Science Publishing Group: International Journal of Business and Economics Research: Table of Contents
International Journal of Business and Economics Research (IJBER) serves as an essential resource and provides practical information for people who apply economics on their jobs. The aim of IJBER is to publish research articles on business and economics sciences, and other social sciences that are related to business and economics for contributing to the international social sciences literature. Original studies in accounting, finance, economics, international business, management, and marketing are appropriate for publication consideration in the journal. Although IJBER has a preference for academic studies, it also welcomes studies that are written by other researchers and practitioners.
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International Journal of Business and Economics Research
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
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Which is the Role of the Numerical Flexibility on the Family Firm’s Learning-By-Exporting Capability?
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20120101.11
Family firms are said to be of great flexibility [1], what may enhance their export activity and therefore make them benefit from one of the main export advantages: the learning-by-exporting effect on various outputs, among which this work focuses on innovation. Data from the period 2001-2010 from over 2,200 Family Firms (out of a sample of 4,629) are analyzed to test if being numerical more flexible (through the hiring of temporary workers) implies that the learning-by-exporting effect on the innovative activity is enhanced through such practice. Results show that being more flexible doesn’t make the firm to export more. Moreover, the firm numerical flexibility exerts no clear effect on innovation. What is non-contradictory is the learning-by-exporting effect on innovation. Exporting is exogenous to innovation, what suggest the absence of a self-selection effect between these variables. Finally, the firm numerical flexibility doesn’t moderate, in any sense such effect.
Family firms are said to be of great flexibility [1], what may enhance their export activity and therefore make them benefit from one of the main export advantages: the learning-by-exporting effect on various outputs, among which this work focuses on innovation. Data from the period 2001-2010 from over 2,200 Family Firms (out of a sample of 4,629) are analyzed to test if being numerical more flexible (through the hiring of temporary workers) implies that the learning-by-exporting effect on the innovative activity is enhanced through such practice. Results show that being more flexible doesn’t make the firm to export more. Moreover, the firm numerical flexibility exerts no clear effect on innovation. What is non-contradictory is the learning-by-exporting effect on innovation. Exporting is exogenous to innovation, what suggest the absence of a self-selection effect between these variables. Finally, the firm numerical flexibility doesn’t moderate, in any sense such effect.
Which is the Role of the Numerical Flexibility on the Family Firm’s Learning-By-Exporting Capability?
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20120101.11
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Joaquín Monreal-Pérez
Which is the Role of the Numerical Flexibility on the Family Firm’s Learning-By-Exporting Capability?
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© Science Publishing Group
Innovation Profile and Marketing Strategies
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This is a managerially oriented paper, which attempts to organize existing knowledge about new product de-velopment and marketing in a systematic framework. The major argument is that the choice of a new product marketing strategy and the choice of a development process for a new product should be influenced by the analytical assessment of specific conditions, which we call the innovation profile. The three major parts of the paper are: 1. The Innovation Profile, 2. The marketing strategies and 3. The product development strategies. The analysis of specific conditions based on the inno-vation profile has direct implications on the choice of strategies and product development processes.
This is a managerially oriented paper, which attempts to organize existing knowledge about new product de-velopment and marketing in a systematic framework. The major argument is that the choice of a new product marketing strategy and the choice of a development process for a new product should be influenced by the analytical assessment of specific conditions, which we call the innovation profile. The three major parts of the paper are: 1. The Innovation Profile, 2. The marketing strategies and 3. The product development strategies. The analysis of specific conditions based on the inno-vation profile has direct implications on the choice of strategies and product development processes.
Innovation Profile and Marketing Strategies
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20130201.12
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Jehiel Zif
Innovation Profile and Marketing Strategies
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What Could We Learn from Each Other: Case of Human Resource Management Practice in the Baltic Countries
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The purpose of the research paper is to provide an overview of similarities and differences in human resource management (HRM) in three Baltic countries and to present possibilities to improve HRM practice. The methodology of the study is based on the comparison of the results of different HRM surveys conducted in Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia during 2000 - 2010. The main findings of the investigation prove that in countries with similar history HRM develops in the similar way with little differences. The main benefits of the findings of the investigation is disclosed trends of HRM practices in Baltic countries and comparative analyses carried out.
The purpose of the research paper is to provide an overview of similarities and differences in human resource management (HRM) in three Baltic countries and to present possibilities to improve HRM practice. The methodology of the study is based on the comparison of the results of different HRM surveys conducted in Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia during 2000 - 2010. The main findings of the investigation prove that in countries with similar history HRM develops in the similar way with little differences. The main benefits of the findings of the investigation is disclosed trends of HRM practices in Baltic countries and comparative analyses carried out.
What Could We Learn from Each Other: Case of Human Resource Management Practice in the Baltic Countries
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20130201.11
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Liga Peiseniece
Tatjana Volkova
What Could We Learn from Each Other: Case of Human Resource Management Practice in the Baltic Countries
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© Science Publishing Group
A Study on Technical Efficiency of Public Sector Banks in India
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Banking companies in the service sector exhibit the problem of distinct results in terms of efficiency. This problem is a cause of concern for many big organizations in the service sector like hotels, courier companies, hospitals, banks and so on. In particular, the last decade has observed continuous amendment in regulation, technology and competition in the global financial services industry, and Indian banks are no exception. To measure the stability, sustainability and profitability of the banking system, it is therefore crucial to scale the operations of banks performing in India. A well-organized banking system will provide an extensive way to higher economic growth in any country. Thus, evaluating the technical efficiency is important to depositors, owners, potential investors, managers and to policy makers. The present study investigates the technical efficiency of public sector banks in India by considering the study period between 2008-09 and 2010-11and using the data extracted from RBI website (www.rbi.org.in) and IBA website (www.iba.org.in). For this purpose, the data envelopment analysis (DEA) was used with two input variables (Interest expenses and operating expenses) and two output variables (interest income and other income). The efficiency scores were calculated for a sample of twenty-six public sector banks operating in India. The result shows that Corporation Bank, State Bank of India and IDBI were consistently performed efficiently in all the years under study.
Banking companies in the service sector exhibit the problem of distinct results in terms of efficiency. This problem is a cause of concern for many big organizations in the service sector like hotels, courier companies, hospitals, banks and so on. In particular, the last decade has observed continuous amendment in regulation, technology and competition in the global financial services industry, and Indian banks are no exception. To measure the stability, sustainability and profitability of the banking system, it is therefore crucial to scale the operations of banks performing in India. A well-organized banking system will provide an extensive way to higher economic growth in any country. Thus, evaluating the technical efficiency is important to depositors, owners, potential investors, managers and to policy makers. The present study investigates the technical efficiency of public sector banks in India by considering the study period between 2008-09 and 2010-11and using the data extracted from RBI website (www.rbi.org.in) and IBA website (www.iba.org.in). For this purpose, the data envelopment analysis (DEA) was used with two input variables (Interest expenses and operating expenses) and two output variables (interest income and other income). The efficiency scores were calculated for a sample of twenty-six public sector banks operating in India. The result shows that Corporation Bank, State Bank of India and IDBI were consistently performed efficiently in all the years under study.
A Study on Technical Efficiency of Public Sector Banks in India
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20130202.11
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Sangeetha R.
Jain Mathew
A Study on Technical Efficiency of Public Sector Banks in India
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© Science Publishing Group
Chinese Innovation and Competition: An Industry Case of the Global Telecommunications Equipment Industry
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In this paper we trace the industry development of Chinese suppliers and competitors in the telecommunications industry.The observation period goes from the mid 1980s to about today.In the first stage we observe that Chinese startups targeted the basic need for infrastructural development in telecommunications in Western and rural China in supplying low cost telecommunications gear to those areas which were less lucrative for foreign vendors and joint ventures and were heavily encouraged by the Chinese national government in a sort of nurturing its own infant industry. This kind of asymmetic competition separated the startups from the established players in the Chinese market. We call it the separation stage. In the course of this stage the initiating’three horsemen’ underwent technological learning either through indigenous innovation or imitation of some sort,therefore gaining competitive strength and competing against foreigners on large scale projects in the Chinese market. This led to the convergence stage. When asymmetric competition turns symmetric we observe competitive convergence , in which each technology’s development is directed at expanding its appeal not only in its own home market but in its rival’s as well. While the Chinese companies with the implicit support of the Chinese government continued to gain market share against foreign competitors and as their technological learning advanced product quality at lower cost they expanded in actively seeking to bid successfully for telecommunications projects in developing and emerging economies where they gained further strength by competing on given product quality and lower prices. This is the globalization stage.
In this paper we trace the industry development of Chinese suppliers and competitors in the telecommunications industry.The observation period goes from the mid 1980s to about today.In the first stage we observe that Chinese startups targeted the basic need for infrastructural development in telecommunications in Western and rural China in supplying low cost telecommunications gear to those areas which were less lucrative for foreign vendors and joint ventures and were heavily encouraged by the Chinese national government in a sort of nurturing its own infant industry. This kind of asymmetic competition separated the startups from the established players in the Chinese market. We call it the separation stage. In the course of this stage the initiating’three horsemen’ underwent technological learning either through indigenous innovation or imitation of some sort,therefore gaining competitive strength and competing against foreigners on large scale projects in the Chinese market. This led to the convergence stage. When asymmetric competition turns symmetric we observe competitive convergence , in which each technology’s development is directed at expanding its appeal not only in its own home market but in its rival’s as well. While the Chinese companies with the implicit support of the Chinese government continued to gain market share against foreign competitors and as their technological learning advanced product quality at lower cost they expanded in actively seeking to bid successfully for telecommunications projects in developing and emerging economies where they gained further strength by competing on given product quality and lower prices. This is the globalization stage.
Chinese Innovation and Competition: An Industry Case of the Global Telecommunications Equipment Industry
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20130202.12
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Hans W. Gottinger
Chinese Innovation and Competition: An Industry Case of the Global Telecommunications Equipment Industry
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© Science Publishing Group
Influence of Personality in Buying Consumer Goods-A Comparative Study between Neo-Freudian Theories and Trait Theory Based on Khulna Region
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Consumer’s attitudes play a direct and influential role in consumer behavior. Attitude study is important for the marketers of service organization because it affects consumer’s selective processes, learning and ultimately the buying behavior. Measuring consumer’s attitudes may help a service marketer to get a better picture on both present and potential markets. This paper has explored the factors that create personality problems in consumer buying decision making particularly among the consumer goods purchaser in the Khulna metropolitan area. At first a structured questionnaire has been developed measuring 9 constraints variable for two theories. The factors creating personality problem in consumer buying decision in Khulna metropolitan area have been evaluated by those 9 variables in the form of: compliant, aggressive, detached for the neo-Freudian theory and dogmatism, need for uniqueness, social character, consumer innovativeness, ethnocentrism and compulsiveness for trait theory. The relationship of the variables was evaluated by the survey outcomes. Results show that several factors are influential in creating personality problems among the customers of consumer goods in Khulna region. Some of these are compliant, aggressive, detached, dogmatism, ethnocentrism. The study also reveals the problems and identified probable solutions to overcome these problems.
Consumer’s attitudes play a direct and influential role in consumer behavior. Attitude study is important for the marketers of service organization because it affects consumer’s selective processes, learning and ultimately the buying behavior. Measuring consumer’s attitudes may help a service marketer to get a better picture on both present and potential markets. This paper has explored the factors that create personality problems in consumer buying decision making particularly among the consumer goods purchaser in the Khulna metropolitan area. At first a structured questionnaire has been developed measuring 9 constraints variable for two theories. The factors creating personality problem in consumer buying decision in Khulna metropolitan area have been evaluated by those 9 variables in the form of: compliant, aggressive, detached for the neo-Freudian theory and dogmatism, need for uniqueness, social character, consumer innovativeness, ethnocentrism and compulsiveness for trait theory. The relationship of the variables was evaluated by the survey outcomes. Results show that several factors are influential in creating personality problems among the customers of consumer goods in Khulna region. Some of these are compliant, aggressive, detached, dogmatism, ethnocentrism. The study also reveals the problems and identified probable solutions to overcome these problems.
Influence of Personality in Buying Consumer Goods-A Comparative Study between Neo-Freudian Theories and Trait Theory Based on Khulna Region
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20130203.12
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Sandip Sarker
Tarun Kanti Bose
Mollika Palit
Md. Enamul Haque
Influence of Personality in Buying Consumer Goods-A Comparative Study between Neo-Freudian Theories and Trait Theory Based on Khulna Region
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© Science Publishing Group
Large-Scale Agent-Based Models in Marketing Research: The Quest for the Mythical Free Lunch
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20130203.11
Positioned as an alternative to equation-based methods, agent-based modelling (ABM) has shown notable promise in dealing with cases where the latter has proven inadequate. One of the areas where the limitations of traditional approaches are most pronounced is that of consumer behaviour research. A primary trait encountered within this scope is that of adaptability, and agent-based methods appear to be ideally suited to the task of capturing this dimension. It therefore follows that marketing researchers are likely to gain novel and extensive insight by way of constructing large-scale, complex ABMs. However, the computational cost of complex simulations can be prohibitive. Furthermore, the literature makes little effort to elucidate means of making such ABMs feasible, beyond relying on natural hardware evolution. Unfortunately, the latter source of growth has grown stagnant, and the only avenue for the continued expansion of performance appears to be the move to parallel platforms and programming. The present research presents a cross-section of the current state-of-the-art in high-performance ABM frameworks, and proposes a novel approach to levering the as of yet untapped potential of cheap, ubiquitous Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). This insight is mapped into the space of consumer behaviour research, and a consistent argument is made in favour of larger, more detailed, ABMs, both as alternatives to current approaches as well as a development of prior forays into this area. In conclusion, a call to action is formulated, both to marketing researchers as well as computational economists, emphasizing the interdisciplinary requirements of ABM usage in the field of marketing.
Positioned as an alternative to equation-based methods, agent-based modelling (ABM) has shown notable promise in dealing with cases where the latter has proven inadequate. One of the areas where the limitations of traditional approaches are most pronounced is that of consumer behaviour research. A primary trait encountered within this scope is that of adaptability, and agent-based methods appear to be ideally suited to the task of capturing this dimension. It therefore follows that marketing researchers are likely to gain novel and extensive insight by way of constructing large-scale, complex ABMs. However, the computational cost of complex simulations can be prohibitive. Furthermore, the literature makes little effort to elucidate means of making such ABMs feasible, beyond relying on natural hardware evolution. Unfortunately, the latter source of growth has grown stagnant, and the only avenue for the continued expansion of performance appears to be the move to parallel platforms and programming. The present research presents a cross-section of the current state-of-the-art in high-performance ABM frameworks, and proposes a novel approach to levering the as of yet untapped potential of cheap, ubiquitous Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). This insight is mapped into the space of consumer behaviour research, and a consistent argument is made in favour of larger, more detailed, ABMs, both as alternatives to current approaches as well as a development of prior forays into this area. In conclusion, a call to action is formulated, both to marketing researchers as well as computational economists, emphasizing the interdisciplinary requirements of ABM usage in the field of marketing.
Large-Scale Agent-Based Models in Marketing Research: The Quest for the Mythical Free Lunch
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20130203.11
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Alexandru Voicu
Cristina Galalae
Large-Scale Agent-Based Models in Marketing Research: The Quest for the Mythical Free Lunch
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© Science Publishing Group
Apply Activity-Based Costing to Calculate Product Cost in Small and Medium Enterprises
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Traditional costing (TDC) has been used many decades and very popular with organizations because it is simple and inexpensive. In today’s business environment, overhead cost has a significant proportion in total cost, using TDC for assigning overhead cost lead to inaccuracy of product cost. Activity-Based Costing (ABC), until now, is considered as a modern costing method that overcomes the limitations of TDC and it has been popular in developed countries. However, it is until new method in developing countries, so it needs to be more diffused in this countries.This paper conducted the project on ABC method in Van Chinh enterprise in Vietnam. We defined ten activities centers as shown in table 4. Then, we applied ABC method to calculate cost of products and compared with the results calculated by TDC method. This paper concluded that ABC method is practical and appropriate for such a Van Chinh enterprise and provides more accurate information for cost management and management decision-making.
Traditional costing (TDC) has been used many decades and very popular with organizations because it is simple and inexpensive. In today’s business environment, overhead cost has a significant proportion in total cost, using TDC for assigning overhead cost lead to inaccuracy of product cost. Activity-Based Costing (ABC), until now, is considered as a modern costing method that overcomes the limitations of TDC and it has been popular in developed countries. However, it is until new method in developing countries, so it needs to be more diffused in this countries.This paper conducted the project on ABC method in Van Chinh enterprise in Vietnam. We defined ten activities centers as shown in table 4. Then, we applied ABC method to calculate cost of products and compared with the results calculated by TDC method. This paper concluded that ABC method is practical and appropriate for such a Van Chinh enterprise and provides more accurate information for cost management and management decision-making.
Apply Activity-Based Costing to Calculate Product Cost in Small and Medium Enterprises
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20130203.13
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Tandung Huynh
Guangming Gong
Ngocminh Ngo
Apply Activity-Based Costing to Calculate Product Cost in Small and Medium Enterprises
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The Incidence of Agricultural Support on Trade of Refined Sugar
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This paper investigates the impact of the market price support on trade of refined sugar. We use a balanced panel of bilateral trade data are on exports of refined sugar among 22 countries over the period 1995-2007. We employ the theoretical motivated gravity model and spatial econometric techniques to account for spatial interdependence among trade flows. Results suggest that ignoring the spatial dependence in the cross sectional change the magnitude and statistical significance of the estimated parameters. Our results also indicate the benefit of the reduction in the market price support to increase trade of refined sugar.
This paper investigates the impact of the market price support on trade of refined sugar. We use a balanced panel of bilateral trade data are on exports of refined sugar among 22 countries over the period 1995-2007. We employ the theoretical motivated gravity model and spatial econometric techniques to account for spatial interdependence among trade flows. Results suggest that ignoring the spatial dependence in the cross sectional change the magnitude and statistical significance of the estimated parameters. Our results also indicate the benefit of the reduction in the market price support to increase trade of refined sugar.
The Incidence of Agricultural Support on Trade of Refined Sugar
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20130203.15
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Malick Diarrassouba
The Incidence of Agricultural Support on Trade of Refined Sugar
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© Science Publishing Group
Credit and Employment Growth among Small Enterprises in Kenya
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Policy makers in Kenya expect micro and small enterprises to provide the bulk of new jobs created in the economy yet these enterprises face significant credit constraints. This study applied regression analysis to establish the link between the credit constraint and employment growth of small enterprises in Kenya. The results failed to confirm any important role for the credit constraint in limiting small firm employment growth. However, the credit constraint variable posted significant results when interacted with other variables such as access to workspace, access to technology and formality status of the enterprise. This was interpreted to mean that the marginal effect of the credit constraint on firm growth mainly depended on access to workspace, access to technology and formality status. This leads to the conclusion that the current emphasis on credit alone and the minimalist paradigm need to be re-evaluated.
Policy makers in Kenya expect micro and small enterprises to provide the bulk of new jobs created in the economy yet these enterprises face significant credit constraints. This study applied regression analysis to establish the link between the credit constraint and employment growth of small enterprises in Kenya. The results failed to confirm any important role for the credit constraint in limiting small firm employment growth. However, the credit constraint variable posted significant results when interacted with other variables such as access to workspace, access to technology and formality status of the enterprise. This was interpreted to mean that the marginal effect of the credit constraint on firm growth mainly depended on access to workspace, access to technology and formality status. This leads to the conclusion that the current emphasis on credit alone and the minimalist paradigm need to be re-evaluated.
Credit and Employment Growth among Small Enterprises in Kenya
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20130203.14
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Eliud Dismas Moyi
Credit and Employment Growth among Small Enterprises in Kenya
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© Science Publishing Group
Do Carry Trades in the Foreign Exchange Markets Influence Stock Prices
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Carry trades have been shown to lead to significant changes in foreign exchange markets by producing shocks to interest rate differentials. This study uses fundamentals and the chartist model for the foreign exchange markets in which market participants can choose to become carry traders. It shows that carry trades play an important role in determining foreign exchange rates. Carry trades can influence exchange rates (Japanese yen and Euro against the US dollar). Also, the relationship between carry trades and three stock prices are examined empirically. As the rate of carry trades increases, stock prices in Japan and Germany rise. However, during the period of the Lehman shock, the increasing rate of carry trades may have caused a decline in Japanese stock prices, and huge amounts of money were reported to have been invested in carry trades at that time using interest rate differentials. Massive capital for carry trades seem to have been flown into foreign currencies (ex, FX) rather than stocks.
Carry trades have been shown to lead to significant changes in foreign exchange markets by producing shocks to interest rate differentials. This study uses fundamentals and the chartist model for the foreign exchange markets in which market participants can choose to become carry traders. It shows that carry trades play an important role in determining foreign exchange rates. Carry trades can influence exchange rates (Japanese yen and Euro against the US dollar). Also, the relationship between carry trades and three stock prices are examined empirically. As the rate of carry trades increases, stock prices in Japan and Germany rise. However, during the period of the Lehman shock, the increasing rate of carry trades may have caused a decline in Japanese stock prices, and huge amounts of money were reported to have been invested in carry trades at that time using interest rate differentials. Massive capital for carry trades seem to have been flown into foreign currencies (ex, FX) rather than stocks.
Do Carry Trades in the Foreign Exchange Markets Influence Stock Prices
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20130204.11
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Yutaka Kurihara
Do Carry Trades in the Foreign Exchange Markets Influence Stock Prices
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© Science Publishing Group
An Overview of the Emergence of Takaful: An Islamic Type of Insurance Policy
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20130205.13
The Islamic type of insurance policy, called Takaful, is increasingly known at present and attracts the attention of the insurance holder especially in Islamic country like Malaysia. The purpose of this article is to provide basic definition and offer some explanations of takaful and how it differs from conventional insurance. It is also aimed to increase the understanding of takaful and avoid misinterpretation of the concept and applications of takaful, an Islamic type of insurance policy.
The Islamic type of insurance policy, called Takaful, is increasingly known at present and attracts the attention of the insurance holder especially in Islamic country like Malaysia. The purpose of this article is to provide basic definition and offer some explanations of takaful and how it differs from conventional insurance. It is also aimed to increase the understanding of takaful and avoid misinterpretation of the concept and applications of takaful, an Islamic type of insurance policy.
An Overview of the Emergence of Takaful: An Islamic Type of Insurance Policy
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20130205.13
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Suria Zainuddin
Izyan Nadiah Md Noh
An Overview of the Emergence of Takaful: An Islamic Type of Insurance Policy
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© Science Publishing Group
Towards a “New” Model of Economic Growth: Empirical Evidence from Romania’s Case
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20130205.11
Economic growth and the policy for economic growth transformed starting with the end of World War II as a result of the desire to implement economic recovery and obtain economic and social prosperity. To achieve healthy (understood as durable and sustainable) economic growth real convergence is needed to catch up and grow at the European Union’s standards. This paper presents the situation met in the Romanian market with the perspective of three economic models implemented on its case.
Economic growth and the policy for economic growth transformed starting with the end of World War II as a result of the desire to implement economic recovery and obtain economic and social prosperity. To achieve healthy (understood as durable and sustainable) economic growth real convergence is needed to catch up and grow at the European Union’s standards. This paper presents the situation met in the Romanian market with the perspective of three economic models implemented on its case.
Towards a “New” Model of Economic Growth: Empirical Evidence from Romania’s Case
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20130205.11
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Ramona-Mihaela Matei
Dumitru-Alexandru Bodislav
Ioan Radu
Towards a “New” Model of Economic Growth: Empirical Evidence from Romania’s Case
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2014-01-01
10.11648/j.ijber.20130205.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20130205.11
© Science Publishing Group
USA Economical Operator Reconstruction
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20130205.12
In the article, the operator responsible for the U.S. economy dynamics is reconstructed on the basis of the data defining the main economic indicators of the U.S. economy. The operator is understood as an entity that manages the U.S. economy.
In the article, the operator responsible for the U.S. economy dynamics is reconstructed on the basis of the data defining the main economic indicators of the U.S. economy. The operator is understood as an entity that manages the U.S. economy.
