bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alterations in the oxidative metabolism of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks in response to exposure to the insect growth regulator fluazuron
Authors: Gaudêncio Fabrício Nascimento , Tunholi-Alves Vinícius Menezes , Lima Mariana Gomes , Gôlo Patrícia Silva , Angelo Isabele da Costa , Castro Rosane Nora , Fonseca Adivaldo Henrique da , Scott Fabio Barbour , Pinheiro Jairo
Published: March 2016

Abstract Aiming to characterize the potential off-target effects of fluazuron on ticks, biochemical analyses were conducted to evaluate changes in the carbohydrate metabolism of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks after exposure to fluazuron. Hemolymph and fat body were collected from female ticks before and after (4, 8 and 15 days) exposure to fluazuron. Spectrophotometric analyses were done to quantify glucose concentration and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the hemolymph and the concentration of glycogen in the tick’s fat body. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was employed to determine the concentration of carboxylic acids in the hemolymph and to evaluate changes in intermediary metabolic processes requiring oxygen consumption. Increases in the levels of LDH activity and lactic acid concentration indicated that fluazuron enhanced fermentative metabolism in ticks. Exposure to fluazuron was also found to increase glucose concentrations in the hemolymph over time, although no significant differences were noted daily. In addition to expanding the body of knowledge about the mode of action of fluazuron, investigations into these mechanisms may also be useful in discovering new and as yet unexplored secondary effects.
Overview of anthelmintic resistance of gastrointestinal nematodes of small ruminants in Brazil
Authors: Salgado Jordana Andrioli , Santos Clóvis de Paula
Published: March 2016

Abstract Frequent and inappropriate use of all classes of antiparasitic drugs in small ruminants has led to failures in their effectiveness, culminating in a global problem of anthelmintic resistance. Brazil stands out as one of the world’s leaders in publications about anthelmintic resistance, and for having the most numerous reports of this resistance in small ruminants in the Americas. These studies have involved mainly the fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) and its correlation with field management practices. In vivoeffectiveness testing is conducted in areas where livestock is of greater economic significance, e.g., in the South (sheep) and Northeast (goats), or is important for research and economic centers, such as the Southeast (sheep). The most widely studied species is sheep, for which the widest range of drugs is also evaluated. Despite significant advances achieved in molecular research, laboratory analyses should include knowledge about the reality in the field so that they can become feasible for the producer. Moreover, molecular studies can be underpinned by the analysis of field studies, such as the maintenance of antiparasitic effectiveness over time and the mechanisms involved in this process.
Caracterización de la Cultura Organizacional en las MiPyMEs para Impulsar el Emprendimiento de alto Impacto en el Valle del Mezquital.
Authors: Linares Medina Irasema
Published: March 2016

El emprendimiento de alto impacto, también llamado emprendimiento transformador (Lerner y Schoar, 2010), se distingue principalmente por buscar no solo una rentabilidad económica, sino lograr un verdadero impacto social, asegurando una contribución positiva con el medio ambiente. La caracterización de la cultura organizacional en las Micro, Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas (MiPyMEs) juega un papel preponderante para su desarrollo y consolidación, particularmente cuando se trata de promover en las MiPyMEs su alineamiento hacia el emprendimiento de alto impacto, ya que diversos estudios handemostrado que los rasgos de cultura organizacional son determinantes para el éxito o fracaso de las empresas. La presente propuesta, realizada con el apoyo del Instituto Nacional del Emprendedor, promueve el desarrollo de un estudio de cultura organizacional aplicado a una muestra de 80 MiPyMEs ubicadas en la región conocida como: Valle del Mezquital, en el Estado de Hidalgo, México; cuyo contexto socioeconómico y cultural es especial, ya que cuenta con más del 30% de población indí­gena que, además de contar con arraigadas costumbres heredadas de un pasado y presente de pobreza económica, presenta un singular fenómeno migratorio hacia los Estados Unidos.El propósito del estudio es determinar el tipo de cultura organizacional dominante en el marco del modelo de Cameron y Quinn (1999) e identificar, a través de la adecuación de un modelo de diagnóstico y de la aplicación de herramientas de recopilación de datos, cuáles son los elementos culturales que favorecen o limitan la existencia de emprendimientos de alto impacto en las MiPyMEs de esta región y, a partir de los resultados, proponer un conjunto de estrategias que permita impulsar este tipo de emprendimientos, contribuyendo así­ al desarrollo económico y social del Valle del Mezquital.
Caracterización de la Cultura Organizacional Dominante en las Empresas Familiares de Servicios de Ciudad Victoria Tamaulipas
Authors: Cruz Delgado Daniela
Published: March 2016

