bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Trade-Off between Banking Outreach And Profitability: Evidence From selected South African Development Countries
Authors: Maredza Andrew
Published: March 2016

In this paper, the fixed effects method known as the least squares dummy variable (LSDV) technique was applied to investigate the possibility of a trade-off between bank profitability indicators and banking outreach (expanding access to banking services) by analysing a panel of 10 South African Development Countries (SADC). Of the fifteen SADC member countries (Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic Of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, United Republic Of Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe), five (Botswana, Congo, Lesotho, Malawi and Zimbabwe) had to be excluded for lack of consistent data throughout our period of analysis. The author investigates whether expanding banking access and pursuing profitability are complementary goals in the same direction or are two conflicting goals. For estimation robustness, two indicators of profitability were used namely return on average assets (ROAA) and return on average equity (ROAE). IMF Financial Access Survey (FAS) data for each country namely, deposit accounts per capita and the number of bank branches per 1000 km2 were used as indicators of bank outreach or access. Operational inefficiency, insolvency risk and credit risk were found to exert a negative impact on both ROA and ROE. Net interest margin a proxy for interest based services and off-balance sheet activities were statistically significant and positively related with bank profitability. Central to the study was that expanding banking access was found to exert a statistically significant and positive impact on profitability for some SADC countries. However, contrary to the author`s expectation, for some countries, the indicator of outreach was inversely related with the chosen indicators of profitability. The researcher however, argues that any form of intervention aimed at improving the state of access to those financially excluded cannot be evaluated from a cost or profit perspective alone but must be all-inclusive taking into account the social and economic benefits to the society as a whole. The major purpose of financial inclusion is to reach the poor and disadvantaged segments of the population. Hence, the author cautions that although attaining high profitability is an important policy objective for ensuring sustainability and financial stability, it is certainly not the only priority. Access to banking services, social inclusion and consumer protection are equally important policy priorities. There is therefore need for government support and a general holistic stakeholder approach to the problem of banking exclusion in order to generate solutions that achieve both profitability and outreach in a balanced fashion.
Extreme Risk, Value-At-Risk And Expected Shortfall In The Gold Market
Authors: Chinhamu Knowledge , Huang Chun-Kai , Huang Chun-Sung , Chikobvu Delson
Published: March 2016

Extreme value theory (EVT) has been widely applied in fields such as hydrology and insurance. It is a tool used to reflect on probabilities associated with extreme, and thus rare, events. EVT is useful in modeling the impact of crashes or situations of extreme stress on investor portfolios. It describes the behavior of maxima or minima in a time series, i.e., tails of a distribution. In this paper, we propose the use of generalised Pareto distribution (GPD) to model extreme returns in the gold market. This method provides effective means of estimating tail risk measures such as Value-at-Risk (VaR) and Expected Shortfall (ES). This is confirmed by various backtesting procedures. In particular, we utilize the Kupiec unconditional coverage test and the Christoffersen conditional coverage test for VaR backtesting, while the Bootstrap test is used for ES backtesting. The results indicate that GPD is superior to the traditional Gaussian and Students t models for VaR and ES estimations.
The Potential Of Open Education Resources To Boost High School Education In South Africa's Kwazulu-Natal Province
Authors: Van der Merwe Alex
Published: March 2016

Many South African high schools are under-performing with poor pass rates, particularly in mathematics and physical science. Although the countrys state of education would seem to be dire, pockets of excellence thrive in many local schools. Given this available expertise, a free and open education resource (OER) base adapted to local conditions and the necessary will, it may be possible to grow vibrant local open education communities and thus promote more equitable access to better quality education. This descriptive study sought to examine the attitudes of a sample of South African high school teachers towards OERs with the aim of gauging their willingness and capacity to use and/or develop these materials within an open economic model/framework. The study established that, in spite of respondents' recognition of the potential advantages of OERs, and even some significant reported use of these instructional tools, there appear to be serious doubts as to the level of institutional support for such open education initiatives. This is unfortunate since teachers appear to be sympathetic to the philosophy of open education and are prepared to donate regular time and effort to the business of developing these resources. The study concludes that policy, at both school and departmental levels, should be sharply realigned to embrace and actively promote the development and more widespread use of open resources. Only then is the economics of open education likely to be unleashed on a transformative scale.
Expatriates And Knowledge Transfer: A Case Study Of A PowerPlant Constructed In Africa
Authors: Ravu S.Y. , Parker K.M.
Published: March 2016

