bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role Of Turkish Central Bank During And After The 2008-Financial Crises
Authors: Guney Ayhan
Published: March 2016

The Global Financial Crises occurred at the end of 2008, and in very short time, spread to all sectors of economy.All countries were badly hit by the crises and the World economies shrank almost $50 trillion, the equivalent of one year of world GDP.During the process, especially the banking sectors of the world economies was smashed, and many banks and financial institutions bankrupted and some others liquidated such as Lehman Brothers. All countries took the drastic fiscal and monetary measures to overcome the global crises. So, this paper focuses on the functions of central banks asking that what the role of central banks to cope with the global crises was, and thus omits the side of fiscal policies implemented by different countries.It especially discusses the role of Turkish Central Bank and its monetary policies during and after the 2008-Global Financial Crises. What was the achievement of the measures taken and the monetary policies implemented by Turkish Central Bank during and after the financial crises?
Are Polish Public Companies Cooking The Books? The Evidence From Annual Earnings Thresholds
Authors: Welc Jacek
Published: March 2016

Earnings management erodes the usefulness of financial statements, because the typical result of cooking the books is the occurrence of earnings bubble that bursts sooner or later, causing stock price to dive. This paper explores the presence of earnings management in the case of companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange in 2000-2009 period. We used the methodology based on two earnings thresholds: the negative / positive annual earnings threshold and the threshold between the decrease / increase of annual earnings. The research found that there is unusually low number of observations with the net margin between -1,5% and 0% and unusually high number of observations with the net margin between 0% and 2%, which suggests that companies with unmanaged earnings just below zero boost those earnings to the levels just above zero. The research also confirmed (although less strongly than in the case of negative / positive net margin threshold) the earnings management around zero earnings growth, which suggests that companies with unmanaged earnings that would show the small decline y/y boost those earnings in order to report the positive growth at the level just above zero.
Millennium Development Goals: A Concern Over Sub-National Variations
Authors: Rossouw Stephanie , Webber Don J.
Published: March 2016

Millennium development goals (MDGs) were agreed upon by 192 countries in the year 2000 and are due to be achieved by 2015. This paper highlights that MDGs deal with national averages and their achievement may hide sub-national variation. Sub-national variation in the ability to achieve development goals should be expected because government spending would achieve such goals faster if it were targeted at areas where the required improvements are smaller, as is often the case in city-regions. Rural and dispersed populations may gain little from MDGs, at least in the short run. Data analysis of South African Magisterial Districts highlights this issue.
Knowledge Transfer Mechanisms Involved In The Reactive Production Capacity Of The Jalisco, Mexico, Cluster Of Electronic Manufacturing
Authors: Guzman Miguel Estrada
Published: March 2016

The development of the electronic manufacturing cluster in Guadalajara, Jalisco, has become one of the most important spearheads of Mexicos industrial strategy. The knowledge transfer process in the region has enabled the growth of global supply chains by making them more agile, adaptable, and aligned in order to meet the requirements of technological products whose demand remains highly uncertain. The reactive capacity of supply chains towards market conditions has increased local competitiveness with lower labor costs compared with operations in other parts of the world. Through a review of literature related to supply chain and knowledge management, in addition to the analysis of case studies and industry reports, it is possible to identify some conditions that have empowered the development of knowledge and some mechanisms by which it has been transferred inside the cluster. The importance of understanding the knowledge transfer inside the cluster lies in its potential to be applied to other sectors or regions.
Tourists Expectation And Perception Towards Environmental Issue Management For Green Tourism Of Khao Yai National Park
Authors: Lertwannawit Aurathai , Anuwichanont Jirawat
Published: March 2016

This paper presents the results of a study conducted to evaluate tourists perceptions of environmental issue management in Khao Yai National Park, where has been inscribed as a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name Dong Phaya YenKhaoYai Forest Complex since 2005. The information could assist in addressing tourists perception in order to improve the management of the site for sustainable green tourism. The current study was carried out in 4 sites located in the complex. The sample size for this research is 654 tourists. The study analyzes six issues of environmental issue management, which are pollution, facilities, safety, regulation enforcement, eco-tourism activities, and stakeholder collaboration. Each dimension was rated both in term of expectation and perception. Positive gaps are found between the scores of perception and expectation of environmental issue management, implying that environmental issue management in the complex is more effective than tourists expect it to be.
New Methods Of Locating Business Partners For Joint Development In Japan
Authors: Takahashi Nobuhiro , Takahashi Mita
Published: March 2016

