International Journal of Education Studies and Social Science Research
The International Journal of Education Studies and Social Science Research (IJESSSR) is a double-blind peer-reviewed, open-access, bi-monthly journal dedicated to the publication of high-quality empirical, conceptual, and review papers. Our mission is to advance knowledge in the fields of business administration, management, and social sciences by fostering scholarly research that informs and enhances professional practice. IJESSSR aims to serve as a valuable platform for academicians, researchers, and practitioners by promoting research and critical reflection on issues that drive sustainable business and social transformation. The journal focuses on topics that are relevant to both academic inquiry and real-world management and administrative practice, bridging the gap between theory and application. We welcome contributions that demonstrate rigorous research methodology and provide meaningful insights for scholars, educators, business leaders, and policy-makers seeking to make a positive impact in their respective fields.
UNDERSTANDING ESG SCORES BASED IN FINANCIAL GROUPS QUOTED IN THE MEXICAN STOCK MARKETS
This research evaluates the ESG performance of six leading financial groups listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV): Grupo Financiero Banorte (GFNORTE), Regional SAB de CV (RA), Grupo Profuturo (GPROFUT), Value Grupo Financiero (VALUEGF), Grupo Financiero Multiva (GFMULTI), and Grupo Financiero Inbursa (GFINBUR). Utilizing the LSEG ESG Scores Plus methodology, the study analyzes 2023–2024 performance data across a standardized framework of 12 key themes and 220 indicators. The primary objective is to determine how these intermediaries manage material ESG risks and the extent to which their disclosures serve as a proxy for long-term management quality. The findings reveal a starkly bifurcated landscape within the Mexican financial infrastructure. Sector leaders, such as GFNORTE and RA, demonstrate high levels of transparency, with GFNORTE achieving an "A-" rating and ranking 1st out of 9 in the Mexico Banking Services category. Conversely, laggard firms like GFINBUR and GFMULTI receive "D" ratings, primarily driven by the "Transparency Penalty", a methodological mechanism that assigns scores of zero for non-disclosure. The analysis identifies that for the Banking Services industry, the social pillar carries the highest materiality weight at 49.6%, followed by Governance at 36% and Environmental at 14.4%. Furthermore, the study incorporates "Controversy Scores" to evaluate external perception risk, noting that while some laggards maintain high controversy scores due to a lack of public visibility, others—such as GFINBUR—are impacted by specific events, including an anti-competition investigation reported. By synthesizing these diverse data points, the research provides stakeholders with a comprehensive tool for risk-adjusted investment decision-making, emphasizing that a lack of disclosure represents a significant systemic risk in the current regulatory environment. The study concludes that while sector leaders are competitive on a global scale, the broader Mexican financial sector remains in a state of ESG immaturity, requiring accelerated adoption of standardized reporting to maintain market liquidity.
Copyright (c) 2026 José Gerardo De La Vega Meneses
THE ETHICAL DILEMMA IN A HUMAN SOCIETY A BRIEF CRITICAL READING OF ETHICAL THEORIES
The current article aims, through examining theories of ethics, to identify the causes of the moral decline that our contemporary human society is suffering from. This is done through a brief critical reading of the theories, including what they have added and what has been taken away from them, and when ethics is an influential factor or an independent variable, then, it is a dependent factor or a variable dependent on other influential factors? All of this is in order to identify the causes of this decline and treat it as much as possible.