USA Economical Operator Reconstruction
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20130205.12
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Plokhotnikov Konstantin Eduardovich
USA Economical Operator Reconstruction
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2014-01-01
2014-01-01
10.11648/j.ijber.20130205.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20130205.12
© Science Publishing Group
ESOPs, CEO Entrenchment and Corporate Social Performance
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.11
The purpose of this study is to examine whether employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) and CEO entrenchment affect social performance. Our central question: does employees’ participation in the system of corporate governance (shareholding and presence in the boards of directors and supervisory boards) influence social performance in the context of manager’s active behavior? One important result of the multi-varied analyses (logistic regression) is that on the whole employees, if they exert an influence on the determination of social performance in the context of non-financial French firms, are relatively powerless, on their own to explain this complex phenomenon. The findings contribute to explain the social performance and they have implications for firms that decide to engage in ESOP plans in French context.
The purpose of this study is to examine whether employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) and CEO entrenchment affect social performance. Our central question: does employees’ participation in the system of corporate governance (shareholding and presence in the boards of directors and supervisory boards) influence social performance in the context of manager’s active behavior? One important result of the multi-varied analyses (logistic regression) is that on the whole employees, if they exert an influence on the determination of social performance in the context of non-financial French firms, are relatively powerless, on their own to explain this complex phenomenon. The findings contribute to explain the social performance and they have implications for firms that decide to engage in ESOP plans in French context.
ESOPs, CEO Entrenchment and Corporate Social Performance
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.11
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Anis JARBOUI
ESOPs, CEO Entrenchment and Corporate Social Performance
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129
2014-01-01
2014-01-01
10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.11
© Science Publishing Group
Working Capital Management, Investment and Financing Constraints in Companies Listed on the Tehran, Iran Stock Exchange
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.12
Since the level of fixed investment is costly for industries, they always search for ways to maintain it; however, financing constraints prevent the realization of this goal. A panel of over 134 stock firms over the period 2005-2011 was used to study the linkages between financing constraints and investment in fixed and working capital. To this end we have analyzed the relation between tangible fixed assets, investment, cash flow, tangible fixed assets, working capital and fixed investment. In this studies we changes variables and hypotheses. The results obtained indicate that an active management of working capital may help firms alleviate the effects of financing constraints on fixed investment [9].
Since the level of fixed investment is costly for industries, they always search for ways to maintain it; however, financing constraints prevent the realization of this goal. A panel of over 134 stock firms over the period 2005-2011 was used to study the linkages between financing constraints and investment in fixed and working capital. To this end we have analyzed the relation between tangible fixed assets, investment, cash flow, tangible fixed assets, working capital and fixed investment. In this studies we changes variables and hypotheses. The results obtained indicate that an active management of working capital may help firms alleviate the effects of financing constraints on fixed investment [9].
Working Capital Management, Investment and Financing Constraints in Companies Listed on the Tehran, Iran Stock Exchange
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.12
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Fatemeh Baghiyan
Working Capital Management, Investment and Financing Constraints in Companies Listed on the Tehran, Iran Stock Exchange
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133
133
2014-01-01
2014-01-01
10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.12
© Science Publishing Group
Analysis of the Determinants of Trade Balance: Case Study of Tanzania
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.13
The study focuses on the Analysis of the Main determinants that have an impact on trade balance. Specifically this study focus on the main cause of Trade deficit in Tanzania by analyzing the impact of Foreign Direct Investment(FDI),Human Capital Development(HCD),Household Consumption Expenditure(HCEXP), Government Expenditure (GEXP),Inflation (INF),Natural Resources Availability (NRA),Real Exchange Rate (REX) and Foreign Income(WY) and Trade Liberization (TLB) etc.In this study The Ordinary Least Square method (OLS) under the E-View 7.1 software has been used for the econometric analysis with a sample period spanning from 1980-2012. The literature reviews of the previous researchers have the mixed results on the factors in questions. However this study tried to use more variables that have rarely been explored specifically in Tanzania and found out that the main influencing factors for the case of Tanzania are Foreign Direct Investment(FDI),Human Capital Development (HCD),Household Consumption Expenditure(HCEXP), Government Expenditure (GEXP),Inflation (INF),Natural Resources Availability (NRA),Foreign Income(WY) and Trade Liberization(TLB) so suggested policy measures should focus on them to reduce the trade deficit in the Tanzanian economy.
The study focuses on the Analysis of the Main determinants that have an impact on trade balance. Specifically this study focus on the main cause of Trade deficit in Tanzania by analyzing the impact of Foreign Direct Investment(FDI),Human Capital Development(HCD),Household Consumption Expenditure(HCEXP), Government Expenditure (GEXP),Inflation (INF),Natural Resources Availability (NRA),Real Exchange Rate (REX) and Foreign Income(WY) and Trade Liberization (TLB) etc.In this study The Ordinary Least Square method (OLS) under the E-View 7.1 software has been used for the econometric analysis with a sample period spanning from 1980-2012. The literature reviews of the previous researchers have the mixed results on the factors in questions. However this study tried to use more variables that have rarely been explored specifically in Tanzania and found out that the main influencing factors for the case of Tanzania are Foreign Direct Investment(FDI),Human Capital Development (HCD),Household Consumption Expenditure(HCEXP), Government Expenditure (GEXP),Inflation (INF),Natural Resources Availability (NRA),Foreign Income(WY) and Trade Liberization(TLB) so suggested policy measures should focus on them to reduce the trade deficit in the Tanzanian economy.
Analysis of the Determinants of Trade Balance: Case Study of Tanzania
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.13
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Moses Joseph Shawa
Yao Shen
Analysis of the Determinants of Trade Balance: Case Study of Tanzania
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141
141
2014-01-01
2014-01-01
10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.13
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.13
© Science Publishing Group
The Criticality of the Rating Market Views through Greece
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.16
The article highlights the limits rating criteria, that after the crisis of 2007 is to influence more and more the operation of financial markets, but also the economic policies of national governments. The work indicates the critical market rating which presents itself as an oligopolistic market.After, in this paper we examine the determinants of credit rating in the Greece issued by agencies such as S&P. The objective of this paper is to analyze a statistic index which is actually the result of unknown algorithms. Therefore, taking a time series variables and choices appropriate to the model, we apply a GARCH model to estimate the economic result of the rating. Although the economic literature there are many contributions (Rowland and Torres 2004, Peter Rowland 2006), most uses of the panel in probit models. However, differences in economic variables from country to country choices in the model do not permit a more uniform result in order to capture the true rating of Greece.
The article highlights the limits rating criteria, that after the crisis of 2007 is to influence more and more the operation of financial markets, but also the economic policies of national governments. The work indicates the critical market rating which presents itself as an oligopolistic market.After, in this paper we examine the determinants of credit rating in the Greece issued by agencies such as S&P. The objective of this paper is to analyze a statistic index which is actually the result of unknown algorithms. Therefore, taking a time series variables and choices appropriate to the model, we apply a GARCH model to estimate the economic result of the rating. Although the economic literature there are many contributions (Rowland and Torres 2004, Peter Rowland 2006), most uses of the panel in probit models. However, differences in economic variables from country to country choices in the model do not permit a more uniform result in order to capture the true rating of Greece.
The Criticality of the Rating Market Views through Greece
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.16
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Maria Pompò
The Criticality of the Rating Market Views through Greece
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2014-01-01
2014-01-01
10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.16
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.16
© Science Publishing Group
Impact of Micro Finance: Perceptions of Direct Stakeholders of Self Help Groups
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.14
Self Help Group is a unique innovation of credit delivery technique and has produced positive impacts on two vital areas of national development, alleviation of poverty and women’s empowerment. Sixty five variables relating to impact of SHGs on members are identified from survey of literature and relevant perception of direct stakeholders whether the aspects like impact on members of SHG and its involvement in larger social issues should be peripheral or core components of quality indicators of SHG is perceived in this study. The study is conducted by using multi-stage random sampling method to collect primary data from the selected Development Blocks of Nagaon districts of Assam (India). It is observed that there was no significant effect of stakeholders on overall score on impact on members of SHG as Peripheral or Core issue. It is observed that different stakeholders believed that the impact on members of SHG and its involvement in larger social issues should be ‘somewhat core component’ as the mean value lies in between the scale range of 1 & 0 which represents the range of ‘somewhat core component’. It is further observed that Financial Institutions are less concerned about the social issues while Donor’s are more concerned about the social issues.
Self Help Group is a unique innovation of credit delivery technique and has produced positive impacts on two vital areas of national development, alleviation of poverty and women’s empowerment. Sixty five variables relating to impact of SHGs on members are identified from survey of literature and relevant perception of direct stakeholders whether the aspects like impact on members of SHG and its involvement in larger social issues should be peripheral or core components of quality indicators of SHG is perceived in this study. The study is conducted by using multi-stage random sampling method to collect primary data from the selected Development Blocks of Nagaon districts of Assam (India). It is observed that there was no significant effect of stakeholders on overall score on impact on members of SHG as Peripheral or Core issue. It is observed that different stakeholders believed that the impact on members of SHG and its involvement in larger social issues should be ‘somewhat core component’ as the mean value lies in between the scale range of 1 & 0 which represents the range of ‘somewhat core component’. It is further observed that Financial Institutions are less concerned about the social issues while Donor’s are more concerned about the social issues.
Impact of Micro Finance: Perceptions of Direct Stakeholders of Self Help Groups
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.14
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Sanjay Kanti Das
Amalesh Bhowal
Impact of Micro Finance: Perceptions of Direct Stakeholders of Self Help Groups
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2014-01-01
2014-01-01
10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.14
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.14
© Science Publishing Group
Global Crisis and Credit Risk Management by Banks: A Comparative Study of Banks in Pakistan
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.15
The world trade environment has worsened significantly after August 2007. The rapid and dynamic changes in the global financial landscape pose various risks to banking institutions. Operating side by side with conventional banks, Islamic banks are equally vulnerable to risks. This paper examines the impact of global financial crisis on the credit risk management of banks operating in Pakistan during the period, 2007-2009. A comparison of the factors, affecting credit risk faced by these banks, is highlighted. Study finds that, whilst the Islamic banking industry has not been left unaffected by the global crisis, Islamic banks in Pakistan are in a relatively strong position. This is because of the industry's high levels of transparency and adherence to a strict code of business conduct and Management efficiency, which means that Islamic banks have the potential to emerge from the crisis in a stronger position than their conventional counterparts.
The world trade environment has worsened significantly after August 2007. The rapid and dynamic changes in the global financial landscape pose various risks to banking institutions. Operating side by side with conventional banks, Islamic banks are equally vulnerable to risks. This paper examines the impact of global financial crisis on the credit risk management of banks operating in Pakistan during the period, 2007-2009. A comparison of the factors, affecting credit risk faced by these banks, is highlighted. Study finds that, whilst the Islamic banking industry has not been left unaffected by the global crisis, Islamic banks in Pakistan are in a relatively strong position. This is because of the industry's high levels of transparency and adherence to a strict code of business conduct and Management efficiency, which means that Islamic banks have the potential to emerge from the crisis in a stronger position than their conventional counterparts.
Global Crisis and Credit Risk Management by Banks: A Comparative Study of Banks in Pakistan
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.15
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Azam Ali
Saghir Pervaiz Ghauri
Global Crisis and Credit Risk Management by Banks: A Comparative Study of Banks in Pakistan
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2014-01-01
10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.15
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.15
© Science Publishing Group
Forecasting Inflation and Economic Growth of Pakistan by Using Two Time Series Methods
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.17
Forecasting of time series is important subject in macroeconomics. We use two time series methods. One of the most simple and basic method for forecasting time series is decomposition. Decomposing the time series means breaking the time series into four components, i.e., trend, cycle, seasonal and irregular. The second method is based on ARIMA model. In this paper we forecast the macroeconomic variables CPI, and LSM for period July 2013 to September 2013, based on decomposition of actual series of these variables and ARIMA model for monthly series from July 2008 to June 2013. We compare the out-of-sample forecast of two methods based on the mean absolute deviation (MAD) & sum of square of errors (SSE) and decide on which method provides the best forecasting accuracy which policy makers can rely on in forecasting inflation (CPI) and Economic growth (LSM).
Forecasting of time series is important subject in macroeconomics. We use two time series methods. One of the most simple and basic method for forecasting time series is decomposition. Decomposing the time series means breaking the time series into four components, i.e., trend, cycle, seasonal and irregular. The second method is based on ARIMA model. In this paper we forecast the macroeconomic variables CPI, and LSM for period July 2013 to September 2013, based on decomposition of actual series of these variables and ARIMA model for monthly series from July 2008 to June 2013. We compare the out-of-sample forecast of two methods based on the mean absolute deviation (MAD) & sum of square of errors (SSE) and decide on which method provides the best forecasting accuracy which policy makers can rely on in forecasting inflation (CPI) and Economic growth (LSM).
Forecasting Inflation and Economic Growth of Pakistan by Using Two Time Series Methods
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.17
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Kishwer Sultana
Adila Rahim
Nighat Moin
Sajida Aman
Saghir Pervaiz Ghauri
Forecasting Inflation and Economic Growth of Pakistan by Using Two Time Series Methods
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178
2014-01-01
2014-01-01
10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.17
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20130206.17
© Science Publishing Group
Tanzania in the Face of International Trade: The Analysis of Revealed Comparative Advantage from 2009 to 2012
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140301.13
Tanzania is the most promising current and the destination market for the world trade due to its copious resources and strategic location. It is well known in the region as the trade hub as it provides the influential and suitable trade solutions and investments. The aspiration of this paper is to analyse the Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) for the topmost export sectors and commodities in Tanzania from 2009 to 2012 by inspecting and evaluating its potency and competence in the world market compared to exports from other countries. Balassa’s index of Comparative advantage (RCA) was utilized to demonstrate the competitive sectors and commodities comparative advantage together with export data from UN com-trade and International Trade Centre (ITC). The outcomes show that Tanzania has significantly strong comparative advantages in sectors of traditional cash crops such as coffee, tea and spices and commodities found in mineral resources as the leading export sector and commodities for the period of four years with RCA greater than one. However, many sectors demonstrated lower RCA compared to individual commodities and the export products have been waning every year, the situation that needs the government to initiate the immediate measures to overcome such problem.
Tanzania is the most promising current and the destination market for the world trade due to its copious resources and strategic location. It is well known in the region as the trade hub as it provides the influential and suitable trade solutions and investments. The aspiration of this paper is to analyse the Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) for the topmost export sectors and commodities in Tanzania from 2009 to 2012 by inspecting and evaluating its potency and competence in the world market compared to exports from other countries. Balassa’s index of Comparative advantage (RCA) was utilized to demonstrate the competitive sectors and commodities comparative advantage together with export data from UN com-trade and International Trade Centre (ITC). The outcomes show that Tanzania has significantly strong comparative advantages in sectors of traditional cash crops such as coffee, tea and spices and commodities found in mineral resources as the leading export sector and commodities for the period of four years with RCA greater than one. However, many sectors demonstrated lower RCA compared to individual commodities and the export products have been waning every year, the situation that needs the government to initiate the immediate measures to overcome such problem.
Tanzania in the Face of International Trade: The Analysis of Revealed Comparative Advantage from 2009 to 2012
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140301.13
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Nuran Ally Mwasha
Zabibu Kweka
Tanzania in the Face of International Trade: The Analysis of Revealed Comparative Advantage from 2009 to 2012
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2014-01-01
10.11648/j.ijber.20140301.13
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140301.13
© Science Publishing Group
The Impact of Conflict and Security Budget for Conflict Management on Gross Domestic Product in Nigeria
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140301.14
This study assessed the impact of conflict and security budget for conflict management on gross domestic product in Nigeria. Secondary source of data gathered from published articles on peace and development, internet reports on conflicts, publications from the Federal Ministry of Finance and National Bureau of Statistics from 2000-2012 was employed. The statistical tools used to analyze the data include regression analysis, correlation analysis and the line graph analysis. From the result of the analysis it was observed that incidence of conflict and gross domestic product has a positive correlation with an association measure of 68%. Also, it was found that incidence of conflict contributed significantly to the behavior of gross domestic product and it was found that increase on incidence of conflict reduces the gross domestic product of Nigeria. The existence of a strong positive correlation was found between security budget for conflict management and gross domestic product with an association measure of 72.7%. It was equally found that security budget for conflict management contributed significantly to the behavior of gross domestic product in Nigeria. The result explained further that as security budget increases gross domestic product increases. This result implies that as more money is been budgeted for conflict management, gross domestic product increases in turn; since there will be less of conflict and greater room for economic development.
This study assessed the impact of conflict and security budget for conflict management on gross domestic product in Nigeria. Secondary source of data gathered from published articles on peace and development, internet reports on conflicts, publications from the Federal Ministry of Finance and National Bureau of Statistics from 2000-2012 was employed. The statistical tools used to analyze the data include regression analysis, correlation analysis and the line graph analysis. From the result of the analysis it was observed that incidence of conflict and gross domestic product has a positive correlation with an association measure of 68%. Also, it was found that incidence of conflict contributed significantly to the behavior of gross domestic product and it was found that increase on incidence of conflict reduces the gross domestic product of Nigeria. The existence of a strong positive correlation was found between security budget for conflict management and gross domestic product with an association measure of 72.7%. It was equally found that security budget for conflict management contributed significantly to the behavior of gross domestic product in Nigeria. The result explained further that as security budget increases gross domestic product increases. This result implies that as more money is been budgeted for conflict management, gross domestic product increases in turn; since there will be less of conflict and greater room for economic development.
The Impact of Conflict and Security Budget for Conflict Management on Gross Domestic Product in Nigeria
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140301.14
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Ijeoma, N. B.
The Impact of Conflict and Security Budget for Conflict Management on Gross Domestic Product in Nigeria
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2014-01-01
10.11648/j.ijber.20140301.14
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140301.14
© Science Publishing Group
An Overview of Terry Towel Industry in Bangladesh with Swot Analysis
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140301.15
The aim of this study was to increase the knowledge of terry products scope, products demand and supply, buyer or market of products, product range, export volume, trend and reveals other opportunities, strength, threat etc of this sector. Terry towel is one of the rapid growing and exigent sub sector of the textile sector of Bangladesh. Bath robes, hand towel, kitchen towel etc. are the products from terry in one word. Demands of these products are increasing very fast globally and also significantly day by day in the local market. Consumers pay on an average \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\$7 for bath towel and their households in America. In last decades, the importance of this sector has been increased enormously with the incremental global demand. As Bangladesh is one of the major terry products exporting country among the terry manufacturing countries of the world, the market analysis and SWOT analysis of terry products is the demand of time for the terry manufacturer of our country. Bangladesh is the number one choice of the importers for higher quality with low price of terry product specially terry towel.
The aim of this study was to increase the knowledge of terry products scope, products demand and supply, buyer or market of products, product range, export volume, trend and reveals other opportunities, strength, threat etc of this sector. Terry towel is one of the rapid growing and exigent sub sector of the textile sector of Bangladesh. Bath robes, hand towel, kitchen towel etc. are the products from terry in one word. Demands of these products are increasing very fast globally and also significantly day by day in the local market. Consumers pay on an average \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\$7 for bath towel and their households in America. In last decades, the importance of this sector has been increased enormously with the incremental global demand. As Bangladesh is one of the major terry products exporting country among the terry manufacturing countries of the world, the market analysis and SWOT analysis of terry products is the demand of time for the terry manufacturer of our country. Bangladesh is the number one choice of the importers for higher quality with low price of terry product specially terry towel.
An Overview of Terry Towel Industry in Bangladesh with Swot Analysis
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140301.15
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Mohammad Abu Bakar Siddiquee
Abul Kashem Mohammad Ayatullah H Asif
Mahbubur Rahman
An Overview of Terry Towel Industry in Bangladesh with Swot Analysis
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2014-01-01
10.11648/j.ijber.20140301.15
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140301.15
© Science Publishing Group
A Survey of Performance Improvement through Benchmarking in Commercial Banks in Kenya: The Managers’ Perception and Experience
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140301.12
This study sought to investigate the performance improvement through benchmarking in commercial banks in Kenya by focusing on the extent to which commercial banks used benchmarking, the relationship between benchmarking and organizational performance, and the challenges facing the adoption and implementation of benchmarking. Simple Random sampling technique was used to select two respondents from each bank. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied and Statistics Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for windows version 20.0 was used for analysis. The analysis indicated that on overall, benchmarking has a positive and significant correlation r =0.551 and p< 0.001with organizational performance. The results indicated that benchmarking was an established performance improvement technique that was proved to be effective in the banking industry in Kenya over time. The researchers recommend that the benchmarking initiatives should incorporate the divergent views of all employees since at the end of it all these employees will need the information to improve the process.
This study sought to investigate the performance improvement through benchmarking in commercial banks in Kenya by focusing on the extent to which commercial banks used benchmarking, the relationship between benchmarking and organizational performance, and the challenges facing the adoption and implementation of benchmarking. Simple Random sampling technique was used to select two respondents from each bank. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied and Statistics Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for windows version 20.0 was used for analysis. The analysis indicated that on overall, benchmarking has a positive and significant correlation r =0.551 and p< 0.001with organizational performance. The results indicated that benchmarking was an established performance improvement technique that was proved to be effective in the banking industry in Kenya over time. The researchers recommend that the benchmarking initiatives should incorporate the divergent views of all employees since at the end of it all these employees will need the information to improve the process.
A Survey of Performance Improvement through Benchmarking in Commercial Banks in Kenya: The Managers’ Perception and Experience
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140301.12
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Daniel Ongeri Kerandi
Richard Bitange Nyaoga
Robert Matwere Bosire
Edinah Nyambega
A Survey of Performance Improvement through Benchmarking in Commercial Banks in Kenya: The Managers’ Perception and Experience
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2014-01-01
2014-01-01
10.11648/j.ijber.20140301.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140301.12
© Science Publishing Group
An Improvement the Accuracy of Grey Forecasting Model for Cargo Throughput in International Commercial Ports of Kaohsiung
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140301.11
Based on the grey theory, grey prediction models, which are GM (1, 1), have been adopted to predict the cargo throughput and modified GM (1, 1) using Fourier series called “FRMGM (1, 1)” for improving the accuracy of forecast model. A forecasting the cargo throughput in the international commercial port of Kaohsiung from 2013-2015 has also been conducted based on the previous data to serve as a reference for port management in making development plans and construction as well as orienting development in the future. All data source is collected from the Ministry of Transportation and Communication of Taiwan. Through simulation results, this study showed that both of two models are suitable but the FRMGM (1, 1) is the excellent model in forecast with average accuracy of predict is 100%. Hence, the FRMGM (1, 1) model is strongly suggested for forecast the cargo throughput in the port of Kaohsiung.
Based on the grey theory, grey prediction models, which are GM (1, 1), have been adopted to predict the cargo throughput and modified GM (1, 1) using Fourier series called “FRMGM (1, 1)” for improving the accuracy of forecast model. A forecasting the cargo throughput in the international commercial port of Kaohsiung from 2013-2015 has also been conducted based on the previous data to serve as a reference for port management in making development plans and construction as well as orienting development in the future. All data source is collected from the Ministry of Transportation and Communication of Taiwan. Through simulation results, this study showed that both of two models are suitable but the FRMGM (1, 1) is the excellent model in forecast with average accuracy of predict is 100%. Hence, the FRMGM (1, 1) model is strongly suggested for forecast the cargo throughput in the port of Kaohsiung.
An Improvement the Accuracy of Grey Forecasting Model for Cargo Throughput in International Commercial Ports of Kaohsiung
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140301.11
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-01-01
© Science Publishing Group
Chia- Nan Wang
Van- Thanh Phan
An Improvement the Accuracy of Grey Forecasting Model for Cargo Throughput in International Commercial Ports of Kaohsiung
3
1
5
5
2014-01-01
2014-01-01
10.11648/j.ijber.20140301.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140301.11
© Science Publishing Group
Productive and Cognitive Innovation Strategy: African Framework Design
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.12
Since the mid 1990’s, economist have come to recognize the role of innovative activity in firms productivity growth, particularly in the competitive market economies. However, the most conducive market environment for innovative activity has also become a subject of interest. Thus, a major constraint on industrial dynamism in African countries is said to be the dearth of indigenous entrepreneurs. This paper therefore argued for the provision of comprehensive innovation policy, in which the government supports the innovators by providing appropriate financial measures, removing regulatory, institutional (competitive) obstacles to innovation and strengthening the knowledge base through investment in education, research and industrial sites in Africa.