This article examines new methods for locating business partners for joint development of manufactured products in Japan.These methods, collectively called the Osaka Model, enable a company with outstanding technology capabilities to partner with a company that needs those capabilities. This paper also discusses what kind of environment should be created for encouraging the use of the model. A large network should be formed where the model is implemented, when successful, the relationship itself is a source of competitiveness of the area.
Leverage Effect In Chinese And American Index Returns
Authors: Garcia-Centeno Ma Carmen , Minguez Roman
Published: March 2016

A lot of changes have happened in the Chinese economy in the last three decades. To study whether these changes affect the symmetric or asymmetric behavior of the volatility in Chinese Stock Market, in this paper we analyze, first, the main stylized facts in similar Chinese and American index returns and, second, we compare the leverage effect of volatility in three different periods for these indexes.The estimated results with GJR-GARCH and TA-ARSV models have shown that the behaviour of Chinese index returns was different depending on whether China was part of the Trade World Trade Organization (WTO).
Understanding Accounting Students Cultural Diversity And Its Implication Of The Interpretation Of IFRS
Authors: Buys Pieter W , Schutte Danie , Andrikopoulos Panagiotis
Published: March 2016

In the global business environment, accountants often adopt accountancy practices to suit their unique cultural and business environments. This aspect often makes the cross-border comparison of financial statements difficult. Several completed research projects conducted has revealed that culture often dictates the accounting environment and based thereupon, it is evident that culture is often closely integrated to accounting development, training and standard setting, as well as the application of accounting standards.This article considers the potential impact of diverse cultural backgrounds, as defined by the Hofstede and Gray methodologies on accountancy students in a cross-national inter-cultural context, including both developed and developing economical contexts. Using a sample consisting of final-year accounting students from two different university campuses in South Africa and a third university in the United Kingdom, our results suggest that culture does indeed play an important role on accounting education; and that it can also affect the acceptance, understanding and interpretation of accounting standards by these students.
The Effectiveness Of ThailandLaos Border Trade Strategic Management
Authors: Nanudorn Sr. Col. Somchart , Phisanbutr Sorachai , Rutchatorn Buddhagarn , Phuboonbutr Thitaporn , Sakolnakorn Thongphon Promsaka Na
Published: March 2016

The objective of this study is to study the management strategy applied to the ThailandLaos border trade. This study was conducted in the years 2010 and 2011. The areas under study were Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, and Mukdahan provinces in the northeast of Thailand with the application of a mixed-methods research methodology including both quantitative and qualitative methods. Using the quantitative method, we provided 352 questionnaires to entrepreneurs who conducted cross-border trade through the customhouses in these provinces. We analyzed this data using means, percentages, factor analysis, and regression analysis. Using the qualitative method, we conducted a focus group of 16 key participants, such as entrepreneurs, customs officers, directors, and officers of the Office of Provincial Commerce, as well as the management team of the Provincial Chamber of Commerce. We analyzed this data using content analysis and descriptive analysis. On the basis of our analysis, we determined guidelines for the strategic management of cross-border trade between Thailand and Laos. The first strategy we suggest is that both Thailand and Laos should solve any border-trade problems together. The second is that border trade management should have only one unit and/or department with management authority. Currently many units and departments are involved in managing cross-border trade. Moreover, before opening a new port of entry, both governments should prepare all facilities and train officers and entrepreneurs to gain more knowledge about relevant laws, as well as providing resources for new officers in order to avoid problems of insufficient status and lag in crossing. One-stop service points should be created at customhouses to avoid long customs lines. Equipment such as X-ray trucks should be provided to support one-stop service to increase convenience and effectiveness as a way to avoid a situation where traders circumvent the law by not declaring goods at customs.
Empirical Evidence Of Verdoorns Law In Mexican Manufacturing
Authors: Torres Lourdes Alicia Gonzalez , Cisneros Manuel Alejandro Ibarra , Hernandez Juan Manuel Ocegueda , Collado Karla Emilia Cervantes
Published: March 2016

In this document we use the model called Verdoorns Law that has been widely favored with the empirical evidence as being able to explain the persistence of divergences in growth rates, which establishes a positive relation between product growth and productivity. The goal is to estimate the Verdoorns coefficients for the 32 states in Mexico for the period of 1985-2004 through the use of the Ordinary Least Square method (OLS) and the pool data technique for an added analysis at subsector levels of the manufacturing industry. The purpose of this paper is to explain regional divergences in Mexico by identifying those factors that influence economic growth and that would allow the proposal of regional policies that can help reduce the observed differences, and by contributing to the development of the country as a whole. Consistent results were found with Verdoorns Law by detecting increasing returns in the manufacturing industry, both by regions and by subsectors. The states that show lower Verdoons coefficients (higher returns to scale) are definitely the ones that have grown the most.
On the Pricing Of Chinese Stocks
Authors: Girard Eric , Nolan James , Zhao Fang
Published: March 2016