Copyright (c) 2026 Prof. Dr. Samah Khaled Zahran
ANALYSIS OF THE MOST IN-DEMAND SKILLS AMONG EMPLOYERS: A 2025-2030 GLOBAL LABOR MARKET PERSPECTIVE
This research investigates the structural transformation of the global labor market during the 2025–2030 quinquennium, a period defined by a 22% structural labor churn and a 402 million "jobs gap." Utilizing the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, this study analyzes the "triple transition" of digital acceleration, the green transition, and geoeconomic fragmentation. Findings indicate an asymmetric recovery: while 170 million new roles emerge against 92 million displacements—yielding a net growth of 78 million positions—this expansion is concentrated in tech-centric and green sectors. A critical reconfiguration of the "Human-Machine Frontier" is observed, with human-standalone tasks projected to decline from 47% to 33%. This shift is characterized by "cognitive offloading" via Generative AI, enabling workforce augmentation rather than simple replacement. Sectoral analysis reveals a high automation share in Insurance (97%) contrasted with high augmentation potential in Healthcare (54%). Despite a stabilized skill instability rate of 39%, 63% of employers cite skill gaps as the primary barrier to transformation. The study concludes that navigating this churn requires a transition to "training as a strategic investment" to prevent geoeconomic scarring. The future belongs to the "augmented professional" capable of operating within a tripartite split of 33% human, 34% machine, and 33% collaborative labor.
GEOPOLITICAL CONFLICT, ENERGY SHOCKS, AND GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY: DEVELOPMENT IMPLICATIONS OF THE IRAN–ISRAEL CONFLICT
This article presents a cohesive framework explaining how international tensions can cause major disruptions to the entire world’s energy, economic, and environmental systems, with subsequent effects on global development outcomes. The author conceptualizes conflict as a ‘structural shock’ transmitted through ‘critical nodes’ of the global energy system. They analyse how disruptions at 'strategic checkpoints' can trigger energy supply shocks and price volatility across global economies, thereby increasing inflation, creating supply chain challenges, and slowing economic growth. The authors demonstrate that these disruptions typically concentrate on the part of the world dependent on importing energy and/or on relatively underdeveloped countries that have less ability to adapt to changing conditions than other countries. In addition, these disruptions will generate environmental consequences: carbon emissions increase, natural ecosystems degrade, and the timing of the transition from fossil-fuel-based to renewable energy systems is delayed due to these energy challenges. The article's biggest contribution is theorizing the economy-environment relationship as a mutually reinforcing loop: economic instability translates into increased environmental degradation and environmental stress translates into longer-term economic vulnerability. This framework offers important new insights into how international tensions will influence the evolution of development patterns across an increasingly interrelated and potentially less stable global community.
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Mehedi Masud
TEACHERS’ DISCIPLINARY STRATEGIES FOR EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN EKITI STATE, NIGERIA
This study explores the use of disciplinary strategies by teachers in public secondary schools in Ekiti State, Nigeria, and the resulting impact on students' educational experiences and overall outcomes. Effective management of the classroom is one of the most important components of creating an effective learning environment for all students. However, the inability to effectively manage the behaviour of students can obstruct their academic success; thus, this study provides information on the importance of communication, the development of positive relationships, the establishment of clear expectations between teachers and students, and urgent attention to demonstrate acceptance of student behavior when applied in its appropriate context. In order to meet the objective of this study, the authors identified existing strategies that can be applied in classroom management; however, future empirical-based research must be conducted on the long-term effects of these current strategies and their contextual application in Ekiti State. There is evidence to support the need for continued professional development to better equip teachers with skills necessary to assist them in successfully managing classroom issues. Future studies should also examine any identified gaps through empirical studies to gain the perspective of students and to address any cultural issues affecting discipline in this Ekiti State, Nigeria. Improving disciplinary strategies will increase student achievement and create an environment of respect and academic excellence within public secondary schools in Ekiti State.