Since the mid 1990’s, economist have come to recognize the role of innovative activity in firms productivity growth, particularly in the competitive market economies. However, the most conducive market environment for innovative activity has also become a subject of interest. Thus, a major constraint on industrial dynamism in African countries is said to be the dearth of indigenous entrepreneurs. This paper therefore argued for the provision of comprehensive innovation policy, in which the government supports the innovators by providing appropriate financial measures, removing regulatory, institutional (competitive) obstacles to innovation and strengthening the knowledge base through investment in education, research and industrial sites in Africa.
Productive and Cognitive Innovation Strategy: African Framework Design
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.12
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-04-09
© Science Publishing Group
Godwin Chukwudum Nwaobi
Productive and Cognitive Innovation Strategy: African Framework Design
3
2
65
65
2014-04-09
2014-04-09
10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.12
© Science Publishing Group
A Review of European Sovereign Debt Crisis: Causes and Consequences
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.13
This paper researched on the causes, current consequences and potential implication of the European debt crisis. The crisis was found to be a result of factors including international trade imbalances, the effects from the global crisis 2007-2012 and the failure in bailout approaches to cure Europe from the global financial distress. This has caused panic across the world due to the fact that negative financial situations in peripheral countries in Europe might further demolish the global financial markets. Even though significant growth was presumed from the introduction of Euro, the financial crisis resulted in sharp rise in bond yields, CDS, cross-correlation and spillover effects across bond markets of the Eurozone. Yield curves of the GIIPS countries acted as a cluster; differentiating from stronger and more stable economic forces. In addition, crisis resulted in significant dip of market confidence on Euro and depreciation of Euro against major currencies. Commodity prices i.e. spot price of gold rose to almost 300% over the time crisis period, utilized by governments as a defense mechanism against the economic downturns. Potential problems that might arise from this severe crisis and financial prospects of European states as well as governments over the world are also assessed and discussed
This paper researched on the causes, current consequences and potential implication of the European debt crisis. The crisis was found to be a result of factors including international trade imbalances, the effects from the global crisis 2007-2012 and the failure in bailout approaches to cure Europe from the global financial distress. This has caused panic across the world due to the fact that negative financial situations in peripheral countries in Europe might further demolish the global financial markets. Even though significant growth was presumed from the introduction of Euro, the financial crisis resulted in sharp rise in bond yields, CDS, cross-correlation and spillover effects across bond markets of the Eurozone. Yield curves of the GIIPS countries acted as a cluster; differentiating from stronger and more stable economic forces. In addition, crisis resulted in significant dip of market confidence on Euro and depreciation of Euro against major currencies. Commodity prices i.e. spot price of gold rose to almost 300% over the time crisis period, utilized by governments as a defense mechanism against the economic downturns. Potential problems that might arise from this severe crisis and financial prospects of European states as well as governments over the world are also assessed and discussed
A Review of European Sovereign Debt Crisis: Causes and Consequences
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.13
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-04-18
© Science Publishing Group
G. M. Wali Ullah
Samiul Parvez Ahmed
A Review of European Sovereign Debt Crisis: Causes and Consequences
3
2
71
71
2014-04-18
2014-04-18
10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.13
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.13
© Science Publishing Group
Is IPOs Trading Enhanced with the Advent of Automated Trading System? A Look at the Efficient Market Hypothesis
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.14
We examine and model the performance of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) with the advent of the Automated Trading System (ATS) on the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) of Fama (1970) and observe that the system of price determination and encoding such information to existing and potential investors for IPOs has significantly improved with related efficiency as most of the IPOs issued during the period after the introduction of the ATS have significantly attracted more investor demand and commendable pricing mechanism as a result of easy and quick access to information sharing. This could mean that information asymmetry has drastically reduced since they are electronically generated to produce the stock prices within a very limited period of time. But until now, prices of IPOs in most cases do not fully reflect available information as the EMH suggests and does not fulfil the Random Walk Hypothesis (Kendall, 1953, RWH) as a requirement for weak form of market efficiency. However, despite the ATS’s immense contributions, the rate of price swings and inability to fully reflect available information still remains an apparition to the market participants so that prices are either overpriced or underpriced. We use the stability, stationary, and normality diagnostic tests together with the EGARCH and TGARCH to define the trend of the prices. The result is not consistent with the Efficient Market Hypothesis of Fama (1970). Data on each IPO daily prices were obtained from the trading statistics of Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) consisting of 231 IPO stocks traded between the years 2000 to 2012 consisting of 35,979 monthly observations; these prices are those of IPOs trading after the introduction of the ATS in 1997. The outcome clearly shows that the prices are not normally distributed and are significantly auto-correlated. This result does not support the RWH to satisfy for the weak market efficiency.
We examine and model the performance of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) with the advent of the Automated Trading System (ATS) on the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) of Fama (1970) and observe that the system of price determination and encoding such information to existing and potential investors for IPOs has significantly improved with related efficiency as most of the IPOs issued during the period after the introduction of the ATS have significantly attracted more investor demand and commendable pricing mechanism as a result of easy and quick access to information sharing. This could mean that information asymmetry has drastically reduced since they are electronically generated to produce the stock prices within a very limited period of time. But until now, prices of IPOs in most cases do not fully reflect available information as the EMH suggests and does not fulfil the Random Walk Hypothesis (Kendall, 1953, RWH) as a requirement for weak form of market efficiency. However, despite the ATS’s immense contributions, the rate of price swings and inability to fully reflect available information still remains an apparition to the market participants so that prices are either overpriced or underpriced. We use the stability, stationary, and normality diagnostic tests together with the EGARCH and TGARCH to define the trend of the prices. The result is not consistent with the Efficient Market Hypothesis of Fama (1970). Data on each IPO daily prices were obtained from the trading statistics of Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) consisting of 231 IPO stocks traded between the years 2000 to 2012 consisting of 35,979 monthly observations; these prices are those of IPOs trading after the introduction of the ATS in 1997. The outcome clearly shows that the prices are not normally distributed and are significantly auto-correlated. This result does not support the RWH to satisfy for the weak market efficiency.
Is IPOs Trading Enhanced with the Advent of Automated Trading System? A Look at the Efficient Market Hypothesis
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.14
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-04-25
© Science Publishing Group
P. M. C. Thilakarathne
Alex Augustus Ambore Bruce
Is IPOs Trading Enhanced with the Advent of Automated Trading System? A Look at the Efficient Market Hypothesis
3
2
81
81
2014-04-25
2014-04-25
10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.14
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.14
© Science Publishing Group
The Impact of PLS-SEM Training on Faculty Staff Intention to Use PLS Software in a public university in Ghana
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.11
The paper empirically assesses the impact of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) training on academic staff’s intentions to adopt PLS-SEM software in their future research work. Our original contribution to knowledge is the application of the Technology Adoption Model (TAM) to study faculty intention to adopt SEM data analysis software in an under-researched context of developing country Higher Institution of Learning (HIL). Building upon the TAM, we developed a research model that conceptualises PLS-SEM training as an external variable that affects the technology adoption process. The research model was tested using data from 34 faculty members who fully participated in a PLS-SEM training workshop at the College of Technology Education, Kumasi (COLTEK) of University of Education, Winneba. The data was analysed using SmartPLS 2.0 for PLS-SEM analysis. The findings indicate that PLS-SEM training has a positive impact on faculty members’ intentions to use the PLS-SEM software in future research. Moreover, the findings confirm the applicability and efficacy of the TAM framework that it can predict about 86% of faculty members’ intention to adopt data analysis software. This paper is one of the initial studies into the adoption of SEM data analysis software by the research community in developing countries HIL context. Despite its limitations, the paper offers important theoretical and managerial contributions. It contributes to the literature in the area of adoption of SEM data analysis software in the information systems literature.
The paper empirically assesses the impact of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) training on academic staff’s intentions to adopt PLS-SEM software in their future research work. Our original contribution to knowledge is the application of the Technology Adoption Model (TAM) to study faculty intention to adopt SEM data analysis software in an under-researched context of developing country Higher Institution of Learning (HIL). Building upon the TAM, we developed a research model that conceptualises PLS-SEM training as an external variable that affects the technology adoption process. The research model was tested using data from 34 faculty members who fully participated in a PLS-SEM training workshop at the College of Technology Education, Kumasi (COLTEK) of University of Education, Winneba. The data was analysed using SmartPLS 2.0 for PLS-SEM analysis. The findings indicate that PLS-SEM training has a positive impact on faculty members’ intentions to use the PLS-SEM software in future research. Moreover, the findings confirm the applicability and efficacy of the TAM framework that it can predict about 86% of faculty members’ intention to adopt data analysis software. This paper is one of the initial studies into the adoption of SEM data analysis software by the research community in developing countries HIL context. Despite its limitations, the paper offers important theoretical and managerial contributions. It contributes to the literature in the area of adoption of SEM data analysis software in the information systems literature.
The Impact of PLS-SEM Training on Faculty Staff Intention to Use PLS Software in a public university in Ghana
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.11
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-04-08
© Science Publishing Group
Simon Gyasi Nimako
Francis Bondinuba Kwesi
Emmanuel Kofi Owusu
The Impact of PLS-SEM Training on Faculty Staff Intention to Use PLS Software in a public university in Ghana
3
2
49
49
2014-04-08
2014-04-08
10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.11
© Science Publishing Group
Logistics Management and Supply Chain Management: A Critical Evaluation
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.15
The purpose of this research is to identify the content of Logistics Management and Supply Chain Management, as perceived by course instructors and textbook content, and identify the core subjects of the discipline. The study is based on review and content analysis of two samples; 30 syllabi used for teaching a basic course, and 10 textbooks that are dedicated to the discipline. A list of belonging subjects was identified, importance for each subject was estimated, and the level of agreement between the syllabi and the textbook samples was evaluated. Results identified 27 relevant subjects, of which eight were identified as "core subjects". The core subjects are: Information and technology, Inventory, Overview and concepts, Transportation and conveying, Logistics flow, Facility location, Customer service, and Performance measurement. There is a high level of agreement within each sample and between the two samples, with regard to the relative importance of the identified subjects. The above results support an agreed framework for a Logistics Management course, which becomes a common one in different management programs.
The purpose of this research is to identify the content of Logistics Management and Supply Chain Management, as perceived by course instructors and textbook content, and identify the core subjects of the discipline. The study is based on review and content analysis of two samples; 30 syllabi used for teaching a basic course, and 10 textbooks that are dedicated to the discipline. A list of belonging subjects was identified, importance for each subject was estimated, and the level of agreement between the syllabi and the textbook samples was evaluated. Results identified 27 relevant subjects, of which eight were identified as "core subjects". The core subjects are: Information and technology, Inventory, Overview and concepts, Transportation and conveying, Logistics flow, Facility location, Customer service, and Performance measurement. There is a high level of agreement within each sample and between the two samples, with regard to the relative importance of the identified subjects. The above results support an agreed framework for a Logistics Management course, which becomes a common one in different management programs.
Logistics Management and Supply Chain Management: A Critical Evaluation
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.15
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-04-28
© Science Publishing Group
Shlomo Globerson
Gal Wolbrum
Logistics Management and Supply Chain Management: A Critical Evaluation
3
2
88
88
2014-04-28
2014-04-28
10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.15
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.15
© Science Publishing Group
The Effects of Fiscal Policy in Great Recession by using Panel Smooth Transition Regression (PSTR): Evidence from Emerging Market
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.17
This article examines the effect of fiscal policy on economic growth in emerging countries during periods of economic instability. This work aimed to determine whether emerging countries are able to adopt countercyclical fiscal policies to mitigate the impact from outside. Our study used a new approach developed by González and al. (2005), the (PSTR) model. This model has been studied in 23 emerging countries grouped into four regions: Latin America, Emerging Europe, Asia and Africa and covers the period 1990-2012. Our research will focus on the effect of fiscal policy in emerging countries on their economic growth during periods of instability. This model confirmed the non-linear relationship between fiscal policy and activity in these countries. Indeed, it can highlight the asymmetric effect of fiscal policy on activity distinguishing between two regimes. Our results show that in an unsustainable fiscal situation, the pro-cyclical fiscal policy is a solution to avoid the higher cost of debt and during the crisis a strong fiscal position is fundamental to ensuring macroeconomic stability.
This article examines the effect of fiscal policy on economic growth in emerging countries during periods of economic instability. This work aimed to determine whether emerging countries are able to adopt countercyclical fiscal policies to mitigate the impact from outside. Our study used a new approach developed by González and al. (2005), the (PSTR) model. This model has been studied in 23 emerging countries grouped into four regions: Latin America, Emerging Europe, Asia and Africa and covers the period 1990-2012. Our research will focus on the effect of fiscal policy in emerging countries on their economic growth during periods of instability. This model confirmed the non-linear relationship between fiscal policy and activity in these countries. Indeed, it can highlight the asymmetric effect of fiscal policy on activity distinguishing between two regimes. Our results show that in an unsustainable fiscal situation, the pro-cyclical fiscal policy is a solution to avoid the higher cost of debt and during the crisis a strong fiscal position is fundamental to ensuring macroeconomic stability.
The Effects of Fiscal Policy in Great Recession by using Panel Smooth Transition Regression (PSTR): Evidence from Emerging Market
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.17
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-04-29
© Science Publishing Group
Amira Majoul
Olfa Manai Daboussi
The Effects of Fiscal Policy in Great Recession by using Panel Smooth Transition Regression (PSTR): Evidence from Emerging Market
3
2
107
107
2014-04-29
2014-04-29
10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.17
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.17
© Science Publishing Group
Labor Market Segmentation and Gender Inequality in Cameroon
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.16
This research seeks to propose ways to reduce gender inequality in the labor market in Cameroon. It uses the dynamic cloud classification to identify different segments of the labor market, the decomposition method of Oaxaca and Blinder to quantify the gender discrimination and to highlight the factors which provoke such discrimination. The results show that the Cameroonian labor market has three segments. The segment with the highest gender inequality is the informal agricultural sector, followed by the non-agricultural informal sector, and finally the formal sector. Our results also show that if we want a greater reduction of gender inequality, we must encourage women's access to secondary and higher education, encourage women's access to vocational training, and increase their number of years of professional experience.
This research seeks to propose ways to reduce gender inequality in the labor market in Cameroon. It uses the dynamic cloud classification to identify different segments of the labor market, the decomposition method of Oaxaca and Blinder to quantify the gender discrimination and to highlight the factors which provoke such discrimination. The results show that the Cameroonian labor market has three segments. The segment with the highest gender inequality is the informal agricultural sector, followed by the non-agricultural informal sector, and finally the formal sector. Our results also show that if we want a greater reduction of gender inequality, we must encourage women's access to secondary and higher education, encourage women's access to vocational training, and increase their number of years of professional experience.
Labor Market Segmentation and Gender Inequality in Cameroon
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.16
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-04-29
© Science Publishing Group
Ningaye Paul
Talla Fokam Dieu Ne Dort
Labor Market Segmentation and Gender Inequality in Cameroon
3
2
98
98
2014-04-29
2014-04-29
10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.16
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.16
© Science Publishing Group
Toward an Appropriate Model for Corporate Governance in Banking Industry- Case Study of Iran
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.18
Given the vital role of banks and other financial institutions in financial and economic stability, and also their great vulnerability to the potential imperfections of corporate governance and the need to maintain the depositors' funds and the stakeholders’ interests, the issue of corporate governance and eliminating its weaknesses and failures are extremely important in banking industry. In recent financial scandals and economic crises which banks and other financial institutions have had a leading role because of malfunctioning of their corporate governance mechanisms. Furthermore, in 2011, the occurrence of a massive financial embezzlement and existence of enormous deferred bank accounts in Iran banking system implies that there is a serious failure in banks' corporate governance for the experts in this field.Therefore this study attempts to prepare information about the current state of corporate governance in Iran banks and compares it with that of prosperous big banks in other parts of the world. Additionally, it is going to investigate the weak points of corporate governance in Iran banks in order to present an appropriate model for them. It also should be noted that we review all available related documents in Iran banks and interview the managers and experts to obtain valid feedbacks in this regard. Then, we review successful and unsuccessful experiences of famous international banks such as Bank of America, Toronto-Dominion Bank, J. P. Morgan, and HSBC, and their corporate governance structures to extract and model them. By comparing this model with those belonging to Iran banks we can realize almost any weakness existing in Iran banks. Finally we suggest an appropriate model for Iran banks to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the mechanism of their corporate governance.
Given the vital role of banks and other financial institutions in financial and economic stability, and also their great vulnerability to the potential imperfections of corporate governance and the need to maintain the depositors' funds and the stakeholders’ interests, the issue of corporate governance and eliminating its weaknesses and failures are extremely important in banking industry. In recent financial scandals and economic crises which banks and other financial institutions have had a leading role because of malfunctioning of their corporate governance mechanisms. Furthermore, in 2011, the occurrence of a massive financial embezzlement and existence of enormous deferred bank accounts in Iran banking system implies that there is a serious failure in banks' corporate governance for the experts in this field.Therefore this study attempts to prepare information about the current state of corporate governance in Iran banks and compares it with that of prosperous big banks in other parts of the world. Additionally, it is going to investigate the weak points of corporate governance in Iran banks in order to present an appropriate model for them. It also should be noted that we review all available related documents in Iran banks and interview the managers and experts to obtain valid feedbacks in this regard. Then, we review successful and unsuccessful experiences of famous international banks such as Bank of America, Toronto-Dominion Bank, J. P. Morgan, and HSBC, and their corporate governance structures to extract and model them. By comparing this model with those belonging to Iran banks we can realize almost any weakness existing in Iran banks. Finally we suggest an appropriate model for Iran banks to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the mechanism of their corporate governance.
Toward an Appropriate Model for Corporate Governance in Banking Industry- Case Study of Iran
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.18
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-05-15
© Science Publishing Group
Bita Mashayekhi
Alemeh Yazdanian
Farzaneh Jalali
Toward an Appropriate Model for Corporate Governance in Banking Industry- Case Study of Iran
3
2
117
117
2014-05-15
2014-05-15
10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.18
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140302.18
© Science Publishing Group
Strategic Asset Management: A Differentiating Strategy to Enhance a Competitive Advantage of Petrochemical Companies
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140303.11
This paper presents the results of a study of the benefit of implementing Strategic Asset Management (SAM) in line with principles recommended by PAS 55. SAS can assist organisations in the petrochemical industry to enhance their competitive advantage and subsequently become profitable. A survey design methodology is employed in this study. Four business sites of the case under study in South Africa, ranging from maintenance to production disciplines were sampled. Data is collected using questionnaires that were distributed to the four manufacturing sites, and 63 responses were received. Data mining was also conducted on SAP for the determination of seven KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators). The results reveal that the majority of the KPI’s are below target. This indicates deficiencies as far as effective SAM is concerned. This is also an indication of instability in operations resulting in inability to consistently and sustainably supply the market. Most respondents believe that SAM is the responsibility of all the members of the supply chain, and also that discipline cohesion, equipment reliability, pro-active maintenance, plant stability and safety are fundamental drivers of implementing SAM and condition monitoring. During the implementation process the significantly affected factors were observed to be operations, maintenance practices and employees. Management of the change and time presented challenges during the implementation process. Risk identification techniques and risk management techniques such as root cause analysis (RCA), failure modes effects and criticality analysis (FMECA), on-line condition monitoring and reliability centred maintenance (RCM) are the most preferred techniques. Results reveal that the majority of the employees are not familiar with PAS 55 and they believe it cannot be sustained. To support SAM, adherence to OEM instructions and competency of maintenance contractors are revealed to be the most important factors. Maintenance costs and SAP based KPI’s can be used to indicate the success of SAM. The main limitation of the study is that sampling was confined to a specific location’s facilities and therefore results cannot be generalised.
This paper presents the results of a study of the benefit of implementing Strategic Asset Management (SAM) in line with principles recommended by PAS 55. SAS can assist organisations in the petrochemical industry to enhance their competitive advantage and subsequently become profitable. A survey design methodology is employed in this study. Four business sites of the case under study in South Africa, ranging from maintenance to production disciplines were sampled. Data is collected using questionnaires that were distributed to the four manufacturing sites, and 63 responses were received. Data mining was also conducted on SAP for the determination of seven KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators). The results reveal that the majority of the KPI’s are below target. This indicates deficiencies as far as effective SAM is concerned. This is also an indication of instability in operations resulting in inability to consistently and sustainably supply the market. Most respondents believe that SAM is the responsibility of all the members of the supply chain, and also that discipline cohesion, equipment reliability, pro-active maintenance, plant stability and safety are fundamental drivers of implementing SAM and condition monitoring. During the implementation process the significantly affected factors were observed to be operations, maintenance practices and employees. Management of the change and time presented challenges during the implementation process. Risk identification techniques and risk management techniques such as root cause analysis (RCA), failure modes effects and criticality analysis (FMECA), on-line condition monitoring and reliability centred maintenance (RCM) are the most preferred techniques. Results reveal that the majority of the employees are not familiar with PAS 55 and they believe it cannot be sustained. To support SAM, adherence to OEM instructions and competency of maintenance contractors are revealed to be the most important factors. Maintenance costs and SAP based KPI’s can be used to indicate the success of SAM. The main limitation of the study is that sampling was confined to a specific location’s facilities and therefore results cannot be generalised.
Strategic Asset Management: A Differentiating Strategy to Enhance a Competitive Advantage of Petrochemical Companies
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140303.11
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-05-21
© Science Publishing Group
Makama Ephraim Ntlaba
Ozias Ncube
Strategic Asset Management: A Differentiating Strategy to Enhance a Competitive Advantage of Petrochemical Companies
3
3
127
127
2014-05-21
2014-05-21
10.11648/j.ijber.20140303.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140303.11
© Science Publishing Group
Car Insurance Risk Assessment with Data Mining for an Iranian Leading Insurance Company
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140303.12
Today’s competitive market leads industry to a serious fight. This fight has guided some companies to a sightless selling. Insurance companies lose lots of money each year because of not profitable and risky customers which are attracted blindly. Risky customers are one of the most important treats to insurance companies; therefore some of these companies adopt a credit scoring and risk assessment approach for identifying profitable and risky customers. One of the most preferable methods for risk assessment is data mining. In this article, authors would demonstrate a risk assessment problem in an Iranian leading insurance company. Car insurance customers of this company have been analyzed with six different data mining algorithms (C5, Classification and Regression Tree, Neural Networks, Logistic Regression, Bayesian Networks and Support Vector Machines) in two different approaches. One of these approaches is a direct approach in which the target field (risk) is predicted directly with data mining algorithms and then an ensemble model comprised from them. The other one is an indirect approach in which the target field would be divided in five fields, then five different ensemble models is comprised for each new target field. Afterwards the model with the highest confidence predicts the target fields for a test data record. At the end of this article the better results of indirect model would be shown.
Today’s competitive market leads industry to a serious fight. This fight has guided some companies to a sightless selling. Insurance companies lose lots of money each year because of not profitable and risky customers which are attracted blindly. Risky customers are one of the most important treats to insurance companies; therefore some of these companies adopt a credit scoring and risk assessment approach for identifying profitable and risky customers. One of the most preferable methods for risk assessment is data mining. In this article, authors would demonstrate a risk assessment problem in an Iranian leading insurance company. Car insurance customers of this company have been analyzed with six different data mining algorithms (C5, Classification and Regression Tree, Neural Networks, Logistic Regression, Bayesian Networks and Support Vector Machines) in two different approaches. One of these approaches is a direct approach in which the target field (risk) is predicted directly with data mining algorithms and then an ensemble model comprised from them. The other one is an indirect approach in which the target field would be divided in five fields, then five different ensemble models is comprised for each new target field. Afterwards the model with the highest confidence predicts the target fields for a test data record. At the end of this article the better results of indirect model would be shown.
Car Insurance Risk Assessment with Data Mining for an Iranian Leading Insurance Company
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140303.12
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-05-27
© Science Publishing Group
Seyed Behnam Khakbaz
Nastaran Hajiheydari
Marziyeh Pourestarabadi
Car Insurance Risk Assessment with Data Mining for an Iranian Leading Insurance Company
3
3
134
134
2014-05-27
2014-05-27
10.11648/j.ijber.20140303.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140303.12
© Science Publishing Group
The Relationship between the Growth of Exports and Growth of Gross Domestic Product of India
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140303.13
Does Economic Growth Promote Exports of a country or do exports lead to a higher growth? This paper tries to answer this question in the context of India, using a three step procedure of first conducting a Vector Auto Regression (VAR) analysis followed by a Granger Causality Test and an Impulse Response Function. Taking yearly data from 1969-2012, we find that growth of exports depends positively on growth of GDP with a year lag. Robustness checks show consistent VAR Results. Further the Granger Causality Test determines that GDP Growth causes Export growth in India. Finally Impulse Response Functions generated show that there are much higher responses of export through a change in GDP. So unanimously we find that India backs the theory of Growth Led Exports.
