Inclusive Society and Sustainability Studies

Differing Land Use Strategies and Effects in Preexisting Livelihood Systems and Natural Environments of Lower Didessa Valley, Western Ethiopia

Dereje Hinew Dehu — 2024-08-31

The continuous encroachment of highland cultivators into the lower Didessa River Valley in west Ethiopia since the mid-20th century has brought environmental, economic, and social changes. This study aimed to depict land use changes and their subsequent impacts on preexisting livelihoods and the environment. The travelers’ records, structured interviews with the local communities, and various documents were collected and analyzed qualitatively. The study revealed that the intensified systems of surplus production since 1950 have remarkable and distinct historical political ecology features and impacts by displacing preexisting livelihood systems and reshaping the social and environmental settings in the valley. Thus, (re)considering policies and programs is important to realize sustainable development in the valley. Moreover, further multi-disciplinary research is necessary to understand land use systems and the ecological situations of the Mecha Oromo and Nilotes when planning interventions in the valley.

Sustainability in Fast Fashion: A Study on the Understanding of Youth Consumers

Jea Malig-on — 2024-08-31

Fast fashion refers to the practice of imitating high-end designer apparel at a lower cost. The low cost of these apparels is achieved by using inferior and unsustainable materials and exploiting workers for long hours and low wages. This study is about the awareness, buying intentions, and actions of students in Davao City about sustainability issues in the fast fashion sector. It aims to suggest innovative ways to change young consumers’ attitudes and behaviors toward sustainability in fast fashion. For the study, 5 participants are interviewed. The participants interviewed were chosen through purposive sampling. The participants are female 18-19 years old from varying socioeconomic backgrounds. Specifying the participants’ characteristics allows the researcher to gain an understanding of the relationship between consumer consciousness, purchase intentions, and behavior in the fast-fashion industry. The results show that young consumers have varying degrees of understanding about fast fashion and sustainability. This research shows that governments, fashion labels, and organizations interested in sustainable development can use this information to develop sustainable development plans. Public awareness can be improved to reduce youth unsustainability through effective policies, enabling various stakeholders to provide eco-friendly options when dealing with the problem. The generalizability of the results to a larger population can be improved by employing more diverse sample groups. Furthermore, utilizing different approaches and sampling strategies can increase the study's relevance and validate the findings.

Student Organization Funds at A University: Utilization of Descriptive-Correlational Analysis to Determine Factors in Budgeting

Liezle B. Ponce — 2024-08-31

Budgeting guarantees that an organization has enough resources to accomplish its objectives. There are various studies that have been published related to budgeting. The budgeting of student organization funds in university remains an understudied domain; thus, this research seeks to fill this gap by contributing to the existing body of knowledge while elucidating the allocation processes to enhance transparency and accountability. The objective of this study was to determine the factors affecting the budgeting of student organization funds in university in Philippines. The study utilized descriptive-correlational analysis supported by survey data gathered through a total enumeration of 16 student organizations, employing a hybrid (online and offline) data collection, identified a statistically significant and positively correlated linear relationship between financial-related factors and managerial-related factors. The study revealed that student organization officers have strong financial knowledge and skills. High scores in financial skills and budgetary planning escalate the effective management in achieving goals, aligning with functional leadership theory. However, there is a need for better training programs to address gaps, particularly in using budgets as forecasts. The study also found that improving interpersonal skills can enhance financial management, and the relationship between financial and managerial skills is consistently positive across different groups. Aside from a discussion of the findings considering the relevant reviewed literature, there are recommendations to academics and practitioners, as well as proposals for further study in this field. Along with these results, it is best for universities to consider integrating budget-related training and seminars if they want to have well- rounded student leaders who are indeed capable of leading and providing good-quality service to their fellow students.

Empowering Indigenous Communities: The Pursuit of Quality Education and Peaceful Societies

Beverly Laltoog — 2024-08-31

Educational Institutions in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) fervently advocate for Indigenous Peoples (IP) and Peace Studies Education in higher learning, aligning with the CHED Regional Memorandum No. 56 of 2023. The University of Baguio and other Higher Educational institutions actively integrate IP and Peace Studies into their academic programs. This paper addresses two objectives: explaining cultural misappropriation and introducing the Cordillera Heritage Project to address this issue. This study utilizes a qualitative-descriptive research method by participating in the different programs under Project Cordillera heritage. Project HERITAGE (Higher Education Regional Integration and Teaching of Appropriate, Genuine, and Exhaustive Studies on Indigenous Peoples) is a collaboration between the University of Baguio, CHED CAR, and regional Higher Education Institutions. It introduces Cordillera Heritage as a foundational course, Cordillera Heritage 101: ‘History and Socio-cultural Heritage’, preserving Cordilleran identity through knowledge, systems, practices, settlements and institutions. The Cordillera Heritage stands as a living legacy, relevant in contemporary society and vital to the region’s history. It culminates in the Cordillera Heritage Workbook, which enhances educational materials and includes faculty immersion and training services. The University of Baguio’s proactive approach earned commendation from the Commission on Higher Education for being the first to offer Cordillera Heritage 101 across all programs. The institution’s commitment reflects in successfully implementing the first regional HERITAGE Faculty Immersion Training Service, showcasing its dedication. The Cordillera Heritage Project responds to regional educational needs by integrating subjects that respect and promote Cordilleran knowledge, values, and culture. Aligned with the aspirations for autonomy and self-determination in Cordillera communities, this course is a significant step toward preserving and promoting the region’s heritage within the educational landscape.

Quadruple Helix Approach to Boost Fashion Industry Innovation

Iwan Hermawan — 2024-08-31

Currently, the fashion industry continues to grow and increase, but there is a problem gap in the form of declining demand for orders and stagnant fashion products, which has an impact on 3,000 textile factory workers in Sukoharjo Regency who have been laid off. The problem gap needs to be resolved through the collaborative roles of the sectors in the quadruple helix consisting of the fashion industry, universities, government, and civil society. Therefore, the research question is how does the fashion industry build innovation through the support of sectors in the quadruple helix? The purpose of this study is to identify the role of the quadruple helix in encouraging the fashion industry to create innovations that have an impact on employment. The research method used was a qualitative study with the informants being the Industry Office as the government sector, two fashion MSMEs as industry sector representatives, one university in Indonesia as the university sector, and a sample from civil society. The results of this research indicate that the industry sector is the primary driver of innovation, universities provide foundational knowledge for other sectors, and the government plays a role in maintaining the smooth operation of the fashion industry through policies. Additionally, civil society is responsible for evaluating the work of industry, universities, and government policies. This research contributes to the body of knowledge on the quadruple helix innovation theory.