IOSR-JBM   Volume-28 ~ Issue-1 ~ January 2026

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of mobile money services on the financial performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in Lusaka’s Central Business District (CBD), Zambia. The primary objective was to assess how mobile money usage influences key financial outcomes such as revenue growth, profitability, and access to credit. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected from 199 SMEs using structured questionnaires administered to business owners and financial decision-makers actively utilizing mobile money platforms...

Keywords: Mobile Money; SMEs; Financial Performance; Revenue Growth; Credit Access; Digital Financial Inclusion; Lusaka CBD.

[1] Agarwal, S., & Chawla, S. (2018). Digital Payment Adoption Among Smes In India And Its Impact On Operational Costs.
[2] Aker, J. C., & Mbiti, I. (2010). Mobile Phones And Economic Development In Africa. Journal Of Economic Perspectives.
[3] Ajzen, I. (1991). The Theory Of Planned Behavior. Organizational Behavior And Human Decision Processes, 50(2), 179–211.
[4] Banda, S. (2022). Mobile Money And Financial Inclusion In Zambia: Trends And Challenges. Lusaka Economic Review, 10(2), 45–67.
[5] Bank Of Zambia. (2020). The Role Of Mobile Money In Enhancing Financial Inclusion In Zambia.

Abstract: A colheita mecanizada de oleaginosas sensíveis, como girassol, canola e gergelim, representa uma das etapas mais críticas do sistema produtivo, em função das elevadas perdas associadas às características morfológicas dessas culturas e às limitações operacionais das máquinas. Diante desse contexto, o presente artigo teve como objetivo analisar, por meio de uma revisão bibliográfica, os principais ajustes operacionais e adaptações mecânicas em colhedoras de grãos e seus impactos na redução de perdas durante a colheita mecanizada dessas culturas.....

Keywords: colheita mecanizada; oleaginosas; perdas de grãos; regulagem de colhedoras; mecanização agrícola.

[1]. Ali, K. A.; Huang, X.; Zong, W.; Abdeen, M. A. Mechanical Structure And Operting Parameters Of Sunflower Harvesting Machines: A Review. Revista Internacional De Engenharia Agrícola, V. 29, N. 2, 2020. Disponível Em:
Https://Www.Researchgate.Net/Publication/350328165_Mechanical_Structure_And_Operating_Parameters_Of_Sunflower_Harvesting_Machines_A_Review. Acesso Em 29 De Novembro De 2025.
[2]. Bardin, L. Análise De Conteúdo. São Paulo: Edições 70, 2016.
[3]. Casas, M. T. Et Al. Monitoramento Da Operação De Colheita Mecanizada De Sementes. Revista Brasileira De Engenharia Agrícola E Ambiental, V. 19, N. 6, P. 603-609, 2015. Disponível Em: Https://Www.Scielo.Br/J/Rbeaa/A/R4vb58htb9nrh4fkkqxsckt/. Acesso Em: 27 Nov. 2025.
[4]. Chaplygin, M.; Bespalova, O.; Podzorova, M. Results Of Tests Of Devices For Sunflower Harvesting In Economic Conditions. E3s Web De Conferências, V. 126, N. 63, 2019. Https://Doi.Org/10.1051/E3sconf/201912600063.
[5]. Chioderoli, C. A. Et Al. Perdas De Grãos E Distribuição De Palha Na Colheita Mecanizada De Soja Em Função Da Velocidade De Deslocamento. Bragantia, V. 71, N. 1, P. 112-121, 2012. Disponível Em: Https://Www.Scielo.Br/J/Brag/A/Fxg3jpwqtbhtqkjh9sttrfp/. Acesso Em: 27 Nov. 2025.

Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between household income levels, price elasticity, and consumption dynamics in Bagalkot, a semi-urban district in Karnataka. Using a structured survey of 263 households, the research applies descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and regression models to examine spending patterns across income groups. The results reveal that nearly 79% of households fall within low-to-lower-middle income brackets, with food, education, rent, and healthcare comprising the largest........

