bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EXPLORING PROBABLE FACTORS DETERMINING THE SUCCESS OF BUMIPUTERA ENTREPRENEURS
Authors: Haji Mat Zin Ragayah , Senteri Zulkifli
Published: February 2008

The roles of small and medium‐scale industries (SMIs) are well‐documented (see Ragayah Haji Mat Zin, 1996). SMIs not only continue to be the majority of enterprises everywhere and exist side‐by‐side with large industries in developed countries such as Japan, Germany, Italy and the United States of America, they are also regarded as the engine of growth in the Newly Industrializing Economies (NEEs). In the developed countries, SMIs are said to be able to generate more employment relative to large firms as well as plying a complementary role to the latter. In Japan, for example, of the 430,393 enterprises in the Japanese manufacturing sector at the end of 1991, 99.1%, or 436,455, were small businesses, which also accounted for 72.1% of the employees and 51.8% of the value of shipment in this sector (JFS, 1993). They are seen to play a wider role in developing countries. In addition to the above, many studies (see for example Chee, 1985, 1990; Levy, 1993; and Rahmah Ismail, 1995) have shown that SMI entrepreneurs can mobilize savings, SMIs can act as seedling beds for entrepreneurial training, as well as improve income distribution.
RAZI'S HUMAN NEEDS THEORY AND ITS RELEVANCE TO ETHICS AND ECONOMICS
Authors: Noor Hanafi Mohd.
Published: February 2008

Razi's theory has an axiological and epistemological relevance that ethical values are established on knowledge model which is developed by interactive preferences between polity and the value system. The point of departure for the understanding of the differences of Razi's human needs theory vis‐a‐vis the contemporary ideas are the metaphysical principle that underlies the notion of the theory. By means of this principle we come to understand the place of human being in the universe, his function and purpose in life and his final destination, therefore his needs and motivations. Thus an economic system based on Razi's human needs theory is an ethico‐economy which tilts neither toward socialism nor laissez‐faire capitalism. The notion of need can be interpreted as a reaction against allegedly value‐free or value‐neutral approaches in the social sciences. In this sense, the work of Razi can be most usefully seen as part of those ethical ideas which he invoked in the 12th century. Razi's writing on ethics that very closely related to philosophy is much less well known. Yet it is essential in an attempt to evaluate his contribution to the development of Islamic thought. The scope of his writings is remarkable, ranging from his early analyses of theological and legal controversies in the eastern part of the Muslim world, through a book on Qur'anic Exegesis and ethics; from medical sciences to his sustained polemic on credology and philosophy. In short, his writings embrace diversity of areas, from theology to philosophy, from natural to applied sciences including chemistry, astronomy and medicine. In his writings, he succeeded in proving his claim that excellence and perfection of man are not realized by means of bodily sensual pleasure. Rather, it is realized instead, by means of knowledge, power and excellent manners. This paper gives an account of the relevancies of knowledge‐based world view in the light of Razi's view of human needs. In dealing with this topic, two questions are explored: (1) what is his view of human needs? and, (2) what is the relevance of his view to ethics and economics?
OUTLINING SOCIAL JUSTICE FROM AN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE: AN EXPLORATION
Authors: Noor Abdun
Published: February 2008

Ever since men began living in society, thinkers and philosophers aimed at defining the goal of human beings to attain in order to lead a good life. An individual, according to Plato, is insufficient by himself. Such insufficiency can be overcome only when he joins with others to meet mutual needs. Society is thus a relationship of mutual co‐operation and exchange (Aristotle, Al‐Farabi). In this relationship, everybody expects that ‘justice’ should be done to ensure one's due. Therefore, justice is the supreme value of the society. A societal condition is said to be just or a good or happy one, where everybody is ensured of his due. On the other hand, an unjust or unhappy society is that where a sense of injustice or ‘feeling of deprivation’ exists. Thus justice is a guarantee for happiness and injustice becomes the cause of unhappiness. Justice and happiness are, therefore, inextricably interwoven. Good life or happiness, the universal quest of mankind, can only be achieved, said Aristotle, in a society that is based on justice.
THE CHINESE COMMUNITY AND THE GROWTH OF ETHNOCENTRIC CAPITALISM IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Ghosh B.N. , Abdad M.Z.
Published: February 2008

The genesis and growth of Chinese capitalism in Malaysia had to be analysed with reference to religiosity and its practices among the Chinese community outside China. Chinese religion particularly Confucius and Buddhist, discourage material acquisition.
HUMAN RESOURCES IN KUWAIT: TRENDS AND ISSUES
Authors: Mohammad Othman E. , Rammadhan Mohammad
Published: February 2008

