International Journal of Management and Development Studies

Remedial Practices and Students’ Competences in Mathematics in Public Secondary Schools in Rwanda: A case of Kamonyi District

Nsabiyumva Gilbert — 2025-08-16

The research investigates the effect of remedial practices on students’ competencies in mathematics subjects in Rwanda, in Kamonyi district. Specifically, the research identified remedial practices from public secondary schools that affect students’ competencies in mathematics in Kamonyi district, Rwanda, and analyzed the students' performance in mathematics that is due to remedial practices in secondary schools in Kamonyi district and determined the relationship between remedial practices and students’ competencies in mathematics in Kamonyi district, Rwanda. The population in this study consisted of 5331 respondents, while their sample size was 370. To triangulate the data, primary sources were acquired utilizing questionnaires, interviews, and observation methods. To generate a sample population from the respondents, this study employed purposive, stratified, and simple random sampling methods. In data gathering and analysis, the study used both quantitative and qualitative methodologies in tandem. Content analysis aided qualitative data analysis, while quantitative data was presented using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (correlational and regression analysis) in IBM SPSS Version 21.0. For the first objective, results indicate that 100.0% of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed that changing teaching methods frequently, 90.0% of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed that using individualized learning materials helps in remedial practices in mathematics, 90.0% of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed that incorporating visual and audio resources, and 80.0% either strongly agreed or agreed that creating original worksheets and exercises as remedial practices in mathematics. For the second objective, 60.0% of respondents 100% either strongly agreed or agreed that the student’s problem-solving ability, 80.0% of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed that the student’s ability to reason, 90.0% of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed that the ability to apply methods by students demonstrates, and 80.0% of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed that the capacity for representing mathematical structures indicates the student's competencies in mathematics. The study found a strong relationship between creating lessons that consider students' interests, needs, and experiences and their problem-solving abilities, procedure application abilities, and capacity for representation. It also found a positive relationship between the use of individualized learning materials and problem-solving abilities, procedure application abilities, and capacity for representation. The results suggest that adjusting these factors can enhance problem-solving, procedure application, and representation capacity. These findings suggest that they are correlated since most of their levels of significance were greater than 0.05 in association with students’ competencies in mathematics subjects in Rwanda, in Kamonyi district. It is recommended that Rwandan Education Board and school: REB, as well as the school level, are recommended schools to use remedial activities, and the school level applies this program to facilitate learners to increase their achievement and encourage their learning. To teachers of mathematics: Teachers should always make sure that students feel comfortable with the method they are using in teaching mathematics to facilitate learners to solve daily problems. Teachers should mobilize their students and teachers to attend remedial activities. Teachers give more exercises, practical activities, and homework. Teachers encourage students to learn and like mathematics subjects as an important subject in daily life.

Role of Microfinance in Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

Chandra Bhusan Sharma — 2025-08-16

This study explores the role of microfinance in empowering women entrepreneurs in India, highlighting its economic and social impact. Despite women owning only 13.76% of enterprises, microfinance has emerged as a key driver in bridging gender gaps by providing collateral-free loans, savings, and insurance services. The research shows that Self-Help Groups, Joint Liability Groups, Microfinance Institutions, and government schemes like MUDRA, Stand-Up India, and DAY-NRLM have significantly expanded women’s access to credit. Case studies demonstrate how microfinance has enabled women to start or expand businesses in tailoring, farming, and handicrafts, while also improving household income, education, and healthcare outcomes. Furthermore, microfinance fosters collective solidarity, reduces gender-based violence, and builds leadership capacity. However, challenges such as over-indebtedness, digital exclusion, and lack of business skills persist. Comparative analysis with Bangladesh, Kenya, and Peru suggests that integrating finance with training and digital inclusion can further strengthen outcomes for women entrepreneurs in India.

The Critical Role of Emotional Intelligence in Navigating Workplace Conflict: An Introduction

Shivani — 2025-08-16

Workplace conflict, while inevitable, incurs substantial organizational costs when mismanaged. This research establishes Emotional Intelligence (EI)—the capacity to perceive, understand, regulate, and leverage emotions—as a critical determinant of effective conflict resolution. Through literature synthesis, this paper demonstrate that individuals with strong EI competencies (self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills) excel in de-escalating tensions, navigating disputes through perspective-taking, crafting mutually beneficial solutions, and repairing relationships post-conflict. Neurocognitive mechanisms enable EI to transform emotional turbulence into constructive dialogue by preserving executive function during negotiations. Organizations achieve sustainable impact by embedding EI through: (1) evidence-based skill training (e.g., biofeedback, micro-expression analysis), (2) leadership accountability linked to conflict-resolution metrics, and (3) systemic redesign of mediation protocols. Empirical cases confirm significant returns, including Siemens Healthcare’s 41% reduction in departmental conflicts. Institutionalizing EI thus repositions conflict as a catalyst for innovation, though future research must address cultural contingencies and ethical AI integration.

