scholarly journals CYBERCRIME: THEORETICAL DETERMINANTS, CRIMINAL POLICIES, PREVENTION & CONTROL MECHANISMS

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 34
Author(s):  
Nasser AL-Dosari Khalifa

Purpose: The research aimed to explore the theoretical determinants of cybercrime in Qatar and assess how it can be prevented and minimised. Methodology: This was done using the mixed method research design through the survey strategy and semi-structured interviews with experts in the field of cybercrime in Qatar. Having adopted a mixed-method research methodology, the study had a target population of 200 participants for questionnaire survey, while expert interview had a target population of 11 experts. All these participants were purposively sampled in pursuit of engaging respondents who had knowledge, experience and expertise in cybercrime, such as IT experts and professionals working on cyber security solutions, Lawyers, police officers working in cybercrime department in Qatar, and lawyers who had dealt with cybercrime. The results of the survey were quantified using the Likert scale and analysed quantitatively by the factor analysis, and frequency tables. The results of the interviews were analysed qualitatively. Findings: The results of the survey revealed that the most typical types of cybercrime in Qatar include website hacking, email cyberattacks, and online banking cyberattacks. The predominant motive for cybercrime in the country is monetary gains. However, the findings from the logistic regression analysis reveal that different types of cybercrime are associated with different determinants, and online banking crimes are predominantly driven by monetary gains. Moreover, the findings from IT experts interviewed revealed various measures can be adopted as control measures of cybercrime activities and hazards, such as development of stronger networks by commercial companies to protect their cyber assets and use of up-to-date protective software that detect and ensures complete data security. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Further, the findings, in relation to the effective methods and mechanisms for preventing cybercrime, suggest that it can be reduced through the spread of awareness among people and companies and through the adoption of preventive control mechanisms. Further, the study recommends that governments should formulate and implement legislations aimed at enhancing stringent measures of combating and dealing with cybercrime in convergence with international standards and practices. Besides, companies should adopt technological cybersecurity solutions to enhance effective protection of intellectual property, intrusion, and malicious damage of data as well as other cyber-related crimes.

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (V) ◽  
pp. 286-304
Author(s):  
Shadrack Musunkui Towett ◽  
Isaac Naibei ◽  
Williter Rop

In an attempt to bridge the gap between the budgetary allocations and actual expenditures most universities have started income generating units with the aim of boosting their operational expenses. Whereas there is the potential of the use of Income Generating Units (IGUs) to generate additional funds, most universities still experience challenges in full implementation and realization of the revenue goal. This study therefore sought to determine the financial control mechanisms affecting performance of income generating units among selected public universities. The study sought to determine the effect of internal controls, credit policies, financial risk management and internal audit on performance of income generating units in selected universities. Targeted population was all the 290 employees in the IGU departments of selected public universities. The respondents were sampled using simple random sampling so as to enable equal representation of the target population without any biasness. Data collection was done using the questionnaire to ensure sufficient data was collected from the respondents. Descriptive statistics assisted in the determination of respondent’s views and opinions on every variable. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis into meaningful, precise and comprehensive statements and presented in quotations. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21 and data presented in form of figures and tables. The study ensured that all ethical considerations were considered by the study. The findings were that most employed Income Generating Units in Public Universities were Collection of rental fees, Evening and executive programs and Trainings of both short and long courses while the least was established to be Sales of memorabilia and books. All the financial control mechanism investigated namely internal audit, internal control measures, risk management strategies and credit policies had large extents of adoption in the selected universities. The results of the regression analysis showed that the financial control mechanisms investigated had a significant positive relationship on performance of the IGUs. Specifically, 47% of the variation of the performance of IGUs was established to be explained by the studied factors. The study concluded that the performance of the IGUs among the selected public universities was largely accounted for by the implemented financial control measures. Therefore effective financial control mechanisms is concluded to lead to better IGU performance whereas shortcomings in the financial control mechanisms is concluded to lead to diminished returns in the IGUs. The study recommended that the management in charge of the IGU department in the public universities to prioritize the formulation, implementation and monitoring of financial control mechanisms in the IGUs. To facilitate effective financial controls, the study recommended that the management especially those in the audit section to conduct regular checks and inspections on the IGUs. Additionally, frequent reforms were recommended to address the shortcomings experienced in integrating financial control measures in IGUs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Deockary Massawe ◽  
Peter Mbaro ◽  
Wilkister Milimu