Does Economic Growth Promote Exports of a country or do exports lead to a higher growth? This paper tries to answer this question in the context of India, using a three step procedure of first conducting a Vector Auto Regression (VAR) analysis followed by a Granger Causality Test and an Impulse Response Function. Taking yearly data from 1969-2012, we find that growth of exports depends positively on growth of GDP with a year lag. Robustness checks show consistent VAR Results. Further the Granger Causality Test determines that GDP Growth causes Export growth in India. Finally Impulse Response Functions generated show that there are much higher responses of export through a change in GDP. So unanimously we find that India backs the theory of Growth Led Exports.
The Relationship between the Growth of Exports and Growth of Gross Domestic Product of India
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140303.13
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-06-30
© Science Publishing Group
Mukherji Ronit
Pandey Divya
The Relationship between the Growth of Exports and Growth of Gross Domestic Product of India
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3
139
139
2014-06-30
2014-06-30
10.11648/j.ijber.20140303.13
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140303.13
© Science Publishing Group
A Study on Powerloom Business in Some Selected Areas of Sirajganj District: It focuses on Present Scenario and Future Prospect
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140304.11
The powerloom industry as a tool of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) has a greatest possibility to contribute a lot in the cloth production of Bangladesh. In this paper authors try to represent the overall socio-economic status of businessmen who are engaged in powerloom business in some selected area of Sirajgonj district. Authors have identified those prominent factors that are moving the wheels of this industry slowly. Among them, shortage of working capital, high cost of raw materials, inadequate supply of electricity, lack of policy support are bitterly hit the powerloom industry. Besides these, authors also try to identify the future prospects of powerloom business in their research area.
The powerloom industry as a tool of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) has a greatest possibility to contribute a lot in the cloth production of Bangladesh. In this paper authors try to represent the overall socio-economic status of businessmen who are engaged in powerloom business in some selected area of Sirajgonj district. Authors have identified those prominent factors that are moving the wheels of this industry slowly. Among them, shortage of working capital, high cost of raw materials, inadequate supply of electricity, lack of policy support are bitterly hit the powerloom industry. Besides these, authors also try to identify the future prospects of powerloom business in their research area.
A Study on Powerloom Business in Some Selected Areas of Sirajganj District: It focuses on Present Scenario and Future Prospect
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140304.11
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-07-16
© Science Publishing Group
Airin Rahman
Abu Zafar Ahmed Mukul
Sauda Afrin Anny
A Study on Powerloom Business in Some Selected Areas of Sirajganj District: It focuses on Present Scenario and Future Prospect
3
4
149
149
2014-07-16
2014-07-16
10.11648/j.ijber.20140304.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140304.11
© Science Publishing Group
Copula Model Estimation and Test of Inventory Portfolio Pledge Rate
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140304.12
It chooses copper and zinc as a stock portfolio to pledge financing, and uses Clayton-Copula function as the joint density function of the two pledge portfolio. It uses K-S method for goodness of fit test whether the Copula function can correctly describe dependence structure between variables or not. Results show that there is a positive correlation between the two pledges, and the Clayton-Copula function is fitting effect for copper and zinc return correlation structure. The conclusion of this thesis lays the foundation for the following pledge rate calculation and portfolio risk analysis.
It chooses copper and zinc as a stock portfolio to pledge financing, and uses Clayton-Copula function as the joint density function of the two pledge portfolio. It uses K-S method for goodness of fit test whether the Copula function can correctly describe dependence structure between variables or not. Results show that there is a positive correlation between the two pledges, and the Clayton-Copula function is fitting effect for copper and zinc return correlation structure. The conclusion of this thesis lays the foundation for the following pledge rate calculation and portfolio risk analysis.
Copula Model Estimation and Test of Inventory Portfolio Pledge Rate
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140304.12
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-08-05
© Science Publishing Group
Li Zhou
Jing Dong
Copula Model Estimation and Test of Inventory Portfolio Pledge Rate
3
4
154
154
2014-08-05
2014-08-05
10.11648/j.ijber.20140304.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140304.12
© Science Publishing Group
Politics and Accounting in the Public Sector
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140304.13
The transition from the accounting management of the use of resources, i.e. net budgeting, to business-oriented performance management is an important element in the introduction of management by objectives and results in the public sector. This took place in Western European countries in the 1990s and encompassed what is referred to as business-oriented accounting. Business-oriented accounting in the public sector is currently a hot topic in the public debate. The system is complex and lacks clear lines of political accountability
The transition from the accounting management of the use of resources, i.e. net budgeting, to business-oriented performance management is an important element in the introduction of management by objectives and results in the public sector. This took place in Western European countries in the 1990s and encompassed what is referred to as business-oriented accounting. Business-oriented accounting in the public sector is currently a hot topic in the public debate. The system is complex and lacks clear lines of political accountability
Politics and Accounting in the Public Sector
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140304.13
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-08-08
© Science Publishing Group
Noralv Veggeland
Politics and Accounting in the Public Sector
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159
159
2014-08-08
2014-08-08
10.11648/j.ijber.20140304.13
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140304.13
© Science Publishing Group
Virtualization and Cloud Computing: The Pathway to Business Performance Enhancement, Sustainability and Productivity
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140305.12
Cloud computing, and the technology of virtualization which drives its foundations, lead the pack of Information Technology (IT) solutions for business that have emerged and kept transforming businesses in recent years. While in acknowledgement of the fact that numerous researches have emerged in recent times on the concepts of virtualization and cloud computing, trying to address issues relating to management, complexity, operability, service delivery, security, amongst others, very little to no effort has been made to study how these technologies impact the dynamic business environment of the 21st century and the benefits they could hold for businesses of the digital age. In light of this, this paper gives a theoretical review of the business environment as it was before and shortly after the advent of IT, in such a way that novices as well as experts in business and IT would be able to identify with and understand the interactions that have always existed amongst these industries. It further goes on to provide a detailed exposé on cloud computing and virtualization as it affects the business environment of the 21st century, right from its inception and origins, to survey its history, basic concepts, current trends, modes of deployment and use, as well as the benefits they provide for businesses in our world. It brings in some proven industry perspectives and opinions and presents new insights into what the future has to offer with these twin technologies for both the worlds of business and IT.
Cloud computing, and the technology of virtualization which drives its foundations, lead the pack of Information Technology (IT) solutions for business that have emerged and kept transforming businesses in recent years. While in acknowledgement of the fact that numerous researches have emerged in recent times on the concepts of virtualization and cloud computing, trying to address issues relating to management, complexity, operability, service delivery, security, amongst others, very little to no effort has been made to study how these technologies impact the dynamic business environment of the 21st century and the benefits they could hold for businesses of the digital age. In light of this, this paper gives a theoretical review of the business environment as it was before and shortly after the advent of IT, in such a way that novices as well as experts in business and IT would be able to identify with and understand the interactions that have always existed amongst these industries. It further goes on to provide a detailed exposé on cloud computing and virtualization as it affects the business environment of the 21st century, right from its inception and origins, to survey its history, basic concepts, current trends, modes of deployment and use, as well as the benefits they provide for businesses in our world. It brings in some proven industry perspectives and opinions and presents new insights into what the future has to offer with these twin technologies for both the worlds of business and IT.
Virtualization and Cloud Computing: The Pathway to Business Performance Enhancement, Sustainability and Productivity
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140305.12
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-10-27
© Science Publishing Group
Emmanuel Chinomso Ogu
Omotunde Ayokunle
Mensah Yaw
Ogbonna Achimba
Virtualization and Cloud Computing: The Pathway to Business Performance Enhancement, Sustainability and Productivity
3
5
177
177
2014-10-27
2014-10-27
10.11648/j.ijber.20140305.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140305.12
© Science Publishing Group
Testing the Twin Deficit Hypothesis for Kenya 1970-2012
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140305.11
The Twin Deficit Hypothesis (TDH) is an economic proposition suggesting that there exists a positive causal association between Budget deficit and Current account deficit. This assertion has been the subject of debate in the scholarly and policy front. However, most of the already existing literature on the TDH has focused on already developed economies. Majority of this literature carried out bivariate analysis using annual data. This study investigates the TDH nexus for Kenya using quarterly data spanning from 1970Q1 - 2012Q1 in a multivariate approach. The study employed various econometric tests including Johansen & Juselius cointergration tests, Vector Auto Regression and Toda- Yamamoto’s Granger causality test. The study also estimated the Impulse response functions and Variance decomposition. The results indicate that the TDH does exist in Kenya in a multivariate environment as opposed to directly between budget deficits and current account deficits. The study proposes that the government should formulate adequate fiscal and monetary policies that will effectively manage the country expenditure and revenue. The government should also look into ways of increasing its revenues and reducing expenditures.
The Twin Deficit Hypothesis (TDH) is an economic proposition suggesting that there exists a positive causal association between Budget deficit and Current account deficit. This assertion has been the subject of debate in the scholarly and policy front. However, most of the already existing literature on the TDH has focused on already developed economies. Majority of this literature carried out bivariate analysis using annual data. This study investigates the TDH nexus for Kenya using quarterly data spanning from 1970Q1 - 2012Q1 in a multivariate approach. The study employed various econometric tests including Johansen & Juselius cointergration tests, Vector Auto Regression and Toda- Yamamoto’s Granger causality test. The study also estimated the Impulse response functions and Variance decomposition. The results indicate that the TDH does exist in Kenya in a multivariate environment as opposed to directly between budget deficits and current account deficits. The study proposes that the government should formulate adequate fiscal and monetary policies that will effectively manage the country expenditure and revenue. The government should also look into ways of increasing its revenues and reducing expenditures.
Testing the Twin Deficit Hypothesis for Kenya 1970-2012
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140305.11
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-10-27
© Science Publishing Group
Erastus Kaiba Njoroge
George Kosimbei
Julius Korir
Testing the Twin Deficit Hypothesis for Kenya 1970-2012
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169
169
2014-10-27
2014-10-27
10.11648/j.ijber.20140305.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140305.11
© Science Publishing Group
The Relationship between Service Quality and Customer Loyalty in Specialty Supermarkets: Empirical Evidence in Vietnam
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140305.13
This study investigates the relationship between service quality of electronic supermarkets and customer loyalty by conducting questionnaire survey on 237 buyers in Tran Anh electronic supermarkets in Hanoi, Vietnam. This questionnaire was constructed with 28 retail service quality items covering 5 service quality dimensions namely Physical Aspects, Reliability, Personal Interaction, Problem Solving and Policy, and 2 Customer Loyalty items. Statistical analysis results indicate the significant relationship between Customer Loyalty and such dimensions of service quality as Physical Aspects and Problem Solving. From these findings, managerial as well as theoretical implications have been discussed.
This study investigates the relationship between service quality of electronic supermarkets and customer loyalty by conducting questionnaire survey on 237 buyers in Tran Anh electronic supermarkets in Hanoi, Vietnam. This questionnaire was constructed with 28 retail service quality items covering 5 service quality dimensions namely Physical Aspects, Reliability, Personal Interaction, Problem Solving and Policy, and 2 Customer Loyalty items. Statistical analysis results indicate the significant relationship between Customer Loyalty and such dimensions of service quality as Physical Aspects and Problem Solving. From these findings, managerial as well as theoretical implications have been discussed.
The Relationship between Service Quality and Customer Loyalty in Specialty Supermarkets: Empirical Evidence in Vietnam
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140305.13
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-10-29
© Science Publishing Group
Nguyen Thu Ha
Nguyen Hue Minh
Phan Chi Anh
Yoshiki Matsui
The Relationship between Service Quality and Customer Loyalty in Specialty Supermarkets: Empirical Evidence in Vietnam
3
5
186
186
2014-10-29
2014-10-29
10.11648/j.ijber.20140305.13
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140305.13
© Science Publishing Group
Audit Firm Characteristics and Audit Quality in Nigeria
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140305.14
This study examines the impact of audit firms’ characteristics on audit quality. We proxy the dependent variable (audit quality) using the usual dichotomous variable of 1 if big 4 audit firm and 0 if otherwise. Data for the study were sourced from the financial statements of 18 food and beverage companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange market within the period studied (2007-2012). The multivariate regression technique with emphasis on Logit and Probit method was used to estimate our model for the study. The choice of this approach was basically influenced by the dichotomous nature of our dependent variable and the fact that our data is both time series and cross-sectional. The findings indicate that there is a positive relationship between firm size, board independence and audit quality whereas there is a negative relationship between auditor’s independence, audit firm size, audit tenure and audit quality. The study suggests the need for the Nigerian Financial Reporting Council and other regulatory bodies in line with best practices to look critically into the three years professional requirements for auditors.
This study examines the impact of audit firms’ characteristics on audit quality. We proxy the dependent variable (audit quality) using the usual dichotomous variable of 1 if big 4 audit firm and 0 if otherwise. Data for the study were sourced from the financial statements of 18 food and beverage companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange market within the period studied (2007-2012). The multivariate regression technique with emphasis on Logit and Probit method was used to estimate our model for the study. The choice of this approach was basically influenced by the dichotomous nature of our dependent variable and the fact that our data is both time series and cross-sectional. The findings indicate that there is a positive relationship between firm size, board independence and audit quality whereas there is a negative relationship between auditor’s independence, audit firm size, audit tenure and audit quality. The study suggests the need for the Nigerian Financial Reporting Council and other regulatory bodies in line with best practices to look critically into the three years professional requirements for auditors.
Audit Firm Characteristics and Audit Quality in Nigeria
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140305.14
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-10-31
© Science Publishing Group
Ilaboya Ofuan James
Ohiokha Friday Izien
Audit Firm Characteristics and Audit Quality in Nigeria
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5
195
195
2014-10-31
2014-10-31
10.11648/j.ijber.20140305.14
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140305.14
© Science Publishing Group
Pricing as a Marketing Mix Element: Investigating its Effect on Market Share for Supermarkets in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District of the North West Province of South Africa
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140306.11
This paper propped up as a result of the lack of awareness on the role of pricing in market share gain or loss among retailers in general. The empirical focus of the study was at the Ngaka Modiri Molema district in the North-West province of South Africa. The researcher saw that the identified problem negatively affected the profits of retailers in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district. Thus, there was need to carry out this study in order to improve the awareness level of the role pricing has in market share gain or loss among Ngaka Modiri Molema retailers. It was also aimed at developing a pricing decision support system that can assist Ngaka Modiri Molema retailers in pricing decision making. The study was performed on 11 selected items commonly available in the database from the three largest supermarkets in the fast consumer goods retail sector at the Ngaka Modiri Molema district (Pick n Pay, Spar and Shoprite supermarkets). A panel data technique was used in determining the outcomes of this paper. The study revealed that pricing play a major role in market share gain or loss among Ngaka Modiri Molema retailers. Hence, there is need to increase retailers awareness with regards to the mentioned finding. Practical recommendations were made and a pricing decision support system was developed to assist Ngaka Modiri Molema retailers.
This paper propped up as a result of the lack of awareness on the role of pricing in market share gain or loss among retailers in general. The empirical focus of the study was at the Ngaka Modiri Molema district in the North-West province of South Africa. The researcher saw that the identified problem negatively affected the profits of retailers in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district. Thus, there was need to carry out this study in order to improve the awareness level of the role pricing has in market share gain or loss among Ngaka Modiri Molema retailers. It was also aimed at developing a pricing decision support system that can assist Ngaka Modiri Molema retailers in pricing decision making. The study was performed on 11 selected items commonly available in the database from the three largest supermarkets in the fast consumer goods retail sector at the Ngaka Modiri Molema district (Pick n Pay, Spar and Shoprite supermarkets). A panel data technique was used in determining the outcomes of this paper. The study revealed that pricing play a major role in market share gain or loss among Ngaka Modiri Molema retailers. Hence, there is need to increase retailers awareness with regards to the mentioned finding. Practical recommendations were made and a pricing decision support system was developed to assist Ngaka Modiri Molema retailers.
Pricing as a Marketing Mix Element: Investigating its Effect on Market Share for Supermarkets in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District of the North West Province of South Africa
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140306.11
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-11-18
© Science Publishing Group
Ateba Benedict Belobo
Hein Johannes Prinsloo
Pricing as a Marketing Mix Element: Investigating its Effect on Market Share for Supermarkets in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District of the North West Province of South Africa
3
6
210
210
2014-11-18
2014-11-18
10.11648/j.ijber.20140306.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140306.11
© Science Publishing Group
Application of Game Theory on Inventory Level Decision Making
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140306.12
Many companies producing durable products, profit more from spares than the base parts. In a competitive and uncertain aftermarket, an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) can benefit from Game Theory to manage spare parts inventories. We study the spare parts inventory game as an N-person non-zero-sum single-shot game where players play simultaneously. The game is restricted to a two-player (the OEM and the market) non-cooperative game setup. The market is an unreasoning entity whose strategic choices affect the payoff of the OEM, with no interest in the outcome of the game. This is a game against nature, which means the OEM plays against the market. The OEM decides on a pricing strategy (in a competitive manner with low cost manufacturers or will-fitters to absorb more customers) and the order-up-to stock level, and its inventory level strategy is not dominated – i.e. the game has a mixed strategy solution. This solution maximizes the payoff for the OEM by setting the price and the inventory level based on assumptions on the lower and upper bounds of the demand’s distribution parameters.
Many companies producing durable products, profit more from spares than the base parts. In a competitive and uncertain aftermarket, an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) can benefit from Game Theory to manage spare parts inventories. We study the spare parts inventory game as an N-person non-zero-sum single-shot game where players play simultaneously. The game is restricted to a two-player (the OEM and the market) non-cooperative game setup. The market is an unreasoning entity whose strategic choices affect the payoff of the OEM, with no interest in the outcome of the game. This is a game against nature, which means the OEM plays against the market. The OEM decides on a pricing strategy (in a competitive manner with low cost manufacturers or will-fitters to absorb more customers) and the order-up-to stock level, and its inventory level strategy is not dominated – i.e. the game has a mixed strategy solution. This solution maximizes the payoff for the OEM by setting the price and the inventory level based on assumptions on the lower and upper bounds of the demand’s distribution parameters.
Application of Game Theory on Inventory Level Decision Making
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140306.12
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-11-25
© Science Publishing Group
Masoud Vaziri
Manbir Sodhi
Application of Game Theory on Inventory Level Decision Making
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6
219
219
2014-11-25
2014-11-25
10.11648/j.ijber.20140306.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140306.12
© Science Publishing Group
Economic Growth, CO2 Emissions and Energy Consumption: The Case of Bangladesh
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140306.13
Issues on climate change have been recognized as serious challenges for regional sustainable development both at a global and local level. Given the background that most of the artificial carbon emissions are resulted from the energy consumption sector and the energy is also the key element resource for economic development, this study examines economic growth, CO2 emissions and energy consumption relationship in Bangladesh by using cointegration test. For this purpose 1972-2011 periods taken and annual data of Gross Domestic Product (Y), Carbon Dioxide Emissions (CO) and Energy Consumption (EC) are used. The obtain results from this paper indicated that energy consumption has a positive and significant impact on economic growth while carbon emission has a negative and insignificant effect, ensuring that economic growth in Bangladesh can be achieved without degrading the quality of the environment.
Issues on climate change have been recognized as serious challenges for regional sustainable development both at a global and local level. Given the background that most of the artificial carbon emissions are resulted from the energy consumption sector and the energy is also the key element resource for economic development, this study examines economic growth, CO2 emissions and energy consumption relationship in Bangladesh by using cointegration test. For this purpose 1972-2011 periods taken and annual data of Gross Domestic Product (Y), Carbon Dioxide Emissions (CO) and Energy Consumption (EC) are used. The obtain results from this paper indicated that energy consumption has a positive and significant impact on economic growth while carbon emission has a negative and insignificant effect, ensuring that economic growth in Bangladesh can be achieved without degrading the quality of the environment.
Economic Growth, CO2 Emissions and Energy Consumption: The Case of Bangladesh
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140306.13
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-12-17
© Science Publishing Group
Bikash Chandra Ghosh
Khandakar Jahangir Alam
Md. Ataul Gani Osmani
Economic Growth, CO2 Emissions and Energy Consumption: The Case of Bangladesh
3
6
227
227
2014-12-17
2014-12-17
10.11648/j.ijber.20140306.13
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140306.13
© Science Publishing Group
Preliminary Assessment of Wealth Creation in Wood Products’ Business in Ghana: The Perspective of Lumber and Furniture Production and Implications for Entrepreneurship
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140306.15
Export values of lumber appear lesser than those of garden furniture parts, but in Ghana, lumber entrepreneurs dominate the market. This study investigated the demand trends of wood species used for garden furniture and the Free-On-Board (FOB) export values of their kiln-dried (KD) lumber and furniture. The study aimed at identifying and assessing the demand trends of wood species used for garden furniture production for exports, and making preliminary wealth creation assessment on converting lumber to garden furniture, all with the cardinal aim of arousing interests of entrepreneurs. The study covered a ten (10) year period from 2001 to 2010. Monthly export reports on wood products were reviewed to obtain relevant information for analyses. Findings indicated that, twenty-six Ghanaian hardwood species were demanded in the international garden furniture market, but Milicia excelsa (odum) wood species’ garden furniture was the most preferred. However, Pericopsis elata (afromosia) wood species’ furniture had the highest FOB value of €3,300.788/m3 and Chrysophyllum albidum (akasaa) produced the highest additional income of €2,203.09 after value addition. After processing lumber to garden furniture, one is likely to obtain additional income averaging from €188.599 (emire- Terminalia ivorensis) to €2, 203.099 (akasaa). In conclusion, further processing lumber to garden furniture before exports may be economically viable, if labour cost and expenses are managed prudently. Entrepreneurs in Ghana should consider converting lumber to furniture for exports, as one good avenue for wealth creation and development. However, further studies to factor production costs into the analyses would be necessary to confirm the profitability in processing lumber to garden furniture.
Export values of lumber appear lesser than those of garden furniture parts, but in Ghana, lumber entrepreneurs dominate the market. This study investigated the demand trends of wood species used for garden furniture and the Free-On-Board (FOB) export values of their kiln-dried (KD) lumber and furniture. The study aimed at identifying and assessing the demand trends of wood species used for garden furniture production for exports, and making preliminary wealth creation assessment on converting lumber to garden furniture, all with the cardinal aim of arousing interests of entrepreneurs. The study covered a ten (10) year period from 2001 to 2010. Monthly export reports on wood products were reviewed to obtain relevant information for analyses. Findings indicated that, twenty-six Ghanaian hardwood species were demanded in the international garden furniture market, but Milicia excelsa (odum) wood species’ garden furniture was the most preferred. However, Pericopsis elata (afromosia) wood species’ furniture had the highest FOB value of €3,300.788/m3 and Chrysophyllum albidum (akasaa) produced the highest additional income of €2,203.09 after value addition. After processing lumber to garden furniture, one is likely to obtain additional income averaging from €188.599 (emire- Terminalia ivorensis) to €2, 203.099 (akasaa). In conclusion, further processing lumber to garden furniture before exports may be economically viable, if labour cost and expenses are managed prudently. Entrepreneurs in Ghana should consider converting lumber to furniture for exports, as one good avenue for wealth creation and development. However, further studies to factor production costs into the analyses would be necessary to confirm the profitability in processing lumber to garden furniture.