El análisis de la cultura organizacional se ha convertido en elemento central enlas organizaciones de todo tipo. Su ví­nculo con la empresa familiar es fundamental para comprender la conducta de los integrantes de este tipo de empresas cuyas caracterí­sticas particulares las hacen propias. El objetivo deeste estudio fue identificar el tipo de cultura organizacional dominante, actual y preferida, en las empresas familiares de servicios de Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas. El modelo utilizado fue el propuesto por Cameron y Quinn (1999), el cual distingue cuatro dimensiones de la cultura organizacional: clan, adhocrática, de mercado y jerarquizada. Se seleccionaron seis empresasde servicios. La cultura organizacional actual y deseada identificada en las empresas familiares objeto de análisis fue la cultura tipo Clan. En la que los integrantes tienen un alto sentido de pertenencia a la organización y suinteracción es como la de una gran familia. Un factor fundamental para la caracterización de la cultura organizacional predominante es el tiempo que llevan funcionando en el mercado. Las tres tipos restantes de la cultura organizacional presentaron cambios entre la actual y deseada, el cambio más notorio se dio entre la adhocrática y jerarquizada.
Sobre la Maximización de Ganancias en Empresas Socialmente Responsables: El Caso del Monopolista Ordinario que enfrenta una Función de Demanda Lineal.
Authors: Moctezuma Navarro Eduardo Macario
Published: March 2016

El enfoque de responsabilidad social empresarial (RSE) ha cambiado la formade hacer negocios. Sin embargo, su efecto no ha sido incorporado aún en la teorí­a económica estándar. En este trabajo se muestra una forma de hacer tal extensión para el caso del monopolio ordinario, la cual puede adecuarse para cualquiera de las otras estructuras de mercado posibles. Como resultado principal de la investigación, mediante simulación en Excel® se encuentra que la decisión de realizar actividades socialmente responsables es favorable en cuanto a ganancias se refiere, pero solo para ciertos niveles de gasto.
Marketing To Hispanics: Eco-Friendly Behavior Patterns
Authors: McCabe Mary Beth , Corona Ramon
Published: March 2016

This research compares the eco-friendly habits of Hispanics to the general population based upon self reported activities by residents of California. The findings indicate that Hispanics are participating in eco-friendly activities, which include recycling, buying eco-friendly products, using fewer natural resources, and support green causes. However, they are more likely to only participate in a few of these activities, primarily those around the home and those requiring less personal commitment in time and money. There is a gap between the general population and the Hispanic population where it relates to the sales of green products and services. This discovery represents an opportunity for a call to action to the 50 million United States Hispanic residents on the topics of recycling, natural products and services and causes.
Relations Between Positive Impacts Of CSR, External Support, CSR Knowledge And The Degree Of CSR Practices In Thai Small And Medium Enterprises
Authors: Eua-anant Pornpimon , Ayuwat Dusadee , Promphakping Buapun
Published: March 2016

This article investigates the relations between positive impacts from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), external support, knowledge about CSR and the degree of CSR practices according to international standards in the viewpoint of small and medium enterprises in Thailand. The survey among 262 small and medium enterprises in five sections in the northeastern region of Thailand reveals that positive impacts of CSR on internal issues have shown to be positively related to the degree of CSR practices in small and medium enterprises. While there is no clear evidence supporting the positive impacts of CSR on external issues, external support and knowledge of owners/managers of small and medium enterprises about CSR have influenced the degree of CSR practices. The results indicate that, for CSR practices according to international standards, Thai small and medium enterprises are more interested in internal issues providing tangible benefits for them. In addition, external support for Thai small and medium enterprises in CSR engagement may not be enough to have a noticeable effect on the degree of CSR practices in Thai small and medium enterprises.
The Impact Of Business Support Services To SMMEs In South Africa
Authors: Mathibe Motshedisi S. , Van Zyl Johan H.
Published: March 2016