This study identifies the leading risk attributes to Chinese stock returns. We demonstrate that the forecasting ability of a multifactor expression that includes micro (fundamental) risk factors conditioned by time-varying macro global and local risk factors is significantly superior to the forecasting ability of simpler nested unconditional models. We conclude that micro and macro local and global risks are instrumental in describing the return-generating process of Chinese equities. Using an attribution analysis, we further show that the valuation of Chinese equities is largely conditioned by expected changes in local and global macro risks, and less by unconditional micro risk premiums.
The Impact Of The Arab Spring On Americas Energy Future
Authors: Al Shunnaq Walid
Published: March 2016

The manuscript entitled The Impact Of The Arab Spring On Americas Energy Future was retracted on December 5, 2014. Please contact our office at Journals@CluteInstitute.com for more information.
First-Year Students Participation And Performance In A Financial Accounting Support Group
Authors: De Jager Eloise , Bitzer Eli
Published: March 2016

The academic performance and retention of first-year students are under scrutiny worldwide. In view of the emphasis on first-year success, a support group was established in a first-year module - Financial Accounting 178 - at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. The article reports on students perceptions of their participation and their pass rates within the support group. Both qualitative and quantitative data were obtained from interviews, questionnaires, and an analysis of support group pass rates. The overall conclusion from this study is that students in financial accounting perceived their participation as positive and an increase in pass rates, compared to previous results, was observed. Small-group participation, tutorial classes, and peer student assistance all appear to contribute positively to improved performance of support groups. A number of areas for possible future research were identified from the results.
The Explanatory Power Of The Yield Curve In Predicting Recessions In South Africa
Authors: Mohapi Tjhaka Alphons , Botha I
Published: March 2016

The term structure of interest rates, particularly the term spreaddetermined from the difference between ten-year government bond yields andthree-month Treasury bill yields, has received increased attention as avaluable forecasting tool for the purposes of monetary policy and recessionforecasting. This is on the back of the observed positive relationship betweenterm spread and economic activity. Moreover, the term spread has been observedto invert prior to the occurrence of economic recessions both in developed anddeveloping countries.This study investigated the forecasting ability of the South African(S.A.) term spread in predicting S.A. recessions, taking into account therecent global economic recession. The motivation is due to the forecastingconsistencies illustrated by the term spread in providing statisticallyincorrect signals of recession in 2003, which did not transit into reality. Itimplied a weak relationship between the S.A. term spread and economic activity.Moreover, based on observations from the literature that term spreads andeconomic activities across countries are correlated, the term spreads of China,United States (U.S.) and Germany were investigated and compared to the S.A.term spread to determine which better forecasts S.A. recessions. The studyemployed the Dynamic Probit Model since it is considered to provide a betterpredictive edge over the Traditional Static Probit model.The findings revealed that the S.A. term spread accurately predicted allthe S.A recessions since 1980; Chinese term spread accurately predicted the1996 and 2008 S.A recessions; U.S. term spread predicted some recessions; whileGerman term spread predictions were counter-cyclical.
Influence Of The Leaders Emotionally Intelligent Behaviours On Their Employees Job Satisfaction
Authors: Singh Prakash
Published: March 2016

The ability of leaders to recognise both interpersonal and intrapersonal emotions and then react appropriately will depend on their own level of emotional intelligence (EI).The success of organisational effectiveness is greatly enhanced through the leaders use of emotionally intelligent competencies which are embodied in their emotionally intelligent behaviours (EIBs). Actually, EIBs are EI actions or reactions that can be observed and measured by others. This exploratory study therefore investigated whether there is a significant correlation between the EIBs of leaders and the job satisfaction of their employees.The survey included a rating by the employees of their leaders levels of interpersonal and intrapersonal EIBs, and a rating of how each EIB would influence their sense of job satisfaction. Findings emanating from this study strongly suggest that there is a significant correlation between the employees sense of job satisfaction and their leaders interpersonal and intrapersonal EIBs. The evidence presented revealed that a leaders EIBs are a form of intrinsic motivation that motivates employees to perform at their optimum levels because they are satisfied in their jobs. Results of this exploratory study connote that the more satisfied employees are at work, the more appropriate their leaders EIBs would be, as one of the factors in determining the employees job satisfaction. In contrast, the more dissatisfied employees are at work, the less meaningful their leaders interpersonal and intrapersonal EIBs could be. Evidently, outstanding leadership EIBs can impact positively on employees performance delivery and contribute to the creation of a harmonious work environment.
The Manifestation Of Familiness Resources And Psychological Capital As Familiness Capital: A Conceptual Analysis
Authors: Van Wyk Rene
Published: March 2016

