of employment given to their members are adequate. Trade union has not successfully use the instrument of collective bargaining to achieve their demand, as  government usually use wage commission to determine the wages of his work force and even when collective agreement are reached by the parties in bargaining section, is not been implemented. This has led to incessant strikes action by aggrieved workers. The paper adopted a theoretical approach in its methodology which was blended with practical knowledge of the subject matter and trend of events. The paper concludes with recommendations on ways to make the collective bargaining mechanism to be more effective or result-oriented.

Keywords: Wage bargaining, strikes, labour union and minimum wage.

Title: A REVIEW OF WAGE BARGAINING THEORY AND INDUSTRIAL STRIKES ACTION IN NIGERIA

Author: Idisi P. O., Ogwu I. J., Agboola E. D.

International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research 

ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)

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Abstract: This study was aimed at identifying the relationship between (job satisfaction and motivation factor. The study population included employees from Public Telecommunication Corporation (PTC) located in Sana'a, Yemen. The researcher used Raosoft to determine the required sample. The sample size refers to the total number of employees in PTC. The sample size is 100, which was randomly selected.

There is a significant relationship between job satisfaction and motivation factor. The study reached multiple recommendations, the most important of which are: In future, researchers should expand their studies to include employees in private organizations. Researchers should include new variables that may have an impact on employees' performance in Yemen, such as job security, work flexibility, job defense, etc. Researchers should conduct a study using the same variable of the current study but after the war ends in Yemen in order to compare between employees performance during and after war in organizations.

Keywords: Work Environment, Job Performance.

Title: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WORK ENVIRONMENTS AND JOB PERFORMANCE AMONG EMPLOYEES IN PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATION CORPORATION (PTC) LOCATED IN SANA'A, YEMEN

Author: AFRAH MOHAMMED MERZAH, MAGED MUSTAFA MAHYOUB AL-DUBAI

International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research 

ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)

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Abstract: Motivation is one of the important aspects in the development and excellence of students as well as giving a positive impact in academic achievement of students. Motivated students are students who are interested in learning and changing. Undoubtedly, teacher teaching practices are also one of the factors that motivate students. The main purpose of this paper is to identify the level of motivation of students following the teaching and learning of Islamic Education. This study was quantitative using a set of questionnaire involving 381 students as respondents. The results of the descriptive data show that the motivation of students is at moderate level with mean value of 3.66.

Keywords: Teaching Practice, Teaching and Learning, Islamic Education Teacher, Motivation.

Title: MOTIVATION AWARENESS ON LESSONS AND LEARNING ISLAMIC EDUCATION

Author: Nik Shahrul Nizan Mohamed, Noor Fadhlina Nawawi, Ajmain @ Jimain Safar, Kamarul Azmi Jasmi

International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research 

ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)

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Abstract: The election related violence and resource based conflict have been major drivers in Kenya’s internal displacements making Kenya a substantial contributor to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), now perceived as one of the 21^st Century’s tragedies that humanitarian sector has to address. Statistics by United Nations agencies on displacements and refugees puts this figure at over forty million people, a number that represents 62 per cent of global internal displacements inflows. Whereas studies have revealed that the rights and needs of IDPs are best protected and sustainably served when adequate support systems and sufficient resources are in place in the affected communities, limited studies that have evaluated this scenario exist. Further, according to studies done by Kimungi(2013) and International Development Monitoring Centre (IDMC) (2017), internal displacement’s negative consequences in terms of people’s wellbeing and human rights have been highlighted for decades, but its impacts on and relationship with socio-economic development are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to address this empirical gap by examining the nature of IDPs resettlement in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya with a view to decipher its influence on sustainable community cohesion and development after resettlement exercise. A sample size of 184 was used, being composed of 135 household heads, 28 key informants and 21members from three focus group discussions (FGDs). The mixed research design that comprised of concurrent triangulation, evaluation and cross sectional survey was employed. Multiphase, stratified sampling and purposive sampling were used to select households, key informants and FGDs respectively. The data for study was obtained through questionnaires, interviews, document analysis, and observation checklist. Frequency tables, pie charts, verbatim quotations and chi-square tests were used to analyse data. The study established that most of the resettled IDPs were reintegrated in their previous environment after three years in camps and that majority of the respondents .Chi-square tests revealed a significant relationship between cohesion on resettlement and development in the study area. It was concluded that the resettlement of IDPs in Uasin Gishu County which occurred after three years had influence on the sustainable community cohesion and development. The study recommends that all options of resettlement especially reintegration and relocation be considered whenever this activity is being considered elsewhere.