Perhaps no other topic was given so much attention in the Kuwaiti socio‐political, economic literature as that of human resources. This is so for a number of reasons. First, Kuwait being a small economy cannot survive on its own labor force. Foreign labor helps the country but has some serious consequences. The imported labor force is very cheap compared to national labor. This had resulted in a malallocation of manpower in various sectors of the economy. Secondly, Kuwait, like many Muslim Gulf societies, does not fully utilize its female labor force; and thirdly, there are problems regarding the attitudes of Kuwaitis towards labor of particular types. In addition, there are many challenges in the area of human resources that the country faces as it moves into the 21st century.
USE OF NON‐LINEAR PROGRAMMING IN ACHIEVING EQUILIBRIUM OF AN ISLAMIC FIRM
Authors: Kareem Al‐Safar Abdul
Published: February 2008

This paper expands on the application of non‐linear programming to cover the equilibrium of a firm operating according to Islamic laws (Sharia). Islamic teachings impose certain constraints that have serious economic applications. Kuhn‐Tucker conditions reveal that the equilibrium of an Islamic firm is quite different from that of a traditional (non‐Islamic) firm. In particular, optimality of an Islamic firm will result in greater output and higher prices relative to those of its non‐Islamic counterpart.
ROLE OF INSTITUTIONS FOR PROMOTING SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, MORAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT BASED ON ALTRUISM
Authors: Huq Pramanik Ataul
Published: February 2008

The basis of human creation lays the foundation for altruism. Babies, be they human or animal are born helpless. Their very survival depends on the love and affection that are already embedded in the hearts of mothers. No amount of selfish attitude of mothers, not at least from short life span, can help in the growth of their off‐springs. One can argue that it is the self‐interested motive of the parents and most particularly the mothers of getting supports in their old days that drives them to be altruistic rather than selfish. Being altruistic means undertaking a lot of sacrifice in terms of personal pleasure and happiness merely for seeing pleasure and happiness in others regardless of any human bondage. An egoistic person, on the other hand, would never care for others. Personal level satisfaction only dominates the mind of an extremely egoistic or self‐centered man.
POLITICS OF KINSHIP IN A TRADITIONAL PEASANT COMMUNITY OF BANGLADESH
Authors: Shairul Mashreque M.
Published: February 2008

Peasant political order is functionally related to the ties of kinship. Kinship ties are of crucial importance to its effective functioning. Peasant communities in Bangladesh deserve mention. Most peasant communities here are by and large undeveloped hinterland. We may convey the status of ‘virgin village’ to those peasant communities yet visited by any survey team or any voluntary organisations involved in the process of rural modernisation. Here socio‐economic and political activities are organised around kinship nexus. Institutional foundation of kinship is a pervasive phenomenon. Viewed in this perspective kinship is an institution encompassing all aspects of life. The peasants have most intimate relationship with this institution marked by affection, reciprocity, solidarity and co‐operation.
REGULATION AND DEREGULATION IN THE ISLAMIC POLITICAL ECONOMY: COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Alam Choudhury Masudul
Published: February 2008

The much debated topic of economic regulation and deregulation in the perspectives of market transformation that is now gripping the global politico‐economic climate, is studied with the Islamic focus in it. In the attempt, comparative ideas in this area are taken up, particularly those propounded by Baumol with regards to regulation of firms to generate a semblance of competitive pricing. The Islamic firm is studied in reference to a knowledge‐based model of unification as complementarity among possibilities. Such a model is shown to be the crux of Shari'ah in the Islamic political economy as in the broadest sense of the socio‐scientific order, where process‐oriented as opposed to optimal models of equilibrium, apply. In reference to such a knowledge‐centered epistemological model of Divine Unity (Tawhid), it is argued that all kinds of regulation become redundant in the case of the Islamic firm. Such is a firm that complies with Shari'ah rules in the Islamic political economy. Here the socio‐economic transformation is guided towards realizing ethicized markets. The short‐run and long‐run cases are studied with regards to the problem of regulation. What is the nature of regulation for a modern Islamic firm in the face of a global market transformation process that is on? The answer to this question is to be sought first from the viewpoint of Islamic Law (Shari'ah) concerning economic regulation and the nature of goods, transactions, instruments and exchange in the market process. Secondly, the question of validity of some of the present days regulatory practices must be investigated. In this paper the above two points will be the focus of study.
LABOUR'S INCOME SHARE IN AN ISLAMIC ECONOMIC FRAMEWORK: A PROPOSAL
Authors: Toutounchian I.
Published: February 2008