The non-financial foundation of family business performance is largely under-researched. More clarity is needed to identify the theoretic origin and outcomes of the familiness concept. This conceptual analysis explores the non-financial competitive advantage of familiness functioning optimally as familiness capital (FamCap). The notion of familiness is explored in terms of psychological capital (PsyCap) with FamCap as outcome variable. Family businesses seem to nurture familiness resources in the form of the PsyCap constructs of self-efficacy, hope, optimism and resilience. These resources could advance the optimal functioning of FamCap. The presence of FamCap should sustain a positive competitive advantage in a family firm.
Internets Influence On The Marketing Activities Of South African Companies
Authors: Sharp Kirsty-Lee , Bevan-Dye Ayesha Lian , De Klerk Natasha
Published: March 2016

Although research studies regarding the Internets impact on marketing conducted in the past in different countries and at different times produced quite similar trends in responses, advances in Internet technologies and the increased Internet usage necessitated reinvestigating marketers perceptions as to the changes in marketing practices brought about by the Internet. This study sought to determine the South African marketing practitioners perceptions of the Internets influence on the practice of marketing in 2011 and compare these perceptions with those of marketers in Australia 2001 and Iran 2005.A cross-industry survey of the marketing practitioners at the top 100 companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in South Africa was conducted by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Questionnaires were sent via e-mail to those marketing practitioners from whom telephonic permission had been obtained.The findings indicate that South African marketers perceive the Internet to have changed the way companies conceptualise their marketing activities, define their markets, and create value. This study contributes to the practice of marketing by outlining the potential uses of the Internet in marketing and indicating trends across three countries and time periods.
A Comparative Analysis Of Immigrants And Natives Occupational Attainment In Post-Apartheid South Africa
Authors: Ntuli Miracle , Gwatidzo Tendai
Published: March 2016

This study investigates the occupational status of South African natives and immigrants, considering the intersection between race and nativity. Using census data for 2001, the study finds that whites dominate the top end of the occupational distribution, while the reverse is the case for Africans, irrespective of nativity. Thus, in post-Apartheid South Africa, race explains more of an individuals occupational status than country of origin the legacy of apartheid still lingers on. The study also finds that South African-born Africans are more likely to compete for the same occupations with African immigrants from non-SADC countries than those from SADC countries. To some extent, this violates the claim that African immigrants from SADC countries steal natives jobs.
Commercial Practices In The Ancient Indian Peninsula: Glimpses From Kautilyas Arthashastra
Authors: Rahman Monsurur , Byramjee Framarz , Karim Reza
Published: March 2016

Very few westerners ever heard of Chanakya, a.k.a Kautilya. Kautilya is credited with compiling the treatise on statecraft called the Arthashastra. This treatise contains fifteen distinct chapters or parts encompassing all components of statesmanship that a ruler needs to run the affairs of his kingdom. This paper briefly narrates some of the commercial practices prevalent in Ancient India enumerated in Kautilyas Arthashastra during the Mauryan period.
Evaluation Of National And Industry-Specific Interventions On Coir Industry In India A Special Reference To Kerala
Authors: Narendran Roshni
Published: March 2016

The purpose of the study is to delineate the impact of national and industry-specific government interventions and the influence of political parties in power. The study employs an interrupted time series design from the annual national coir export data (1970-2012) published by the Coir Board. The study concludes by highlighting that the significance of economic environment has a greater impact on the trends of coir exports than industry-specific interventions. A seminal finding of this study is that there is a significant difference in the coir exports during the period of governance by the two political fronts in Kerala.
The Bias Ratio As A Hedge Fund Fraud Indicator: An Empirical Performance Study Under Different Economic Conditions
Authors: Van Dyk Francois , Van Vuuren Gary , Heymans Andre
Published: March 2016

The Sharpe ratio is widely used as a performance evaluation measure for traditional (i.e., long only) investment funds as well as less-conventional funds such as hedge funds. Based on mean-variance theory, the Sharpe ratio only considers the first two moments of return distributions, so hedge funds characterised by complex, asymmetric, highly-skewed returns with non-negligible higher moments may be misdiagnosed in terms of performance. The Sharpe ratio is also susceptible to manipulation and estimation error. These drawbacks have demonstrated the need for augmented measures, or, in some cases, replacement fund performance metrics. Over the period January 2000 to December 2011 the monthly returns of 184 international long/short (equity) hedge funds with investment mandates that span the geographical areas of North America, Europe, and Asia were examined. This study compares results obtained using the Sharpe ratio (in which returns are assumed to be serially uncorrelated) with those obtained using a technique which does account for serial return correlation. Standard techniques for annualising Sharpe ratios, based on monthly estimators, do not account for serial return correlation this study compares Sharpe ratio results obtained using a technique which accounts for serial return correlation. In addition, this study assess whether the Bias ratio supplements the Sharpe ratio in the evaluation of hedge fund risk and thus in the investment decision-making process. The Bias and Sharpe ratios were estimated on a rolling basis to ascertain whether the Bias ratio does indeed provide useful additional information to investors to that provided solely by the Sharpe ratio.
Hedge Fund Performance Using Scaled Sharpe And Treynor Measures
Authors: Van Dyk Francois , Van Vuuren Gary , Heymans Andre
Published: March 2016