This paper outlines aspects of a broader exploratory study on the management of skills shortages at a leading energy utility in Africa. Specifically, the paper examines the opinions of local and foreign personnel employed on a power plant construction project on the nature of skills shortages experienced at the energy utility, the organizations short-term strategy of dealing with the shortages by employing expatriates and the latters role in knowledge transfer. Various human resources approaches were explored to provide appropriate theoretical structure to the research including intellectual capital and human capital models. A sample of highly skilled personnel defined as key job families according to the Kaplan and Norton (2004) human capital model were purposively selected for the study. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. International research on expatriates impact on knowledge transfer within the public sector environment is very scarce; this is the first research of its kind to examine these issues at a public power plant. Preliminary results indicate that the type of knowledge, willingness to learn and share on the part of both expatriates and locals, and national culture are some of the factors impacting the success of knowledge transfer from expatriates to locals.
Stock Market Integration in Africa: The Case of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and Selected African Countries
Authors: Ncube Gail , Mingiri Kapingura Forget
Published: March 2016

African stock markets are deemed to be small, segmented and illiquid. Given this back ground, the study utilises monthly data for the period 2000-2008, employing the Johansen and Julius cointegration method to determine the long-run relationship between the five selected African stock markets. Granger causality tests were also conducted to establish if there are any causal links between the stock markets in Africa. The analysis in the study indicates that African stock markets are improving in performance, generally, growing and developing. However empirical results indicate that African markets are segmented. Further analysis to determine the relationship between the five selected African stock markets and the world stock markets shows that African stock markets are affected by developments in the international markets. Hence, portfolio diversification opportunities exist in the African stock markets suggesting that investors should also consider investing in their African countries as they offer opportunities rather than considering investing in the international markets only.
Perceptions Of Lecturing Staff On Social Media Networking Systems And Their Use Of It
Authors: Wiid Johannes A. , Nell Corinne E. , Cant Michael C.
Published: March 2016

The advent of technology has led to a major change in the delivering of knowledge and lecturers are in the forefront of this. No longer can projectors or black boards solely be used as a means of communication, as the student of the new millennia is an astute user of technology. Lecturers and students are both therefore expected to make use of technology in the transfer of knowledge and academic interaction. Students have a right to expect their lecturers, and the institution that they study at, to incorporate the latest technology in the delivery of their qualifications. The main aim of this study was to determine lecturers perceptions on social media networking systems and their use of it in an academic context. The study also focussed on whether lecturers make use of, and believes in, social media networking systems as an effective tool to use in teaching and in providing study content and material to students. These were tested by making use of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) constructs namely; Perceive ease of use, Perceived usefulness, Attitude towards using, Intention to use, and System accessibility. A survey was distributed to lecturers, and it was found that social media is being used by the majority of lecturers, but more for social purposes than educational purposes. It was also found that Facebook is the most popular social media networking system to use.
Financing Constraints And Financial Development: Evidence From Selected African Countries
Authors: Wale Letenah Ejigu
Published: March 2016

Economic theory posits that financial development eases firm level financing constraints by mitigating information asymmetry and contracting imperfections. This paper empirically tests for this notion by using firm level data from selected African countries. The sampled firms show positive and significant investment cash flow sensitivity coefficients indicating they are financially constrained. Financial development is found to have a significant and negative effect on the estimated cash flow sensitivity coefficients indicating it reduces firm financial constraints. The result further shows that such positive role of financial development is attributed to financial intermediary development and not to stock market development. A unique result to the African reality is that even firms in countries with high level of financial development are financially constrained. This implies the financial development in Africa is too weak and more policy attention is needed in this regard.
Dumping The Competition, And Scarring Off Investors: The Impact And Influence Of The South African Anti-Dumping And Competition Measures On Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: Sibanda Omphemetse S.
Published: March 2016

Since the dawn of democracy South Africa has embarked in a process of dismantling protectionist business and trade policies, and made the countrys stream of commerce one of the preferred globally. The countrys sound competition and trade policies, natural resource endowments, market size and regional influence, attracted foreign businesss and foreign direct invetsment (FDI). Equally the country has been under pressure to protect the domestic industries from injurious competition and business, through sector specific laws, anti-dumping and countervailing duties laws, investment and competition regime. The concern has been the likilelihood of the introduction of trade and competition barriers, and the allienation of FDI. This paper critically examines the impact the countrys antidumping and competition law and practice upon foreign direct investment. Domestic industries have never been shy file anti-dumping and anti-competition suits against foreign companies, sometimes even against the public interest outcry. Relevant examples of these suits include the famous Wal-Mart anti-competition case, and recently the Brazilian frozen fowl meat anti-dumping case.
Problems Immigrants Face In Host Countries
Authors: Almutairi Jabr
Published: March 2016