In standard discussions (capitalistic economy), business firms and the income‐distribution property of production factors are dealt with in a manner in which they are independent from each other and there is no interaction as such between them. Furthermore, no role whatso‐ever is assumed for externalities. If we accept that there is interaction between production factors and these factors because of the existence of externalities affects each other, therefore it is only natural to come to this conclusion that both the definition of business firm and the share of production factors should be changed. The proposal developed in this paper is based on this very important consideration. The profit share of Mudareb (profit‐sharing agent) has been used in this paper to cover more general issues, such as labor's income share in an Islamic system. The Mudareb's relative share might be justified on the grounds that he has the appropriate expertise, profession, so to speak. This justification can be extended to “labor” in general, be it in industry, services, and other economic activities. It seems that, it is not only the degree of expertise and skill which determines the labor's share, but also its interaction with other expertises which makes one qualified to share part of the profit. This interaction provides better results than the same of individual skills. The application of the proposal not only increases output and hence the total revenue of a firm, but also helps keep the production cost at its lowest possible level. Furthermore, it leads one to look at a firm as an interacting body of different expertise. Increase in efficiency together with low production costs are to the mutual benefits of both the workers and the firm. Furthermore, there would not only be zero monitoring cost, but also eliminates shirking while increasing the effort of the workers to its maximum level.
FROM RATIONALITY TO RIGHTEOUSNESS: A UNIVERSAL THEORY OF ACTION
Authors: al Hasan Biraima Muhammad
Published: February 2008

This is a paper of methodological orientation. An attempt has been made to delineate the basic elements of a Qur'anic view of social reality as an integral part of the worldview of the Qur'an. The theoretical frame thus derived from the Qur'an is then shown to lay the foundation for a universal theory of social science. A theory of action based on the concept of the righteous actor is contrasted with a theory of action based on the concept of the rational actor, the former representing Homo‐Islamicus, the second representing Homo‐economicus. The theory of action suggested rests on the work of Imam al Shatibi on the purposes (magasid) of Shari'ah, which is shown to emanate logically from the Qur'anic view of social reality suggested by the author.
A CONCEPTUALIZATION OF A MICRO‐CREDIT UNION — WORKERS COOPERATIVE TO ASSIST PEOPLE TO DEVELOP SELF‐EMPLOYMENT
Authors: Campbell J.W.
Published: February 2008

Throughout the twentieth century, nations defined their responses to the heaves of the market's boom‐and‐bust cycles through the interplay between people's demands and their governments. The variations of that struggle were reflected in the variations among national policies; but, across virtually all industrialized nations, there gradually emerged a consensus around the necessity for greater security to be built into the institutions of society. In hindsight, the emergence of the welfare state appears as a rational response to this pattern of economic development, indeed as a precondition of its continuance.
ENTERPRISE IN NATIVE COMMUNITIES IN THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES OF CANADA
Authors: Myers Heather
Published: February 2008

The northern, predominantly native, communities of Canada's Northwest Territories can provide an interesting comparison for Malaysia's indigenous population; the native peoples' needs and value systems may be largely invisible in broader national development policy; their traditional lifestyles and economies continue to exist; they may live in relatively resource‐rich areas, sought for exploitation by outside interests; they are also changing under the influence of global culture and economy. A comparison can also be drawn with Cape Breton communities, as described during the Sydney workshop; individuals’ economic strategies are characterized by part‐time and seasonal wage work, diversified/multiple sources of household income, and informal economic exchange, yet people try hard to stay in their communities, rather than leave. Quality of life, family and community ties are more important than increased cash incomes. As Denis Goulet noted in the opening session of our workshop, people need “rich being” not just more things; biological survival depends as much on cultural development as on economic development.
TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE IN THE MALAYSIAN PLANTATION CROP AGRICULTURAL SUB‐SECTOR: BENEFITS TO RURAL HOUSEHOLDS
Authors: Haji Alias Mohammad , Jusoh Mansor
Published: February 2008

Oil palm, natural rubber and cocoa are the three major plantation crops planted accounting for about 4.5 million hectares of cultivated land in 1995 (4.41 million hectares in 1993 (Table 1)). These crops are grown mainly for exports. But with resource‐based industrialization, a rising proportion of output is processed domestically in the manufacture of food and industrial products. Smallholder participation in the production of these crops, mainly from rural areas, is significant. Small‐holdings accounted for 83.5% of natural rubber planted area, 51% of oil palm area, and 53% of cocoa planted area. The estate sector's shares in total area and production of the three crops are declining because estates are moving out of agriculture. Estates are diversifying their output mix, in particular replacing rubber with oil palm. The shift is induced by the downtrend in rubber prices in the 1980s except for the recovery in 1988, and the observed better returns from oil palm production. On the other hand, the area of small‐holdings planted with rubber has remained relatively stable. Both cocoa and oil palm area under small‐holdings have increased.
IS THERE A PRINCIPAL‐AGENT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FUTURE EMPLOYERS AND CONGRESSMEN? AN EXAMINATION OF THE HOUSE VOTE ON FLAG BURNING
Authors: McGarrity Joseph P. , Bell James A. , Barr James E.
Published: February 2008

To date, Congressional ideology has been considered to be the portion of a roll call vote that could not be explained by self‐interested behavior. This paper suggests that the scope of what is considered self‐interested behavior must be expanded. We find evidence that Congressmen may be the agent in a principal agent relationship, not only to voters and PACs as commonly thought, but also to industries that may offer Congressmen employment when they leave the House.
THE FUTURE OF MASS PRODUCTION IN CAPITALISM: THE TRANSFORMATION OF DEMAND AND SUPPLY ‐ A BRIEF NOTE
Authors: Nato Takatsugu
Published: February 2008