RESUSCITATION OF QUALITY ASSURANCE SERVICES FOR EFFECTIVE DELIVERY OF INSTRUCTIONAL CONTENTS IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN THE SOUTH EAST ZON OF NIGERIA
This study investigated resuscitation of quality assurance services for effective delivery of instructional contents in public universities in the South East Zone of Nigeria. Quality is a foot hold for restoration of standards in public universities. Without quality assurance in public universities, the standards of teaching and learning will drift. One research question was used for the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Population of the study is 250 which comprised 100 female lecturers and 150 male lecturers in Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo state. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 40 male lecturers from Project Management and Chemical Engineering Departments. On the other hand, 60 female lecturers were selected from Departments of Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering and Agricultural Engineering Departments which gave a sample size of 100. Instrument used for data collection was a researcher developed questionnaire “titled resuscitation of quality assurance for effective delivery of instructional contents in public universities in Nigeria” with four rating scale of strongly agree, agree, dis agree and strongly disagree. The instrument was validated by two specialists from department of Business Education of Madonna University Okija campus, Anambra State. Cronbach alpha statistics was used to determine the reliability coefficient of this study at 0.78 and 0.97, which shows that the instrument was reliable for use in this study. A total of 100 questionnaires were administered to the respondents and a total of 100 questionnaires were returned from respondents, non- got missed. Mean was used to analyze the data generated. The findings of the study revealed that quality assurance is important for restoration of quality teaching in public universities in the South East zone of Nigeria. It was recommended in the study that public universities management should strengthen more quality assurance strategies in public universities in the South east Zone of Nigeria. This would enable Lecturers belt up their shorts for effective delivery of instructions in public universities in Nigeria.
Meaning of Quality Assurance in Educational Institutions
Pedagogies that ensure lecturers Quality in Public Universities Lecture Halls
how is Quality Maintained by Lecturers in Public Universities? Resultant Effects of Neglected Quality in an Educational Classroom or Lecture Hall
Copyright (c) 2026 Christian Nwakanma PhD
FINTECH AND INNOVATIVE FINANCING ALTERNATIVES AS ENGINES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMEs IN MEXICO
This documentary and non-experimental research aims to analyze the relevance of financing sources in Mexico, particularly those driven by the Fintech ecosystem, and their impact on the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In an environment characterized by restrictions in traditional credit access, financial technology platforms have emerged as an innovative alternative that expands access to capital, reduces intermediation costs, and streamlines credit approval processes. The study examines how these new financing modalities contribute to the operational continuity, growth, and competitiveness of SMEs, as well as their role within the Mexican financial system.
Copyright (c) 2026 José Carlos Figueroa Sánchez
ANATOMY OF A GEOPOLITICAL SHOCK: THE DERIVATIVES MARKET AS A SYSTEMIC SHOCK ABSORBER
This study investigates the structural shifts and volume dynamics within the over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives market following the acute geopolitical shock of March 1st. The escalation of military conflict involving the United States and Iran, characterized by the targeted bombing of strategic infrastructure and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz, catalyzed a precipitous surge in crude oil prices to the USD 110–140 per barrel range. Utilizing a quantitative comparative analysis of Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) weekly swap dollar volume data, this research evaluates market behavior from the pre-shock baseline of February 13 to the post-shock environment of March 13. The methodology prioritizes market-facing trades to isolate organic demand, distinguishing between cleared and uncleared transactions across interest rate, credit, and foreign exchange (FX) asset classes. The core finding reveals a 42% increase in total swap dollar volume, rising from USD 31.5 trillion to USD 44.8 trillion. This expansion was driven by intensive risk hedging and a systemic "flight to safety" as participants navigated heightened inflation expectations and the pro-cyclicality of margin requirements. Credit Default Swap (CDS) volumes more than doubled, reflecting acute concerns regarding corporate and sovereign default contagion. While Interest Rate Swaps exhibited a significant migration toward central clearing to mitigate counterparty risk, FX swaps remained predominantly uncleared, highlighting a persistent strategic preference for bilateral flexibility and immediate liquidity during periods of rapid currency volatility. This analysis concludes that the derivatives market functions as a critical shock absorber, though resilience is increasingly dictated by the interplay of regulatory mandates and bespoke liquidity needs.