The Sharpe ratio is widely used as a performance measure for traditional (i.e., long only) investment funds, but because it is based on mean-variance theory, it only considers the first two moments of a return distribution. It is, therefore, not suited for evaluating funds characterised by complex, asymmetric, highly-skewed return distributions such as hedge funds. It is also susceptible to manipulation and estimation error. These drawbacks have demonstrated the need for new and additional fund performance metrics. The monthly returns of 184 international long/short (equity) hedge funds from four geographical investment mandates were examined over an 11-year period.This study contributes to recent research on alternative performance measures to the Sharpe ratio and specifically assesses whether a scaled-version of the classic Sharpe ratio should augment the use of the Sharpe ratio when evaluating hedge fund risk and in the investment decision-making process. A scaled Treynor ratio is also compared to the traditional Treynor ratio. The classic and scaled versions of the Sharpe and Treynor ratios were estimated on a 36-month rolling basis to ascertain whether the scaled ratios do indeed provide useful additional information to investors to that provided solely by the classic, non-scaled ratios.
More Than A Recruitment Task In German Hospitals: Effects Around Cultural Diversity Of Physicians Impatriation
Authors: Reuschl Andreas J. , Bouncken Ricarda B.
Published: March 2016

Hospitals in industrialized countries increasingly recruit foreign physicians and thus have to work with a diverse workforce that exerts challenges. On the basis of social identity theory and the job-resources-demands model, the authors discuss effects on job performance, the intention to leave, and develop a set of propositions.
Conceptualizing Microfinance For Effective Smallholder Farming In Africa
Authors: Mago Stephen , Hofisi Costa
Published: March 2016

Smallholder farmers in Africa desperately need pro-poor interventions to alleviate their poverty through self-sustenance. In Africa, poverty is more prevalent in rural areas, where the overwhelming majority (about 80%) of Africas population lives and about 72% are poor. Microfinance cannot have substantial impact on poverty until it significantly penetrates the rural areas where small-scale agricultural activities by smallholder farmers need financial support. This paper thus attempts to conceptualise microfinance for smallholder farming in Africa which is done from the integrated view as opposed to a minimalist view.The integrated view was selected because it focuses on the provision of credit facilities plus related follow-up services such as training, whilst the minimalist view is concerned about giving credit only. The paper relied on literature review and digestion to conceptualise microfinance as a strategy for boosting smallholder agricultural production. Many rural farmers have no access to the traditional financial system. Therefore, basic financial services are essential for the management of their productive endeavors. This paper argues that microfinance plays a pivotal role in the commercialisation, not only of smallholder farming activities but also the successful implementation of agricultural ideas. Microfinance is one way of helping farmers to sharpen their agricultural ideas so as to promote rural economic development.With this background it has become imperative to explore the commercialisation of rural agriculture so as to empower the farmers. The financial sector in most countries does not cater for rural finance because they require physical collateral security that rural people do not have. In this article, micro-finance is seen to be a useful intervention that can be employed to economically empower the agricultural sector.
International Diversification, Product Strategy, And Firm Value:Evidence From Korea
Authors: Choi Donseung , Cho Eunho
Published: March 2016

Existing studies showed inconsistent results for the relationship between international diversification (ID) and firm value. Thus, we primarily examine whether each MNCs product strategy moderates the relationship between ID and firm value. The results show that MNCs product strategy moderates the relationship between ID and firm value as measured by Tobins Q. Specifically, a positive relationship exists between ID and firm value in the firm group pursuing a cost leadership strategy, whereas a negative relationship exists between the same variables in the firm group pursuing a differentiation strategy, suggesting that the strategic fit between product strategy and ID is likely an important factor in the relationship between ID and firm value. Our results remain robust after conducting sensitivity analyses using the price-to-book value (PBR) ratio and individual components of composite ID measures. Accordingly, we conclude that a cost leadership strategy of Korean MNCs is more likely to have a competitive advantage in a foreign market than a differentiation strategy. This study primarily contributes to the literature on ID in that it provides the first evidence on the relationship between ID and firm value that takes into account an MNCs product strategy using the strategic fit perspective.
Perception Of Sustainability Of A Tourism Destination: Analysis From Tourist Expectations
Authors: Pulido-Fernandez Juan Ignacio , Lopez-Sanchez Yaiza
Published: March 2016