A socio‐economic paradigm can take birth not by a single imagination, but by realistic thinking of a new galaxy of efforts or insight into the great critical mass of new signs. In this way, my presentation here is abstract in sketching out “The future of mass‐production as a system in capitalism.”
Meaning, Method and Social Science: A Realist Account
Authors: Sauer James B.
Published: February 2008

It is not unusual for Muslim social scientists to complain about the pressure to conform to non‐Islamic frameworks for understanding social phenomena because these typically Western patterns of rationality miss important elements of an Islamic social world and self‐understanding. This being true, the reasoning goes, what is provided is a distorted understanding of the Muslim social world and inadequate policies framed on a distorted understanding. M.A. Choudhury accurately characterizes this situation for economics, but it is applicable to the social sciences in general.
Interpretations of the CAPM, Diversification, and Beta: Clarifications
Authors: Ardalan Kavous
Published: February 2008

It is now common for finance textbooks to discuss the concepts of the CAPM, diversification benefit, and systematic risk, as measured by beta. The purpose of this paper is to clarify aspects of these concepts and make the textbooks readers aware of them. In particular, this paper seeks to: (1) clarify the notion that “diversification reduces risk,” (2) provide geometric expositions and algebraic expressions of portfolio benefits in the context of both total risk and market risk, and (3) improve the interpretation of beta.
Whither Welfare States? The Lessons from Fast‐Growing East Asian Emerging Economies and the Grameen Bank Model
Authors: Huq Pramanik Ataul
Published: February 2008

The concept of welfare state gained popularity during the period when the free market mechanism already established its pre‐eminence. The free market mechanism of the west together with the personal freedom being nurtured in an environment of democratic political institutions led to the emergence of the welfare state. The reason why the welfare state gained popularity during the period when the industrialized world was enjoying economic prosperity was because of the growing need for protecting the rights of citizens from any unforseen events regardless of their existing socio‐economic conditions.
Educational and Income Inequality in Malaysia
Authors: Ismail Rahmah
Published: February 2008

The poverty rate in Malaysia has dropped tremendously, whereas income inequality has followed an upward and downward trend. Beginning 1957/58 until 1990, Malaysia has completed one cycle of Kuznets Inverted‐U Hypothesis. However, since the 1990s income inequality is beginning to move upward again. One of the major concerned by the government in line to reduce poverty and income inequality is the role of education. Inequality in educational attainment may contribute inequality in income distribution. This paper attempts to analyze trend of income inequality and poverty in Malaysia. The main objectives of this paper are to look at the distribution of employment by educational status and the relationship between educational attainments amongst employees with income inequality.
Language and Community Economic Development: Implications for Human Resource Development
Authors: MacIntyre Gertrude
Published: February 2008

A “new” language for human resource development in Community Economic Development will require new methods of discourse, a set of shared assumptions, and a belief system rooted in both the universal and the particular conditions of community life. This new language, emerging in Canada and elsewhere, is directed at local participation, collective action, inclusivity, solidarity, empowerment and local control.
Bumiputera Commercial and Industrial Community in the Food‐processing Industry: An Analysis of Institutional Support
Authors: Shahadan Faridah
Published: February 2008

The economic crisis of 1997 necessitates a rethinking of the way Malaysia manages its economy. The call for a re‐examination of the government's role in the economy necessitates an analysis of the government's past economic performance. This paper analyses the impact of a particular Malaysian government's policy, namely the creation of a Bumiputera Commercial and Industrial Community (BCIC). For purposes of analysis, this paper focuses on BCIC development in the food‐processing industry. The government has provided various support (such as, marketing, skill‐upgrading, technology) to Bumiputera in the food‐processing industry. This study uses a discriminant analysis to distinguish the characteristics of institutional support beneficiaries from those of non‐beneficiaries. The results of the study show that Bumiputera entrepreneurs who received and those who do not receive institutional supports, differ significantly in six characteristics. The six characteristics are entrepreneurs' level of education, their need‐for‐achievement, locus of control, communicative behaviour, firms' productivity, and level of process innovation. This study shows that those who have received institutional supports tend to have higher entrepreneurial qualities and firms that received institutional supports were more productive and innovative.
Micro‐Finance Capacity Assessment for Poverty Alleviation: Outreach, Viability and Sustainability
Authors: Siwar Chamhuri , Talib Basri Abd.
Published: February 2008