Preliminary Assessment of Wealth Creation in Wood Products’ Business in Ghana: The Perspective of Lumber and Furniture Production and Implications for Entrepreneurship
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140306.15
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-12-22
© Science Publishing Group
Peter Kessels Dadzie
Martin Amoah
Stephen Lartey Tekpetey
Preliminary Assessment of Wealth Creation in Wood Products’ Business in Ghana: The Perspective of Lumber and Furniture Production and Implications for Entrepreneurship
3
6
249
249
2014-12-22
2014-12-22
10.11648/j.ijber.20140306.15
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140306.15
© Science Publishing Group
Entrepreneurship Development among Nigerian Youths, Empirical Identification of the Driven Factors
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140306.16
This study empirically identified the driven factors into entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths with a view to isolating those factors that are fundamental to youths’ entrepreneurship development in Nigeria. The study employed a survey design. Data were collected on socio-economic and demographic characteristics as well as personal entrepreneurial competencies of the sampled students from the selected three out of the nation’s tertiary institutions. Structured questionnaire was designed and used as instrument of data collection. The reliability of the instrument was established at (r=0.754). The validity of the instrument was also scrutinized by experts before finally used. The data collected were analyzed using inferential statistics. The result showed that age significantly influenced proactiveness and goal setting while marital status significantly influenced demand for efficiency and quality. Also, exposure to enterprise education/training influenced opportunity seeking, father’s occupation significantly influenced information seeking, and cumulative grade point average significantly influenced information seeking and independence and self confidence. The course of study significantly influenced risk taking propensity, persuasion and networking, and independence and self-confidence. The area of discipline significantly influenced risk taking propensity while perception of parents’ entrepreneurial success significantly influenced information seeking, risk taking propensity, proactiveness and goal setting and persuasion and networking. On the contrary, mother’s occupation, monthly allowance received, parents’ financial status, position among siblings, where one spent his or her childhood days, ethnic group belonging were found to have no significant influence on personal entrepreneurial competencies of the respondents. Policy strategy on entrepreneurship development should take cognizance of factors which significantly influenced entrepreneurial resourcefulness of the Nigerian youths in order to enhance enterprise culture and check unemployment rate and its consequences in Nigeria. The study concluded that socio-economic and demographic variables are vital for consideration in nourishing and nurturing entrepreneurial spirit in Nigeria.
This study empirically identified the driven factors into entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths with a view to isolating those factors that are fundamental to youths’ entrepreneurship development in Nigeria. The study employed a survey design. Data were collected on socio-economic and demographic characteristics as well as personal entrepreneurial competencies of the sampled students from the selected three out of the nation’s tertiary institutions. Structured questionnaire was designed and used as instrument of data collection. The reliability of the instrument was established at (r=0.754). The validity of the instrument was also scrutinized by experts before finally used. The data collected were analyzed using inferential statistics. The result showed that age significantly influenced proactiveness and goal setting while marital status significantly influenced demand for efficiency and quality. Also, exposure to enterprise education/training influenced opportunity seeking, father’s occupation significantly influenced information seeking, and cumulative grade point average significantly influenced information seeking and independence and self confidence. The course of study significantly influenced risk taking propensity, persuasion and networking, and independence and self-confidence. The area of discipline significantly influenced risk taking propensity while perception of parents’ entrepreneurial success significantly influenced information seeking, risk taking propensity, proactiveness and goal setting and persuasion and networking. On the contrary, mother’s occupation, monthly allowance received, parents’ financial status, position among siblings, where one spent his or her childhood days, ethnic group belonging were found to have no significant influence on personal entrepreneurial competencies of the respondents. Policy strategy on entrepreneurship development should take cognizance of factors which significantly influenced entrepreneurial resourcefulness of the Nigerian youths in order to enhance enterprise culture and check unemployment rate and its consequences in Nigeria. The study concluded that socio-economic and demographic variables are vital for consideration in nourishing and nurturing entrepreneurial spirit in Nigeria.
Entrepreneurship Development among Nigerian Youths, Empirical Identification of the Driven Factors
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140306.16
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-12-30
© Science Publishing Group
Dada Matthew Abiodun
Fayomi Olugbenga Abimbola
Simeon-Fayomi Bolanle Clara
Entrepreneurship Development among Nigerian Youths, Empirical Identification of the Driven Factors
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2014-12-30
2014-12-30
10.11648/j.ijber.20140306.16
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140306.16
© Science Publishing Group
Determinants of Health Care Demand in Ghana Using the Ordered Probit Model Analysis
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140306.17
The study examines the factors that determine health care demand of the people of Kwabre East District in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Health behaviour model formulated by Anderson and Newman was adopted for the analysis with the help of Ordered Probit. The result of the study revealed that, the level of income, transportation cost, hospital cost and NHIS have positive signs, implying that as these factors increases, the utilization of health care facilities also increases. It was found out from the marginal effects results that, NHIS and transport cost have negative signs on the patient’s first visit to hospital whiles the level of income and hospital cost were insignificant.
The study examines the factors that determine health care demand of the people of Kwabre East District in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Health behaviour model formulated by Anderson and Newman was adopted for the analysis with the help of Ordered Probit. The result of the study revealed that, the level of income, transportation cost, hospital cost and NHIS have positive signs, implying that as these factors increases, the utilization of health care facilities also increases. It was found out from the marginal effects results that, NHIS and transport cost have negative signs on the patient’s first visit to hospital whiles the level of income and hospital cost were insignificant.
Determinants of Health Care Demand in Ghana Using the Ordered Probit Model Analysis
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20140306.17
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2015-01-12
© Science Publishing Group
Bismark Osei
Mark Edem Kunawotor
Enock Anane
Determinants of Health Care Demand in Ghana Using the Ordered Probit Model Analysis
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265
265
2015-01-12
2015-01-12
10.11648/j.ijber.20140306.17
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20140306.17
© Science Publishing Group
Comparison between Two Types of Inventory Targets under Variability of a Semiconductor Supply Chain
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.21
As an innovation in the semiconductor industry grows speedy, supply chain processes have not followed up. The variability in semiconductor supply chain have increased and been more complicated. These results in accurately forecast demand and set inventory target. Demand and supply are more and more stochastic and non-stationary. Inventory is one of the methods that companies are able to buffer themselves from complex and variable environment, while still being able to satisfy customer needs. We explore the variability of semiconductor industry in automotive industry. On the supply side, we evaluate variability in complexities of manufacturing process and also products are composed with multiple parts efforts to stochastic production lead-time. However in this paper, we disregard the variability arising from supply side so we assumed lead-time is fixed at 16 weeks. For demand side, the phenomenon is known as the bullwhip effect, the demand variability increases as one move up a supply chain, severely effects to semiconductor supply chain. This results the stochastic demand process is not well understood. Thus we evaluate the stochastic in demand as two aspects: 1) the dispersion of historical demand data from its mean which denoted as standard deviation of demand, 2) the difference between the actual demand and forecast data which denoted as standard deviation of forecast error. We use them as a proxy for demand variability. Then we apply the data to the base stock model. Then, we determine what each variability parameter contributes to inventory. The inventory model represents the semiconductor manufactory’s inventory with actual statistical data which provided from semiconductor company to calculate inventory target required to meet the desired customer service level.
As an innovation in the semiconductor industry grows speedy, supply chain processes have not followed up. The variability in semiconductor supply chain have increased and been more complicated. These results in accurately forecast demand and set inventory target. Demand and supply are more and more stochastic and non-stationary. Inventory is one of the methods that companies are able to buffer themselves from complex and variable environment, while still being able to satisfy customer needs. We explore the variability of semiconductor industry in automotive industry. On the supply side, we evaluate variability in complexities of manufacturing process and also products are composed with multiple parts efforts to stochastic production lead-time. However in this paper, we disregard the variability arising from supply side so we assumed lead-time is fixed at 16 weeks. For demand side, the phenomenon is known as the bullwhip effect, the demand variability increases as one move up a supply chain, severely effects to semiconductor supply chain. This results the stochastic demand process is not well understood. Thus we evaluate the stochastic in demand as two aspects: 1) the dispersion of historical demand data from its mean which denoted as standard deviation of demand, 2) the difference between the actual demand and forecast data which denoted as standard deviation of forecast error. We use them as a proxy for demand variability. Then we apply the data to the base stock model. Then, we determine what each variability parameter contributes to inventory. The inventory model represents the semiconductor manufactory’s inventory with actual statistical data which provided from semiconductor company to calculate inventory target required to meet the desired customer service level.
Comparison between Two Types of Inventory Targets under Variability of a Semiconductor Supply Chain
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.21
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-12-11
© Science Publishing Group
Kenichi Nakashima
Thitima Sornmanapong
Hans Ehm
Geraldine Yachi
Comparison between Two Types of Inventory Targets under Variability of a Semiconductor Supply Chain
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2014-12-11
2014-12-11
10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.21
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.21
© Science Publishing Group
Added-Value Utility Formulation in Palm Oil Supply Chain Based on Risk, Investment and Technology
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.19
In palm oil supply chain (POSC) the operational risk, investment and technology levels between the actors may not be proportionately rewarded by the same levels of added value. Each actor will attempt to obtain the highest reward. However, each actor must consider the level of added-value obtained by other actors so as to maintain the fair balance in the overall supply chain profitability. Otherwise any of the least profitable actor will withdraw itself from the supply chain and the supply chain will collapse. In this study the authors proposed a formula to calculate the utility function based added-value for each of the actors in the POSC. The utility function is a formula based on the risk, investment and technology levels of each of the POSC actors. Permutation of the three factors was used while seeking their combination that give the highest utility function added-value. To optimize the added-value distribution between the agents the concept of stakeholder dialogue was used. This research is important because the developed models offer a workable algorithm to seek optimum weight level of underlying factors while calculating utility added-value that satisfy the POSC as a whole. Agent-based modeling approach was used for this purpose to facilitate the negotiation between all actors to reach the balanced added-values. Netlogo software was used in developing the models. The proposed utility function model provided the means to find the weight values, while the optimization model proved to be practical to calculate the expected negotiated prices between all the actors. Application of the models to other types of commodity and different supply chain model will need some adjustments in the calculation.
In palm oil supply chain (POSC) the operational risk, investment and technology levels between the actors may not be proportionately rewarded by the same levels of added value. Each actor will attempt to obtain the highest reward. However, each actor must consider the level of added-value obtained by other actors so as to maintain the fair balance in the overall supply chain profitability. Otherwise any of the least profitable actor will withdraw itself from the supply chain and the supply chain will collapse. In this study the authors proposed a formula to calculate the utility function based added-value for each of the actors in the POSC. The utility function is a formula based on the risk, investment and technology levels of each of the POSC actors. Permutation of the three factors was used while seeking their combination that give the highest utility function added-value. To optimize the added-value distribution between the agents the concept of stakeholder dialogue was used. This research is important because the developed models offer a workable algorithm to seek optimum weight level of underlying factors while calculating utility added-value that satisfy the POSC as a whole. Agent-based modeling approach was used for this purpose to facilitate the negotiation between all actors to reach the balanced added-values. Netlogo software was used in developing the models. The proposed utility function model provided the means to find the weight values, while the optimization model proved to be practical to calculate the expected negotiated prices between all the actors. Application of the models to other types of commodity and different supply chain model will need some adjustments in the calculation.
Added-Value Utility Formulation in Palm Oil Supply Chain Based on Risk, Investment and Technology
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.19
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-12-11
© Science Publishing Group
Syarif Hidayat
Nunung Nurhasanah
Added-Value Utility Formulation in Palm Oil Supply Chain Based on Risk, Investment and Technology
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2014-12-11
2014-12-11
10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.19
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.19
© Science Publishing Group
An Analysis of Power Supply Design in Networking Systems on the Practices of Supply Chain Management
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.22
Now-a-days power supply and its networking system play a first and foremost role in every aspects of human life as well as organizational life. This invited article analyzes about “An offline, three-output, 150-W forward converter is used as an example to illustrate the design process for typical isolated converters. This example emphasizes the basics with a double-ended forward topology using coupled inductors for output accuracy. Design issues and trade-off decisions to optimize power efficiency while keeping costs to a minimum are highlighted. Finally, the presentation of measured performance results confirms the design process." Electrical power is the rate of movement of electrons that create energy. As a result of the electronic age many products need electrical power to perform certain activities. Being able to manipulate electrical power comes at a cost. In today's world there is always the bottom line, cost Power supplies are the devices that can manipulate electrical power to be used in various applications. Power supplies can be expensive but there are cheaper alternative solutions that can produce the same output. A power supply includes conversion steps and has to be reliable enough not to damage what it is hooked up to. Both aspects need specific parts in a certain orientations to create those specific outputs. Throughout this note there where is much suggestion on how to create a cheap reliable power supply.
Now-a-days power supply and its networking system play a first and foremost role in every aspects of human life as well as organizational life. This invited article analyzes about “An offline, three-output, 150-W forward converter is used as an example to illustrate the design process for typical isolated converters. This example emphasizes the basics with a double-ended forward topology using coupled inductors for output accuracy. Design issues and trade-off decisions to optimize power efficiency while keeping costs to a minimum are highlighted. Finally, the presentation of measured performance results confirms the design process." Electrical power is the rate of movement of electrons that create energy. As a result of the electronic age many products need electrical power to perform certain activities. Being able to manipulate electrical power comes at a cost. In today's world there is always the bottom line, cost Power supplies are the devices that can manipulate electrical power to be used in various applications. Power supplies can be expensive but there are cheaper alternative solutions that can produce the same output. A power supply includes conversion steps and has to be reliable enough not to damage what it is hooked up to. Both aspects need specific parts in a certain orientations to create those specific outputs. Throughout this note there where is much suggestion on how to create a cheap reliable power supply.
An Analysis of Power Supply Design in Networking Systems on the Practices of Supply Chain Management
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.22
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-12-11
© Science Publishing Group
Ramesh Chandra Rath
Nihar Ranjan Hota
Himanshu Shekhar Maharana
Sunil Kumar Patel
An Analysis of Power Supply Design in Networking Systems on the Practices of Supply Chain Management
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2014-12-11
2014-12-11
10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.22
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.22
© Science Publishing Group
Conceptual Framework for Estimating Postharvest Losses in Food Supply Chains: the Case of Plantain Fruits in Nigeria
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.15
Postharvest losses which refer to the measurable quantitative and qualitative food losses in any agro-food supply chain account for significant amounts of food loss. Lack of consistent information on exact amount of losses and assessment methods further complicate the problems and makes solutions very difficult. Plantain also known as cooking banana is an important staple food and cash crop in Nigeria with observed high postharvest losses. The current study proposes a conceptual framework for directly estimating postharvest losses and identifying causative factors using a commodity system approach.
Postharvest losses which refer to the measurable quantitative and qualitative food losses in any agro-food supply chain account for significant amounts of food loss. Lack of consistent information on exact amount of losses and assessment methods further complicate the problems and makes solutions very difficult. Plantain also known as cooking banana is an important staple food and cash crop in Nigeria with observed high postharvest losses. The current study proposes a conceptual framework for directly estimating postharvest losses and identifying causative factors using a commodity system approach.
Conceptual Framework for Estimating Postharvest Losses in Food Supply Chains: the Case of Plantain Fruits in Nigeria
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.15
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-12-11
© Science Publishing Group
Kwami Justina Kenobi Morris
Nitty Hirawaty Kamarulzaman
Conceptual Framework for Estimating Postharvest Losses in Food Supply Chains: the Case of Plantain Fruits in Nigeria
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2014-12-11
2014-12-11
10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.15
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.15
© Science Publishing Group
Supply Chain Technology Adoption: Its Clarification, Evolution, Classification, and Practicality in Textile and Apparel Industry
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.13
In today’s dynamic business environment, technology is the most powerful tools to sustain in the competitive global market place. However, supply chain technology is the 21st century global supply chain management tool for achieving supply chain operational competitiveness. The global manufacturing sector, especially the textile and apparel industry are essentially known for its supply chain dependency. Companies are struggling to find ways to improve their reliability, responsiveness, agility, and costs and in turn competitiveness by changing their operations through adopting new supply chain technology. Even though information technology is widely implemented and studied in countless different contexts, but the clarifications between information technology and supply chain technology are still unclear. In this study, the diversity between information technology and supply chain technology is interpreted through a thorough and comprehensive review of the literatures. From there, the evolution of supply chain technology is undoubtedly tracked and the classification of supply chain technology has been clearly stated. The practical contributions of supply chain technology adoption to supply chain performance are the most excited part of this study. The result of this study could be used as a precursor to support future researchers in further investigation on this area. Thus, recommendations and suggestions for future study directions are indicated.
In today’s dynamic business environment, technology is the most powerful tools to sustain in the competitive global market place. However, supply chain technology is the 21st century global supply chain management tool for achieving supply chain operational competitiveness. The global manufacturing sector, especially the textile and apparel industry are essentially known for its supply chain dependency. Companies are struggling to find ways to improve their reliability, responsiveness, agility, and costs and in turn competitiveness by changing their operations through adopting new supply chain technology. Even though information technology is widely implemented and studied in countless different contexts, but the clarifications between information technology and supply chain technology are still unclear. In this study, the diversity between information technology and supply chain technology is interpreted through a thorough and comprehensive review of the literatures. From there, the evolution of supply chain technology is undoubtedly tracked and the classification of supply chain technology has been clearly stated. The practical contributions of supply chain technology adoption to supply chain performance are the most excited part of this study. The result of this study could be used as a precursor to support future researchers in further investigation on this area. Thus, recommendations and suggestions for future study directions are indicated.
Supply Chain Technology Adoption: Its Clarification, Evolution, Classification, and Practicality in Textile and Apparel Industry
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.13
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-12-11
© Science Publishing Group
Khai-Loon Lee
Zulkifli Mohamed Udin
Mohamad Ghozali Hassan
Supply Chain Technology Adoption: Its Clarification, Evolution, Classification, and Practicality in Textile and Apparel Industry
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21
21
2014-12-11
2014-12-11
10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.13
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.13
© Science Publishing Group
Breaking the Barrier of Service Hostility: A Lean Approach to Achieve Operational Excellence
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.20
Due to globalization industries are rapidly growing throughout the world which leads to many manufacturing organizations. But recently service industries are beginning to emerge in large numbers almost in all parts of the world including some developing countries. In this context organizations need to have strong competitive advantage over their rivals to achieve their strategic business goals. Manufacturing industries are adopting many methods and techniques in order to achieve such competitive edge. Over the last decades manufacturing industries have been successfully practicing lean concept to optimize their production lines. Due to its huge success in manufacturing context lean has made its way into the service industry. From past literature it has been observed that there hasn’t been any significant research development of lean applicability for service industry. In fact very little importance has been addressed to service in the area of operations management. Service industries are far behind than manufacturing industries in terms of operations improvement. It will be a hectic job to transfer the lean concept from production floor to service back/front office which will obviously yield possible improvement. Service processes are not as visible as production processes and can be very complex. Lack of research in this area made it quite difficult for service industries as there are no standardized frameworks for successfully implementing lean concept in service organization. The purpose of this research paper is to capture the present scenario of service industry in terms of lean implementation. Thorough analysis of past literature will be done on the applicability and understanding of lean in service structure. Classification of research papers will be done and critical factors will be unveiled which leads to a conceptual framework for implementing lean in service industry to achieve operational excellence.
Due to globalization industries are rapidly growing throughout the world which leads to many manufacturing organizations. But recently service industries are beginning to emerge in large numbers almost in all parts of the world including some developing countries. In this context organizations need to have strong competitive advantage over their rivals to achieve their strategic business goals. Manufacturing industries are adopting many methods and techniques in order to achieve such competitive edge. Over the last decades manufacturing industries have been successfully practicing lean concept to optimize their production lines. Due to its huge success in manufacturing context lean has made its way into the service industry. From past literature it has been observed that there hasn’t been any significant research development of lean applicability for service industry. In fact very little importance has been addressed to service in the area of operations management. Service industries are far behind than manufacturing industries in terms of operations improvement. It will be a hectic job to transfer the lean concept from production floor to service back/front office which will obviously yield possible improvement. Service processes are not as visible as production processes and can be very complex. Lack of research in this area made it quite difficult for service industries as there are no standardized frameworks for successfully implementing lean concept in service organization. The purpose of this research paper is to capture the present scenario of service industry in terms of lean implementation. Thorough analysis of past literature will be done on the applicability and understanding of lean in service structure. Classification of research papers will be done and critical factors will be unveiled which leads to a conceptual framework for implementing lean in service industry to achieve operational excellence.
Breaking the Barrier of Service Hostility: A Lean Approach to Achieve Operational Excellence
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.20
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-12-11
© Science Publishing Group
Mofizul Islam Awwal
Breaking the Barrier of Service Hostility: A Lean Approach to Achieve Operational Excellence
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2014-12-11
2014-12-11
10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.20
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.20
© Science Publishing Group
A Research Framework of Supply Chain Management in Ready Made Garments Industry of Bangladesh
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.16
This exploratory study addresses a conceptual supply chain management (SCM) model for ready-made garments (RMG) industry of Bangladesh. As different parties i.e. the suppliers, manufacturers, buyers etc. are involved in different phases of supply chain of this industry, every stage (procurement, manufacturing, replenishment, customer order) is conflicting with its next stage with the goals and objectives. In this conceptual model, attempts have been taken to create the layout and design of the procurement of raw materials, work-in-process, inventory and finished goods from various sources to the ultimate consumer in this garment business. This framework provides the opportunity to integrate and optimize the supply chain process of RMG industry of Bangladesh. The proposed conceptual framework for the RMG industry provides a novel approach for decision makers of supply chain components to review and appraise the performance toward fulfillment of ultimate goals, i.e. producing high-quality garments product, and reducing the wastage of human labor, time and money.
This exploratory study addresses a conceptual supply chain management (SCM) model for ready-made garments (RMG) industry of Bangladesh. As different parties i.e. the suppliers, manufacturers, buyers etc. are involved in different phases of supply chain of this industry, every stage (procurement, manufacturing, replenishment, customer order) is conflicting with its next stage with the goals and objectives. In this conceptual model, attempts have been taken to create the layout and design of the procurement of raw materials, work-in-process, inventory and finished goods from various sources to the ultimate consumer in this garment business. This framework provides the opportunity to integrate and optimize the supply chain process of RMG industry of Bangladesh. The proposed conceptual framework for the RMG industry provides a novel approach for decision makers of supply chain components to review and appraise the performance toward fulfillment of ultimate goals, i.e. producing high-quality garments product, and reducing the wastage of human labor, time and money.
A Research Framework of Supply Chain Management in Ready Made Garments Industry of Bangladesh
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.16
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-12-11
© Science Publishing Group
Md. Farhan Shahriar
Bishwajit Banik Pathik
Md. Mamun Habib
A Research Framework of Supply Chain Management in Ready Made Garments Industry of Bangladesh
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2014-12-11
10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.16
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.16
© Science Publishing Group
Prospect of ITESCM (Integrated Tertiary Educational Supply Chain Management) Model Based on ICT Application
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.23
This research exhibits the prospect of ITESCM (Integrated Tertiary Educational Supply Chain Management) model through ICT (Information and Communication) application. The ITESCM model was developed by Dr. Mamun Habib in 2010 for tertiary academic institutions which addresses the integrated form of supplied inputs, supplied outputs, education supply chain, research supply chain and educational management for universities [17]. Four main activities, includes education development, education assessment, research development, and research assessment in four aspects, namely Programs Establishment, University Culture, Faculty Capabilities, and Facilities were investigated at three decision levels. Model structures were defined and confirmed by 493 respondents, representing University administrators of world-ranking universities, faculty and staffs, employers, and graduates. The resulting structure was subsequently evaluated for accuracy and validity by multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis and the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique. This empirical study represents two contributions in terms of human resource contribution and research contribution to the end customer, i.e. the society. The ICT application of ITESCM model provides a novel approach for prospective investors or current administrators of the universities to review and appraise their performance with comparing other universities toward fulfillment of ultimate goals, i.e. producing high‐competent graduates and significant research outcomes for the well‐being of the society.
This research exhibits the prospect of ITESCM (Integrated Tertiary Educational Supply Chain Management) model through ICT (Information and Communication) application. The ITESCM model was developed by Dr. Mamun Habib in 2010 for tertiary academic institutions which addresses the integrated form of supplied inputs, supplied outputs, education supply chain, research supply chain and educational management for universities [17]. Four main activities, includes education development, education assessment, research development, and research assessment in four aspects, namely Programs Establishment, University Culture, Faculty Capabilities, and Facilities were investigated at three decision levels. Model structures were defined and confirmed by 493 respondents, representing University administrators of world-ranking universities, faculty and staffs, employers, and graduates. The resulting structure was subsequently evaluated for accuracy and validity by multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis and the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique. This empirical study represents two contributions in terms of human resource contribution and research contribution to the end customer, i.e. the society. The ICT application of ITESCM model provides a novel approach for prospective investors or current administrators of the universities to review and appraise their performance with comparing other universities toward fulfillment of ultimate goals, i.e. producing high‐competent graduates and significant research outcomes for the well‐being of the society.