Small Medium and Micro Enterprises in South Africa were operating in the era of the apartheid regime but were not given enough support and were not a priority in the government of those days. Before democratic transition, the South African government was mainly giving attention to large businesses as well as state-owned enterprises. It was only in the late 1970s and the early 1980s that the South African government realised the importance of the small enterprise sector and its contribution to the countrys economy. The democratic regime of the early 1990s gave SMMEs an opportunity to participate in the South African economy. A White Paper of 1995 introduced the strategy to promote and develop SMMEs in South Africa and to design an SMME policy framework that will focus its attention on supporting and developing SMMEs. The aim was to enable SMMEs to grow as a way of creating a balance in the economy (away from state-owned and large enterprises) As a result, different support mechanisms have been implemented to support and develop SMMEs in the country since the democratic government took over in 1994. This paper evaluates the business support programmes that have been implemented in South Africa since 1994, specifically in the Free State Province for the development and support of SMMEs. In this respect, the paper compares and evaluates the ability of the business support programmes that have been put in place to develop and support SMMEs in order to grow and become sustainable. This is done by means of a brief overview of the international business support services and an assessment of the South African SMME policy environment. The study also conducted five structured interviews with the management representative of the five different business support programmes in the Free State Province. Some of the key findings indicate that not many SMMEs are aware of business support programmes in the Free State and are even less informed as to where to access finances. At the same time, it was found that staff responsible for business support programmes appears to be incompetent, and therefore, deliver poor quality services. From this study it can be concluded that of all the programmes the government-driven initiatives to develop and support SMMEs struggle the most to become operational. The business support programmes focused on markets to some degree, but seldom made it an inherent requirement. This paper recommends that there should be monitoring and evaluation systems available to document the quality of the service delivery to SMMEs in the Province, and to train the staff of the business support programmes to deliver high-quality services to entrepreneurs. The study compared five business support programmes in the Free State with regards to developing and supporting SMMEs in the province. As a result, the value of the findings might well be considered in terms of future provincial planning documents and policy.
Chaos Models And The Monetary Dynamics Of Hyperinflation
Authors: Rao Punita
Published: March 2016

Modern methods of qualitative analysis of dynamic systems go back nearly a century to Poincare (1880, 1892). Since the classic work of Smale (1967), it has become clear that very complicated, or chaotic, trajectories (time path) can easily arise in certain dynamic systems and that such complicates trajectories can persist when small perturbations of the underlying systems occur. Such a phenomenon, referred to as chaos, a case that is emphatically not pathological, is essentially one in which a dynamic mechanism that is very simple, and, above all, deterministic yields a time path so complicated that it will invariably pass all the standard tests of randomness. The seminal contribution of Lorenz (1963), Li and Yorke (1975), May (1976), Stefan (1977), amongst others have greatly facilitated an exploration of the pertinence of such complicated dynamics, arising in simple first order dynamic non-linear systems, to a variety of fields, including physics, biology, ecology and of late economics. In the context of the above literature and the development thereafter we intend to build the model that comprises of four equations. These specific: (1) The demand for real balances, (2) The money- inflation link, (3) the government budget deficit, and (4) the inflation tax revenue. The reduced form of the model is seen to yield a three parameter system whose phase diagram for the inflation rate (expressed in terms of a transcendental equation) produces solutions which are capable of generating stable, cyclic, or chaotic behavior.
A Consideration Of IFRS Education And Acceptance From Culturally Diverse Backgrounds: A South African Perspective
Authors: Buys Pieter W , Schutte Danie
Published: March 2016

Accountancys double-entry bookkeeping system has spread throughout the world over the past 5 centuries. Within each country, local accountants have adopted accountancy practices to suit their unique environment. In the modern global business environment, this uniqueness makes cross-border financial statement comparisons difficult. A key objective of a globally acceptable set of accounting standards (such as IFRS), is to enhance such trans-national comparisons of corporate performances. However, research revealed that the influence of cultural backgrounds is a key contributing factor influencing accounting practices. It is evident that culture is a key concomitant of accounting development, including accounting education. Two globally recognized authors on the importance of culture in the work environment, Hofstede and Gray, developed cultural dimensions to gauge the cultural impact in a business environment. The primary objective of this research was to consider the impact of different cultural backgrounds, as measured by Hofstede and Gray on prospective accountants in South Africa, as an early adopter of IFRS. The results of the study suggest that culture will play an important role in accounting education and acceptance in the culturally diverse South African context.
Applying Learning Technologies In An Open Learning Context
Authors: Cant Michael C. , Bothma Cornelius H.
Published: March 2016

The use of learning technologies are becoming more and more important in education. Not only is it essential that educational institutions look at new ways of learning and teaching, but they also need to adapt to the changing profile of their students and their learning habits. In this respect the use of technology has become important to both residential universities and Open learning institutions. It is the management of these technologies that are posing challenges to academia all over the world. Previous research undertaken by the authors in a specific department believed a learning management system to be the most appropriate technology to use. The experience of the head of department has however shown that lecturers are using the universitys proprietary learning management system, myUnisa, either to a limited extent or hardly at all. Consequently, further research was undertaken targeting the other Chairs of Departments and selected senior lecturers within the School of Management Sciences, to which the Department of Marketing and Retail Management belongs, in order to identify ways of increasing the use of myUnisa amongst lecturers.
Segmenting And Profiling South African Minibus Taxi Commuters: A Factor-Cluster-Tabulation Analysis Approach
Authors: Radder Laetitia , Han Xiliang
Published: March 2016