Malaysia introduced its first micro‐financing programme in 1986 to replicate Grameen Bank's successful specialised delivery system, emphasising direct targeting, informality of delivery, and delivering credit to the “doorsteps” of the poor. Since then, micro‐finance programs (MFPs) have been part of the poverty alleviation policies and strategies. MFPs became a popular approach, especially to reach the poor who would normally be excluded from the formal credit sector. This paper evaluates the performance of three MFIs, namely Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), Yayasan Usaha Maju (YUM) and Koperasi Kredit Rakyat (KKR). The paper provides a micro‐finance capacity assessment to identify issues and constraints especially with respect to outreach, viability or sustainability, resource mobilisation, and policy environment.
The European Union in the World Economy and Implications of EU Policies for Globalisation Efforts of Developing Countries
Authors: Nienhaus Volker
Published: February 2008

The world economy is a network of individual states and regional groupings of countries which are interlinked by trade in cross‐border goods and services, movements of factors of production (labour and especially capital) and financial flows. The intensity of these international linkages has grown in absolute and relative terms (related to GDP) after World War II and especially in the 1990s. After the collapse of the communist systems and in view of a worldwide political trend towards deregulation and liberalisation, increasing globalisation has become a widely debated phenomenon. One difference between the 1990s and previous periods is the increasing internationalisation of production through networks of transnational corporations (TNCs).
Islamic Worldview: Prime Motive for Development
Authors: Badawi Jamal A.
Published: February 2008

Like many other authors, Briffault recognises the immense contribution of Muslims to civilisation and its influence on the European renaissance. Unlike most other authors, however, Briffault realises that such a contribution was stimulated, motivated and guided by a “new spirit.” Insufficient attention, however, has been given to the source and roots of this “new spirit,” which emerged suddenly and powerfully in the Seventh Century initially among the Arabs who were not known for any significant contribution to science and technology. Nor was the sandy, mostly arid Arabia known as a centre of learning and research.
Normative Issues Relating to Trade and Development in the OIC Membership in the Light of Islamic Political Economy
Authors: Alam Choudhury Masudul , Al‐Hasan Biraima Mohammad
Published: February 2008

Reliance on statistical data on trade and development for Islamic countries cannot forecast the state of the future state of reconstruction of the Muslim World in this field. The limitation here is due to the age‐old debility of the Muslim World to project any significant economic, social and institutional transformation in the light of her own communal interest and self‐reliance. Thus the past economic data on trade and development variables show no pattern of future change. Forecasting with these data simply projects the past state of the Muslim World into the future. For these reasons, a model of reconstruction and transformation of the Muslim World on Islamic grounds necessitates reliance on normative issues. Yet these are issues that are First theoretically modelled and then empirically investigated for viability according to survey data.
ARE THESE PEOPLE CRAZY, OR WHAT? A Rational Choice Interpretation of Cults and Charisma
Authors: Wilson Loretta S. , Kwileck Susan
Published: February 2008

In the wake of numerous late twentieth century cult disasters, and most recently, the September 11 tragedy, this paper considers the question, why do people obey outrageous commands from charismatic authorities? According to Gary Becker, “the economic ap‐proach provides a valuable unified framework for understandingallhuman behavior” (Becker 1976:14). We test this generalization by attempting to explain, in terms of rational choice theory, the behavior of two members of infamous cults, the Manson Family and the Ragneesh Foundation International. Each of these subjects slavishly obeyed orders from a charismatic personality, one to the extent of committing murder. Were they mentally ill or rationally maximizing their utility? We consider these theoretical options. In August of 1969 Charles Manson ordered several of his followers to commit gruesome murders for the purpose of initiating the apocalypse. They obeyed. In late 1978, Jim Jones commanded over 900 members of the Peoples Temple to commit suicide. They obeyed. From 1981 to 1985, executing orders to build utopia perceived to come from their guru, members of the Ragneesh Foundation International terrorized the inhabitants of Antelope, Oregon. Similarly, followers of Osama Bin Laden are suspected of carrying out the disastrous suicide murders of September 11. Over past decades, the incidence of violence involving submission to a charismatic leader appears to be escalating. Increasingly the public must contend with the “awesome power” of charisma, “enshrouded in a mystique of irrationality” (Bradley 1987: 3–4). The extent to which followers committing criminal acts of obedience may be held accountable has become a pressing legal issue. How can this kind of volatile religious commitment be explained? In recent years, experts on cults have experimented with rational choice theory. According to economist, Gary Becker, “the economic approach provides a valuable unified framework for understandingallhuman behavior” (Becker 1976: 14). We test this extravagant claim with two cases of seemingly irrational commitment to a charismatic cult leader—one a follower of Bhagwan Rajneesh, the other a Manson Family killer. These subjects are not representative cult members but rather were chosen because they demonstrated an exceptional loyalty to their leaders that has been widely construed as the result of brainwashing or insanity. Rather than survey data, we rely on autobiographical testimonies since they offer a more detailed and comprehensive view of the thought processes that motivate behavior, the subject matter of this paper.
Moral Hazard and Industrial Loan Default: Evidences from Bangladesh
Authors: Ziaul Hoque Mohammad
Published: February 2008

