Month: November 2020

Nov 28

The role of public relations in enhancing corporate social responsibility. A case study of Nestle

The role of public relations in enhancing corporate social responsibility. A case study of Nestle

CHAPTER ONE /INTRODUCTION

  • Background of the Study

Public relations (PR) is a field concerned with maintaining public image for high-profile people, organizations, or programs and concerns professions working in public message shaping for the functions o f communication, community relations, crisis management, customer relations, employee relations, government affairs, industry relations, investor relations, media relations, mediation, publicity, speech-writing and visitor relations (Grunig and Hunt, 1984). Assembly of Public Relations Associations defines the practice of public relations as the art and social science o f analyzing trends, predicting their consequences, counseling organizational leaders, and implementing planned programs o f action, which will serve both the organization and the public interest (Jensen, 1999). While other define it as the practice of managing communication between an organization and its publics (Grunig and Hunt, 1984).

On the other hand corporate social responsibility (CSR), also known as corporate citizenship, or sustainable responsible business (SRB), is a form of corporate self-regulation integrated into a business model. Though businesses are driven by profit maximization, they embrace responsibility for the impact o f their activities on the environment, consumers, employees, communities, stakeholders and all other members of the public sphere and also promote the public interest by encouraging community growth and development, and voluntarily eliminating practices that harm the public sphere, regardless of legality (Wood, 1991). While increase in competition in business world, marked by inter-firm ‘bad blood’, has enhanced the need for public relations functions, the practice of CSR is subject to much debate and criticism. Proponents argue that there is a strong business case for CSR, in that corporations benefit in multiple ways by operating with a perspective broader and longer than their own immediate, short-term profits.

However, critics argue that CSR distracts from the fundamental economic role o f businesses; others argue that it is nothing more than superficial window-dressing; others yet argue that it is an attempt to pre-empt the role of governments as a watchdog over powerful multinational corporations (Freeman, 1984). However, the overriding factor is that PR and CSR 12 are dependent on each other as they both try to build firm’s image in the market (Saether and Aguilera, 2008). The rise o f CSR. in the late 1970s and early 1980s, coincided with the increased concern for a corporation’s image/public relations. No longer are the boardrooms closed and executives quiet; instead, companies have had to adapt to an ever-increasing demand for information from the public. Although the history of public relations dates back to the turn of the 20th century, its importance, or to some, its unwanted dependence, surged as far back as the late 1970s as well.

The important shifts in business and society during this time also affected public relations by forcing it into the centre of the communication field. It, too. has gone through various iterations, from public information to reputation management to relationship management, yet its process and function remains strikingly similar to the central topics of CSR. In many corporate organizations, the PR department acts as the company’s surveillance team, monitoring relationships between the company and its internal and external environment, anticipating problematic issues and contributing to policies that address these before they become potentially damaging. Just like PR, CSR policies boost the corporate image and reputation.

According to Tench (2006), organizations with good reputations have; differentiation among similar organisations and competitive advantages, more respect for organisational views, that is, the company more likely to be listened to, easier recruitment, improved morale and reduced staff turnover, enhancement and added value for the organisations products and/or services and strengthened information structure with society, with associated improved resources. The rise in consumer awareness and ethical investment are incentives to adopt CSR policies for organizations o f all kinds. PR has found a particular niche in assisting with this, and has benefited from the rise in the popularity o f CSR.

Nov 28

Large mammals as ecotourism potential in Omo forest reserve in Nigeria

Large mammals as ecotourism potential in Omo forest reserve in Nigeria

Background of the study

Omo Forest Reserve is a preserved area of tropical rainforest in the Nigerian state of Ogun, in the south-west part of the country. It is located about 135 km (84 mi) northeast of Lagos and 80 km (50 mi) east of Ijebu Ode. This nature reserve covers an area of 130,500 hectares (322,000 acres). The average rainfall is around 2,000 mm (80 in). The terrain is largely flat and well-drained, with some low rolling hills, and forms part of the Omo River watershed

This forest reserve consists of a large area of tropical rainforest covering 130,500 hectares (322,000 acres). In the northern part of the reserve, the vegetation consists of a dry evergreen mixed deciduous forest, while in the south, it consists of a moist, mixed, semi-deciduous forest. Parts of the reserve consist of primary forest with mature trees, especially near the watercourses. However, large portions have been disturbed, with the felling of the original trees and the establishment of plantations. At the centre of the reserve, a plot of 640 hectares (1,600 acres) has been designated a strict nature reserve, and this portion is now a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Nov 28