Privately-owned minibus taxis provide public transportation to 65% of South African households. However, relatively little is known about the characteristics and expectations of these commuters. This research identified the underlying dimensions of minibus taxi commuters expectations, documented market segments based on these dimensions and reports the differences between the segments with respect to their demographic and behavioral characteristics. Following a factor-cluster-tabulation analysis, three sets of expectations, namely, safety, suitability and substantiality and three segments, namely, anxious users, concerned users and apprehensive users were identified. This study showed that expectations, a less common segmentation base, is effective in dividing the market and provides knowledge of consumer identification that can serve as a source of better customer service.
Relationship Quality Between In-Groups And Out-Groups
Authors: Shamdasani Prem , Jung Kwon
Published: March 2016

This study aims to investigate the differences in relationship quality between in-group and out-group relational ties between providers and customers of personal life insurance service. Based on the model proposed by Crosby, Evans, and Cowles (1990), the relationship quality model used in this study is modified to be better fitted to the personal life insurance service context by incorporating communication behaviors as antecedent variables of relationship quality.The proposed model was tested with 286 life insurance customers. The results found different patterns of relationships between the in-group and the out-group relational ties between a salesperson and a customer. The results also found significant influence of communication behaviors on relationship quality together with other antecedent variables.
New Perspectives For Tourism In European Union Law
Authors: Villanueva-Cuevas Antonio
Published: March 2016

Tourism is the largest industry in the European Union. Its importance as an economically, socially and culturally cohesive element for the entire continent is indisputable. Still, attention from the European Union was late in coming, and has been based on measures that have been adapted from other local policies that are indirect influences on tourism. This has meant that the intervention of the EU in this sector has been partial, limited and at times, ineffective. The reason can be traced to the lack of a sufficient number of legal powers that were able to outline a common European policy in the Constituent Treaties. The Treaty of Lisbon has managed to fill in this void by providing legal support to a new set of European Union actions on this matter, whose development depends on whether or not Europe is capable of responding to the challenges faced by the tourism sector.
Gender Mainstreaming Analysis At The Management Level
Authors: Khan Salma Masood , Iqbal Dr. Mohammad
Published: March 2016

It was an exploratory study that was conducted with the main objectives to: provide basic information to stakeholders and planners about gender imbalance and its implications for Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa (KP) province and Pakistan. The study attempted to: discover the existing gender scenario in the management cadre of public sector of the province; identify barriers and problems to gender equity and equality in the management roles; and suggest ways and means to remove gender disparity at the management level in the sampled devolved departments of social sector of KP. Survey Questionnaires, interviews and stakeholders workshop were used as tools to collect data from 117 respondents of the sampled departments. Main causes of low female participation at higher level included lack of opportunities, inadequate facilities to female officers, rising element of insecurity in the province, men specific positions, discriminations and socially evolved gender bias. On the basis of results and findings a couple of suggestions like organizing gender awareness sessions, ensuring implementation of sanctioned quota, promotion of higher education for women, capacity development and incentives for potential female officers and revival of posts of female District Education Officers, have been made.
Management Style And Demographic Factors As Predictors Of Managerial Efficiency In Work Organizations In Nigeria
Authors: Shadare Oluseyi A.
Published: March 2016

This study investigated the influence of management style and demographic characteristics (gender, educational achievement and work experience) on managerial efficiency in work organizations in Nigeria. The adopted research design is the descriptive survey method. A set of questionnaire titled Management Style and Managerial Effectiveness Scale (MSMES) which was developed by Jordan (1997) was utilized for data collection. The questionnaire was modified by the researcher for the purpose of the study. The author reported reliability coefficient of 0.87. But for the present study, Cronbachs alpha of 0.88 was obtained. Out of 260 copies of the questionnaires that were administered, 243 were duly completed and utilized for analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The findings reveal that management style was found to have significantly influenced managerial efficiency, F (1,136) =22.61; P<0.05). Besides, the finding shows that there was no significant relationship between gender and perceived managerial efficiency, F (1,136) =3.11; P>0.05). Also, there was a significant relationship between educational achievement and perceived managerial efficiency of the respondents, F (1,136) =28.81; P<0.05). It was also found that work experience has been found to have significantly influenced managerial efficiency of the respondents, F (1,136) =30.26; P<.05). Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that participatory management style should be adopted with appropriate communication structure in order to enhance workers participation in decision making process vis--vis managerial efficiency. Also, promotion of workers, both male and female, to managerial positions should be based on number of years of experience and educational qualification. Finally, since knowledge and skills are strong determinants of managerial competence and efficiency, workers at all levels of management (lower, middle and top management cadres) should be motivated by the employers to participate in continuing education and training programmes in order to afford them to acquire necessary knowledge and skill required for effective and efficient management of organizational resources.
Can Online Learning Boost Academic Performance? A Microeconomics Study
Authors: Van der Merwe Alex
Published: March 2016