Anchoring Bias in Health Insurance: Insights and Debiasing Pathways from Indian Knowledge Systems

K M Vineeth — 2025-08-16

Anchoring bias—a cognitive tendency to rely heavily on the first piece of information encountered—has a profound influence on consumer decision-making in health insurance. Individuals often fixate on the initial premium quoted, neglecting to evaluate policy features such as coverage adequacy, exclusions, and long-term benefits. This results in suboptimal insurance choices and increased vulnerability to financial risk. While behavioral economics has proposed various debiasing strategies, the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) offers a culturally rooted and holistic approach to addressing this bias. Drawing upon principles from Indian philosophical traditions, including Viveka (discriminative wisdom), Samyama (discipline of focus), Yukta Āhāra-Vihāra (balance in choices), and Niti (practical wisdom), this paper develops a conceptual framework for IKS-informed debiasing of anchoring bias in health insurance decisions. The study adopts a qualitative, conceptual methodology, mapping bias manifestations to corresponding IKS constructs and proposing tailored debiasing techniques. The findings highlight how ancient wisdom can complement modern behavioral insights, fostering reflective, balanced, and informed decision-making among consumers. The paper contributes to both the behavioral finance literature and health insurance practice by offering a novel IKS-based debiasing framework, with implications for policy design, consumer education, and sustainable financial wellbeing.

Banking Revival: CAMELS Insights into India's Public Sector Banks Post 2019 Reforms

Aditya Kumar — 2025-08-16

The Indian banking sector has undergone significant transformations through the 2019 banking reforms, including the implementation of Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) frameworks and large-scale mergers of Public Sector Banks (PSBs), aimed at enhancing stability, efficiency, and resilience amid rising non-performing assets and economic challenges. This study conducts a comparative analysis of the financial performance of major PSBs in India, focusing on the pre-reform (2015–2019) and post-reform (2020–2024) periods, utilizing the CAMELS framework, which encompasses capital adequacy, asset quality, management efficiency, earning efficiency, liquidity, and sensitivity. Data were sourced from the CMIE-RBI database for 12 PSBs. CAMELS parameters were used to compute composite scores and rank the banks. Bank of Maharashtra and Indian Bank showed significant improvements, and the Bank of Baroda remained stable in rankings post-merger. To assess the statistical significance of reform impacts, an independent t-test was applied to compare the mean values of each CAMELS parameter across the two periods, yielding significant differences in Capital Adequacy, Asset quality, and Earnings, indicating enhanced post-reform stability, though Management efficiency and Liquidity metrics show insignificant results. The findings underscore the reforms' positive influence on PSB performance, offering policy implications for future banking consolidation in emerging economies.

JEL Classification: E44, E42, E58, G21, G28, G34

Nonlinear Dynamics of Inflation and Economic Growth in India: Evidence from NARDL Approach

Amar Nath Das — 2025-08-16

This study investigates the asymmetric relationship between inflation and economic growth in India from 1990 to 2021 using the Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) approach. By decomposing inflation into positive and negative shocks, the analysis reveals that disinflationary episodes significantly enhance long-run economic growth with a 1% decrease in inflation raising GDP growth by approximately 3.4 percentage points, while inflationary shocks exhibit negligible effects. In the short run, positive inflation shocks have a lagged stimulative effect, whereas money supply expansions negatively affect growth contemporaneously and with a lag. The bounds test confirms stable long-run cointegration, and diagnostic tests validate the model’s robustness. These findings challenge conventional symmetric assumptions of inflation–growth dynamics and highlight the moderating role of monetary factors in India’s growth trajectory. Policy implications suggest that mild deflation, when driven by productivity and efficiency gains, need not be viewed as harmful. Instead, adopting a flexible inflation-targeting framework, investing in supply-side improvements, and ensuring adequate liquidity are essential to balance price stability with sustainable growth.