Industrial credit providers in developing countries have been experiencing serious financial distress since the late 1970s due to persistent industrial loan default. Despite the application of a number of remedial measures, loan default problem continued to haunt them. This paper advances this argument that one of the prime reasons for loan default is the morally indefensible behaviour of borrowers and lenders in developing countries. The author has provided evidences from Bangladesh in support of such contention and recommends for changes in lenders and borrowers behaviour to create deterrent against moral hazard problems in order to reduce incidents loan default.
Is Sustainable Development Possible in a Globalized World?
Authors: Goulet Denis
Published: February 2008

Globalization, says a recent study, “is in danger of becoming, if it has not already become, the cliche of our times: the big idea which encompasses everything from global financial markets to the Internet but which delivers little substantive insight into the contemporary human condition.” That study, although lamenting that globalization “lacks precise definition,” nevertheless defines it as “a process (or set of processes) which embodies a transformation in the spatial organization of social relations and transactions — assessed in terms of their extensity, intensity, velocity and impact — generating transcontinental or interregional flows and networks of activity, interaction, and the exercise of power.” Public debates on globalization often generate more political heat than analytical light; yet we cannot avoid studying globalization for, as the Finnish scholar Raimo Väyrynen notes, “it is an important, pervasive historical trend whose consequences will be accentuated in the new millennium.”
Sustainable People
Authors: Anne MacIntyre Gertrude
Published: February 2008

This paper suggests that the concept of sustainable development has considerable limitations because it has become abstract and too often ignores that many forms of development (oil and gas exploitation, mining) are not sustainable. Development, as the well‐worn cliche puts it, is about people. Our approach at the Community Development Institute focuses on how individuals can become sustainable and motivated to develop their own potential while at the same time working towards the development of their organizations and communities. Discussions about development thus move from abstractions to ways in which specific individuals can live good lives (as they define them) while contributing to their communities. The concept of sustainable people is linked to that of community development, which offers a middle way for the creation of employment and wealth between the efforts of the state and those of the private sector, especially in poor and marginalized areas.
The Fate of Islamic Science Between the Eleventh and Sixteenth Centuries: A Comprehensive Review of Scholarship from Ibn Khaldun to the Present
Authors: Abdalla Mohamad
Published: February 2008

Islamic science was originally viewed as mere translator and transmitter of Greek, Indian and pre‐Islamic Persian science. Recent research has shifted our understanding of Islam's contribution to what is now called “the exact sciences.” We now know that Islamic science “was even richer and more profound than we had previously thought.” A substantial amount of genuine science was done in Islam, it predated similar discoveries in the West, and it also impacted upon the Renaissance. For example, in the late 1950apos;s, E. S. Kennedy and his students at the American University of Beirut discovered an important work of a fourteenth century Muslim astronomer by the name of Ibn al‐Shatir. This discovery showed that Ibn al‐Shatir's astronomical inventions were the same type of mechanism used by Copernicus a few centuries later,” and may have played a key role in the Copernican revolution. Consequently, an unprecedented acceleration of research into Islamic science started from the 1950s onwards. Recently, historian of Islamic science George Saliba was able to show that one of Copernicus's Muslim contemporaries — Kliafri — was a “brilliant astronomer, whose ability to work with the mathematics of his time is unsurpassed, including that of Copernicus,” and that he could use mathematics much more fluently, and much more competently, than Copernicus could do.
The Vantage Point of the Oppressed: A Superior Standpoint for Understanding and Interpreting the Social World in Terms of Unique Knowledge Structures
Authors: Choudhury Mufeedh
Published: February 2008

The practical and philosophical understanding of the mind of the oppressed is an intricate one that involves many different themes. Yet it is one that is central to the study of sociology and exposes to us the human side of society from an individual and a group perspective. So what can we learn from the oppressed? Can oppression promote the drive to try to liberate oneself and, in doing so, enlighten us on aspects of the human condition that will aid our approach to understanding a broader social world‐view? What are the experiences of the oppressed that can teach us more about the pragmatics and the ideologies of social dynamics? The argument put forward in this paper is that the perspective of the oppressed provides a superior vantage point for understanding and interpreting the social world. But in order to have a clear understanding of why this is the case, we must start with a definition of what exactly constitutes to be oppressed.
The Informal Labor Sector Amidst Globalization
Authors: Yuzon Isagani F.
Published: February 2008

Globalization comes to the Philippines at an inopportune time. Countries, which have benefited optimally from globalization, went through inward‐directed phases in their social and economic development. The Group‐of‐Seven Western powers, the Asian tigers like Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and now the dragon of China, first made themselves ready before joining the global competition — they implemented land reform, became self‐sufficient in food, engaged in self‐reliance programs for basic industries, experienced import‐substitution in various degrees, launched locally‐driven industrialization, and had centuries of closed‐door trade policies. These countries first undertook phases of self‐preparation and protectionism before going all‐out into the global fray. Even today, Japan, European Union and the United States remain to have protectionist tendencies in their policies (e.g. key industries, labor supply, migration, etc.) even while mouthing platitudes about the supposed borderlessness of the world. Norway and its Scandinavian neighbors are among the ten most progressive nations but have opted to stay away from what they see as the charade of globalization.
The Role of Audit Committees in Enhancing a Transparent Corporate Reporting
Authors: Mohamed Ehab , Hussain Mostaque
Published: February 2008