WHILE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE WRITES THE CODE, WHAT DO WE DO? THE NEW ROLE OF THE DEVELOPER IN THE ERA OF AUTONOMOUS CODING AGENTS
The emergence of autonomous AI coding agents profoundly reconfigures the role of the software engineer. This paper examines the evolution of AI coding assistants, from syntactic autocomplete to extended-reasoning agents such as Claude Code, and proposes the AIDA Methodology (Mey's AI-Driven Development Architecture): five structured phases for AI- assisted software development. Drawing on empirical evidence of skill-differentiated productivity gains (Dell'Acqua et al., 2023) and performance benchmarks including SWE- bench Verified (72.5 %) and Terminal-bench (43.2 %), we argue that the critical competency of the modern developer is not writing code, but designing architectures, contextualizing problems, and interpreting AI-generated solutions. We also examine the emerging phenomenon of native multimodal processing, curricular implications for university education, the competitive positioning of the professional developer, and the normative gap arising from the absence of formal standards for AI-assisted development.
Copyright (c) 2026 Verónica Chávez Torres
OIL PRICE ESTIMATION BASED ON CHANGES IN DOLLAR-DENOMINATED ETFS: A MULTI-INSTRUMENT REGRESSION APPROACH (2025-2026)
This paper provides a rigorous econometric estimation of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil spot prices by analyzing the price action of liquid, dollar-denominated Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). Utilizing a high-frequency weekly dataset spanning March 2025 to March 2026, the study employs a series of linear regression models to ascertain the "Theoretical Spot Price" of crude oil. By treating WTI futures as the dependent variable and a basket of ETFs—including USO, BNO, USL, DBO, XLE, and XOP—as independent variables, we quantify the degree to which financialized energy assets leadingly reflect physical market fundamentals. The primary finding reveals a significant divergence between the actual spot price (96.09) and the model’s theoretical estimate of 99.10 for the week ending March 15, 2026. This $99.10 figure, derived specifically from the United States 12 Month Oil Fund (USL) regression, indicates an "Undervalued Spot" condition of 3.1%. The model achieved a statistical significance (p-value) of 0.031 (3.1%), suggesting that the ETF basket provides a robust explanatory framework for pricing discovery during periods of high volatility. The results suggest that institutional investors can utilize the "laddered" futures exposure of USL and the "optimum yield" strategies of DBO to mitigate contango-induced tracking errors and identify alpha-generating price lags in the physical market.
THE THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF MOUNTAIN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN UZBEKISTAN (A CASE STUDY OF NAVOI CITY)
This article analyzes the development of mountain tourism in rural settlements of the Navoi region of Uzbekistan. The study examines the theoretical foundations of mountain and rural tourism, current development trends, and practical approaches to promoting sustainable tourism in mountainous areas. Special attention is given to key tourist destinations such as the Sarmishsay Gorge, the Nurota Mountains, and Sentob village, which represent a combination of natural, cultural, and historical attractions. Based on statistical data, policy documents, and field-based observations, the research highlights the growing role of mountain tourism in regional economic development, employment generation, and preservation of cultural heritage. The findings demonstrate that improving tourism infrastructure, expanding service quality, and supporting local entrepreneurship can significantly enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of mountain tourism in the Navoi region.
Copyright (c) 2026 Istamkhuja Olimovich Davronov
THE GLOBAL HOTEL INDUSTRY: STRUCTURE, PERFORMANCE, AND STRATEGIC OUTLOOK
This study presents a comprehensive, multidimensional assessment of the global hotel industry as of 2024. It systematically examines market volume indicators, geographic distribution, the performance of the world's foremost hotel chains, the sector's experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent recovery, prevailing industry trends, and projections for the near future. The findings reveal that the global hotel market closed 2024 at USD 620 billion, thereby surpassing its pre-pandemic peak for the first time. The Asia-Pacific region has emerged as the dominant market, accounting for USD 240 billion in market volume. Sustainability, digital transformation, and guest-centric personalization have crystallized as the defining strategic priorities for the sector. The study concludes with actionable recommendations for the industry's future development.