Effect of private hostel development on surrounding residential property value

Effect of private hostel development on surrounding residential property value case of Nkpolu Oroworoko Rivers State

INTRODUCTION

The importance of housing covers all aspects of human life. Primarily, it involves physical protection from hazards which ordinarily may be regarded as shelter but also provide the setting for many of the basic biological and social processes necessary to sustain life, which permit healthy growth and development of the mind (Aluko, 2009). One form of housing is Students’ Housing (also known as Hostel) which is a vital component of institutions of learning in all cultures and climates. Although, hostel accommodation is not a direct action element in the learning environment of the education sector but is seen as an indirect or teaching support facility used to increase instructional effectiveness, improve the cleanness, orderliness and safety as well as increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the students in the learning environment (Alaka, 2007). In the past, students’ housing existed traditionally and almost exclusively on-campus in Nigeria. However, Akingbohungbe and Akinluyi (2012) stated that student population explosion and paradigm shift in university on-campus accommodation policy combined to give rise to spontaneous development of commercial Off-campus (Private) Students’ Hostel. Adebisi, Ezeokoli, Oletubo and Alade (2015) further corroborated this by stating that the siting and expansion of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) have attracted academic and non-academic staff, students, parents and those providing support services to live close to their employment centers resulting in increased economic activities. This however has led to increased demand for residential accommodation within the neighbourhood of the FUTA which used to be a cocoa plantation in its early years of existence. Student hostel has been a major area of concern with increasing student population as a result of increasing interest in the higher institution of learning over the years. Globally, student enrolment in higher institutions has been increasing in recent times, and it is estimated that there has been about 160% increase in tertiary education globally (Sharma, 2012). Average growth rate of students’ population in FUTA is 9.5%; the average growth rate of the students living on the campus is 2.4% while that of the off-campus dwellers is 12.3% (Adebisi et al., 2015). Adebisi et al. (2015) further stated that the percentage of students residing offcampus out of the total students’ population increased from 62.74% in 2001/2002 session to 80.88% in 2011/2012 session.

Nov 28

Isolation and identification of microorganisms responsible for yogurt spoilage

Isolation and identification of microorganisms responsible for yogurt spoilage

ABSTRACT

Milk, Yoghurt and Cheese are highly valuable food which are readily digested and have high concentration of nutrients which have proved to be a heaven of microbes, studies were conducted on the isolation and identification of microbes [Fungi and Bacteria] on peak canned milk, yoghurt, locally prepared cheese and cheese water. It was revealed that yoghurt was devoid of microbes while milk, locally prepared cheese and cheese water harboured microbes. Locally prepared cheeses, cheese water, yoghurt and peak canned milk samples were collected at Iloro market at Igbajo, Osun State, and the laboratory analysis was carried out at Microbiology Laboratory of College of Health Science, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Oshogbo, Osun State. Potato Dextrose Agar, Nutrient Agar, MacConkey Agar, were used in culturing the samples to isolate and identify bacteria which includes; species of Klebsiella species, Candida albican, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Milk contain bacteria contamination, Cheese and Cheese water contain fungi and bacteria contamination while Yoghurt was contamination free.

Nov 28

The roles of regular dental examination in the prevention of dental diseases among adults in Kauru LGA Kaduna

The roles of regular dental examination in the prevention of dental diseases among adults in kauru LGA KADUNA stat Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Dental disease is largely preventable. Many older adults, however, experience poor oral health.

National data for older adults show racial/ethnic and income disparities in untreated dental disease and oral health–related quality of life. Persons reporting poor versus good health also report lower oral health–related quality of life.

On the basis of these findings, suggested public health priorities include better integrating oral health into medical care, implementing community programs to promote healthy behaviors and improve access to preventive services, developing a comprehensive strategy to address the oral health needs of the homebound and long-term-care residents, and assessing the feasibility of ensuring a safety net that covers preventive and basic restorative services to eliminate pain and infection.