This study of the 2007 cohort of Durban University of Technology students enrolled in its introductory microeconomics course examines whether the length of time they spend in the online economics classroom is associated with different levels of academic performance. The study, using linear regression analysis, finds that performance is significantly correlated not only with gender and academic ability, but also with the length of time students spend productively in the online classroom as reflected in their achievement in online assessments. A cautious interpretation of these results is that the study offers at least modest evidence of how motivation to engage in online learning may impact on performance.
A Tale Of Two Countries: What The United States Can Learn From Brazil About Reducing Dependence On Foreign Oil
Authors: Matthews Robert B. , Steglich Eric
Published: March 2016

Dependence on foreign oil by the United States of America creates massive problems from the economic, environmental, and national security perspectives. In recognition of this reality, the USA embarked upon an energy independence plan in the mid-1970s, following the Arab oil embargo that accompanied the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Unfortunately, this effort has failed to the extent that the USA is more dependent upon foreign oil today than it was in 1976. At about the same time that the USA initiated its energy effort, a similar effort was also initiated in the South American nation of Brazil, which like the USA was alarmingly dependent upon foreign oil and had sustained substantial economic hardship as a result of the Arab embargo. Today, Brazil is substantially energy independent, and in fact exports oil to the USA. Obviously, Brazil implemented a more effective energy independence effort than did the USA. Lessons which the author believes may be learned from the Brazilian experience are that solving the problem requires that all possible solutions be pursued simultaneously with maximum vigor, that maximum use should be made of existing usable technology rather than waiting for laboratory-scale technologies to be perfected, and that solutions will be reached much faster if the private sector is actively engaged in a cooperative rather than adversarial manner. With these principles in mind, we review available alternatives and propose a comprehensive energy strategy that reduces the USAs dependence on foreign oil in the short run, and ultimately eliminates that dependence in the long run. We further enunciate reasons for believing that such an integrated strategy is far superior to any effort to address the problem by focusing solely upon conservation, or alternative fuels, or drill here, drill now, to the exclusion or minimization of the other approaches. We conclude with a proposed plan for implementing the all hands on deck approach to energy independence.
Proposal For Applying Quality Management Techniques To Manage Welfare Facilities For The Elderly
Authors: Yamaji Manabu , Oura Ayako , Ogihara Atsushi
Published: March 2016

In recent years, the quality of services at welfare facilities for the elderly has come into question and differences in concepts and ways of approach toward quality are affecting facility performances. In the context of quality management, the concept of quality has extended from a mere focus on service to business processes, and now focuses specifically on quality in welfare facility management. Care workers have typically been responsible for the quality of care in welfare facilities. However, as it has become difficult to retain already-trained care workers and also source fresh, competent care workers to provide care for the elderly in welfare facilities, there is a pressing need to adopt measures to find, train, and retain skilled care workers. We propose a quality management model to effectively manage welfare facilities for the elderly with an emphasis on improving the intellectual productivity of care workers in these facilities. This model is centered mainly on information sharing to secure and develop skilled human resources in order to ensure the delivery of high quality services in these facilities. Moreover, in this model, it is conditional that CS, ES, SS are met under stable management and environment that same quality and optimal services are offered. Further, we report examples of the application of this model and its effectiveness.
Does Adopting High-Standard Corporate Governance Increase Firm Value? An Empirical Analysis Of Canadian Companies
Authors: Yang Jun
Published: March 2016

Research on the impact of corporate governance on firm value has provided inconclusive results. The findings vary depending on the sample, country of study (regulation, law, shareholder protection, market development, etc.) and methodology employed. Many studies are unable to detect significant connection between corporate governance and firm value. Unlike the United States, Canada adopts a principles-based approach in corporate governance regulation. Canadian companies are required to disclose whether they comply with the corporate governance guidelines set up by authorities (such as the Toronto Stock Exchange) or explain deviations from the guidelines. Using panel data from 2004 to 2008 in Canada the empirical analyses in this paper show that the finding on the connection between corporate governance and firm value is sensitive to the methodology employed. Controlling relevant information is crucial to the results. When the data is analyzed in a self-selection framework, it is found that some time-varying unobservable firm characteristics that make firms adopt high-standard corporate governance also increase firm value, and somewhat surprisingly, adopting better corporate governance practices per se seems to decrease firm value. The results support the view that firms use sound corporate governance to signal their favorable private information.
The Determinants Of Capital Flight: Evidence From MENA Countries
Authors: Al-Fayoumi Nedal A. , AlZoubi Marwan S. , Abuzayed Bana M.
Published: March 2016