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine how camp management ensures the right to food for elderly refugees in Nyarugusu Refugee Camp, Kasulu District in Tanzania. Materials and Methods: The study adopted a mixed method research design. The study target population was 4,080 elderly refugees aged sixty years and above and 21 senior camp managers.  Stratified and purposive sampling techniques were used to obtain the sample for the study. Krejicie and Morgani (1970), was used to obtain a sample of 344 elderly respondents and purposive sampling to select 21 senior camp managers. The study used questionnaires and in-depth interview guide to collect primary data. The collected quantitative data was analyzed with the aid of SPSS using descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentage. The qualitative data collected using interview guides was analyzed thematically using content analysis. The results were presented in tables, charts and bars. Results: The study found that most of the elderly refugees involved in the study had no idea what camp management entailed. The study also found that most of the elderly refugees aged 60 years and above in Nyarugusu Refugee Camp Kasulu District in Tanzania were not able to find all the food they would have liked. Further, the study found that satisfactorily nutritional status is paramount so as to meet the dietary needs of the elderly. The study also found that overcrowding in Nyarugusu Refugee Camp, Kasulu District in Tanzania was hindering the ability of the camp management to provide the elderly with sufficient food to a very great extent. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended that there is need for the camp management in Nyarugusu Refugee Camp, Kasulu District in Tanzania to create awareness amongst refugees themselves and humanitarian organizations, and risk assessment and interventions to improve access to an adequate and appropriate diet for the elderly refugees aged 60 years and above.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-26
Author(s):  
Nyambishi Tatenda Jeffison ◽  
Eng. Dr. Kasongo Richard Mwale

Purpose: The aim of the study was to establish strategies that can counter smuggling of beverages and improve business performance for The Cold Chain Zambia ltd. Smuggling poses a threat to the business as it destabilizes the legal industry of supply chain, restrains innovation and investments as well as posing a threat of company closures. Smuggling has caused loss of consumer confidence in buying beverages from Cold Chain Zambia ltd as the products are perceived to be expensive as compared to similar smuggled beverages in the market. The objectives of the study were to determine the extent of the effects of beverage smuggling on the Cold Chain Zambia business performance, to identify strategies which will counter beverage smuggling and to establish strategies that can be used to counter beverage smuggling and improve Cold Chain Zambia business performance.Methodology: The research design that was used was mixed methods which took the form of exploratory sequential mixed method design. The target population was 80 employees from Cold Chain Zambia ltd which included both general staff and management staff.Findings: There seems to be no correlation between business performance and strategies to counter beverage smuggling. In this case, H3: There is a significant correlation between the business performance and the perception of strategies to counter beverage smuggling in cold chain supply and was rejected. It was found that there is a negative and significant correlation between beverage smuggling and strategies to counter beverage smuggling on business turnover (F = 14.339; p<0.001).Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The researcher recommended that smuggling can be reduced by ensuring the goods are sold at competitive prices to reduce benefit of smuggling, continue with quality control, educate the public on smuggling and how to report and identify smuggling, stiffen law on smuggling in Zambia and review the clearing procedure at all points of entry to fasten the process.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
M. Murniati ◽  
Nasir Usman ◽  
M. Husen ◽  
Ulfah Irani

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan profil, implementasi, dan evaluasi sistem manajemen mutu pada SMK di Propinsi Aceh. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif kualitatif kuantitatif (mixed method). Data dikumpulkan melalui interview, observasi, dan studi dokumentasi yang kemudian dianalisis menggunakan EFAS, IFAS, dan SPACE Matriks. Adapun Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan yang dilibatkan dalam penelitian ini terdiri atas 3 (tiga belas) SMK yang tersebar di wilayah Propinsi Aceh yang dipilih secara purposive sampling.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa profil sistem manajemen mutu SMK di Propinsi Aceh dinyatakan melalui pernyataan visi, misi, tujuan, kebijakan, kerja sama dengan dunia usaha dan industri, dan unit produksi sekolah.Sekolah merujuk pada standar mutu ISO 9001 2008 dan Akreditas Nasional. Implementasi manajemen mutu tercermin melalui komitmen pimpinan puncak manajemen, peran tim pengembang sekolah, penyelenggaraan program, strategi, dan pelatihan, keterlibatan karyawan, perbaikan terus menerus, penerapan standar kualitas, komunikasi, serta kepuasan pelanggan. Evaluasi dilakukan secara terus menerus melalui audit internal dan eksternal sekolah, evaluasi diri sekolah dan instrumen pengawas.Kata kunci: manajemen mutu, sekolah menengah  kejuruan THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS ORGANIZATION 9001 2008 SYSTEM IN VOCATIONAL SCHOOLSAbstractThis study aims to describe and analyze the profile, implementation, and evaluation of Total Quality Management (TQM) at Vocational Schools (SMK) in Aceh, Indonesia. The study was descriptive qualitative-quantitative (mixed method research). Data was collected through observations, interviews, and documentary study, and analyzed through IFAS, EFAS, and SPACE matrix. The results showed that the schools’ profiles comprising their visions, missions, school resources, policies, the cooperation with the world of work, and schools’ production units. TQM implementation was executed through top-management leadership, management commitment, the role of quality department, training and education, employee involvement, continuous improvement, supplier partnership, product/service design, quality policies, quality data and reporting, communication to improve quality, and customer satisfaction orientation and employee relations. The evaluation was conducted continuously by involving the internal and external auditors, the schools’ self-evaluation and the supervisors’ instruments. Keywords: total quality management, vocational schools


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Nyambishi Tatenda Jeffison ◽  
Eng. Dr. Kasongo Richard Mwale