Prospect of ITESCM (Integrated Tertiary Educational Supply Chain Management) Model Based on ICT Application
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.23
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-12-11
© Science Publishing Group
Manzur H. Khan
Md. Mamun Habib
Bishwajit Banik Pathik
Engku Muhammad Nazri
Prospect of ITESCM (Integrated Tertiary Educational Supply Chain Management) Model Based on ICT Application
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2014-12-11
2014-12-11
10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.23
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.23
© Science Publishing Group
A Case Study Approach for Developing Supply Chain Management Models
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.12
This descriptive analysis exemplifies various events in sequence to design conceptual Supply Chain Management (SCM) model for JMI Group in order to explain different functions under SCM department. JMI Group, one of the prominent and diversified universal corporations in Bangladesh, was established in April 1999 and comprised of 12 subsidiary enterprises covering both manufacturing and service industries. Its SCM organization is framed based on primary data, i.e. interviewing top management, other stakeholders and secondary data like official documents, internal reports, websites, books, journals, conferences, etc. This paper develops conceptual structure for JMI group, principally a holistic view, simplified models for individual company and integrated models signifying manufacturing process and service process. The individual models exemplify distinct supply chain management for all the subsidiary companies. Each framework methodically establishes suppliers in terms of internal and external, process through the manufacturing and service industries, customers, i.e. internal and external, and finally the end users. The integrated models illustrate that the subsidiary companies of JMI Group are interlinked with each other through complex networks in terms of either internal supplier or internal customer either as manufacturing or service industry. These suggested models would be appropriate towards all other group of companies in developing countries those intend to put into practice modern supply chain management perception into the business. This case study would expose the additional frontiers for potential researchers as well as practitioners to pursue research on SCM for the conglomerates locally and internationally as well as to implement model for real life application respectively.
This descriptive analysis exemplifies various events in sequence to design conceptual Supply Chain Management (SCM) model for JMI Group in order to explain different functions under SCM department. JMI Group, one of the prominent and diversified universal corporations in Bangladesh, was established in April 1999 and comprised of 12 subsidiary enterprises covering both manufacturing and service industries. Its SCM organization is framed based on primary data, i.e. interviewing top management, other stakeholders and secondary data like official documents, internal reports, websites, books, journals, conferences, etc. This paper develops conceptual structure for JMI group, principally a holistic view, simplified models for individual company and integrated models signifying manufacturing process and service process. The individual models exemplify distinct supply chain management for all the subsidiary companies. Each framework methodically establishes suppliers in terms of internal and external, process through the manufacturing and service industries, customers, i.e. internal and external, and finally the end users. The integrated models illustrate that the subsidiary companies of JMI Group are interlinked with each other through complex networks in terms of either internal supplier or internal customer either as manufacturing or service industry. These suggested models would be appropriate towards all other group of companies in developing countries those intend to put into practice modern supply chain management perception into the business. This case study would expose the additional frontiers for potential researchers as well as practitioners to pursue research on SCM for the conglomerates locally and internationally as well as to implement model for real life application respectively.
A Case Study Approach for Developing Supply Chain Management Models
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.12
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-12-11
© Science Publishing Group
A. K. M. Nurol Huda
Bishwajit Banik Pathik
Ashfaque A. Mohib
Md. Mamun Habib
A Case Study Approach for Developing Supply Chain Management Models
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14
2014-12-11
2014-12-11
10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.12
© Science Publishing Group
Demand and Supply Planning in Retail Operations
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.18
The research represents a comprehensive study of retail operation. The paper elaborates a broad perspective of a demand and supply chain which interacts with macro and micro environmental factors and translates it into a customer requirement. The authors describe on different techniques and tools on demand and supply planning which leads to an optimized level of inventory, less cash outflow, higher product varieties and a greater customer satisfaction. Eventually fulfilling all these ensures increase in sales and profits to stakeholders; an ultimate objective of a firm. This paper demonstrates a holistic view on how a firm’s supply chain operates as a whole. In addition, this study also highlights some retail examples in the US as well as in Bangladesh which unlock further frontiers for the practitioners and prospective researchers to replenish their practices as well as expertise in the retail industry respectively.
The research represents a comprehensive study of retail operation. The paper elaborates a broad perspective of a demand and supply chain which interacts with macro and micro environmental factors and translates it into a customer requirement. The authors describe on different techniques and tools on demand and supply planning which leads to an optimized level of inventory, less cash outflow, higher product varieties and a greater customer satisfaction. Eventually fulfilling all these ensures increase in sales and profits to stakeholders; an ultimate objective of a firm. This paper demonstrates a holistic view on how a firm’s supply chain operates as a whole. In addition, this study also highlights some retail examples in the US as well as in Bangladesh which unlock further frontiers for the practitioners and prospective researchers to replenish their practices as well as expertise in the retail industry respectively.
Demand and Supply Planning in Retail Operations
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.18
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-12-11
© Science Publishing Group
Ferdoush Saleheen
Md. Mamun Habib
Bishwajit Banik Pathik
Zurina Hanafi
Demand and Supply Planning in Retail Operations
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56
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2014-12-11
2014-12-11
10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.18
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.18
© Science Publishing Group
A Review of Research on Crime Displacement Theory
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.14
Reppetto (1976) published crime displacement theory in Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency and put forward his theoretical underpinnings for the future analysis of crime displacement phenomenon and outlined five types of crime displacement such as: 1. Temporal - Committing the intended crime at a different time; 2. Tactical - Committing the intended crime in a different way; 3. Target - Committing the intended crime type on a different target; 4. Spatial - Committing the intended crime type to the same target in a different place; 5. Functional - Committing a different type of crime. Research on crime displacement began to be carried out in a more systematic manner during the 1990s. There was a significant step forward when research in 1990 and 1993 specifically studied displacement and found it to be much less of problem than had generally been supposed. Crime displacement occurred where it was most likely to be similar targets or to similar and adjacent areas. Although the findings were greatly positive, there was and not surprisingly, variation between different crimes. Research has consistently found that crime displacement is the exception rather than the rule and that diffusion of benefits is just as likely and sometimes more likely to occur. Research also shows that crime displacement is unlikely in the aftermath of broader community development programs. In cases where some displacement occurs it tends to be less than the gains achieved by the response and found that crime displacement and diffusion are equally likely to occur. The theory of crime displacement is related to rational choice theory and there are three assumptions regarding the potential perpetrator and the target. The theory of crime displacement does not explain the reason of perpetrators committing a certain crime or why some crimes are more attractive to them than others. Crime displacement can occur in different ways or methods. An often-stated opinion about crime displacement is the theory, its practical usages, that it can induce a sense of disbelief towards crime prevention initiatives.
Reppetto (1976) published crime displacement theory in Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency and put forward his theoretical underpinnings for the future analysis of crime displacement phenomenon and outlined five types of crime displacement such as: 1. Temporal - Committing the intended crime at a different time; 2. Tactical - Committing the intended crime in a different way; 3. Target - Committing the intended crime type on a different target; 4. Spatial - Committing the intended crime type to the same target in a different place; 5. Functional - Committing a different type of crime. Research on crime displacement began to be carried out in a more systematic manner during the 1990s. There was a significant step forward when research in 1990 and 1993 specifically studied displacement and found it to be much less of problem than had generally been supposed. Crime displacement occurred where it was most likely to be similar targets or to similar and adjacent areas. Although the findings were greatly positive, there was and not surprisingly, variation between different crimes. Research has consistently found that crime displacement is the exception rather than the rule and that diffusion of benefits is just as likely and sometimes more likely to occur. Research also shows that crime displacement is unlikely in the aftermath of broader community development programs. In cases where some displacement occurs it tends to be less than the gains achieved by the response and found that crime displacement and diffusion are equally likely to occur. The theory of crime displacement is related to rational choice theory and there are three assumptions regarding the potential perpetrator and the target. The theory of crime displacement does not explain the reason of perpetrators committing a certain crime or why some crimes are more attractive to them than others. Crime displacement can occur in different ways or methods. An often-stated opinion about crime displacement is the theory, its practical usages, that it can induce a sense of disbelief towards crime prevention initiatives.
A Review of Research on Crime Displacement Theory
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.14
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-12-11
© Science Publishing Group
Ching Eng Leong
A Review of Research on Crime Displacement Theory
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2014-12-11
10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.14
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.14
© Science Publishing Group
A Simultaneous Pricing and Inventory Control Model for a Single Product with Capacitated Working Capital
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.11
The simultaneous stochastic pricing and inventory management with capacitated cash-on-hand is a profit maximization problem faced by a firm, which has limited working capital for its liabilities. In addition to this working capital constraint, the company has to dynamically price its products and determine inventory levels to minimize its expected cost. In our study, we tackle this complicated problem by assuming a single product, periodic review inventory model with finite multiple periods, and imperfect market information. We also assume no fixed cost in order to relax the complexity of the problem and perform numerical analysis for providing managerial implications. We investigate several research questions to extend our understanding of this complicated but very practical problem faced by numerous decision-makers in organizations. A discussion of possible optimal policies for this complicated unanswered problem with working capital constraints is explored.
The simultaneous stochastic pricing and inventory management with capacitated cash-on-hand is a profit maximization problem faced by a firm, which has limited working capital for its liabilities. In addition to this working capital constraint, the company has to dynamically price its products and determine inventory levels to minimize its expected cost. In our study, we tackle this complicated problem by assuming a single product, periodic review inventory model with finite multiple periods, and imperfect market information. We also assume no fixed cost in order to relax the complexity of the problem and perform numerical analysis for providing managerial implications. We investigate several research questions to extend our understanding of this complicated but very practical problem faced by numerous decision-makers in organizations. A discussion of possible optimal policies for this complicated unanswered problem with working capital constraints is explored.
A Simultaneous Pricing and Inventory Control Model for a Single Product with Capacitated Working Capital
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.11
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-12-11
© Science Publishing Group
Ismail Civelek
A Simultaneous Pricing and Inventory Control Model for a Single Product with Capacitated Working Capital
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5
5
2014-12-11
2014-12-11
10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.11
© Science Publishing Group
Perspectives in Oil and Gas Supply Chain Management
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.17
In this globalization era, petroleum companies are one of the dynamic supply chain entities, which require a dynamic process of capabilities. Companies may encounter problems related to the dynamic process in firm’s capabilities. Such dynamic process requires simultaneous acquisition and continuous re-evaluation of partners, technologies and organizational structures. However, the more flexible the firms deal with the problems in their engagement of stakeholders, the more likely for them to explore, create, and invest in the dynamic capabilities, hence higher performance level over time. Therefore, due to their high degree of uncertainties circulate through the supply chain network; as a result, petroleum companies require dynamic supply chain capabilities. Motivated by the complexity of uncertainty in the petroleum companies and its typical characteristic of the supply chain, this study intends to understand the perspective of dynamic supply chain management focusing on the learning orientation. This study employs interpretive paradigm where it will guide towards rigor qualitative methodology. This study also provides rich and thick description of the dynamic supply chain capabilities where the outcome will contribute to the managerial and theoretical perspective of supply chain management in oil and gas industry.
In this globalization era, petroleum companies are one of the dynamic supply chain entities, which require a dynamic process of capabilities. Companies may encounter problems related to the dynamic process in firm’s capabilities. Such dynamic process requires simultaneous acquisition and continuous re-evaluation of partners, technologies and organizational structures. However, the more flexible the firms deal with the problems in their engagement of stakeholders, the more likely for them to explore, create, and invest in the dynamic capabilities, hence higher performance level over time. Therefore, due to their high degree of uncertainties circulate through the supply chain network; as a result, petroleum companies require dynamic supply chain capabilities. Motivated by the complexity of uncertainty in the petroleum companies and its typical characteristic of the supply chain, this study intends to understand the perspective of dynamic supply chain management focusing on the learning orientation. This study employs interpretive paradigm where it will guide towards rigor qualitative methodology. This study also provides rich and thick description of the dynamic supply chain capabilities where the outcome will contribute to the managerial and theoretical perspective of supply chain management in oil and gas industry.
Perspectives in Oil and Gas Supply Chain Management
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.17
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2014-12-11
© Science Publishing Group
Shatina Saad
Zulkifli Mohamed Udin
Norlena Hasnan
Perspectives in Oil and Gas Supply Chain Management
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2014-12-11
2014-12-11
10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.17
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.s.2014030601.17
© Science Publishing Group
An Empirical Analysis of Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth in Bangladesh
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150401.11
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is assumed to benefit a poor country like Bangladesh, not only by supplementing domestic investment, but also in terms of employment creation, transfer of technology, increased domestic competition and other positive externalities. This paper focuses on the FDI-led growth hypothesis in the case of Bangladesh. The study is based on time series data from 1973 to 2013. The econometric framework of cointegration and error correction mechanism were used to capture two way linkages between variables interest. It is evident in the results that the regression analyses do not provide much support for the view of a robust link between FDI and growth in Bangladesh. It does not imply that FDI is insignificant. Rather, its analysis reduces the confidence in the belief that FDI has exerted an independent growth effect in Bangladesh. But net attitudes of the civil society on the impact of FDI on opportunities for domestic business and economic activities is positive and net attitudes of foreign firms toward FDI reveals that the investment climate has not improved in Bangladesh as a result of lack of good governance, corruption, political instability and disturbance, bureaucratic inertia, and poor low and order situation.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is assumed to benefit a poor country like Bangladesh, not only by supplementing domestic investment, but also in terms of employment creation, transfer of technology, increased domestic competition and other positive externalities. This paper focuses on the FDI-led growth hypothesis in the case of Bangladesh. The study is based on time series data from 1973 to 2013. The econometric framework of cointegration and error correction mechanism were used to capture two way linkages between variables interest. It is evident in the results that the regression analyses do not provide much support for the view of a robust link between FDI and growth in Bangladesh. It does not imply that FDI is insignificant. Rather, its analysis reduces the confidence in the belief that FDI has exerted an independent growth effect in Bangladesh. But net attitudes of the civil society on the impact of FDI on opportunities for domestic business and economic activities is positive and net attitudes of foreign firms toward FDI reveals that the investment climate has not improved in Bangladesh as a result of lack of good governance, corruption, political instability and disturbance, bureaucratic inertia, and poor low and order situation.
An Empirical Analysis of Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth in Bangladesh
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20150401.11
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2015-01-20
© Science Publishing Group
Shahjahan Ali
Md. Rukunujjaman
Khandaker Jahangir Alam
An Empirical Analysis of Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth in Bangladesh
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10
10
2015-01-20
2015-01-20
10.11648/j.ijber.20150401.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150401.11
© Science Publishing Group
Regional Economic Integration and Exports Performance in the COMESA Region (1980-2012)
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150401.12
One of the major development challenges facing Africa has been the small and fragmented economies with low incomes and low level of intra-regional exports. In an effort to promote intra-regional exports, Africa has witnessed renewed momentum for regional integration. This study examines the effect of regional economic integration on exports in the COMESA region. It employs the fixed effects regression, random effects regression and instrumental variables GMM regression to estimate an augmented trade gravity model using panel data from 1980 to 2012. The study results show that the formation of COMESA trading bloc has promoted intra-regional exports, implying intra-COMESA export bias. Comparing pre-COMESA (1980-1993) and post-COMESA (1994-2012) periods, it was found that intra-COMESA exports have grown by approximately 35 percent since COMESA was formed. This suggests that in order to enhance export flows in the region, the process of economic integration should be deepened. Thus, there is need for increased investment in transport infrastructure that will reduce long distance cost of doing business. This would have a major impact on deepening integration of COMESA economies.
One of the major development challenges facing Africa has been the small and fragmented economies with low incomes and low level of intra-regional exports. In an effort to promote intra-regional exports, Africa has witnessed renewed momentum for regional integration. This study examines the effect of regional economic integration on exports in the COMESA region. It employs the fixed effects regression, random effects regression and instrumental variables GMM regression to estimate an augmented trade gravity model using panel data from 1980 to 2012. The study results show that the formation of COMESA trading bloc has promoted intra-regional exports, implying intra-COMESA export bias. Comparing pre-COMESA (1980-1993) and post-COMESA (1994-2012) periods, it was found that intra-COMESA exports have grown by approximately 35 percent since COMESA was formed. This suggests that in order to enhance export flows in the region, the process of economic integration should be deepened. Thus, there is need for increased investment in transport infrastructure that will reduce long distance cost of doing business. This would have a major impact on deepening integration of COMESA economies.
Regional Economic Integration and Exports Performance in the COMESA Region (1980-2012)
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20150401.12
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2015-02-11
© Science Publishing Group
Henry Tumwebaze Karamuriro
Regional Economic Integration and Exports Performance in the COMESA Region (1980-2012)
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20
2015-02-11
2015-02-11
10.11648/j.ijber.20150401.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150401.12
© Science Publishing Group
Effect of Cooperative Membership on the Economic Empowerment of Women in Osun State of Nigeria
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150402.11
Cooperative societies are organizations that have primary aim of providing needs of their members and enhance the quality of their members’ livelihood. As such the study examined the effect of cooperative membership on the economic empowerment of women in Osun State of Nigeria. Data were obtained from 375 women cooperators across two senatorial zones of Osun State. Data obtained were analyzed with both descriptive statistics and inferential model of regression, T-test, ANOVA non parametric correlation test as well post –hoc test. Evidence from the study revealed that socioeconomic variables of the respondents are determinant factor for their membership in cooperative society. It was also revealed that women cooperative societies in Osun State are involved in different economic empowerment activities that are accessible and capable of empowering women in Osun State. Findings also revealed that economic empowerment activities of women cooperatives have positive effects on the level of entrepreneurial skills acquired by the women cooperators in Osun State. Therefore, in a bid to strengthen the economic empowerment efforts of women cooperative, the following recommendations are made necessary, the cooperative incorporate adult education as part of their empowerment programme. The cooperative should seek for more innovative skills and programmes that will boost economic status of the women cooperators. Since cooperative has membership effect on income level women should be encourage to join cooperative society if they want to improve their livelihood. Finally, extensions service should be provided with competent facilitators.
Cooperative societies are organizations that have primary aim of providing needs of their members and enhance the quality of their members’ livelihood. As such the study examined the effect of cooperative membership on the economic empowerment of women in Osun State of Nigeria. Data were obtained from 375 women cooperators across two senatorial zones of Osun State. Data obtained were analyzed with both descriptive statistics and inferential model of regression, T-test, ANOVA non parametric correlation test as well post –hoc test. Evidence from the study revealed that socioeconomic variables of the respondents are determinant factor for their membership in cooperative society. It was also revealed that women cooperative societies in Osun State are involved in different economic empowerment activities that are accessible and capable of empowering women in Osun State. Findings also revealed that economic empowerment activities of women cooperatives have positive effects on the level of entrepreneurial skills acquired by the women cooperators in Osun State. Therefore, in a bid to strengthen the economic empowerment efforts of women cooperative, the following recommendations are made necessary, the cooperative incorporate adult education as part of their empowerment programme. The cooperative should seek for more innovative skills and programmes that will boost economic status of the women cooperators. Since cooperative has membership effect on income level women should be encourage to join cooperative society if they want to improve their livelihood. Finally, extensions service should be provided with competent facilitators.
Effect of Cooperative Membership on the Economic Empowerment of Women in Osun State of Nigeria
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20150402.11
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2015-03-02
© Science Publishing Group
Taiwo Abdulahi Olabisi
Udunze Ugochukwu MacDonald
Agbasi Obianuju Emmanuela
Effect of Cooperative Membership on the Economic Empowerment of Women in Osun State of Nigeria
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2015-03-02
2015-03-02
10.11648/j.ijber.20150402.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150402.11
© Science Publishing Group
The Drive for a Regional Hub Port for West Africa: General Requirements and Capacity Forecast
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150402.13
Currently there is a drive by a number of West African Ports to attain the status of hub port for the region. This has been driven largely by increasing container throughput in the region in addition to increasing costs for shippers; the latter being attributed to the lack of economies of scale and inefficiencies in ports. This study gathers from literature a consensus on the basic requirements or influential factors of a potential hub location. A survey is carried out to determine the relative importance of hub port requirements according to the major shipping lines operating in the West African region. From the survey, it was established that high port efficiency and performance, stable political environment of the country concerned, and adequate port infrastructure and handling facilities were the three most important requirements/influential factors respectively for a potential West-African hub port, according to the major shipping lines calling at ports in the region. In addition, container throughput levels for West Africa are analysed and a forecast of throughput levels made utilizing a regression model. On average, container throughput will increase at a rate of 10% per annum in West Africa for the next decade as the economies of the region also continue to grow with a forecasted GDP growth rate of about 11% per annum. The regression model expands on the relationships between certain economic factors and container throughput levels in West Africa.
Currently there is a drive by a number of West African Ports to attain the status of hub port for the region. This has been driven largely by increasing container throughput in the region in addition to increasing costs for shippers; the latter being attributed to the lack of economies of scale and inefficiencies in ports. This study gathers from literature a consensus on the basic requirements or influential factors of a potential hub location. A survey is carried out to determine the relative importance of hub port requirements according to the major shipping lines operating in the West African region. From the survey, it was established that high port efficiency and performance, stable political environment of the country concerned, and adequate port infrastructure and handling facilities were the three most important requirements/influential factors respectively for a potential West-African hub port, according to the major shipping lines calling at ports in the region. In addition, container throughput levels for West Africa are analysed and a forecast of throughput levels made utilizing a regression model. On average, container throughput will increase at a rate of 10% per annum in West Africa for the next decade as the economies of the region also continue to grow with a forecasted GDP growth rate of about 11% per annum. The regression model expands on the relationships between certain economic factors and container throughput levels in West Africa.
The Drive for a Regional Hub Port for West Africa: General Requirements and Capacity Forecast
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20150402.13
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2015-03-02
© Science Publishing Group
George Kobina van Dyck
The Drive for a Regional Hub Port for West Africa: General Requirements and Capacity Forecast
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2015-03-02
2015-03-02
10.11648/j.ijber.20150402.13
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150402.13
© Science Publishing Group
Determinants of Uganda’s Export Performance: A Gravity Model Analysis
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150402.14
Exports play an important role in Uganda’s economy, influencing the level of economic growth, employment and the Balance of Payments. Uganda has initiated several trade policy reforms aimed at promoting the export sector. However, Uganda’s share in total world exports is still very low. Given the central role of exports in the economy, it was important to identify the plausible factors affecting export flows between Uganda and its trading partners. Thus, this paper examines the factors affecting Uganda’s exports using an augmented gravity model of trade. The panel dataset used was for the period 1980 to 2012. The results suggest that Uganda’s GDP, importer’s GDP, importer’s GDP per capita, per capita GDP difference between Uganda and its trading partners, real exchange rate, official common language, and contiguity had a positive and statistically significant effect on Uganda’s exports. The study further, shows that the formation of COMESA and EAC had a significant positive effect on Uganda’s exports. On the other hand, Uganda’s GDP per capita and distance between Uganda and its trading partners had a negative effect on Uganda’s export flows. These results are important for trade policy formulation in order to ensure that Uganda’s export potential is exploited so as to enhance economic growth.
Exports play an important role in Uganda’s economy, influencing the level of economic growth, employment and the Balance of Payments. Uganda has initiated several trade policy reforms aimed at promoting the export sector. However, Uganda’s share in total world exports is still very low. Given the central role of exports in the economy, it was important to identify the plausible factors affecting export flows between Uganda and its trading partners. Thus, this paper examines the factors affecting Uganda’s exports using an augmented gravity model of trade. The panel dataset used was for the period 1980 to 2012. The results suggest that Uganda’s GDP, importer’s GDP, importer’s GDP per capita, per capita GDP difference between Uganda and its trading partners, real exchange rate, official common language, and contiguity had a positive and statistically significant effect on Uganda’s exports. The study further, shows that the formation of COMESA and EAC had a significant positive effect on Uganda’s exports. On the other hand, Uganda’s GDP per capita and distance between Uganda and its trading partners had a negative effect on Uganda’s export flows. These results are important for trade policy formulation in order to ensure that Uganda’s export potential is exploited so as to enhance economic growth.