This paper examines the determinants of capital flight in seven Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries during the period of 1981-2008. The results are robust to four econometrics techniques: Ordinary least Squares, Fixed effects, Random Effects, and Seemingly Unrelated Regression Model. The empirical findings indicate that the capital flight in MENA countries is driven mainly by lag capital flight, external debt, foreign direct investment, real GDP growth rate and uncertainty. Based on these results, the paper recommends that governments in these countries should manage their external debt efficiently, and stabilize their monetary and macroeconomic policies in order to staunch capital flight.
The Impacts Of The U.S. Financial Crisis On Financial Markets In Asia And Europe
Authors: Rim Hong , Setaputra Robert
Published: March 2016

This study is to examine the impacts of the U.S. financial crisis (2008) on a few financial markets in Asia and Europe in the framework of vector auto-regressive model. This study uses daily returns of the stock market indexes during January 2005-February 2010. Some important findings are: 1) the U.S. market became more integrated with Asian markets during the crisis but less integrated with European markets; 2) the U.S. influence remained strong in both Asia and Europe during the U.S. crisis; 3) the speed of adjustments increased in some markets but decreased in other markets; and 4) there were observed strong spillover effects from the U.S. to other markets during the crisis. The overall results suggest that there still exist much diversification benefits to be exploited in European markets but not much in Asian market.
Taxation In Germany And Romania
Authors: Wang Zhemin , Lin Zhijun , Tan Yan , Li Yuansha , Liu Morris
Published: March 2016

Taxation is a symbol of national sovereignty and a central part of a countrys overall economic policy, helping finance public spending and redistribute wealth. Furthermore, for international business executives, taxation is an important consideration in investment decisions. This paper discusses the taxation in two European Union (EU) member countries, Germany and Romania. These two countries are selected because of their different stages of economic development and their unique characteristics in taxation.
Covered Interest Parity Deviations Between India And The US
Authors: Rao Vadhindran K.
Published: March 2016

Prior studies have tested Covered Interest Parity (CIP) between India and the United States and found substantial deviations. The main objective of the current study is to econometrically model and explain deviations from CIP. Further, the study contributes to the literature by proposing an approach to testing CIP after allowing for country risk. A preliminary analysis suggests that there are two types of shocks that impact the CIP deviation, also referred to as the Covered Interest Differential (CID): permanent shocks and temporary shocks. The permanent shocks may be interpreted as reflecting a change in the country risk premium and the temporary shocks as reflecting transient effects and disequilibrium. The paper uses a bivariate Vector Autoregression (VAR) approach to model the joint dynamics of the CID and the forward premium, and applies the methodology of Blanchard and Quah (1989) to separate the impact of the two types of shocks. Impulse-Response analysis shows that a one standard deviation permanent shock has an immediate, substantial impact on the CID. However, forecast error variance decomposition reveals that less than 30% of the variability in the CID is caused by such permanent shocks. Further, permanent shocks account for less than 5% of the forecast error variance of the forward premium, which suggests that covered interest arbitrage activity has limited influence on the forward premium. Temporary shocks appear to be related to transient volatility in the forward premium, and such shocks initially affect both the forward premium and the CID to approximately the same extent. The manner in which the CID responds to a temporary shock suggests considerable impediments to arbitrage. However, the fact that the CID recovers at a slightly faster rate than the forward premium, especially in the initial periods, suggests that capital restrictions are not completely binding.
The Policy Approach In Promoting Small And Medium Sized Enterprises In Japan
Authors: Nakagawa Rika
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this paper is threefold: 1) to investigate the role of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the economy, 2) to classify obstacles for SMEs growth, and 3)to review policy measures in Japan and problems to be solved as soon as possible. This study indicates that SMEs have played a significant role in the economy. SMEs create production linkages among companies in the economy by supplying goods and services. In addition, SMEs have been a main promoter of trade. Moreover, SMEs provide people with various job opportunities, which generate an important source of income. SMEs, however, face many obstacles to sustainable development. One major problem is that SMEs have limited financial resources compared with large enterprises. Due to this financial constraint, it is difficult for SMEs to upgrade production facilities and keep up with new technology. Furthermore, SMEs are suffering from a shortage of skilled labor. This becomes more serious when they try to expand business in the global market. In order for SMEs to compete with rivals in the international market, employees need a wide variety of knowledge and skills, such as foreign business know-how, human resource management, foreign language expertise, etc. Human resources of SMEs are often insufficient to meet their business needs. In Japan, both the central and local governments have implemented various policies to address these challenges. This research found that some policies worked well and supported SMEs, while others did not. The author, however, points out that some studies need to be carefully reconsidered because there is no consistent framework for policy evaluation. This means that the results of the evaluation of SMEs are likely to vary because of the different methodologies used. Thus, this paper recommends the government develop an appropriate system for assessing SME policies.
Explaining Interest Rate Spread In Namibia
Authors: Eita Joel Hinaunye
Published: March 2016