Copyright (c) 2026 Davronov Istamkhuja Olimovich
OPTIMIZATION OF FINANCIAL PORTFOLIOS USING MONTE CARLO SIMULATIONS AND PYTHON
This study simulates portfolio construction using 10 stocks from the Dow Jones index, as well as from the stock exchanges of Mexico, Japan, and Colombia, applying Monte Carlo simulations to generate various weight combinations. The analysis calculates three key metrics: expected return, volatility, and Sharpe ratio. Historical closing prices of the selected stocks from 2014 to 2024 are used, which are standardized and scaled for easier comparison. After performing 1000 simulations, the portfolio with the highest Sharpe ratio from the market is identified as the most efficient. The results are visualized in an efficient frontier graph, highlighting the optimal portfolio, enabling investors to select the best risk-return combination.
MODERN APPROACHES TO HUMAN RESOURCES POLICY AND TRAINING PROGRAMS IN THE INTERNATIONAL HOTEL BUSINESS
The study is dedicated to a comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness of modern human resources policies and employee training systems within the international hotel business. In the context of globalization, hotel chains operate in a multinational, multicultural, and highly competitive environment, making human resource management strategy a key factor in a company's success. The research provides a comparative analysis of the four main models of international human resources management - ethnocentric, polycentric, geocentric, and regiocentric approaches - and assesses their advantages and disadvantages based on practical indicators. The results indicate that the geocentric approach provides an optimal balance between global integration and local adaptation. Companies employing this model were found to have high employee retention rates, consistent guest satisfaction, and strong brand consistency. At the same time, the study substantiates that other approaches can also be effective depending on specific conditions and company scale. Furthermore, the role of modern technologies - such as virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and gamification elements - in the training process is analyzed separately.
NONPAYMENT OF STUDENT TEACHERS TEACHING PRACTICE ALLOWANCES AND FATE OF STUDENT TEACHERS IN TEACHING PROFESSION IN NIGERIA
Teaching practice remains a fundamental component of teacher education in Nigeria, serving as a structured programme for equipping student teachers with essential pedagogical, behavioral, and professional competencies. Historically rooted in the missionary era, teaching practice has evolved to accommodate contemporary educational standards while maintaining core values such as moral instruction, classroom management, and effective instructional delivery. Despite its significance, student teachers in Nigeria face considerable challenges, particularly the persistent nonpayment of teaching practice allowances. This study examines the implications of nonpayment of student teachers’ allowances on their morale, professional commitment, and long-term engagement in the teaching profession. It highlights how inadequate funding, lack of transportation support, poor instructional materials, and personal financial burdens negatively affect student teachers’ performance and perception of teaching as a viable career. The paper argues that neglect of student teachers during their formative professional training undermines the quality of teacher preparation and, by extension, national educational development. It concludes that adequate funding, proper monitoring of allocated resources, and provision of monthly allowances are necessary to strengthen teacher education and sustain the future of the teaching profession in Nigeria.
MANAGING SCIENCE LABORATORIES FOR THE EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ANKPA, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA
This research explores the structure and utilisation of science laboratories in public secondary schools in Ankpa, Kogi State, Nigeria, highlighting the significant issues in this locality. The empirical study on scientific laboratories highlights scientific laboratory challenges in Ankpa, such as insufficient science laboratories, lack of essential equipment, not enough trained hands to run the science laboratory services, and teachers with insufficient laboratory skills, and with all of these lead to a theoretical mode of teaching in the schools which means students are not often experiencing what they have been taught. New laboratories have been built during this period, but science learning in Ankpa is still lagging far behind the ideal or acceptable level. The research advocates a holistic reform that includes improved infrastructure, ongoing professional development to equip teachers with relevant knowledge, financial support, and laboratory safety. The study adds that for schools to address the science laboratory challenges, it is critical to introduce a few of the strategies, which may include staff members implementing inquiry-based teaching methods; leveraging Information and communication technology (ICT); improved ways of operating and managing laboratory environments, and using improvised materials, which are correctly implemented. The findings of this study identify attributes that warrant re-examination and call for improvements or enhancements to policies and strategies for learning science in Ankpa and other areas of Nigeria. Pursuing effective strategies will improve scientific literacy, promote student engagement, and contribute to technological development.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MANAGEMENT OF VICARIOUS LIABILITY AND ADMINISTRATIVE EFFECTIVENESS IN STATE-OWNED TERTIARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN BORNO STATE, NIGERIA
This study investigates the relationship between management of vicarious liability and administrative effectiveness in state-owned tertiary educational institutions in Borno State, Nigeria. The study adopted correlational survey research design. The research involved 3211 staff from these institutions, with a sample of 333 staff. The Management of Vicarious Liability Questionnaire (MVLQ) and Administrative Effectiveness Questionnaire (AEQ) were used to collect data. The results showed a high extent of management of tort of vicarious liability, moderate administrative effectiveness, and a positive relationship between management of tort of vicarious liability and administrative effectiveness. It was recommended that school administrators should regularly organize awareness on the legal implications of vicarious liability, the government should teach tortious liabilities in schools, and multimedia should be utilized by school administrators for awareness creation. The study highlights the importance of addressing the complex challenges faced by state-owned tertiary educational institutions in Nigeria.