Determinants of Uganda’s Export Performance: A Gravity Model Analysis
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20150402.14
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2015-03-06
© Science Publishing Group
Henry Tumwebaze Karamuriro
Wilfred Nahamya Karukuza
Determinants of Uganda’s Export Performance: A Gravity Model Analysis
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2015-03-06
2015-03-06
10.11648/j.ijber.20150402.14
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150402.14
© Science Publishing Group
Scenario Analysis of Profits in Further Processing Lumber to Furniture in Ghana for Export: A Case Study of a Local Firm
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150402.15
Scenario analysis was used to investigate whether incurring extra costs towards adding value to lumber through further processing is an economically viable venture or not. In-factory study, observations, records review and interviews were used to collect data on costs and incomes relating to lumber and furniture production and exports. The accounting rule for decisions to sell or further process a semi-processed product at the split-off-point was used to assess the profit level under each of five scenarios developed. Results revealed that, it costs €1,336 (66.80% of FOB value/m3 of furniture) to convert kiln-dried lumber to 1m3 of garden furniture which yields income of €2,073.13/m3. Scenario analyses indicated that, 1m3 of garden furniture in general could yield additional incomes in the range of €66.077 to €334.414 representing 12.4% and 62.7% respectively over the export values of lumber used. Three species (odum, mixed redwood and teak) were profitable with mixed redwood and teak respectively obtaining the highest (from 48.14% to 123.63%) and the lowest (from 37.59% to 9.44%) additional profits in relation to the FOB value of their kiln-dried lumber. In conclusion, maintaining costs and increasing production volumes appeared to be the best scenario for higher profits in furniture production. Also, further processing lumber to garden furniture for export appear profitable and should be encouraged as an economic decision towards high revenue generation. It was recommended that the three profitable wood species should be considered for plantations by stakeholders in the afforestation and reforestation of degraded forests in Ghana to ensure their continuous availability for the furniture industry.
Scenario analysis was used to investigate whether incurring extra costs towards adding value to lumber through further processing is an economically viable venture or not. In-factory study, observations, records review and interviews were used to collect data on costs and incomes relating to lumber and furniture production and exports. The accounting rule for decisions to sell or further process a semi-processed product at the split-off-point was used to assess the profit level under each of five scenarios developed. Results revealed that, it costs €1,336 (66.80% of FOB value/m3 of furniture) to convert kiln-dried lumber to 1m3 of garden furniture which yields income of €2,073.13/m3. Scenario analyses indicated that, 1m3 of garden furniture in general could yield additional incomes in the range of €66.077 to €334.414 representing 12.4% and 62.7% respectively over the export values of lumber used. Three species (odum, mixed redwood and teak) were profitable with mixed redwood and teak respectively obtaining the highest (from 48.14% to 123.63%) and the lowest (from 37.59% to 9.44%) additional profits in relation to the FOB value of their kiln-dried lumber. In conclusion, maintaining costs and increasing production volumes appeared to be the best scenario for higher profits in furniture production. Also, further processing lumber to garden furniture for export appear profitable and should be encouraged as an economic decision towards high revenue generation. It was recommended that the three profitable wood species should be considered for plantations by stakeholders in the afforestation and reforestation of degraded forests in Ghana to ensure their continuous availability for the furniture industry.
Scenario Analysis of Profits in Further Processing Lumber to Furniture in Ghana for Export: A Case Study of a Local Firm
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20150402.15
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2015-03-24
© Science Publishing Group
Peter Kessels Dadzie
Kwasi Frimpong-Mensah
Martin Amoah
Ernest Boampong
Scenario Analysis of Profits in Further Processing Lumber to Furniture in Ghana for Export: A Case Study of a Local Firm
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66
66
2015-03-24
2015-03-24
10.11648/j.ijber.20150402.15
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150402.15
© Science Publishing Group
Identification the Factors Influencing Customer Satisfaction on Service Quality in Jamuna Bank
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150402.12
The aim of this research was to examine the level of service quality as perceived by customers of Jamuna Bank Limited situated in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Literature tells us that if the banks are providing higher service quality then the customers are satisfied. Service quality measure is based on modified version of SERVQUAL as proposed by Parasuraman et al. (1988), which involve five dimensions of Service quality, namely Reliability, Responsiveness, Empathy, Assurance, and Tangible. One sample Z test analysis was employed to test the impact of service quality on customer satisfaction. The results of this study indicated that service quality is an important antecedent of customer satisfaction. It is apparent from the present study that banks in Bangladesh to seek and improve the elements of service quality that make the most significant factor of customer satisfaction.
The aim of this research was to examine the level of service quality as perceived by customers of Jamuna Bank Limited situated in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Literature tells us that if the banks are providing higher service quality then the customers are satisfied. Service quality measure is based on modified version of SERVQUAL as proposed by Parasuraman et al. (1988), which involve five dimensions of Service quality, namely Reliability, Responsiveness, Empathy, Assurance, and Tangible. One sample Z test analysis was employed to test the impact of service quality on customer satisfaction. The results of this study indicated that service quality is an important antecedent of customer satisfaction. It is apparent from the present study that banks in Bangladesh to seek and improve the elements of service quality that make the most significant factor of customer satisfaction.
Identification the Factors Influencing Customer Satisfaction on Service Quality in Jamuna Bank
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20150402.12
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2015-03-02
© Science Publishing Group
K. M. Salah Uddin
Nymatul Jannat Nipa
Mamunur Rashid
Identification the Factors Influencing Customer Satisfaction on Service Quality in Jamuna Bank
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35
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2015-03-02
2015-03-02
10.11648/j.ijber.20150402.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150402.12
© Science Publishing Group
Supply-Chain Coopetition
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150402.16
This paper addresses the power struggle among supply chain partners. It is asserted that when firms are collaborating to deliver value in the market; the creation of critical asset requires more than just monopoly ownership of supply of a resource over competitors. A critical asset can only be truly owned and/or controlled effectively to leverage value if there is a dominance of one party in an exchange relationship over another. The implication is that to better understand the rent-earning capability of any supply chain resource, the relative power attributes of both buyer and supplier must be understood. Specifically these rents are earnings in excess of the firm's costs of production that are not eroded in the long run by new market entrants. In economic terms, rents persist in long-run equilibrium while profits tend towards zero.
This paper addresses the power struggle among supply chain partners. It is asserted that when firms are collaborating to deliver value in the market; the creation of critical asset requires more than just monopoly ownership of supply of a resource over competitors. A critical asset can only be truly owned and/or controlled effectively to leverage value if there is a dominance of one party in an exchange relationship over another. The implication is that to better understand the rent-earning capability of any supply chain resource, the relative power attributes of both buyer and supplier must be understood. Specifically these rents are earnings in excess of the firm's costs of production that are not eroded in the long run by new market entrants. In economic terms, rents persist in long-run equilibrium while profits tend towards zero.
Supply-Chain Coopetition
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20150402.16
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2015-03-31
© Science Publishing Group
Hans W. Gottinger
Supply-Chain Coopetition
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2015-03-31
2015-03-31
10.11648/j.ijber.20150402.16
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150402.16
© Science Publishing Group
Comparative Economics Analysis of the Bt. Cotton V/S Conventional Cotton Production in Khairpur District, Sindh, Pakistan
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.11
Cotton is an important cash crop which covers 35 million hectares of land. Major objectives of the study were to examine the role of determinants of cotton yield to asses’ financial gain from Bt.cotton comparing with conventional Cotton. District Khairpur was selected for the present study where both Bt.cotton and conventional cotton varieties are grown primary data on Bt. cotton and conventional cotton was collected from the farmers through personal interviews with the help of specially designed questionnaire. A simple random sampling technique was used to collect the data. Cobb-Douglas production function was used for yield analysis. Logit model was used to find the probability of Bt.cotton. Farmers growing Bt. cotton who had used seed rate (6-8) kg per acre were 46.66 percent, while 53.33 percent had used seed rate (9-10) kg per acre. Conventional cotton who had used seed rate (6-8) kg per acre was 66.66 percent while 33.33 percent had used seed rate (9-10) kg per acre. Total costs per acre in Bt.cotton sown were greater than the conventional Cotton activities, total costs incurred in the conventional cotton were far lower (about 26 percent lower) than Bt.cotton. On an average higher yield (40 mounds per acre) was obtained in Bt.cotton sown than conventional cotton yield (25 mounds per acre). Price gained per mounds was almost the same in two cotton activities. Higher profit was observed in Bt. cotton and very low profit was obtained in conventional cotton.
Cotton is an important cash crop which covers 35 million hectares of land. Major objectives of the study were to examine the role of determinants of cotton yield to asses’ financial gain from Bt.cotton comparing with conventional Cotton. District Khairpur was selected for the present study where both Bt.cotton and conventional cotton varieties are grown primary data on Bt. cotton and conventional cotton was collected from the farmers through personal interviews with the help of specially designed questionnaire. A simple random sampling technique was used to collect the data. Cobb-Douglas production function was used for yield analysis. Logit model was used to find the probability of Bt.cotton. Farmers growing Bt. cotton who had used seed rate (6-8) kg per acre were 46.66 percent, while 53.33 percent had used seed rate (9-10) kg per acre. Conventional cotton who had used seed rate (6-8) kg per acre was 66.66 percent while 33.33 percent had used seed rate (9-10) kg per acre. Total costs per acre in Bt.cotton sown were greater than the conventional Cotton activities, total costs incurred in the conventional cotton were far lower (about 26 percent lower) than Bt.cotton. On an average higher yield (40 mounds per acre) was obtained in Bt.cotton sown than conventional cotton yield (25 mounds per acre). Price gained per mounds was almost the same in two cotton activities. Higher profit was observed in Bt. cotton and very low profit was obtained in conventional cotton.
Comparative Economics Analysis of the Bt. Cotton V/S Conventional Cotton Production in Khairpur District, Sindh, Pakistan
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.11
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2015-04-22
© Science Publishing Group
Sanaullah Noonari
Ms. Irfana Noor Memon
Mukhtiar Ali Bhatti
Moula Bux Perzado
Shoaib Ahmed Wagan
Qurat-ul-ain Memon
Abass Ali Chandio
Asif Ahmed Sethar
Ghulam Yasin Kalwar
Syed Taimoor Shah
Abdul Shakoor Jamroo
Comparative Economics Analysis of the Bt. Cotton V/S Conventional Cotton Production in Khairpur District, Sindh, Pakistan
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85
2015-04-22
2015-04-22
10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.11
© Science Publishing Group
Investigation of the Granger Causal Relationship Between Macroeconomic Variables and Stock Prices in Kenya
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.13
The aim of this paper was to analyze the causal relationship between macroeconomic variables and stock prices in the VAR(Vector Autoregressive) modeling framework using secondary time series annual data from 1980 to 2012. Sim's causality test based on Granger definition of causality was used to test the causality relationship while OLS (Ordinary Least Squares) is used to test for any significant relationship. According to Granger causality test results, it is evident that movement in the macroeconomic variables had no significant effect on stock prices except for inflation rate; exchange rate and change in stock prices also seem to be an insignificant factor explaining part of the movement in the macroeconomic variables except for market interest rates. Also, the regression test result shows that all the macroeconomic variables are jointly significant in explaining the variations in stock prices. Hence, the findings imply that the causality between macroeconomic variables and stock prices runs unilaterally or entirely in one direction from inflation rate and exchange rate to stock prices and from stock prices to market interest rates. Thus, there is evidence to show that inflation rate and exchange rate are the cause of movement on stock prices and stock prices are the cause of movement of interest rates in Kenya.
The aim of this paper was to analyze the causal relationship between macroeconomic variables and stock prices in the VAR(Vector Autoregressive) modeling framework using secondary time series annual data from 1980 to 2012. Sim's causality test based on Granger definition of causality was used to test the causality relationship while OLS (Ordinary Least Squares) is used to test for any significant relationship. According to Granger causality test results, it is evident that movement in the macroeconomic variables had no significant effect on stock prices except for inflation rate; exchange rate and change in stock prices also seem to be an insignificant factor explaining part of the movement in the macroeconomic variables except for market interest rates. Also, the regression test result shows that all the macroeconomic variables are jointly significant in explaining the variations in stock prices. Hence, the findings imply that the causality between macroeconomic variables and stock prices runs unilaterally or entirely in one direction from inflation rate and exchange rate to stock prices and from stock prices to market interest rates. Thus, there is evidence to show that inflation rate and exchange rate are the cause of movement on stock prices and stock prices are the cause of movement of interest rates in Kenya.
Investigation of the Granger Causal Relationship Between Macroeconomic Variables and Stock Prices in Kenya
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.13
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2015-05-01
© Science Publishing Group
Mohammed Mustapha Wasseja
Elizabeth Njoroge
Samwel N. Mwenda
Investigation of the Granger Causal Relationship Between Macroeconomic Variables and Stock Prices in Kenya
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2015-05-01
2015-05-01
10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.13
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.13
© Science Publishing Group
Macroeconomic Effects of Fiscal Policy Shock in Nigeria: A SVAR Approach
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.14
This paper investigates the macroeconomic effects of fiscal policy shock in Nigeria using a Structural Vector Autoregressive (SVAR) framework on quarterly data for the period 1980:1-2010:4. From the empirical findings, the responses of real output and inflation may be asymmetrical depending on the component of government spending used as a fiscal stimulus to stabilized the economy. Basically, a positive shock to government capital spending on social and community services was found to have a persistent positive and significant impact on private consumption and real output but at the cost of higher inflation in the short term. A positive shock to oil revenue yield a significant positive impact on real output through its impact on public spending. In line with theory, the response of real output to innovations in business taxes is persistently negative, though insignificant. Private investment decisions in Nigeria does not seem to depend on the taxes paid to government, but on the cost of capital (interest rate) and perhaps on other crucial variables like market demand and profit expectations. The entire analysis clearly supports the argument that for the Nigerian experience, government is still relevant in stimulating real output through expenditure expansion on productive activities.
This paper investigates the macroeconomic effects of fiscal policy shock in Nigeria using a Structural Vector Autoregressive (SVAR) framework on quarterly data for the period 1980:1-2010:4. From the empirical findings, the responses of real output and inflation may be asymmetrical depending on the component of government spending used as a fiscal stimulus to stabilized the economy. Basically, a positive shock to government capital spending on social and community services was found to have a persistent positive and significant impact on private consumption and real output but at the cost of higher inflation in the short term. A positive shock to oil revenue yield a significant positive impact on real output through its impact on public spending. In line with theory, the response of real output to innovations in business taxes is persistently negative, though insignificant. Private investment decisions in Nigeria does not seem to depend on the taxes paid to government, but on the cost of capital (interest rate) and perhaps on other crucial variables like market demand and profit expectations. The entire analysis clearly supports the argument that for the Nigerian experience, government is still relevant in stimulating real output through expenditure expansion on productive activities.
Macroeconomic Effects of Fiscal Policy Shock in Nigeria: A SVAR Approach
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.14
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2015-05-06
© Science Publishing Group
Usenobong Friday Akpan
Johnson Akpan Atan
Macroeconomic Effects of Fiscal Policy Shock in Nigeria: A SVAR Approach
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2015-05-06
2015-05-06
10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.14
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.14
© Science Publishing Group
Dynamics of Formal Seed Utilization and Use Intensity: Evidence from Wheat Growers in East Gojjam Province, North-western Ethiopia
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.12
Commercial agriculture is driven by utilization of modern agricultural inputs despite the variable rate of adoption and use intensity. This study investigates the major factors attributed to variation in households’ participation and intensity of formal seed useby taking 4 districts as a case in East Gojjam, Northwestern Ethiopia. A total of 250 farmers were selected following 3 stages and data were processed with Heckman Two-Stage Model using STATA (version 13). The result showed that households participation in formal seed use was significantly affected by land allocated for wheat and the number of oxen (positively, P<0.01), farming experience (positively, P<0.1) and age and off-farm income (negatively, P<0.01 and P<0.05 respectively). Similarly, intensity of formal seed utilized was significantly influenced by size of wheat land, number of oxen and frequency of extension services (positively, P<0.01) and sex and family size (positively, P<0.05). The existing seed supply chains are inefficient, seed systems are institutionalized and there are weak initiatives for community based seed systems. Strong extension services, empowering females with financial incentives and encouraging farmer based seed multiplication system can improve farmers’ tendency of improved seed use. Rapid intervention on monopolistic distribution of seeds can bring about competitive seed markets which lead to sufficient supply with optimum prices.
Commercial agriculture is driven by utilization of modern agricultural inputs despite the variable rate of adoption and use intensity. This study investigates the major factors attributed to variation in households’ participation and intensity of formal seed useby taking 4 districts as a case in East Gojjam, Northwestern Ethiopia. A total of 250 farmers were selected following 3 stages and data were processed with Heckman Two-Stage Model using STATA (version 13). The result showed that households participation in formal seed use was significantly affected by land allocated for wheat and the number of oxen (positively, P<0.01), farming experience (positively, P<0.1) and age and off-farm income (negatively, P<0.01 and P<0.05 respectively). Similarly, intensity of formal seed utilized was significantly influenced by size of wheat land, number of oxen and frequency of extension services (positively, P<0.01) and sex and family size (positively, P<0.05). The existing seed supply chains are inefficient, seed systems are institutionalized and there are weak initiatives for community based seed systems. Strong extension services, empowering females with financial incentives and encouraging farmer based seed multiplication system can improve farmers’ tendency of improved seed use. Rapid intervention on monopolistic distribution of seeds can bring about competitive seed markets which lead to sufficient supply with optimum prices.
Dynamics of Formal Seed Utilization and Use Intensity: Evidence from Wheat Growers in East Gojjam Province, North-western Ethiopia
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.12
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2015-05-18
© Science Publishing Group
Amare Tesfaw
Dynamics of Formal Seed Utilization and Use Intensity: Evidence from Wheat Growers in East Gojjam Province, North-western Ethiopia
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2015-05-18
2015-05-18
10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.12
© Science Publishing Group
The Impact of Foreign Aid on Economic Growth of Ethiopia (Through Transmission Channels)
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.15
The study has examined the impact of foreign aid on economic growth in Ethiopia through transmission channel (i.e through financing investment) over the period 1980/01 to 2013/14 using multivariate co integration analysis. The empirical result from the growth model shows that aid has a significant positive impact on growth in the long run. The empirical result from investment model also indicated that the positive and significant contribution of aid on investment in the long run. In other words the theoretical view of the gap models which is Aid can enhance growth by financing the saving gap is proven in this study. The growth equation further revealed that rainfall variability has a significant negative impact on economic growth. This study indicated also that the country has no problem of capacity constraint as to the flow of foreign aid.
The study has examined the impact of foreign aid on economic growth in Ethiopia through transmission channel (i.e through financing investment) over the period 1980/01 to 2013/14 using multivariate co integration analysis. The empirical result from the growth model shows that aid has a significant positive impact on growth in the long run. The empirical result from investment model also indicated that the positive and significant contribution of aid on investment in the long run. In other words the theoretical view of the gap models which is Aid can enhance growth by financing the saving gap is proven in this study. The growth equation further revealed that rainfall variability has a significant negative impact on economic growth. This study indicated also that the country has no problem of capacity constraint as to the flow of foreign aid.
The Impact of Foreign Aid on Economic Growth of Ethiopia (Through Transmission Channels)
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.15
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2015-05-21
© Science Publishing Group
Fentaye setargie Ejigu
The Impact of Foreign Aid on Economic Growth of Ethiopia (Through Transmission Channels)
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132
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2015-05-21
2015-05-21
10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.15
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.15
© Science Publishing Group
Analysis of Rice Profitability and Marketing Chain: A Case Study of District Sukkur Sindh Pakistan
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.16
The purpose of this study was to investigate rice profitability and marketing in taluka Pano Akil district Sukkur Sindh. This study was based on primary data, which was collected from rice farming in study area. Analysis was done by using statistical technique like means, comparison of means and frequency distribution etc. Results shows rice farmer’s on average per acre spent a total cost of production of Rs.41910.00, this included Rs.15200.00, Rs.2350.00, Rs.2900.00, Rs.7460.00, Rs.7400.00 and Rs.6600.00 on fixed cost, Land preparation, Seed and sowing, Farm inputs, Harvesting and threshing marketing costs respectively on capital inputs. Rice farmers on average per acre gross return of Rs.80200.00, Rs.70200.00 on rice grain and Rs.10000.00 on straw in taluka Pano Akil district Sukkur Sindh. The rice farmers on an average per acre earned during study, Rs.38290.00 on net income, Rs.80200.00 on gross income and Rs.41910.00 on total expenditure in taluka Pano Akil district Sukkur Sindh. Rice farmers on an average per acre gross income Rs.108400.00 and total expenditure is Rs.68310.00 in taluka Pano Akil district Sukkur Sindh area therefore they availed input output ratio of 1: 1.58 from rice growing in the study area. The selected rice farmers on a net income per acre earned Rs.38290.00and total expenditure Rs.41910.00 in taluka Pano Akil district Sukkur Sindh area therefore, they availed input output ratio of 1:0.91 from rice growing in the study area.
The purpose of this study was to investigate rice profitability and marketing in taluka Pano Akil district Sukkur Sindh. This study was based on primary data, which was collected from rice farming in study area. Analysis was done by using statistical technique like means, comparison of means and frequency distribution etc. Results shows rice farmer’s on average per acre spent a total cost of production of Rs.41910.00, this included Rs.15200.00, Rs.2350.00, Rs.2900.00, Rs.7460.00, Rs.7400.00 and Rs.6600.00 on fixed cost, Land preparation, Seed and sowing, Farm inputs, Harvesting and threshing marketing costs respectively on capital inputs. Rice farmers on average per acre gross return of Rs.80200.00, Rs.70200.00 on rice grain and Rs.10000.00 on straw in taluka Pano Akil district Sukkur Sindh. The rice farmers on an average per acre earned during study, Rs.38290.00 on net income, Rs.80200.00 on gross income and Rs.41910.00 on total expenditure in taluka Pano Akil district Sukkur Sindh. Rice farmers on an average per acre gross income Rs.108400.00 and total expenditure is Rs.68310.00 in taluka Pano Akil district Sukkur Sindh area therefore they availed input output ratio of 1: 1.58 from rice growing in the study area. The selected rice farmers on a net income per acre earned Rs.38290.00and total expenditure Rs.41910.00 in taluka Pano Akil district Sukkur Sindh area therefore, they availed input output ratio of 1:0.91 from rice growing in the study area.
Analysis of Rice Profitability and Marketing Chain: A Case Study of District Sukkur Sindh Pakistan
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.16
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2015-06-02
© Science Publishing Group
Sanaullah Noonari
Ms. Irfana Noor Memon
Asif Ali Jatoi
Muola Bux peerzadio
Abass Ali Chandio
Shoaib Ahmed Wagan
Asif Ahmed Sethar
Ghulam Yasin Kalwar
Mukhtiar Ali Bhatti
Abdul Sami Korejo
Ghulam Mustafa Panhwar
Taimoor Shah
Analysis of Rice Profitability and Marketing Chain: A Case Study of District Sukkur Sindh Pakistan
4
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143
143
2015-06-02
2015-06-02
10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.16
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.16
© Science Publishing Group
Microenterprises Targeting Youth Group to Socioeconomic Development: The Case of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.17
Back ground: The sources of unemployment has been identified as one of the major challenges facing young people around the world, with the ranging from 25% to 45 % in most developing countries, “self-employment” and microenterprise as the only way to reach the poorest of the poor”. The unemployment rate of youth group is estimated to 26.1% based on CSA urban employment unemployment survey report 2010. Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess, and analyze microenterprises targeting youth to socioeconomic development in terms of poverty reduction, women empowerment, employment, and entrepreneurship. Method: The study was used a survey method. The survey method involved 120 micro enterprises which operated by youth groups. The sampling method was involved in ten sub-cities of Addis Ababa. The majority micro and small enterprise activity identification was based on the available information from MSE package and selected randomly. Data analysis was made by using descriptive statistics. Results: The results of this survey study, shows that majority of micro enterprises were, in the form of corporation, obtained their sources of initial capital from microfinance institutions, formed between years (2005 to 2008), set their vision to their enterprises during operation, profit earning microenterprises, survival microenterprises have a strategic plan of diversification, and have only permanent employees. Moreover, 1052 number of employees were working in different activities, however, from part time youth employees majority of them were family members. Additionally, majority of microenterprises were demanding growth oriented supports, were provided financial and non-financial supports from Addis Ababa MSE Agency and demanding in the future, were benefited from the different supports of governmental organizations, however, the remaining enterprises were leveled as very important to its essentiality. Furthermore, most of the respondents believed that employment in microenterprises could reduce poverty, and leveled as high in terms of its extent of importance to poverty reduction. From the available psychosocial constraints afraid of failure and criticism, faulty socialization, and low dignity of labor and inadequate motivation are the most serious problems that young entrepreneurs are facing. Conclusion: Institutions have to create favorable environments for youth targeting microenterprises such as fast credit access, systematic and easy collateral, and terms of payment. Additionally, researchers and policy makers have to emphasize for the sector growth and development specifically to youth target microenterprises, which in turn results to provide favorable policy framework.
