https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/135759 2026-04-14T07:12:18Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145378 Title: The importance of due diligence procedures on sole traders in local banks Abstract: Sole traders have a relatively less restricted internal system than bigger organizations, which makes them more susceptible to oversight and financial scrutiny. The objective of this research is to explain the need for due diligence procedures on sole traders. Due diligence is perhaps one of the most commonly applied legal requirements, yet its implementation and consequences on small self-employed business owners is often neglected. This study aims to fill that gap and hopes to show how such practices affect the sustainability and credibility of sole traders as well as to the financial wellbeing of the bank. A qualitative method of data collection was used for this study. Five semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals from local banks and regulatory bodies. Thematic analysis of these interviews showed specific patterns regarding the application of due diligence and the challenges encountered in working with sole traders. Due diligence, even when providing greater clarity of risks and ensuring prudent management, appears to hinder sole traders who lack formal documents and basic financial understanding. Custom-tailored due-diligence methodologies can increase inclusive corporate registration and compliant governance structures, as suggested by the study's findings. Description: B.A. (Hons) Criminology(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145288 Title: Money laundering in the football industry through the transfer market Abstract: This dissertation explores the implementation and efficacy of AML regulations within the context of football player transfers in Malta. With increasing global attention on the financial integrity of the sports industry, this research investigates how Maltese football clubs and authorities adhere to AML requirements and the challenges they face in ensuring compliance. Opposed to the majority of the research conducted within the criminological framework, this study utilises a qualitative research approach, with semi-structured interviews conducted with key stakeholders, including regulatory officials and club representatives. The results indicate that while a foundational understanding of AML principles exists, there is a lack of uniformity in implementation, insufficient training, and limited proactive efforts to mitigate money laundering risks. The study concludes by recommending targeted policy changes, improved educational initiatives, and stronger collaboration between clubs and national regulatory bodies. These insights aim to contribute to the development of a more robust AML framework tailored to the specific needs of the football industry in Malta. Description: B.A. (Hons) Criminology(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/143993 Title: Navigating complexities : social workers’ experiences in providing mental health services to asylum seekers in Malta Abstract: In the recent years, Malta has received a high influx of asylum seekers. Most of these asylum seekers have gone through trauma, which impacts their mental health, which is further worsened by the difficulties faced even after arrival. Social workers are usually their first contact point of help. However, social workers often struggle to assist them due to various challenges. This study aims to capture the lived experiences of social workers in Malta who support asylum seekers with mental health challenges. IPA qualitative approach was employed. Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews with six social workers selected through purposive homogeneous sampling. Each interview lasted between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours, which was then transcribed in verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings indicate that uncertainty, lengthy asylum procedures, and inability to access services are major factors that increase mental health challenges of asylum seekers in Malta. Findings also reveal that challenges like limited resources, language barriers, and cultural differences affect the social workers’ ability to support their clients effectively. These challenges not only negatively affect service provision but also contribute to workforce issues like frequent staff turnover, high emotional stress, and high caseloads. Ultimately, this study underscores the importance of addressing cultural and language barriers, increasing resources and workplace support, and reforming policies and provides valuable recommendations to help reduce stigma and improve asylum seekers’ access to mental health services in Malta. Recommendations include greater involvement with interpreters and collaboration with relevant entities, establishing centralised service hub and specialised multidisciplinary team, simplifying the Mental Health Act and mental health care processes, and promoting continuous mental health care even for those who are under appeal or subsequent application process. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/143992 Title: Educators' perspectives on non-suicidal self-injuries as experienced by secondary school students Abstract: Background: Mental health disorders among adolescents are estimated to affect 10% to 20% of this population. Additionally, Non-Suicidal Self-Injuries (NSSIs) are a growing concern for this demographic. Despite this alarming rise, no local study on the educators’ perspectives on NSSIs in secondary school students has been conducted to date. This study sought to explore educators’ perspectives on NSSIs experienced by secondary school students. The main objectives were to identify how participating educators viewed their roles in providing support to their students’ challenges in relation to NSSIs; to identify if NSSIs affect youngsters’ lives and academic performance; and to explore whether educators seek more professional development courses to be better equipped to support their students better. Design Methodology: A qualitative research design was used, following the principles underpinning Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Eight educators, three male and five female educators who taught at the Gozo College, Secondary School participated in the research study. Semi-structured interviews were used as a data collecting tool with a purposeful sample of (n=8). The eight in-depth interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. IPA was used to analyse the collected data. Findings and Conclusion: The data analysis yielded three superordinate themes, namely emotional impact behind NSSI; factors related to NSSI; and the need and importance of mental health safety and awareness measures. This dissertation provided an opportunity for educator participants to share their experiences and discuss the way forward to promote better mental health and well-being to better support their students. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z