Effects of Technology Practical Management in Teaching and Learning on Students’ Skills Acquisition in Public Secondary Schools with in Rwanda, a Case of Kicukiro District

MANIZABAYO Mediatrice — 2025-08-16

The adoption of technology in education has gained significant attention globally due to its potential in enhancing teaching and learning experiences. This study aims to examine the effects of technology practical management in teaching and learning on students’ skills acquisition in secondary schools of Rwanda. The specific objectives were: to assess the effect of using computer in teaching and learning for students’ hands on skill, to investigate the influence of using multimedia resources in teaching and learning for active involvement and practical problem solving skills of students, to examine the effects of using internet on students to access to wide variety of information and critical thinking skills and to assess the effects of using technology on students’ competence skills and readiness to competitive market place. This research is hoped to provide information to policy makers about the advantages of using technology in supporting the current CBC approach and acquiring practical skills to students. This research employed descriptive and correlation research design and the target population was 2100 including 2000 students from 4 schools, 4 school head teachers, 96 teachers teaching in secondary schools and this helped to draw a sample of 336 respondents. purposive sampling was used to sample 4 headteachers while stratified random sampling was used to sample 15 teachers and 317 students. To collect data, interview was addressed to headteachers and teachers while questionnaires were addressed to students. Validity and reliability were tested using pilot study and internal consistency methods like Cronbach's alpha coefficient to make sure that instruments result in consistent and trustworthy data. Quantitative data were analyses using SPSS version 22 and descriptive statistics like frequencies, means, standard deviations while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic approach. Data from students, teachers, and headteachers reveal that using computers in education enhances students' practical skills, including typing and word processing at 93% with mean 4.66 and 0.51 S.D, and basic programming at 81%, which are valuable for academic and career success. Additionally, 92% of students reported that multimedia tools like projectors boost engagement and attention in class with mean 4.47 and 0.50 standard deviation. Internet access further enriches students’ learning by expanding access to information and promoting critical thinking at 99%. Overall, technology use in Kicukiro District's public secondary schools strengthens students' skill sets and prepares them for competitive job markets at 100% with mean 4.96 and standard deviation of 0.73. The study recommends that Students should actively use digital tools to explore and practice skills beyond traditional assignments. Teachers are encouraged to integrate technology into hands-on learning activities that simulate real-world tasks, helping students develop practical skills. Headteachers should offer regular training for teachers to effectively implement technology in practical lessons. Policymakers should allocate sufficient funding to equip schools with essential technology, especially in under-resourced districts, to support practical learning. By implementing those recommendations, technology integration can be improved which in turn lead to overall educational outcomes.

Household Air Pollution, Women’s Health and Social Inequalities in the Himalayas

Rekha Bahuguna — 2025-08-16

Household air pollution (HAP) is one of the environmental and human health tragic consequences that in the Himalayan region significantly affect women and children. Dependence on biomass fuels like wood, dung and crop remains as sources of cooking and heating together with poor household ventilation is a potent source of particulate matter (PM 2. 5, PM 10), carbon monoxide, black carbon and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Acute respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, adverse pregnancy outcomes and developmental risks in children, are some of the reasons that are promoted by prolonged publicity. In addition to the biomedical implications, exposure is influenced by socio-cultural and economic aspects such as gendered division of labor, time poverty and livelihood trade-offs (migration and structural inequalities). The review draws on literature of the past twelve years (i.e., since 2010) to review not only the health-related effects of HAP but also sociological aspects that contribute to defenselessness. These findings point to the need to have gender-sensitive community interventions, which would inbuilt clean energy applications and public health interventions and social equity aspects. The policy recommendations are specific LPG/biogas dispensation, a culturally sensitive campaign and a women-centric energy governance to minimize the barriers of the health disparities and encourage a sustainable household energy transition in the Himalayas.

Educated Migrants and Remittances in Rural India

Awadhesh Kumar — 2025-08-16

Remittances contribute to the financial growth of rural areas. They are especially utilized to meet needs and elevate living standards. However, in contemporary times, they serve to boost family income sources, either through financial assistance or by establishing or enhancing family businesses. Consequently, it is hypothesized that individuals with lower education levels are less likely to send remittances compared to their more educated counterparts in rural India. Conversely, remittances are expected to improve living standards as a means of supporting rural well-being.

JEL: F24, I21, R23, M21

The Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Advancing Women Empowerment in Aspirational Districts of Uttar Pradesh

Niloo Km — 2025-08-16

Women empowerment is no longer just a lofty ideal but an actionable, tangible, measurable outcome that plays a key role in the advancement of society. Kofi Annan states that ‘There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women’. In India, the nexus between gender equality and sustainable development has become increasingly recognized with significant steps being made through a comprehensive approach. This research paper briefly contextualized the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in driving women empowerment, with a focus on the Aspirational Districts of Uttar Pradesh. The study investigates how CSR initiatives in these districts are contributing to sustainable development, which emphasizes gender equality and the empowerment of women. The Aspirational Districts Program, initiated by NITI Aayog in 2018, aimed at transforming the most backward districts of India. The study is descriptive in nature and based on secondary data and all the data collected from national portal of Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Corporate Social Responsibility. The study conducts a comparative analysis of CSR expenditures from 2018-2019 to 2022-2023, with a focus on gender-focused initiatives. This paper evaluates their effectiveness in fostering gender equality and empowering women in underserved areas.