..........

Abstract: O artigo propõe o conceito de nanoespaço da morte como categoria analítica capaz de revelar as marcas simbólicas deixadas por mortes violentas, especialmente quando produzidas por agentes estatais. A partir de abordagem bibliográfica e da análise da chacina ocorrida em 4 de maio de 2025, em Macapá-AP, onde sete pessoas foram mortas pela Polícia Militar do Amapá, demonstra-se que mesmo pequenas porções territoriais se tornam lugares de resistência, memória e disputa narrativa. O estudo discute biopoder, necropolítica, territorialidade simbólica e a construção....

Keywords: Nanoespaço da morte; Necropolítica; Biopoder; Violência estatal; Territorialidade simbólica.

[1]. AGAMBEN, Giorgio. Homo Sacer: O Poder Soberano E A Vida Nua I. Tradução De Henrique Burigo. Belo Horizonte: UFMG, 2002.
[2]. AMAPÁ (Estado). Boletim Epidemiológico Nº 05/2024 – UDNT/NVE/DEVS/SVS: Panorama Da Mortalidade Por Causas Externas No Estado Do Amapá – 2018 A 2022 E Dados Preliminares De 2023. Macapá: Superintendência De Vigilância Em Saúde, Governo Do Estado Do Amapá, 2024. Disponível Em:
Https://Editor.Amapa.Gov.Br/Arquivos_Portais/Publicacoes/SVS_Ceea8026d02e367711eb59f951063eb5.Pdf. Acesso Em: 12 Nov. 2025.
[3]. ANUÁRIO BRASILEIRO DE SEGURANÇA PÚBLICA 2025. São Paulo: Fórum Brasileiro De Segurança Pública, Ano 19, 2025. ISSN 1983-7364.
[4]. BRASIL. Constituição (1988). Constituição Da República Federativa Do Brasil. Brasília, DF: Senado Federal, 1988.
[5]. CARDOSO, Marcus. Ementa Da Disciplina Tópicos Especiais I E II. PPGEF/UNIFAP, Macapá, 2025. Documento Não Publicado.

Abstract: Background: This study uses the Quantile Vector Autoregression approach to investigate the connectivity between stock markets in nine African countries between 2015 and 2024. The analysis is performed from different quantiles of the distribution, capturing extreme and average aspects of connectivity. The central objective is to understand the impact of financial connectivity in these markets and its relevance in the global and regional context.....

Keywords: Financial Connectivity; African Equity Markets; Quantile Vector Autoregression.

[1]. Acheampong, A. O., Dzator, J., & Savage, D. A. (2021). Renewable Energy, CO2 Emissions And Economic Growth In Sub-Saharan Africa: Does Institutional Quality Matter? Journal Of Policy Modeling, 43(5), 1070-1093.
Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Jpolmod.2021.03.011
[2]. Adekoya, O. B., Yaya, O.S., Olivide, J. A., & Posu, S. M. A. (2022). Growth And Growth Disparities In Africa: Are Differences In Renewable Energy Use, Technological Advancement, And Institutional Reforms Responsible? Structural Change And Economic Dynamics, 61, 265-277. Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Strueco.2022.02.020
[3]. Atenga, E. M. E., Mougoué, M. (2021). Return And Volatility Spillovers To African Equity Markets And Their Determinants. Empirical Economics 61(2), 883–918.
[4]. Bello, J., Guo, J., & Newaz, M. K. (2022). Financial Contagion Effects Of Major Crises In African Stock Markets. International Review Of Financial Analysis, 82, 102128. Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Irfa.2022.102128
[5]. Chen, N. F., Zhang, F. (1998). Risk And Return Of Value Stocks. J. Bus. 71(4), 501–535.