This study aimed to investigate the problems immigrants face in their host countries when dealing with native inhabitants, and to understand the effect of gender, age, and educational level on these problems. The sample for the study consisted of 150 immigrants working in Saudi Arabia. Means, standard deviations, and t-tests were used to analyze the results. The results showed that there are statistically significant differences in the problems that immigrants working in Saudi Arabia face. They also showed that there are statistically significant differences at (a= 0.05) in the problems immigrants face owing to the gender variable, and statistically significant differences at (a= 0.05) in the problems immigrants face owing to age and educational level.
Consumer-Behavioural Intention Towards The Consumption Of Functional Food In Malaysia: Their Profiles And Behaviours
Authors: Salleh Hayatul Safrah , Mohd Noor Azila , Nik Mat Nik Hazimah , Yusof Yusnita , Mohamed Wan Norhayati
Published: March 2016

Unhealthy eating behaviour has been linked to the risks of many chronic diseases all around the world. Functional foods and its association with health benefits and reducing the risk of diseases open a promising avenue for consumers to pursue a healthier life as well as extending their life expectancy. This provides a great market opportunity for functional foods to be developed. Consequently, it has generated considerable consumer interest in functional food consumption. This study describes the profiles and behaviours of the consumers who are willing to consume functional foods in Malaysia. By using mall intercept surveys, data were collected from consumers shopping at hypermarkets in Malaysia. From the analysis undertaken, it was found that the level of consumer-behavioural intention to consume functional food is encouraging. The results indicated that behavioural intention towards functional food tends to be different across gender, age and marital status. However this study found that the extent of consumer-behavioural intention does not vary by ethnicity, religion, income and education. Future study was also proposed.
International Application Of The Fifth Amendment: Where In The World Is Ernesto Miranda?
Authors: Reville Patrick J.
Published: March 2016

In 1966, The United States Supreme Court issued its now legendary decision in Miranda v. Arizona (1), and the practice of criminal law in the United States as was then known, was changed forever. The Miranda Warnings became not only the law of the land in protecting the rights of the accused, but also resulted in evolution and education in the field of law enforcement, processes that continue to this date. Now comes a series of cases involving international terrorism, and Miranda and its old stable-mate Mapp (2) get trotted out again for a new look, to see whether members of an international conspiracy--led by Osama Bin Laden and organized through the al Qaeda terrorist network--to kill American citizens and destroy American facilities across the globe(3), can make a run for the roses using the triple crown of American criminal jurisprudence, The Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendments to the Constitution. Two races have been run, and the al Qaeda horsemen have finished out of the money. They now gear up and don their colors for one last run in their quest for exoneration: a date with the U.S. Supreme Court.
An Evaluation Of Factors Influencing Pension Managers Investment Decisions In Kenya
Authors: Rono Lucy Jepchoge
Published: March 2016

This study focused on the analysis of factors influencing pension fund managers investment decisions. The objectives of the study were to identify investment options available to pension fund managers, identify factors that are considered by fund managers when making investment decisions and identify challenges faced by fund managers in making investment decisions. Three representatives from each of the twelve registered fund managers completed the study questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered through the drop and pick later method. Data was analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) and summarized using descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, frequencies, percentages. The study found out that returns, investment risks and trends in interest rates were the most important factors affecting pension managers investment decisions. Decision-making preferences, investment portfolio, past performance and legal framework were rated as less important. Consistency and return maximization in the rate of returns (sustainable long term returns), prevailing economic and political situations-inflation, global markets which determines key indicators like interest rates/ exchange and risk profile of the scheme investment (risk assessment of the board of trustees) in that order are also important qualitative factors in decision making for pension fund investment. The research also found out that few investment avenues/ vehicles, bureaucracy in consultations with trustees and unpredictable/ turbulent and dynamic market situations in that order are the major challenges facing fund managers investing pension funds. The researcher identified a need for a portfolio that will give higher returns. There is also need to harmonize all regulations relating to pensions in order to create efficiency and avoid confusion. The research also recommends that RBA benchmarks with the world best in order to help the sector to achieve growth. The promotion of retirement funds and regulatory functions should be separated to avoid conflict of interest in the two roles.
Empirical Analysis Of The Impact Of Comprehensive Income On Basic Earnings Per Share For Spanish Companies Listed On Madrid Stock Exchange
Authors: Fernández Francisco Sousa , Arana María Mercedes Carro
Published: March 2016