Back ground: The sources of unemployment has been identified as one of the major challenges facing young people around the world, with the ranging from 25% to 45 % in most developing countries, “self-employment” and microenterprise as the only way to reach the poorest of the poor”. The unemployment rate of youth group is estimated to 26.1% based on CSA urban employment unemployment survey report 2010. Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess, and analyze microenterprises targeting youth to socioeconomic development in terms of poverty reduction, women empowerment, employment, and entrepreneurship. Method: The study was used a survey method. The survey method involved 120 micro enterprises which operated by youth groups. The sampling method was involved in ten sub-cities of Addis Ababa. The majority micro and small enterprise activity identification was based on the available information from MSE package and selected randomly. Data analysis was made by using descriptive statistics. Results: The results of this survey study, shows that majority of micro enterprises were, in the form of corporation, obtained their sources of initial capital from microfinance institutions, formed between years (2005 to 2008), set their vision to their enterprises during operation, profit earning microenterprises, survival microenterprises have a strategic plan of diversification, and have only permanent employees. Moreover, 1052 number of employees were working in different activities, however, from part time youth employees majority of them were family members. Additionally, majority of microenterprises were demanding growth oriented supports, were provided financial and non-financial supports from Addis Ababa MSE Agency and demanding in the future, were benefited from the different supports of governmental organizations, however, the remaining enterprises were leveled as very important to its essentiality. Furthermore, most of the respondents believed that employment in microenterprises could reduce poverty, and leveled as high in terms of its extent of importance to poverty reduction. From the available psychosocial constraints afraid of failure and criticism, faulty socialization, and low dignity of labor and inadequate motivation are the most serious problems that young entrepreneurs are facing. Conclusion: Institutions have to create favorable environments for youth targeting microenterprises such as fast credit access, systematic and easy collateral, and terms of payment. Additionally, researchers and policy makers have to emphasize for the sector growth and development specifically to youth target microenterprises, which in turn results to provide favorable policy framework.
Microenterprises Targeting Youth Group to Socioeconomic Development: The Case of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.17
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2015-06-02
© Science Publishing Group
Markos Kidane
Dugassa Mulugeta
Addis Adera
Yonas Yimmam
Tigabu Molla
Microenterprises Targeting Youth Group to Socioeconomic Development: The Case of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
4
3
156
156
2015-06-02
2015-06-02
10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.17
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.17
© Science Publishing Group
Leadership and New Ways of Working: A Case Study in a Financial Service Organisation
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.18
In financial service organisations clients are imposing increasingly greater demands on staff. The organisations need to find a balance between, on the one hand, "being in control", and promoting staff responsibility, flexibility and enterprise on the other. Managers have a crucial role in this process and their leadership is assumed to have an influence on how New Ways of Working (NWW) are applied by employees. New working patterns could offer space to staff to demonstrate and further develop their competences (organising their own work and goals; showcasing independence, determination, goal-orientation, communication, flexible behaviour and collaboration). NWW is aimed at staff flexibility and the utilisation of new technical developments in order to work independently of time and place, and thereby being of even greater service to the client. The leadership style in the financial service sector is primarily task-oriented, and this is also included in the organisation where this case study was conducted. It is apparent from this study that a task-oriented leadership style does not contribute to NWW, although this is dependent on the nature of the department and the type of roles. The recommendation, based partly on the literature, is to invest in another style of leadership: the person-centred leadership style.
In financial service organisations clients are imposing increasingly greater demands on staff. The organisations need to find a balance between, on the one hand, "being in control", and promoting staff responsibility, flexibility and enterprise on the other. Managers have a crucial role in this process and their leadership is assumed to have an influence on how New Ways of Working (NWW) are applied by employees. New working patterns could offer space to staff to demonstrate and further develop their competences (organising their own work and goals; showcasing independence, determination, goal-orientation, communication, flexible behaviour and collaboration). NWW is aimed at staff flexibility and the utilisation of new technical developments in order to work independently of time and place, and thereby being of even greater service to the client. The leadership style in the financial service sector is primarily task-oriented, and this is also included in the organisation where this case study was conducted. It is apparent from this study that a task-oriented leadership style does not contribute to NWW, although this is dependent on the nature of the department and the type of roles. The recommendation, based partly on the literature, is to invest in another style of leadership: the person-centred leadership style.
Leadership and New Ways of Working: A Case Study in a Financial Service Organisation
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.18
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2015-06-02
© Science Publishing Group
Stoffers J.
Kurstjens J.
Schrijver I.
Leadership and New Ways of Working: A Case Study in a Financial Service Organisation
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3
162
162
2015-06-02
2015-06-02
10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.18
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.18
© Science Publishing Group
Income Diversification and Household Well-Being: A Case Study in Rural Areas of Bangladesh
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.20
Diversification of income is considered as an effective way to increase household wellbeing in the developing countries. However, scant attention has been given on this issue in the context of Bangladesh. Thus, the objective of this study is to present an empirical evidence of the state of income diversification and its impact on households’ wellbeing in the rural areas of Rajshahi district of Bangladesh. To this end a multi-stage random sampling technique is used to select 138 households from the study area. In analyzing the collected data, the Simpson Index of Diversity (SID) is calculated to measure the level of income diversification while household consumption expenditure is used for measuring the level of well-being. Finally, a multiple regression model is employed to determine the factors affecting households’ wellbeing. The findings of the study indicate that the extent of income diversification is very low in the study area and it has positive and significant effect on households’ wellbeing. The obtained results have important policy implications which imply that programs targeted to engage people in other income generating activities would augment their income sources. As measures from the part of the government reducing the rate of interest for private enterprising in the rural sector, development of rural infrastructure and improving information facilities at the rural areas are suggested.
Diversification of income is considered as an effective way to increase household wellbeing in the developing countries. However, scant attention has been given on this issue in the context of Bangladesh. Thus, the objective of this study is to present an empirical evidence of the state of income diversification and its impact on households’ wellbeing in the rural areas of Rajshahi district of Bangladesh. To this end a multi-stage random sampling technique is used to select 138 households from the study area. In analyzing the collected data, the Simpson Index of Diversity (SID) is calculated to measure the level of income diversification while household consumption expenditure is used for measuring the level of well-being. Finally, a multiple regression model is employed to determine the factors affecting households’ wellbeing. The findings of the study indicate that the extent of income diversification is very low in the study area and it has positive and significant effect on households’ wellbeing. The obtained results have important policy implications which imply that programs targeted to engage people in other income generating activities would augment their income sources. As measures from the part of the government reducing the rate of interest for private enterprising in the rural sector, development of rural infrastructure and improving information facilities at the rural areas are suggested.
Income Diversification and Household Well-Being: A Case Study in Rural Areas of Bangladesh
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.20
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2015-06-12
© Science Publishing Group
Naznin Sultana
Md. Elias Hossain
Md. Khairul Islam
Income Diversification and Household Well-Being: A Case Study in Rural Areas of Bangladesh
4
3
179
179
2015-06-12
2015-06-12
10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.20
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.20
© Science Publishing Group
Stock Market Development of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.19
Financial markets play important roles for economic growth as they facilitate the flow of resources to the most productive investment opportunities and help in terms of efficient allocation of credit in the economy. Recognizing the important roles of stock market on economic growth, prudential international institutions such as World Bank, IMF and ADB pursued stock market development programs for emerging markets in developing nations. Hence, this study sought to investigate the determinants of development in capital markets in the MENA region from the perspective of three countries Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia. Secondary data for the ten years period of 1992-2012 were used to model the factors influencing the development of their stock markets. Using Correlation analysis it has been revealed that, macro-economic factors such as exchange rate, oil rent, income per capita, inflation, domestic savings and interest rate can be used to study development capital markets. The analysis also reported significant relationship between stock market development and some variables for some countries and irrelevant to others. The variations in results are explained by the economic and legal environment in every country and show some policy options. The findings are interesting in the sense that they provide variations of the determinants of the stock market development in the region. This would open area for research that is concerned with enhancing the collective development of the stock markets in the region through complementary and synergies.
Financial markets play important roles for economic growth as they facilitate the flow of resources to the most productive investment opportunities and help in terms of efficient allocation of credit in the economy. Recognizing the important roles of stock market on economic growth, prudential international institutions such as World Bank, IMF and ADB pursued stock market development programs for emerging markets in developing nations. Hence, this study sought to investigate the determinants of development in capital markets in the MENA region from the perspective of three countries Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia. Secondary data for the ten years period of 1992-2012 were used to model the factors influencing the development of their stock markets. Using Correlation analysis it has been revealed that, macro-economic factors such as exchange rate, oil rent, income per capita, inflation, domestic savings and interest rate can be used to study development capital markets. The analysis also reported significant relationship between stock market development and some variables for some countries and irrelevant to others. The variations in results are explained by the economic and legal environment in every country and show some policy options. The findings are interesting in the sense that they provide variations of the determinants of the stock market development in the region. This would open area for research that is concerned with enhancing the collective development of the stock markets in the region through complementary and synergies.
Stock Market Development of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.19
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2015-06-10
© Science Publishing Group
Wan Fauziah Wan Yusoff
Instisar J. Guima
Stock Market Development of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region
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171
171
2015-06-10
2015-06-10
10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.19
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150403.19
© Science Publishing Group
Causes of Contractor Cost Overrun in Construction Projects: The Case of Ethiopian Construction Sector
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150404.11
Completion of a construction project with budget is frequently seen as a major criterion of project success by clients, contractors, consultants and related stakeholders. It is here that project management becomes essential tool for the delivery of effective projects than the traditional functional management. However, the construction industry is faced with challenges to meet budget. This study is conducted to identify the top five cost over-run factors and survey is conducted on 140 respondents. The samples were drawn using convenient sampling approach. Primary data is collected using the self-administered questionnaires. While secondary data is collected through reviewing of related materials and the analysis is conducted using SPSS version 20. As per the contractor’ response, the top five factors that causes cost overrun of construction projects were from medium to high. On the other hand, the top five factors as per the response of consultants and clients ranged between high to very high. The contractors outlined the top five factors that causes cost overrun in construction projects are poor planning, fluctuation of price of materials, poor productivity, inflationary pressure and project financing in descending order.
Completion of a construction project with budget is frequently seen as a major criterion of project success by clients, contractors, consultants and related stakeholders. It is here that project management becomes essential tool for the delivery of effective projects than the traditional functional management. However, the construction industry is faced with challenges to meet budget. This study is conducted to identify the top five cost over-run factors and survey is conducted on 140 respondents. The samples were drawn using convenient sampling approach. Primary data is collected using the self-administered questionnaires. While secondary data is collected through reviewing of related materials and the analysis is conducted using SPSS version 20. As per the contractor’ response, the top five factors that causes cost overrun of construction projects were from medium to high. On the other hand, the top five factors as per the response of consultants and clients ranged between high to very high. The contractors outlined the top five factors that causes cost overrun in construction projects are poor planning, fluctuation of price of materials, poor productivity, inflationary pressure and project financing in descending order.
Causes of Contractor Cost Overrun in Construction Projects: The Case of Ethiopian Construction Sector
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20150404.11
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2015-07-14
© Science Publishing Group
Zinabu Tebeje Zewdu
Getachew Teka Aregaw
Causes of Contractor Cost Overrun in Construction Projects: The Case of Ethiopian Construction Sector
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4
191
191
2015-07-14
2015-07-14
10.11648/j.ijber.20150404.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150404.11
© Science Publishing Group
A Study Into the Possibility of Upgrading Farmers’ Profit by Means of Linking Small Holder Farmers to Potential Market Chain
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150404.12
The study was conducted in Bennekom and Wageningen (the Netherlands) to link the spelt grower farmers to potential market chain. For this study purpose, two village towns were selected using purposive sampling techniques. From the selected area, a total of 60 respondents were randomly selected and interviewed using structured questionnaires and check list. Data were collected and analyzed using appropriate statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS) software of version 20.In analyzing stakeholders and market institutions, a chain mapping was used to determine the relationship and arrangements that exist among actors in the chain. The study results revealed that the spelt bread value chain in Bennekom and Wageningen consists of organic and conventional segments. It is market driven and a short chain that only few actors are involved. There is a good opportunity for farmers, millers and bakers to align themselves to create a local conventional spelt bread chain where farmer, the least actor gaining profit from his own product can optimize his income. Spelt growers, millers and bakers should cooperate in order to formulate a sustainable profit-oriented chain that supports the goal of the Stichting Buurstchap Doesburger Eng (SBDE) foundation in upholding social cohesion in Doesburger Eng area. To make these possible, farmers should be linked to millers and bakers who will process their spelt to flour and bread respectively. However, in this chain where relationship is based on trust and not on contracts, the farmers should be able to fulfill the requirements of delivering consistent good quality and supply of flour throughout the year which serves as the foundation of building trust among partners in the chain.
The study was conducted in Bennekom and Wageningen (the Netherlands) to link the spelt grower farmers to potential market chain. For this study purpose, two village towns were selected using purposive sampling techniques. From the selected area, a total of 60 respondents were randomly selected and interviewed using structured questionnaires and check list. Data were collected and analyzed using appropriate statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS) software of version 20.In analyzing stakeholders and market institutions, a chain mapping was used to determine the relationship and arrangements that exist among actors in the chain. The study results revealed that the spelt bread value chain in Bennekom and Wageningen consists of organic and conventional segments. It is market driven and a short chain that only few actors are involved. There is a good opportunity for farmers, millers and bakers to align themselves to create a local conventional spelt bread chain where farmer, the least actor gaining profit from his own product can optimize his income. Spelt growers, millers and bakers should cooperate in order to formulate a sustainable profit-oriented chain that supports the goal of the Stichting Buurstchap Doesburger Eng (SBDE) foundation in upholding social cohesion in Doesburger Eng area. To make these possible, farmers should be linked to millers and bakers who will process their spelt to flour and bread respectively. However, in this chain where relationship is based on trust and not on contracts, the farmers should be able to fulfill the requirements of delivering consistent good quality and supply of flour throughout the year which serves as the foundation of building trust among partners in the chain.
A Study Into the Possibility of Upgrading Farmers’ Profit by Means of Linking Small Holder Farmers to Potential Market Chain
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20150404.12
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2015-08-01
© Science Publishing Group
Taye Beyene Lemma
A Study Into the Possibility of Upgrading Farmers’ Profit by Means of Linking Small Holder Farmers to Potential Market Chain
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4
200
200
2015-08-01
2015-08-01
10.11648/j.ijber.20150404.12
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150404.12
© Science Publishing Group
The Impact of Small – Scale Irrigation on Income of Rural Farm Households: Evidence from Ahferom Woreda in Tigray, Ethiopia
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150404.14
Background: Small scale irrigation is an important strategy in reducing risks associated with rainfall variability and increasing income of rural farm -households. Objective: To examine the impact of small-scale irrigation on income of rural farm households. It also presents the problems and challenges in use of small scale irrigation. Methods: A cross-sectional data obtained using a sample of 200 respondents selected through multi-stage random sampling techniques from three Tabiyas in Woreda Ahferom in central Tigray, Ethiopia in 2013/2014 cropping year. The data were analyzed using Heckman treatment effect two-step model. Result: The Probit estimation shows that Household head with social leadership, access to extension, and availability of irrigable land, number of oxen and family size have significant and positive effect whereas the family size square and distant to the nearest market restrains participation in small scale irrigation. The ordinary least square using household income as outcome variable reveals that Tropical Livestock Unit, participation in small scale irrigation and land size has significant positive effect on household income. Conclusion and recommendation: The study pointed out that loss of water, pests and diseases are the most common challenges in using small scale irrigation. Administration body and other concerned body should work the best on the quality, expansion and distribution of small scale irrigation by solving or at least mitigating the challenges face in using small scale irrigation.
Background: Small scale irrigation is an important strategy in reducing risks associated with rainfall variability and increasing income of rural farm -households. Objective: To examine the impact of small-scale irrigation on income of rural farm households. It also presents the problems and challenges in use of small scale irrigation. Methods: A cross-sectional data obtained using a sample of 200 respondents selected through multi-stage random sampling techniques from three Tabiyas in Woreda Ahferom in central Tigray, Ethiopia in 2013/2014 cropping year. The data were analyzed using Heckman treatment effect two-step model. Result: The Probit estimation shows that Household head with social leadership, access to extension, and availability of irrigable land, number of oxen and family size have significant and positive effect whereas the family size square and distant to the nearest market restrains participation in small scale irrigation. The ordinary least square using household income as outcome variable reveals that Tropical Livestock Unit, participation in small scale irrigation and land size has significant positive effect on household income. Conclusion and recommendation: The study pointed out that loss of water, pests and diseases are the most common challenges in using small scale irrigation. Administration body and other concerned body should work the best on the quality, expansion and distribution of small scale irrigation by solving or at least mitigating the challenges face in using small scale irrigation.
The Impact of Small – Scale Irrigation on Income of Rural Farm Households: Evidence from Ahferom Woreda in Tigray, Ethiopia
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20150404.14
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2015-08-11
© Science Publishing Group
Abraham Gebrehiwot Yihdego
Addis Adera Gebru
Mesfin Tilahun Gelaye
The Impact of Small – Scale Irrigation on Income of Rural Farm Households: Evidence from Ahferom Woreda in Tigray, Ethiopia
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4
228
228
2015-08-11
2015-08-11
10.11648/j.ijber.20150404.14
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150404.14
© Science Publishing Group
Market Chain Analysis of Agro-forestry Products: The Case of Fruit at Tembaro District, Kembata Tembaro Zone South Ethiopia
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150404.13
Ethiopia has a variety of fruit crops grown in different agro ecological Zones by small farmers, mainly as a source of income as well as food. The nature of the product on one hand and the lack of market system on the other hand have resulted in low producers’ price and hence low benefit by the producers. This study was carried out to analyse the market chain of agroforestry products such as mango, avocado and banana. Two kebeles were selected based on the presence of fruit production. Data was collected from 140 mango, banana and avocado producing households, 7 local collectors and 13 retailers through structured interview, focus group discussion, key informant interviews, market assessment as well as field observation. Structure, Conduct and Performance (SCP) approach was used to analyze avocado, banana and mango market also OLS (Multiple linear regression model) was used to analyzed factors that determine banana, mango and avocado market supply of the producers in the area. The market actors in the survey period were producers, rural assemblers, retailers, and consumers. Banana, mango and avocado market structure in the area shows the competitive nature. Among the different variables that were hypothesized as determining factors for volume of marketable supply the econometric result showed that price, access to extension service, distance, access to market information and quantity produced for mango and avocado were significant whereas active family size, distance, quantity produced, access to market information, and price for banana were significant. For each fruit types there are four marketing channels. Among the channels the producer-retailer-consumer channel was identified as the first important marketing channel in terms of volumes of each fruits transacted while the producer-local collector-consumer channel was identified as the least marketing channel in terms of volumes of each fruits transacted. Fruit trading in the study area is considered as a low profile activity mainly handled by female traders. There is a tradition that trading fruits in the study area is not by male. So, it is strongly recommended that stockholders will give awareness creation for the society in order to minimize such kind of tradition from the society and to encourage male fruit traders in the study area.
Ethiopia has a variety of fruit crops grown in different agro ecological Zones by small farmers, mainly as a source of income as well as food. The nature of the product on one hand and the lack of market system on the other hand have resulted in low producers’ price and hence low benefit by the producers. This study was carried out to analyse the market chain of agroforestry products such as mango, avocado and banana. Two kebeles were selected based on the presence of fruit production. Data was collected from 140 mango, banana and avocado producing households, 7 local collectors and 13 retailers through structured interview, focus group discussion, key informant interviews, market assessment as well as field observation. Structure, Conduct and Performance (SCP) approach was used to analyze avocado, banana and mango market also OLS (Multiple linear regression model) was used to analyzed factors that determine banana, mango and avocado market supply of the producers in the area. The market actors in the survey period were producers, rural assemblers, retailers, and consumers. Banana, mango and avocado market structure in the area shows the competitive nature. Among the different variables that were hypothesized as determining factors for volume of marketable supply the econometric result showed that price, access to extension service, distance, access to market information and quantity produced for mango and avocado were significant whereas active family size, distance, quantity produced, access to market information, and price for banana were significant. For each fruit types there are four marketing channels. Among the channels the producer-retailer-consumer channel was identified as the first important marketing channel in terms of volumes of each fruits transacted while the producer-local collector-consumer channel was identified as the least marketing channel in terms of volumes of each fruits transacted. Fruit trading in the study area is considered as a low profile activity mainly handled by female traders. There is a tradition that trading fruits in the study area is not by male. So, it is strongly recommended that stockholders will give awareness creation for the society in order to minimize such kind of tradition from the society and to encourage male fruit traders in the study area.
Market Chain Analysis of Agro-forestry Products: The Case of Fruit at Tembaro District, Kembata Tembaro Zone South Ethiopia
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20150404.13
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2015-08-11
© Science Publishing Group
Nega Mateows
Teshale Wolde Amanuel
Zebene Asfaw
Market Chain Analysis of Agro-forestry Products: The Case of Fruit at Tembaro District, Kembata Tembaro Zone South Ethiopia
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4
216
216
2015-08-11
2015-08-11
10.11648/j.ijber.20150404.13
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150404.13
© Science Publishing Group
Revealed Comparative Advantage of Ethiopian Leather Industry with Selected African Economies
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150405.11
The aim of this paper is to analyze the growth pattern of trade flow and trade comparative advantages of the leather industry products between some selected African economies-Kenya, Egypt, Tunisia and with particular focus on Ethiopia between 2004 to 2013. In doing so, it has been calculated the Balassa index of revealed comparative advantage using industry data at the HS 2-digit level. The studies mainly focus on the two articles of Ethiopian leather export namely, Product: 41 raw hides and skins (other than furskins) and leather, and Product: 42 Articles of leather, animal gut, harness, travel goods. An in-depth revealed comparative advantage (RCA) has been conducted for these two categories separately and the analysis shows that Ethiopia has a comparatively high RCA in raw hide and skin exports over the selected economies during the period of study. Even if RCA index for leather and leather products is less than one, a very promising trend has been observed, as index has been increased about 3,395% in the studied time. This indicates that Ethiopia has significant potentiality for specialization in leather export both in raw hides and skins and leather product. The paper also highlights that all stakeholder in the country has to work very closely to boost the performance of the leather industry export in the light of evidence. Therefore, investors, entrepreneurs and policy makers should specialize in both raw hides and skins and leather and leather productions and exports to generate more export revenues for the country.
The aim of this paper is to analyze the growth pattern of trade flow and trade comparative advantages of the leather industry products between some selected African economies-Kenya, Egypt, Tunisia and with particular focus on Ethiopia between 2004 to 2013. In doing so, it has been calculated the Balassa index of revealed comparative advantage using industry data at the HS 2-digit level. The studies mainly focus on the two articles of Ethiopian leather export namely, Product: 41 raw hides and skins (other than furskins) and leather, and Product: 42 Articles of leather, animal gut, harness, travel goods. An in-depth revealed comparative advantage (RCA) has been conducted for these two categories separately and the analysis shows that Ethiopia has a comparatively high RCA in raw hide and skin exports over the selected economies during the period of study. Even if RCA index for leather and leather products is less than one, a very promising trend has been observed, as index has been increased about 3,395% in the studied time. This indicates that Ethiopia has significant potentiality for specialization in leather export both in raw hides and skins and leather product. The paper also highlights that all stakeholder in the country has to work very closely to boost the performance of the leather industry export in the light of evidence. Therefore, investors, entrepreneurs and policy makers should specialize in both raw hides and skins and leather and leather productions and exports to generate more export revenues for the country.
Revealed Comparative Advantage of Ethiopian Leather Industry with Selected African Economies
doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20150405.11
International Journal of Business and Economics Research
2015-09-05
© Science Publishing Group
Mulat Alubel Abtew
Revealed Comparative Advantage of Ethiopian Leather Industry with Selected African Economies
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237
237
2015-09-05
2015-09-05
10.11648/j.ijber.20150405.11
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=178&doi=10.11648/j.ijber.20150405.11
© Science Publishing Group