Abstract: Many articles have been written on the characteristics of the development of the advanced countries. There seems to be a consensus on how urbanization is closely linked to GDP per capita of a region or country – across the world. This research study wants to find out if that is the case and how different regions and countries across the world are performing on the crucial parameters of population, urbanization, and GDP per capita. So, eleven regions of the world were considered on the basis of classification done by the World Bank. Data was collated for a period of sixty years – from 1960 to 2020. Analysis was done on the parameters....

[1]. Henderson, Vernon J, Turner, Matthew A, Urbanization In The Developing World: Too Early Or Too Slow? Journal Of Economic Perspectives, Volume 34, Number 3, Summer 2020, Pp. 150–173.
[2]. Bernini, Cristina, Tampieri, Alessandro, The Mediating Role Of Urbanization On The Composition Of Happiness, Wileyonlinelibrary.Com/Journal/Pirs, March 2022, Pp. 638-657.
[3]. Bergeaud, Antonin, Cette, Gilbert, Lecat, Remy, Convergence Of GDP Per Capita In Advanced Countries Over The Twentieth Century, Springer Nature, Empirical Economics (2020) 59: 2509-2526.
[4]. Diacona, Paula-Elena, Mahab, Liviu-George, The Relationship Between Income, Consumption And GDP: A Time Series, Cross-Country Analysis, Procedia Economics And Finance 23 (2015) Pp. 1535 – 1543.
[5]. Mpofu, Raphael Tabani, Standard Of Living, Quality Of Life And Per Capita GDP: A South African Experience, Corporate Ownership & Control / Volume 11, Issue 1, 2013, Continued – 10, Pp. 882-889.

Abstract: Employee loan schemes are increasingly adopted by quasi-government institutions as part of employee welfare strategies aimed at improving work outcomes. This study examines the effect of employee loans on productivity and morale using secondary data drawn from published public-sector and quasi-government workforce studies. A quantitative explanatory approach was employed, relying on comparative evidence from institutional reports and peer-reviewed studies. The findings indicate that access to employee loan facilities is associated with improved morale, reduced financial stress, and enhanced productivity indicators such as work focus and task completion. The study concludes that employee loan schemes contribute positively to organizational performance when supported by transparent policies and effective financial management structures.....

Keywords: Employee loans, Productivity, Employee morale, Quasi-government institutions, Employee welfare

[1]. Adeyemi, O. (2018). Financial Stress And Employee Performance In Public Institutions. Journal Of Workplace Studies, 12(2), 45–58.
[2]. International Labor Organization. (2020). Workplace Financial Well-Being And Productivity. ILO Publications.
[3]. Smith, R., & Jones, L. (2019). Employee Welfare Programs And Organizational Outcomes. International Journal Of Human Resource Management, 30(4), 512–528.
[4]. World Bank. (2021). Public Sector Workforce And Productivity. World Bank Publications.

Abstract: This study examined the relationship between customer service strategies and customer satisfaction at Mulonga Water Supply and Sanitation Company Ltd (MWSC), a public utility operating under monopolistic conditions in Zambia. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data were collected using a structured online questionnaire administered to a stratified random sample of 354 residential customers from Chingola Central and Riverside, while qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with purposively selected MWSC staff members. Data collection was conducted through community WhatsApp groups.........

Key Word: Customer Satisfaction; Service Strategies; Public Utilities; Water and Sanitation; Infrastructure Reliability

[1]. Bryman, A. (2006). Integrating Quantitative And Qualitative Research: How Is It Done? Qualitative Research, 6(1), 97–113.
[2]. Gulyani, S., Talukdar, D., & Kariuki, R. M. (2005). Water For The Urban Poor: Water Markets, Household Demand, And Service Preferences In Kenya. Washington, DC: World Bank.
[3]. Haider, H., Alinizzi, M., Shafiquzzaman, M., Alsaleem, S. S., Alresheedi, M., & Sadiq, R. (2022). Customer-Driven Water Supply Systems: Synergizing System Reliability And Customer Satisfaction With Bowtie Analysis. Water Resources Management, 36(10), 3481–3503.
[4]. Hassan, R. S., Nawaz, A., Lashari, M. N., & Zafar, F. (2015). Effect Of Customer Relationship Management On Customer Satisfaction. Procedia Economics And Finance, 23, 563–567.
[5]. Kirschner, A. J. (2011). The Human Right To Water And Sanitation. Max Planck Yearbook Of United Nations Law, 15(1), 445–487.