Keywords: resettlement, IDPs, cohesion, development, Uasin-Gishu County.

Title: Influence of Resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons on Sustainable Community Cohesion and Development in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Author: Jonathan Koech, Prof.Kennedy Onkware, Dr. Ferdinand Nabiswa

International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research 

ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)

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Abstract: The Objective of this study is to develop a SWOT analysis and strategies for improving MSMEs performance based on SWOT analysis. This type of study is descriptif which describes the advantages, weaknesses, opportunities and threats faced by MSMEs in Karangasem Regency. The type of data used primary and secondary data collected by documentation, interviews, and in-depth interviews. The population of the study is all MSMEs actors who are craftsmen, ate and bamboo plaiting, processing coconut shells and wood carvings. The samples were determined by proportional random sampling. Data were analyzed qualitatively and SWOT analysis. The results show that the strength possessed by MSMEs were: availability of raw materials and labour with relativly cheap price, the quality of product is very good, the weaknesses that MSMEs have were: the amount of quality labour was still low, product design less innovative and limited market information, the opportunities they have were: getting capital assistance in the form of soft loans from Village Owned Enterptrise, attention from the government especially training and mentoring and threats encountered by MSMEs were: strictly competition and low of economic condition. The four strategies that were used for increasing the performance of MSMEs were based on the results of the SWOT analysis, were: first SO strategy by maintaining product quality by utilizing Village Owned Enterptrise assistance and government training, both WO strategies compile online marketing programs and increase product design innovation and creativity , three ST strategies optimize the availability of raw materials and relatively cheap labor to win the competition and four WT strategies increase the creativity of product design and looking for  new market share.

Keywords: Performance, MSMEs, Analysis, SWOT.

Title: MSMEs PERFORMANCE INCREASING BASED ON SWOT ANALYSIS

Author: Ni Kadek Sinarwati, Nyoman Djinar Setiawina

International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research 

ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)

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Abstract: Umbrella Movement, the largest protest ever happened in Hong Kong, the political movement has been repeatedly studying from political, historical and cultural perspectives. In a sense, the peripheral factors were well-defined. However, the real influences on individual psychological factors were not yet known. The present study investigated the relationship between moral and self-control through Umbrella Movement. Self-reported questionnaire was used as the main measure in the present study. Pro-movement respondents (n = 628) aged between 18 and 25 (M = 22.23, SD = 2.03) were included in the study, both supporters (did not participate in Umbrella Movement) and actors (participated in Umbrella Movement) completed the same measures of moral disengagement scale, brief self-control scale and daily behavior checklist. Results revealed that there were distinct differences across all measuring scales between actors and supporters. In which, actors showed higher levels of moral disengagement, lower levels of self-control and prone to display unruly behaviors. Simultaneously, self-control was weakened by the extent of moral disengagement accordingly. The findings also evidenced that low self-control is a key factor to cause unruly behavior such as verbal bullying, verbal conflict with family and verbal conflict with teacher or boss. The study implied that self-control was weakened by moral disengagement due to the participation in Umbrella Movement. Most importantly, the present study validated that the weakened self-control is a stumbling stone to progress successful educational attainment and occupational accomplishment.

Keywords: Umbrella Movement, collective action, moral disengagement, self-control.

Title: An Investigation into the Relationship between Moral and Self-Control: The Aftermath of Umbrella Movement

Author: Annissa Lee

International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research 

ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)

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