The impetus for the development of audit committees in 1970's was the unexpected corporate failures that resulted from corporate misconduct. The situation seems to have hardly changed almost 30 years on. As corporate failures become more spectacular due to big‐names failures and the ever‐developing means of communications that brought such failures to the forefront of the news and almost into every household, more attention is drawn nowadays to the role of audit committees in preventing such failures. With audit committees now the norm in developed countries and increasing number of emerging economies, the role of audit committees has developed from being seen as means of strengthening the external financial reporting process to being seen as means of detecting and preventing corporate misconduct and failures. Thus this study investigates the international developments of audit committees and their role in the issues concerned. It also evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of audit committees, as well as providing possible suggestion to the crucial role that audit committees could play in preventing and detecting corporate misconduct and failures.
Using Phased Retirement to Make a Baby Boomer Retirement Work
Authors: Stendardi Edward J.
Published: February 2008

Much has been written about the difficulty that baby boomers will face when they begin to retire. Concerns have been raised about the long‐term problems facing the Social Security system, problems with employer provided pension plans, volatile financial markets and unfavorable demographics. The purpose of this paper is to examine one tool that baby boomers can use to make their retirements more successful — phased retirement. Moreover, this paper will attempt to demonstrate that it is in the best interest of not only employees but also employers and government at all levels to promote the growth of this concept.
Kautilya on Ethics and Economics
Authors: Sihag Balbir S.
Published: February 2008

Sages and seers in ancient India specified dharma, artha, kama and moksha as the four ends of a moral and productive life and emphasised the attainment of a proper balance between the spiritual health and the material health. However, most of their intellectual energy was directed towards the attainment of moksha, the salvation from birth‐death‐rebirth cycle. Kautilya, on the other hand considered poverty as a living death and concentrated on devising economic policies to achieve salvation from poverty but without compromising with ethical values unless survival of the state was threatened. Kautilya's Arthashastra is unique in emphasising the imperative of economic growth and welfare of all. According to him, if there is no dharma, there is no society. He believed that ethical values pave the way to heaven as well as to prosperity on the earth, that is, have an intrinsic value as well as an instrumental value. He referred the reader to the Vedas and Philosophy for learning moral theory, which sheds light on the distinction between good and bad and moral and immoral actions. He extended the conceptual framework to deal with conflict of interest situations arising from the emerging capitalism. He dedicated his work to Om (symbol of spirituality, God) and Brihaspati and Sukra (political thinkers) implying, perhaps, that his goal was to integrate ethics and economics. It is argued that the level of integration between economics and ethics is significantly higher in Kautilya's Arthashastra than that in Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations or for that matter in the writings of Plato and Aristotle.
Islamic Endogenous Loans
Authors: Shakespeare Rodney
Published: February 2008

The present options for an economy all have serious weaknesses and, in any case, the way forward for Islam must be completely distinctive. Fortunately, Islamic opposition to riba enables a distinctive new way which addresses the real economy, furthers justice and ends foreign financial colonialism. The new way uses Islamic endogenous loans. These are state‐issued, repayable, interest‐free loans which are generally administered by the banking system on market and private property principles. The loans are counter‐inflationary and are always directed at productive capacity. Because they bear no interest, the loans create productive capacity at one half, or less, of the present cost for:— • Public capital investment — hospitals, roads, bridges, etc. • Private capital investment as long as such investment creates new owners of capital and is part of policy to enable all individuals to become owners of productive capital. • Environmental capital investment • Small and start‐up businesses
A Course for Ground Engineers
Authors: McIsaac A.
Published: February 2008

THE opening paragraph of last month's article stated that perhaps speed is the most important factor in air transport. That was due to an error in transcription and is far removed from the writer's opinion. There should be one consideration only constantly in the mind of the ground engineer—that of safety. That there may be safety in flying is the prime reason for the existence of ground engineers and it is with this object always in view that their duties should be carried out.
Wrought Alloys of Aluminium in Aircraft
Authors: Mortimer George
Published: February 2008

THROUGHOUT the history of the advance of aviation the development of light alloys occurs and recurs as a silver thread, lightening the pattern. From the very first the possibility of aviation has been bound up with the design of the prime mover, and the remarkable strides made during the past two decades in the production of power from a minimum of weight are largely due to the alloys of aluminium, their strength and rigidity for a given weight, their thermal properties, and their capacity for prolonged, reliable service.
Aeronautical Progress in Great Britain
Authors: Wimperis H.E.
Published: February 2008