School Infrastructure and Students’ Academic Performance in Public Day Secondary Schools in Ngororero District, Rwanda

MUGENZI THEOGENE — 2025-08-16

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of school infrastructure on students’ academic performance in public day secondary schools in Ngororero district, Rwanda. This study was guided by three specific objectives; to assess the school infrastructures needed in day public secondary schools for better students’ academic performance, to examine the level of students’ academic performance within the school infrastructure in public day secondary schools, and to identify the relationship between school infrastructures and students’ academic performance in public day secondary schools in Ngororero District, Rwanda. This study was supported by two theories such as theory of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and the input-output theory. The study used the descriptive survey design in which the quantitative and qualitative methods were applied. The target population consisted of 676 individuals, with 26 headteachers, 130 teachers, and 520 students from Ngororero District schools. The sample size of 251 respondents was determined using the Yamane formula. The researcher employed simple random sampling for choosing students and head teachers, and purposive sampling for selecting teachers for the study. The questionnaire and interview guide were used for data collection. The study employed a Cronbach Alpha coefficient to assess the study instruments' reliability and validity. Data analysis was analyzed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) software version 26.0 for numerical data, and thematic analysis for data from interviewees. Data was analyzed, the 37.8% rated the classrooms as "Adequate" (A), while 35.2% considered them "Very Adequate" (VA). Together, this accounts for 73% of respondents feeling positively about the condition of classrooms. A significant portion, 36.3%, rated the science laboratories as "Inadequate" (I), and 17.1% felt they were "Very Inadequate" (VI). In contrast, only 14% rated them as "Very Adequate" (VA), with 22.3% finding them adequate. Finding’s objective two revealed that a substantial 37.3% of participants rated the performance as "very poor," while an additional 32.6% described it as "poor." Together, these categories represent a striking 70.0% of the respondents, highlighting a prevalent perception of inadequate academic achievement within the student body. Findings of objective three revealed that the correlation data presented in Table 4.11 illustrates a strong relationship between school infrastructure and students' academic performance. The Pearson correlation coefficient of .891 indicates a positive correlation, suggesting that as the quality of school infrastructure improves the students' academic performance. The study concluded that schools with well-maintained and adequately resourced facilities enable students to focus on their studies, engage in active learning, and achieve better outcomes. It was recommended that schools should create a maintenance plan to regularly inspect and repair classrooms, libraries, and laboratories to enhance the student’s academic performance. Schools should encourage students and staff to take care of school property and promote a culture of responsibility toward infrastructure. Ministry of Education should provide technical support and training to school leaders on facility management and infrastructure planning.

The Impact of Automation on the Future Role of Accountants: Opportunities and Challenges

Hitesh R Manek — 2025-08-16

The accounting industry is undergoing a change thanks to automation technologies like blockchain, robotic process automation (RPA), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). This study examines the potential benefits and drawbacks of automation as it relates to the changing function of accountants. In order to examine how automation affects financial reporting, auditing, management accounting, and taxation, the study examines theoretical viewpoints, empirical data, and case studies. The study also assesses the skill requirements for aspiring accountants, ethical issues, and regulatory ramifications. According to research, professional accountants will continue to be essential for governance, strategic advising, and judgment-based positions even as routine and rule-based duties become more automated. A study agenda for further investigations is included in the paper's conclusion, along with suggestions for educators, practitioners, and legislators.

The Development of Indian Artistic Traditions: A Comparative Inquiry into Classical and Contemporary Visual Forms

Chand Krishan — 2025-08-16

This study examines the development of Indian artistic traditions in drawing and painting through a comparative analysis of classical and contemporary visual forms. The research aims to trace continuities and transformations within Indian art, highlighting the aesthetic, cultural and philosophical dimensions that shape its evolution. Methodologically, the paper employs a qualitative and descriptive approach, supported by visual analysis of selected artworks from classical traditions such as Ajanta murals, Mughal and Rajput paintings, alongside modern and contemporary practices represented by Amrita Sher-Gil, M.F. Husain, and others. The findings reveal that while classical art is deeply rooted in spirituality, symbolism and collective identity, contemporary practices reflect experimentation, individual expression and engagement with socio-political realities. The study concludes that Indian art embodies both continuity and rupture, where timeless aesthetic principles coexist with innovative reinterpretations, thereby affirming its dynamic role in negotiating cultural memory and modernity.