This paper demonstrates that different assessments of the tourism attributes of a destination exist according to whether the perception of those tourists visiting that destination is that it is sustainable or whether, on the contrary, they perceive that it shows problems of unsustainability. Consequently, for a destination to be able to advance in terms of sustainability, it is not enough just to implement supply policies, but it is also necessary that its tourists are involved in this process as well; that is, demand policies must be developed that ensure a greater awareness and responsibility of tourists in the destinations they visit.
Spanish Companies' Conversion Into Cooperatives As A Collective Resistance Response To Unemployment
Authors: Diaz-Ruiz Susana B.
Published: March 2016

The samples of depletion in the current economical and productive model observed by various authors from different disciplines provide the framework of business recovery processes and companies' conversion into cooperatives by their workers. These processes can be observed in countries like Argentina, the USA, Greece and Spain.The main reason for this response lies in the organization of collective resistance strategies to prevent unemployment. The strategies represent an implicit criticism of the economical and productive model based on increased unemployment, job insecurity and instability.Based on the qualitative results and a set of surveys obtained in previous research conducted in Argentina (Dz Ruiz, 2014) and using discursive material recently collected in a private company in Cuenca (Spain), this paper will study the common elements of both scenarios. The result is the depiction of the conversion processes through the subjective vision of the main protagonists.
The Focus Of Tax Instruments In Reducing Emissions From Electricity Generation In Selected Developing Countries
Authors: Dippenaar Mareli , Nel Rudie
Published: March 2016

The objective of the study was to determine the primary focus of selected developing countries (four BRICS countries; namely, Brazil, China, India and South Africa) in applying tax instruments to reduce their emissions from electricity generation. The focus of tax instruments could be on supply or demand; incentives or disincentives; direct or indirect taxes; and renewable energy, energy efficiency or research and development in these fields. It was found that the tax instruments in SouthAfrica and India focus almost equally on the supply and demand of electricity, while the tax instruments in China focus on the demand side and those in Brazil place slightly more emphasis on the supply side. The primary focus in all the countries studied appears to be the application of incentives, rather than disincentives and the focus of their tax incentives appears to fall equally on the application of direct and indirect taxes, with the exception of South Africa where hardly any indirect tax incentives are applied. Furthermore, there seems to be an almost equal focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency and research and development in the countries studied, with the exception of China where the number of tax instruments specifically aimed at energy efficiency significantly exceeds the number of instruments specifically aimed at renewable energy and research and development. Based on the findings, Brazil does not apply tax instruments to target energy efficiency.
Upgrading Export Structure In Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Kohler Marcel , Khumalo Thembeka
Published: March 2016

A major focus of research on trade policy reform relates to whether changes in global economic participation, brought about by such reform, provides for sustainable income growth in the countries concerned. The challenge for many African economies in this context is to improve their position in the global economy by upgrading their export structures. The authors empirical work suggests that export diversification is a critical first step in upgrading export structure in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. The authors find that the knowledge gained from the export diversification process, along with technology spillovers associated with FDI flows, are important drivers. Furthermore, they find evidence of learning by doing productivity gains from SSA exporting activity. On the whole, the authors do not find that the rise of Asian driver economies poses a significant threat to SSA export sophistication. What is crucial to the further success of SSA countries upgrading their export structure is government policy initiatives that prioritise the upgrading of infrastructure, human capital development and institutional reform. These efforts will ensure that SSA countries can realise real economic gains through improvements in their export structures rather than locking their economies into commodity dependence on the basis of their favourable natural resource endowments.
Theoretical Framework Of The Factors Affecting University Academics Job Satisfaction
Authors: Basak Sujit Kumar , Govender D.W.
Published: March 2016

This paper aims to present a theoretical framework of the factors affecting university academics job satisfaction, which is achieved by identifying the contributing factors. The main objective of the research was concluded in designing a theoretical framework based on the existing literature. The novelty of this paper is the use of a significant body of literature focused on the existing literature about the factors affecting university academics job satisfaction, which was used to achieve the aim in designing the framework. The findings could assist in creating an awareness of the factors incorporated at tertiary institutions that contribute to university academics job satisfaction.
A Determinant Of Healthy Ageing Women Education In Saudi Arabia
Authors: Yusuf Nadia , Al-sharqi Laila , Durrani Farah
Published: March 2016

