https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/30862 2026-04-09T06:07:10Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/43355 Title: Theoretical models for sport participation : literature review Authors: Grima, Simon; Grima, Alan; Thalassinos, Eleftherios; Seychell, Sharon; Spiteri, Jonathan V. Abstract: Recent studies have analyzed theoretical models of sport participation. They claimed that sports activities relate to health and happiness and that there are various factors which determine sports participation, be it individual, sociological or psychological. Whilst some countries in Europe experienced an increase in sport activity over the past few decades, others saw a decline in the number of individuals who commit to physical activity. Several models have been constructed to explain and determine involvement in sports namely, ‘The Beckerian Approach’, ‘The SLOTH framework’ and ‘Green’s Model of Sport Development’. These models have unearthed specific important factors, which encourage people to take part in sports activities. These concerned age, gender, time constraints, income and level of education. In fact, findings has shown a positive and statistically significant relationship between age and frequency of sport participation and as age increased walking increased as well. Education plays an important role as well especially where adolescents are concerned. School was a key contributor to adolescents increased participation in physical activity and more specifically as they transitioned into secondary school. A successful example is that of Norway where a sport and physical recreation culture is deeply rooted in society and is supported by strategic socio-economic circumstances, high standards of living, equality between genders, abundant sporting facilities, a school system that keenly promotes physical activity, a strong voluntary sports clubs sector and high levels of parental contribution. Recent research has also focused on the sociological and psychological factors which contribute to increased physical activity. Social networks and friends significantly impact one’s decision to take part in sport, while the involvement of parents in sport affects sport frequency in a positive and significant way. 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/43353 Title: The effect of capital adequacy ratio, net interest margin and non-performing loans on bank profitability : the case of Indonesia Authors: Silaban, Pasaman Abstract: The purpose of this study is to test and determine the Bank's health level consisting of capital adequacy ratio (CAR), net interest margin (NIM), and non performing loans (NPL) partially or simultaneously on bank profitability based on data from the Indonesian Stock Exchange. The population of this study is all state and private banks listed in the Indonesian Stock Exchange (ISE) amounting to 40. Observations are conducted from 2012 to 2016. The results indicate that capital adequacy ratio (CAR) does not have a significant effect on bank profitability. Net interest margin (NIM) improves the growth of bank profitability. This can happen because NIM has a component of net interest in its ratio. Non performing loans (NPL) have a negative effect on bank profitability. 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/43352 Title: Board characteristics, audit committee and audit quality : the case of Indonesia Authors: Suryanto, Tejo; Thalassinos, J. E.; Thalassinos, E. I. Abstract: The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between board size, number of non-executive directors, the financial expertise of the non-executive directors representing the audit committee and the audit quality. Data from non-financial firms listed in the Indonesian Stock Exchange have been used. To achieve the research objectives, we have used the logit regression. The data of 121 listed firms in a five-year period from 2012 to 2016 is collected from the printed audit accounts available on companies‘ websites. The emergence of corporate governance phenomena has brought upon many structural changes in firms‘ governance structure such as the audit committee role and the audit quality. The second decade which starts with the warmth of subprime crisis has seen a significant development in the code of corporate governance. The role of the audit committee is now significant and being recognized as the solution of prevention of internal fraud. The findings of the study have shown that in non-financial firms listed in the Indonesian Stock Exchange audit committee and board characteristics have significant effect on audit quality. This study will be helpful for students, auditors, policymakers and researchers to understand the impact of corporate governance in audit quality. 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/43351 Title: Russia’s strategy in sub-Saharan security in the wake of the Ukraine crisis Authors: Catrinel Popescu, Alba Iulia Abstract: Stung by the West’s economic sanctions because of its role played in triggering and maintaining the present crisis in Ukraine, the Russian Federation is looking for solutions to help maintain its energy dominance of Europe and extend its economic, military, political and diplomatic strength. In this context, Africa’s resources, upon which the international economic system depends, are in play. How will the West counteract Russia’s increasingly aggressive penetration in Sub-Saharan countries which were traditionally in the West’s sphere of influence? How will China react? Are we going to witness an understanding between the BRICS and the West relating to a new division of Africa? Will there be new conflicts? 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z