Abstract: Background: This research provides a comprehensive survey of Brazilian production on capital structure from 2001 to 2024. Although previous bibliometric studies on this topic exist, they do not cover such a recent period. Furthermore, some prior studies are limited to presenting bibliometric tables without indicating the implications of these results regarding current research trends or future research agendas. Thus, this article seeks to describe how Brazilian research is being developed and provides insights for conducting new studies. Materials and Methods: Bibliometrics was employed to identify research characteristics.........

Key Word: Capital structure, bibliometrics, Web of Science, Scopus, Brazil.

[1]. Ahmed, A. M., Sharif, N. A., Ali, M. N., & Hágen, I. (2023). Effect Of Firm Size On The Association Between Capital Structure And Profitability. Sustainability, 15(14), 1–17. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Su151411196
[2]. Allini, A., Rakha, S., Mcmillan, D. G., & Caldarelli, A. (2018). Pecking Order And Market Timing Theory In Emerging Markets: The Case Of Egyptian Firms. Research In International Business And Finance, 44, 297–308.
Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Ribaf.2017.07.098
[3]. Alves, F. I. A. B., & Crisóstomo, V. L. (2018). Perfil Da Pesquisa Em Estrutura De Capital No Brasil. Observatorio De La Economía Latinoamericana, 10, 1–16.
[4]. Aria, M., & Cuccurullo, C. (2017). Bibliometrix: An R-Tool For Comprehensive Science Mapping Analysis. Journal Of Informetrics, 11(4), 959–975. Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Joi.2017.08.007
[5]. Bajaj, Y., Kashiramka, S., & Singh, S. (2021). Application Of Capital Structure Theories: A Systematic Review. Journal Of Advances In Management Research, 18(2), 173–199. Https://Doi.Org/10.1108/JAMR-01-2020-0017

Abstract: Employee mental health has emerged as a critical concern for organizations seeking to enhance sustainable performance in increasingly complex and demanding work environments. Drawing on a human-centric perspective, this study examines the influence of key organizational practices—workplace culture, employee benefits, training and education, and equity and accessibility—on employee mental health and subsequently investigates the effect of mental health on employee performance. Using survey data collected from 116 employees, the study employs Pearson correlation and regression analyses to test the proposed relationships........

Key Word: employee mental health; workplace culture; employee benefits; equity and accessibility; employee performance; employee experience

[1]. Poddar, A., & Chhajer, R. (2024). Detection And Disclosure Of Workplace Mental Health Challenges: An Exploratory Study From India. BMC Public Health, 24, Article 1874.
[2]. Pandya, A., Khanal, N., & Upadhyaya, M. (2022). Workplace Mental Health Interventions In India: A Rapid Systematic Scoping Review. Frontiers In Public Health, 10, Article 800880
[3]. Sohal, A., & Sharma, D. (2025). Exploring Workplace Mental Health Among Indian Employees: A Systematic Literature Review And Future Research Agenda. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 11, Article 101290.
[4]. Sarkar, S., Menon, V., Padhy, S., & Kathiresan, P. (2024). Mental Health And Well-Being At The Workplace. Indian Journal Of Psychiatry, 66(Suppl. 2), S353–S364.
[5]. Srija, T. S., & Chitra, D. (2024). A Study On Employee Well-Being And Mental Health At Business Process Services. International Journal Of Research Publication And Reviews, 5(4), 2412–2416.