Nov 28

A 5-year retrospective analysis of the pattern of adult femoral fracture

A 5-year retrospective analysis of the pattern of adult femoral fracture in central hospital warri delta state

Abstract

Background

 The femur is the strongest and largest bone in the human body. It therefore requires high-energy trauma for it to fracture unless there is an ongoing pathology that weakens the bone. Femoral fractures are thus associated with significant pain, deformities, bleeding and varying degrees of injuries. The aim of this study is to determine the pattern of femoral fractures and the associated injuries in our region while recommending possible means of averting these injuries.

Materials and Methods:

 A 5-year retrospective study was done in National Orthopedic Hospital Warri from January-December 2020. The demographic data, etiology, the part of femur affected and associated injuries were collated from the hospital records/folders. The analysis was performed using descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel 2007.

Results

A total of 562 cases were reviewed, 63.7% of all the patients were males and the most common etiological factor was road traffic accidents. The site of fracture varied with age and etiology with 26.5% occurring at the mid-shaft with an average age of 27.2 years and 16% occurring at the neck of femur, more in the elderly, with 55.6% following minor falls and trips. The most common associated injury was soft tissue injuries requiring secondary wound closure.

Conclusion

Femoral fractures are common and the pattern varies with age and the mechanism of injury. They are associated with other injuries that may be life-threatening.

References

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  • Crowthe-Radulewicz CL. Structure and function of the musculoskeletal. In: McCance KL, Huether SE, Brashers VL, Rote NS, editors. Pathophysiology: The Biological Basis for Disease in Adults and Children. 6 th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby; 2010. p. 1540-67.
  • Whittle AP, Wood GW 2 nd . Fractures of lower extremity. In: Canale ST, editor. Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics. 10 th ed., Vol. 3. St. Louis: Mosby; 2003. p. 2825-72.
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  • Gosselin R, Lavaly D. Perkins traction for adult femoral shaft fractures: A report on 53 patients in Sierra Leone. Int Orthop 2007;31:697-702.
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  • Ayorinde RO. Short research reports the aetiology and agents of pre-hospital transportation of patients with femoral shaft fractures. 77-84. Available from: http://www.unisa.ac.za/contents/faculties/humanities/sosw/docs/ASPJ-2009/ASPJ2009-7-1-05-The-Aetiology-and-agents-of-pre-hospital.pdf. [Last accessed on 2014 Jul 20].
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Nov 27

Effect of techer-student relation on the academic performance of secondary school student

Effect of techer-student relation on the academic performance of secondary school student

Abstract

Although the relation between teacher-student relationship and academic achievement has been addressed in many studies, the reciprocal relations between these two constructs have not been explored sufficiently. The aim of the present study was to test three competing models that hypothesized directionality of influence in relations between teacher acceptance, studentperceived teacher support, and academic achievement. Eight hundred sixteen students nom 3 different grade levels in Slovenian elementary and secondary schools, covering the age range from late childhood through early-to-middle adolescence, participated in the study at the beginning and at the end of the school year. Structural equation modeling was used. Different models of relations between teacher acceptance, student-perceived teacher support, and academic achievement were analyzed using the cross-lagged panel correlation technique. The results supported the hypothesized reciprocal model, indicating the relation between teacher acceptance and academic achievement in both directions. Student-perceived teacher personal support partially mediates the relation between teacher acceptance and achievement in both directions on the whole sample but not in specific age groups. Finally, we found some age-specific differences in the relations between teacher acceptance, teacher personal support, and achievement.

Nov 27

The challenges in the execution of public sector housing in Nigeria

The challenges in the execution of public sector housing in Nigeria

Abstract

Housing (Shelter) is unarguably one of the basic necessities of man. It used to be ranked second after food in the hierarchy of man’s needs but according to Ebie (2009) it is the first and most important of all rights. According to him, because of the importance attached to housing and coupled with the fact that housing in all its ramifications is more than mere shelter,then,execution of public sector housing embraces all social services and utilities that go to make a community or neighborhood a livable environment, this is now a right in Nigeria.This position is reinforced by section 16(1)(d) of 1999 constitution under the Fundamental Objectives of State Policy which compels the Nigerian State“to provide suitable and adequate shelter for all citizens” Even though this provision is not actionable, it reinforces the call for public sector driven mass housing provision in Nigeria. Housing being a right entails that all strata of a society including the less privileged members of the society, the old, the disadvantaged, the wondering psychotics should own or have access to decent, safe and sanitary housing accommodation at affordable disposal prices or rental with secure tenure.