An increase in the number of elderly people has major implications for society, affecting such areas as health and social services and public spending. The economic effects of an ageing population are considerable. Older people have more savings than younger people, but spend less on consumer goods. The rise in ageing populations will also increase some categories of expenditure, like health care, whose cost is likely to increase dramatically as the population ages. Saudi Arabians, while relatively enthusiastic about saving in general, see retirement as a less important incentive to save and have reduced retirement savings as a result of the current economic downturn. At the same time, life expectancy will be higher and birth rate will decline because of the increase of education levels. People's concepts of birth and health care will be improved under the function of education. Education is the single most important indicator of the socioeconomic status of an individual, which affects almost all aspects of human life, including demographic health behavior. Change of the increase of population ageing that is caused by the change of the relative number of independent variables, such as education, is more of a concern.
Traditional To Modern Values: Chinas Opening And The Impact On Prestige Goods
Authors: Adams Russell , Downey Clara
Published: March 2016

The younger generation in China has undergone a cultural shift away from what are considered traditional Chinese values (Adams, 2011; Speter, 2008). This movement toward Western-based individualistic values is hypothesized to result from the opening of China to capitalistic and modern media systems. This cross-cultural research analyzes an online survey of 304 Chinese individuals that will explore this cultural shift by employing Kahles (1983) Values scale. To further explore the similarities or differences, the ratings of several prestige goods based on their hedonistic value are studied, as compared to an American sample.
Bouldings Lamentation And The Equilibrium Model Of Luca Pacioli: An Examination Of Cross-Disciplinary Misunderstandings
Authors: Baskett James H.
Published: March 2016

This treatise addresses an interdisciplinary issue addressed by Kenneth Boulding, who lamented the difference in usage of Pacioli accounting model as between economic theorists and accoun-tants. In response, this treatise examines origins of the accounting model, and the evolution of its use are traced. Differences between economists and accountants are examined through the filter of Luca Pacioli bookkeeping model, the flawed foundation upon which all generalizations re-garding accountancy have been based for centuries. The economic nature of financial accounting models is detailed and similarities and differences between theoretical and applied models of financial accounting are examined. Pacioli applied model is re-examined in economic terms befitting its primal nature. The economic meaning underpinning bookkeeping terms is clarified, and the breach between accounting practice and literature and the solid economic reality underlying the accounting process is discussed The mutual misunderstanding which gave rise to Boulding dilemma is placed in its primal context, and requirements for its resolution are suggested.
A Study On The Productivity Of Koreas Industrial Sector With IT Technology Capital And R&D Stocks Variation
Authors: Park Chuhwan , Park Tae-Woong , Heo Byoung-Moo
Published: March 2016

This paper examines the effects of IT technology capital and R&D stocks variation on the growth of Koreas industries with time series approaches. In detail, we analyze the Granger causality and impulse response analysis among the Koreas industrial growth, IT technology capital, and R&D stocks. When it comes to this research conclusion, we know that IT technology capital and R&D stocks shocks affect the growth of Koreas industrial sector. However, the revere effect is ambiguous in each industrial sector. Also, the impulse response function analysis shows that the effect of IT technology capital and R&D stocks fluctuation in each industrial sector is presented with different time periods.
Simon Pearce: A Teaching Case
Authors: Novak Michael A. , Aurelio Jeanne M.
Published: March 2016

Simon Pearce is the founder and president of Simon Pearce Glassworks (SP). His primary but not sole business is the design, manufacture and sale of his upscale glassware. In 1981 after ten years of building a successful business in Ireland but frustrated with the obstacles he faced, he moved his business to Vermont. In 1992, SP had annual retail sales of $5 million; in 1996, approximately $12 million; and in 2001, $30 million. Not bad for a man of 56 who was expelled from school at age 15. After years of hard work, risk, and struggle, his creativity and business acumen brought him financial success but not the peace and happiness he expected. Due in part to recent business decisions by Simon, the 2001 recession, and 9/11, SP faces, among several serious business problems, a drastic decline in sales at a time SP can ill-afford a marginal decline. At the same time, Simon is no longer interested in growing the business. What should he do? The case is useful in courses or course modules on creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Firms Output Growth And Financial Ratios
Authors: Rocha Carlos Henrique , Gartner Ivan Ricardo
Published: March 2016

The central focus of this paper is on the relationship between output growth of the firm and its financial ratios. The analysis is based on managerial theories of the firm, in particular, on Baumols (1967) article that suggests sales revenue maximization as a goal of the firm instead of profit maximization. A cross-section equation was estimated for three Brazilian industries covering the year 2000. We regress a firms output growth on a constant and a vector of financial ratios. The results obtained from ordinary least-squares regressions show firms with good financial performance present higher output growth.
A Roadmap For Customer Relationship Management
Authors: Dadashzadeh Mohammad , Krishnaiyer Krishnan , Ramkumar Ashok , Swaminathan Sriram
Published: March 2016