Purpose: The aim of the study was to establish strategies that can counter smuggling of beverages and improve business performance for The Cold Chain Zambia ltd. Smuggling poses a threat to the business as it destabilizes the legal industry of supply chain, restrains innovation and investments as well as posing a threat of company closures. Smuggling has caused loss of consumer confidence in buying beverages from Cold Chain Zambia ltd as the products are perceived to be expensive as compared to similar smuggled beverages in the market. The objectives of the study were to determine the extent of the effects of beverage smuggling on the Cold Chain Zambia business performance, to identify strategies which will counter beverage smuggling and to establish strategies that can be used to counter beverage smuggling and improve Cold Chain Zambia business performance.Methodology: The research design that was used was mixed methods which took the form of exploratory sequential mixed method design. The target population was 80 employees from Cold Chain Zambia ltd which included both general staff and management staff.Findings: There seems to be no correlation between business performance and strategies to counter beverage smuggling. In this case, H3: There is a significant correlation between the business performance and the perception of strategies to counter beverage smuggling in cold chain supply and was rejected. It was found that there is a negative and significant correlation between beverage smuggling and strategies to counter beverage smuggling on business turnover (F = 14.339; p<0.001).Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The researcher recommended that smuggling can be reduced by ensuring the goods are sold at competitive prices to reduce benefit of smuggling, continue with quality control, educate the public on smuggling and how to report and identify smuggling, stiffen law on smuggling in Zambia and review the clearing procedure at all points of entry to fasten the process.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ambreen Chaudhry

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is a zoonotic disease of novel origin that posed a continuous threat to health worldwide after taking the shape of the pandemic. An understanding of disease epidemiology is supportive in timely preventive and control measures as well as contact tracing and curbing surveillance activities. OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to determine the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 confirmed cases reported at the National Institute of Health Pakistan and elements of its spread in Pakistan. METHODS A retrospective record review was conducted at the National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad, Pakistan from January 25 to April 4, 2020. Univariate and bivariate analysis was done with 95% CI and p<0.05. RESULTS A total of 14,422 samples of suspected COVID-19 cases were received with a positivity rate of 9% (n=1348). Among all 70% (n=939) were male. The median age was 41years of age (range: 01-99Years). Among all, 19% were from 30-39 years old followed by 50-59 years old (17%). Children remained the least affected by 3% (n=35). Of the total reported cases, 55% (n=735) have reported the travel history within the last 14 days. Among these travelers’ international travelers were 23% (n=166) and domestic travelers were 77% (n=569). Travel history including both international and domestic remained significantly associated with the different age groups and Young adults remained more vulnerable to COVID-19 (P=0.03). Fever, SOB, and Cough remained the most significantly associated (P<0.05) in all age groups. CONCLUSIONS A higher incidence of COVID-19 among elderly men suggests robust quarantine measures for this target population. An escalating incidence of local transmission needs strict social distancing and hygiene practices to help flatten the curve. An extensive multi-center study is also recommended for a full understanding of disease dynamics.


Author(s):  
Rudra Sil

This chapter revisits trade-offs that qualitative researchers face when balancing the different expectations of area studies and disciplinary audiences. One putative solution to such trade-offs, mixed-method research, emphasizes the triangulation of quantitative and qualitative methods. CAS, as defined above, essentially encourages a different form of triangulation—the pooling of observations and interpretations across a wider array of cases spanning multiple areas. This kind of triangulation can be facilitated by cross-regional contextualized comparison, a middle-range approach that stands between area-bound qualitative research and (Millean) macro-comparative analysis that brackets out context in search of causal laws. Importantly, this approach relies upon an area specialist’s sensibilities and experience to generate awareness of local complexities and context conditions for less familiar cases. The examples of cross-regional contextualized comparison considered in this chapter collectively demonstrate that engagement with area studies scholarship and the pursuit of disciplinary knowledge can be a positive-sum game.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 599-599
Author(s):  
Tracy Mitzner ◽  
Anne Ordway

Abstract Technology research and development often exclude older adults with disabilities from participating in the design process. As a result, technologies may not be useful or usable by older adults with diverse abilities. This symposium, featuring projects at the TechSAge Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center, highlights ongoing efforts toward inclusive design, representing unique approaches to engage older adults with disabilities and their stakeholders in the research and development of technology supports. First, Mitzner et al., will describe the development of an online, group Tai Chi intervention, and the integral involvement of older adults with mobility disabilities, the exercise program developers, and technology partner in all steps of the process. Exploring the potential of voice-activated assistants, like Amazon Alexa, to support health management activities of older adults with mobility disabilities, Kadlyak et al. will present findings from a needs assessment of the target population and user testing in the lab and home environments. Koon et al. will present findings from a subject matter expert interview study with caregivers and medical professionals designed to identify the scope of activity challenges among people aging with long-term mobility and sensory disabilities that should be explored in more depth through our future interview study with the target population. Sanford et al., will describe a student design competition and hackathon that incorporates immersive experiences with people aging with disabilities to inspire innovative design concepts that respond to the needs of real people. NIDILRR Project Officer, Anne Ordway, will serve as the discussant.


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