This paper investigates the determinants of interest rate spread in Namibia for the period 1996-2010. The investigation is conducted through cointegrated vector autoregression (VAR) or multivariate cointegration methods. The investigation reveals that interest rate spread in Namibia is determined by Treasury bill rate, inflation rate, the size of the economy, financial deepening, bank rate or discount rate and exchange rate volatility. Treasury bill rate, inflation rate and bank rate are associated with an increase in interest rate spread. The size of the economy and financial deepening are associated with a decrease in interest rate spread. The results suggest that an increasing interest rate policy pursued by the government can cause interest rate spread to rise. Increase in the cost of funds to commercial banks may be passed to consumers in the form of higher interest rate spread. An increase in the cost of doing business will cause interest rate spread to rise. Interest rate spread can be reduced by increasing the size of the economy which allows for economies of scale and greater competition. Financial deepening, which allows a high level of interbank competition, can also reduce the interest rate spread.
The Development Of The Merchant Advance Industry As An Example Of Innovation In The Financial Markets
Authors: Drysdale Dean , Gens David
Published: March 2016

The capital markets, like all areas of business, evolve over time. This evolution is often made possible by the application of technology. In particular, stock and bond markets, as well as options, commodities and derivatives markets, have all undergone enormous and rapid transformations due to the application of technology (Gurbaxani & Whang, 1991; Carlsson & Stankiewicz, 1995). These transformations, because of economies of scale, have benefited large businesses more than small businesses. This article 1) outlines the development of a new form of financing for small business that has become possible as a result of technological innovation, 2) describes why it has advantages in some circumstances over existing forms of financing, and 3) examines why the existence of this form of financing may have positive effects in terms of job creation.
Small Business Attitudes Towards Ethical Issues: Survival Or Ethically Correct?
Authors: Cant Michael Colin
Published: March 2016

Small businesses play a vital role in most economies worldwide. These businesses are in many instances the creators of jobs and in many instances barely surviving. In Africa, in general, and South Africa in particular, there are huge pressures on small business development and to assist in alleviating poverty and help with social mobility. Many small business entrepreneurs are forced into business in order to survive which in turn may lead to them being less ethically inclined and more focussed on survival. This in itself can lead to a moral dilemma for them. It is therefore important to consider the attitude employees have towards ethical issues in the business sector, and to what extent they would compromise on these issues in order to survive. The main purpose of the study is therefore to determine the attitude employees of small businesses in South Africa have towards the ethical environment in which they operate. The research followed a quantitative approach where a survey questionnaire was used as the data collection method. The results indicate that employees of small businesses have a negative attitude towards the ethical responsibilities of the organisation in which they operate. Alternatively, respondents do understand what is meant by ethics and what it entails. Their attitude regarding their perception of what an organisation should commit to in order to be ethical shows that respondents understands what constitutes ethical behaviour.
Labor Union Leadership And Career Advancement In Major Nigerian Oil Companies
Authors: Sonaike Kola
Published: March 2016

Labor related issues in the upstream sector of the Nigerian oil industry started to emerge soon after the discovery of petroleum in commercial quantities within the Niger Delta area mid- 1950s (Shell, 2000). Different groups within and outside the oil industry formed opinions about union leaders in the most strategic industry in the country. This was in part the case because the work force became better educated than their predecessors. One group among the industrys stakeholders believe labor union leaders have been ill treated, penalized, and stagnated, over the years by their managements. Supervisors and managers, it is alleged, act repulsively and harassingly towards union leaders in order to suppress their activities. Others believe the union leaders have been pampered and favorably treated by the managements of these companies in order to maintain peace. This study sets out to discover whether or not these notions about labor union leaders in the major oil companies in Nigeria are true. In this regard, ten null hypotheses were tested to accept or reject the notion that union leaders are not favored, are not educationally qualified, are not productive, are not militant, are not loyal, are not penalized for holding labor union leadership positions, cannot progress beyond executive status and cannot score more than 70 percentile on the researchers charismatic and superior leadership scale. One of the hypotheses was tested using ANOVA, two were tested using Kruskal-Wallis, and seven were tested using Chi-Square. The research findings highlighted some areas that the management of major oil companies and the federal government of Nigeria need to look into. Management of these companies need to look into the issue of the small group of managers and supervisors in the companies who still view labor unionism in negative light and consider labor union leaders as mere loafers and trouble makers. Training programs in labor unionism need to be carried out on regular basis for union leaders, managers, and supervisors in these companies. Further, the federal government of Nigeria needs to look into the perennial labor-related conflicts between the major oil companies and their host communities.
Strategic Uncertainty And Environmental Scanning Behaviors Among CEOs In Ghana
Authors: Agyapong Ahmed , Amanor Kofi , Muntaka Abdul Samed
Published: March 2016