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) has become yet another bandwagon in the crowded caravans towards strategic information systems nirvana. In this paper, we contend that beyond serving as a buzzword and a passing fad to acquire an Information Technology (IT) solution from clamoring vendors, managements enthusiasm for CRM can effectively be cultivated to develop the organizations strategic plan for making the customer the focal point of all activities. To that end, we examine CRM technologies by considering what they offer for managing each stage of the Customer Resource Life Cycle (CRLC).
Auditors Academic and Firm Training Regarding Current Information Technology Issues
Authors: Chang C. Janie
Published: March 2016

This study explores auditors perceptions of their college exposure to and training by their firms on the Top Ten Technology Issues for the Year 2000 as identified by the AICPA Technology Committee. Participants are staff and senior auditors currently employed by Big-5 accounting firms. The results indicate that the auditors received only limited exposure to the emerging technology issues while pursuing a college degree. Results indicate that audit staff had significantly more exposure to technology in college than audit seniors had. This finding confirms that accounting educators have included technology topics in accounting curricula. Even so, auditors appear to obtain most of their knowledge on information technology through accounting firm training. Findings of this study imply that accounting educators need to continue developing technology-relevant curriculum. Moreover, educators and practitioners should work closely in the future to enhance accounting graduates competency in information technology.
How The Internet Affects Productivity
Authors: Hannula Mika , Lonnqvist Antti
Published: March 2016

During the past decade, there has been a lot of research focusing on the Internets effects on productivity. One of the central themes of this research has been the productivity paradox. Productivity paradox is a phenomenon in which investments in the use of information technology have not resulted in productivity improvements. The objective of this paper is to present the conclusions that this extensive research of the past few years has arrived at concerning the Internets effects on productivity. This paper also includes a practical example which illustrates how the use of the Internet might result in very high productivity improvements by redesigning the entire business model.In the literature, the research results on the issue are conflicting. Some researchers have not found any evidence that would suggest that the use of the Internet increases productivity. However, there are several success stories that imply that the Internet could be an important tool in improving productivity or overall performance of a firm. In addition, it seems that in some cases the productivity paradox has occurred because of defective or unsuitable productivity measures, or even because of conceptual confusions.The key finding of this paper is that the use of the Internet may or may not increase productivity, depending on the way it is used. From the managerial perspective, there are also many other reasons for using the Internet, such as improved customer service or competitive pressure. However, a better customer service means better value for a customer. For a firm this usually means better productivity. To conclude, it seems evident that successful investments in internet technology should lead to better productivity and the greatest productivity improvements are attainable when the Internet is used to create entirely new business models.
Empirical Evidence Of Sector Rotation: A Case Study Of Old Economy Industry And New Economy Industry
Authors: Raphael Douglas , Yur-Austin Jamine
Published: March 2016

This research examines whether variations in returns exist between Old economy industry and New economy industry when the U.S. economy changed from expansion to contraction. The two-year period, 1999-2000 is used for examining sector rotation. Further, this study tends to investigate whether the lack of consistent time-series performance presents within an industry. Our sample industries include Oil Exploration and Production industry, Oil Well Service and Equipment industry, and Integrated Oil industry to be the representative Old economy industries. Business-to-Business software industry is an example of New economy industry. In general, our results support our hypothesis that industry factor is an important basis for substantial returns variations between New economy industry and Old economy industry. Business-to-Business software industry reports statistically significant positive Jensen Alpha of 199.66% and 483% in third quarter of 1999 and fourth quarter of 1999, respectively. However, Business-to-Business software industry shows deteriorated Jensen Alpha approaching the end of 2000. This study also documents considerable changes of quarterly Jensen Alpha for three Oil industries from time to time. Empirical evidence indicates the apparent lack of consistency in returns within an industry over time. Moreover, consistent with the oil gas futures prices patterns, three Oil industries have underperformed the market in 1998 and significantly outperformed the market in 2000.
Data Mining For Customer Relationship Management
Authors: Kadiyala Savitha S. , Srivastava Alok
Published: March 2016

Data mining has various applications for customer relationship management. In this article, we introduce a framework for identifying appropriate data mining techniques for various CRM activities. This article attempts to integrate the data mining and CRM models and to propose a new model of Data mining for CRM. The new model specifies which types of data mining processes are suitable for which stages/processes of CRM. In order to develop an integrated model it is important to understand the existing Data mining and CRM models. Hence the article discusses some of the existing data mining and CRM models and finally proposes an integrated model of data mining for CRM.