THE application of scientific principles to the design of aircraft and aircraft equipment during the post‐war years has yielded results which are becoming increasingly apparent. The time interval which elapses between the conception of an idea and its application to production aircraft is necessarily long, but it would seem that we are just beginning to reap the reward of much patient study.
An Historical Survey of Atalian Aeronautics
Authors: Giacomelli R.
Published: February 2008

IN the development of Italian Aeronautics four periods can be distinguished: A first period, covering the fifteenth, sixteenth and seven‐teenth centuries, in which the first idea of the technical possibility of human flight, both on the heavier and on lighter than air principles, was conceived in Italy, and the physico‐mechanical conditions of animal flight explained. In this period are to bo met the names of Leonardo da Vinci, Francesco Lana, Alfonso Borelli working on independent lines. A second period, in which Italy produced a number of distinguished aeronauts, among whom Vincenzo Lunardi and Francesco Zambeccari became well known in England for having carried out in London the first balloon ascents in 1784–85. In this period, which starting with the discovery of the Brothers Montgolfier, docs not go farther than the first decades of the nineteenth century, Italy did not combine with an interest in practical air navigation any actual scientific contribution to its development. A third period, in which Italy entered the scientific field. In this period, which covers the time from the last twenty‐five years of the nineteenth century to the end of the Great War, we find two principal names: Enrico Forlanini and Arturo Crocco. Finally the present period, subsequent to the war. On the work of Leonardo da Vinci on human flight a definite opinion can now be expressed. He arrived, after a long evolution of ideas, at the same solution which humanity actually realised towards the end of the past century with Otto Lilienthal in Germany, and his successors in several countries: Pilcher in England, Ferbcr in France, Chanute and the Brothers Wright in America. In fact Leonardo da Vinci, having started, like Lilientlial, from the imitation of the flapping flight of birds, came, at the end, like the latter, to soaring flight. The difference between the two lies in this: Lilienthal was compelled from flapping to soaring, or rather gliding flight, through practical experiments; Leonardo da Vinci, who never attained to actual construction and tests, through mental experiments.
Some Novelties in Aero Engine Design
Authors: Giacomelli R.
Published: February 2008

THE Società Anonima Officine Meccaniche Fuscaldo of Brescia has recently produced a series of four aero‐engines, and will soon be starting a second series.
The Progress of Aerodynamic Research in 1929
Authors: Relf Ernest F.
Published: February 2008

THERE has been no diminution during the past year in the number of old and new problems demanding research, and all available equipment has been in continuous use. In spite of this, it is probably true to say that the programme of researches in hand at the moment is even more extensive than it was a year ago. This is very largely due to the ever‐increasing complexity of the questions that arise, and to the consequent increase in the amount of time and labour necessary for the solution.
The Single Spar Wing Again
Authors: de Marolles R.J.
Published: February 2008

ALL‐METAL construction is much to the fore in many countries, in various forms; some engineers still cling to fabric as a covering, relying solely on structural members to take all the stresses, while others prefer taking full advantage of the use of metal throughout, including covering, both to obtain increased durability and to make the skin take its share of the load. It appears probable that, for important machines at least, the latter school is likely to predominate in the future. But it constitutes a much more difficult task if advantages are not to be attained at the expense of other qualities, such as small cost, low weight and ease of repair, to mention but a few. Some firms are working hard in France to arrive at a satisfactory solution of the problem; amongst them, Messrs. Weymann‐Lepère are noteworthy for their recent and strikingly original efforts.
The Loth Navigation System
Authors: de Marolles R.J.
Published: February 2008

A NEW method of navigation has been evolved by the “Société Industrielle des Precédés Loth,” and was recently demonstrated at the experimental station installed at Vaux‐sur‐Seine, near Meulan, some 20 miles west of Paris.
Aircraft Engine Installation
Authors: Nutt Arthur
Published: February 2008

THE subject of aircraft engine installation has not received as much attention during the past as it should have done, particularly from an engineering and service standpoint. Many of the failures of power plants in the air have not been caused by engine failure, but by engine installation. It is believed that the major reason for this unfortunate condition is the lack of engineering when combining the aeroplane and engine. At the present time, engine installations are being made by aircraft designers and, while the engine designer is often consulted regarding the installation, he is not responsible for it.
Three New German Machines
Authors: Beck Waldemar C.
Published: February 2008

AT a flying meeting arranged jointly by the Mecklenburg Aero Club and the Deutsche Verkehrs Fliegerschule held at Warnemunde during the summer several interesting new types of aeroplane made their appearance.
Wireless Direction Finding
Authors: Carr C.B.
Published: February 2008

THE art of navigating any mobile craft depends essentially on being able to determine the position of that craft with relation to a fixed point or points; the position may either be obtained in the form of a bearing on, and a distance from, any known fixed point, or of simultaneous bearings from two or more fixed points, which bearings are laid off on a chart and denote, by their intersection, the position of the craft at the time.