Fifty-nine CEOs from sectors across the country were sampled concerning their views on perceived uncertainty in seven environmental sectors and how it affects scanning behavior across the sectors. It was observed that the sectors in the task environment produced more strategic uncertainty than did sectors in the general environment. The results also showed that environmental scanning correlated positively with strategic uncertainty but that the frequency at which the environment is scanned varied across firms and industries and was CEO-specific. Moreover, when sector uncertainty was high, scanning involved a greater use of personal and external sources.
Promoting Ethics In The Workplace: Why Not Reflect General Organizational Justice?
Authors: Ruiz-Palomino Pablo , Martinez-Canas Ricardo , Pozo-Rubio Raul del
Published: March 2016

Recent decades reveal increasing academic and practitioner interest in improving corporations social and ethical reputations. Efforts to promote ethics usually focus on the implementation of explicit, formal mechanisms, aimed at transmitting ethical and moral content and reflecting an interest in behavioural ethics. Although the efficacy of these mechanisms has been demonstrated, such efforts may fail if ethics does not exist in reality in the normal procedures and operations of the firm and in the treatment employees perceive from their employers. Organizational justice is an antecedent of ethical behaviour, though most research depicting this link has centred exclusively on assessing (un)ethical behaviours directed toward the organization. Other insights, however, might suggest a relationship between organizational justice perceptions and general ethical behaviour; therefore, this study conducts an empirical examination of survey data from 436 Spanish banking employees to discern their perceptions of organizational justice by top management and whether these perceptions are related to general ethical/unethical behaviours. Findings, finally, reveal that such perceptions have positive effects on workforce general ethics. That is, actions and efforts by top management that signal organizational justice can help promote ethics among a wider workforce. These findings have substantial practical implications, as well as insights for further research.
Contraception Knowledge And Risky Sexual Behavior In College Students
Authors: Yubero Marta , Larranaga Elisa
Published: March 2016

Most research indicates that there is an early beginning of sexual relations among young people, a fact that makes them susceptible to risky practices as it is demonstrated by the growing percentage of unwanted pregnancies and the rate of IVES among youngsters under 18 years old. Information and education on sexual health are of relevant importance for the prevention of a risky sexual behavior among young people. In previous studies it has been demonstrated that there is a significant lack of knowledge regarding contraceptive methods too. The current work aims at learning about the sexual behaviors of young people as well as about the basic knowledge they should have about contraceptive methods so as to elaborate efficient intervention and prevention programs. The participants were between 17 and 23 years old. Their first sexual relations were at 16.5 years old, as an average, a figure that is coincident with that of other studies. 85% of the college students being surveyed had had complete sexual relations. Among them, a significant percentage had a risky sexual behavior. Regarding the knowledge they have of contraceptive methods, there is no significant difference between genders. There is lack of knowledge of essential aspects of this area.
Gulf Cooperation Council Monetary Union: Business Cycle Synchronization, Shocks Correlation
Authors: Arfa Nabil Ben
Published: March 2016

In this paper we assess the readiness of the Gulf cooperation council members (Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain) to form a viable currency monetary area. It deals with business cycle synchronization and economic shocks correlation. To do so we employ different methods, first we extract the business cycle component of output using Hodrick-Prescott filter. Second, supply and demand shocks are recovered from an estimated structural VAR model of output growth and inflation using long run restriction (Blanchard and Quah). We then check the (A) symmetry of these shocks by calculating the correlation between GCC countries. Its appears from our investigation that there is no business cycle synchronization evidence between GCC countries, business cycle is rather divergent among them. And despite of the demand shocks symmetry, supply shocks are rather asymmetric. We therefore conclude that there is no evidence of the readiness of the GCC members to form a monetary currency union
Oil Price Based Trading And European Industry Sector Stocks
Authors: Soucek Michael
Published: March 2016

This study shows that the relationship between oil price changes and European stock market is significant and vary in relation to individual industry sectors. The oil price changes exhibit significant Granger causality for majority of European industry sector stock returns, but no cointegration could be determined for the price series. The results are proved to be economically exploitable for trading strategies. The trading rule based on the bivariate VAR( ) model for forecasting future stock returns significantly outperforms the buy-and-hold strategy in term of expected return and risk. It yields large Sharpe ratios and significant positive Jensen's alpha for both weekly and monthly data.