BEYOND CASTE: COMPARATIVE SYSTEMS OF SOCIAL STRATIFICATION AND EXCLUSION WORLDWIDE
Caste is often understood as a uniquely South Asian phenomenon; however, systems of hereditary, descent-based discrimination exist across multiple regions of the world. Communities identified as Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD)— including Dalits in South Asia, Roma in Europe, Burakumin in Japan, Haratine and Osu in Africa, and Quilombola and Palenque communities in Latin America—experience persistent social exclusion, economic marginalization, and political invisibility. Despite differing cultural and historical contexts, these groups share strikingly similar patterns of stigma, occupational segregation, restricted mobility, and limited access to education, justice, and public resources. This paper adopts a comparative and interdisciplinary approach to examine caste and analogous systems globally, situating them within broader frameworks of social stratification, racial capitalism, and structural inequality. Drawing on secondary data, international human rights reports, and comparative case studies, the study analyses how descent-based discrimination is reproduced through law, labor markets, social norms, and state practices. It further evaluates the effectiveness of constitutional safeguards, affirmative action policies, and international advocacy mechanisms in addressing these entrenched hierarchies. The paper argues that global caste-like systems remain under-theorized and inadequately addressed within mainstream human rights and development discourse. By conceptualizing caste as a global structure rather than a regional anomaly, the study highlights the need for transnational policy frameworks, inclusive governance strategies, and intersectional approaches that link caste, race, gender, and class. The findings contribute to global debates on equality, social justice, and sustainable development by foregrounding descent-based discrimination as a critical but neglected dimension of global inequality.
Global caste; Descent-based discrimination
Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD)
MENA REGION AMID THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS 2007-2008: CHALLENGES AND RECOVERY
This paper explores the impact of the 2007–2008 Global Financial Crisis (GFC) on selected MENA economies, focusing on the contrasting experiences of oil-exporting and oil-importing countries and the policy measures they adopted to mitigate economic and financial disruptions. Oil-exporting GCC countries, benefiting from substantial fiscal and financial buffers, implemented large-scale liquidity support, deposit guarantees, and expansive fiscal measures to stabilize their banking systems and maintain economic growth, despite sharp declines in oil prices and asset values. Non-GCC oil exporters, such as Algeria, relied on targeted public investment programs and fiscal interventions to support key sectors, although their smaller, state-dominated banking systems limited broader credit expansion. Energy-importing countries—including Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, and Tunisia—faced minimal direct financial-sector shocks due to limited exposure to U.S. subprime assets but were strongly affected by declines in trade, remittances, tourism, and FDI. In response, these governments pursued countercyclical fiscal and monetary policies, infrastructure and job-creation programs, and targeted support for key sectors to sustain domestic demand and employment. Overall, the region demonstrated resilience through prudent fiscal management, conservative banking practices, and timely policy interventions, while structural vulnerabilities—such as dependence on commodity exports and limited financial market integration—highlight the need for ongoing economic diversification and strengthened financial and social safeguards.