In this study we will empirically evaluate the overall impact, and by industries, of Basic Earnings per Share calculated according to Comprehensive Income against the same ratio determined in accordance with Net Income, for a sample of ninety-two Spanish groups listed on the Madrid Stock Exchange during 20042007, in agreement with the information contained in their Consolidated Financial Statements pursuant to IASB GAAP and industry classification adopted in this market.In order to contrast the corresponding hypotheses, a set of non-parametric tools were used, as the data was far from normalcy. The results of our paper, which are ground-breaking at an international level, show a statistically significant impact of Basic Earnings per Share calculated according to Comprehensive Income against the same ratio determined pursuant to Net Income for the sample group in all of the years that were analyzed. On the other hand, when approaching the study by industries, we have observed quite uniform behavior between them in the sense that we found a remarkable impact on listed companies in all industries, which is why in general terms we are witnessing a phenomenon that affects the listed companies regardless of the nature of their business activities.These evidences, apart from suggesting a new dimension in the fundamental analysis, of particular interest to analysts and investors, justifies the disclosure of Basic Earnings per Share determined according to Comprehensive Income, not only in the notes, but also in the main body of the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
Ownership And Firm Performance: The Experience Of Saudi Arabias Emerging Economy
Authors: Eljelly Abuzar M. A.
Published: March 2016

This study examines the relationship between firm ownership and corporate performance in Saudi Arabia, using a sample of Listed Private Companies (LPCs) and Listed Government Related Companies (LGRCs). The study compares the operating and market performance of the LPCs and LGRCs during the period 2000-2003 and found that, in general, LGRCs outperform or match the performance of LPCs. More specifically, the study finds that LGRCs tend to mostly outperform LPCs in terms of profitability, as measured by Return on equity (ROE) and Net Profit Margin (NPM), operating efficiently, as measured in terms of Return on assets (ROA), and match them in their stock market risk adjusted performance. The study concludes that these results may have implications for the issue of privatization programs which the government has recently started.
Professional Demographic Factors That Influence Iranian Auditors Perceptions Of The Fraud-Detecting Effectiveness Of Red Flags
Authors: Yang Weifang , Moyes Glen D. , Hamedian Hamed , Rahdarian Azar
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between professional demographic factors concerning external and internal auditors and the perceived level of effectiveness of the Statement of Auditing Standard (SAS) No. 99 red flags in detecting fraudulent financial reporting activities as perceived by external and internal auditors. The six hypotheses are: (1) the type of auditors using red flags to detect fraud, (2) highest degrees received by auditors, (3) areas that auditors majored in at universities, (4) auditors’ accumulated knowledge of red flags, (5) auditors who have or have not used red flags to detect fraud, and (6) auditors whohave or have not received in-house red flag training.  The six hypotheses explore how six professional demographic factors may influence the level of fraud-detecting effectiveness of the SAS No. 99 red flags as perceived by 227 external and internal auditors in Iran.  The results of this study indicate that all six hypotheses were accepted.   In conclusion, the level of fraud-detecting effectiveness of these red flags as perceived by the Iranian auditors may be influenced by the following factors: (1) the type of auditors, (2) the highest degrees received by auditors, (3) areas that auditors majored in at universities, (4) knowledge about red flags accumulated by auditors, (5) auditors whohave or have not previously used red flags to detect fraud, and (6) auditors whohave or have not previously received in-house red flag training.
Impact Of Value Added Tax On Tourism
Authors: Dombrovski Renata , Hodzic Sabina
Published: March 2016

The Republic of Croatia is currently carrying out preparatory measures for accession to the European Union. One of them is the harmonization of value added tax (VAT) with the requirements of Directive 2006/112/EC. Strong taxation affects tourism negatively. Hoteliers in Croatia set aside large funds for facility investments, which include partly high VAT rate of 23%, in order to achieve the market standards. Tourists face higher bid prices which puts the country in an unenviable position among Mediterranean competitors. It is important to find an optimal solution within the VAT system to encourage tourism development. Budget funds collected from tourism need to be refunded to the tourism industry.
Local Wisdom: The Development Of Community Culture And Production Processes In Thailand
Authors: Sungkharat Utit , Doungchan Piboon , Tongchiou Chantas , Tinpang-nga Banlue
Published: March 2016

The objective of this research was to study the development of production processes and community culture in the Songkhla Lake Basin in southern Thailand. We used a qualitative method and did in-depth interviews with 25 local community leaders in 25 communities surrounding the lake. We found that the concept of community culture was developed through local community leaders to the agricultural production by using culture to run the production process, which is based on the concept of self-sufficiency and self-reliance. From this study, the authors found that this development has led to a decrease in residents’ use of technology and a return to the use of labor. The development also reduces the use of chemical fertilizers and insecticides. People have returned to the use of herbs for curing disease in humans and animals. In addition, the development helps people save on production costs and reduce pollution.
The Dimensions Of Womens Contribution To The Workforce In Agriculture: The Turkey Case
Authors: Gulcubuk Bulent
Published: March 2016

In less developed and developing countries, women make less use of the benefits resulting from development. Women take part in every stage of production and also shoulder the difficulties of life loaded onto them by their roles within and outside the family. However, the use, distribution, and management of the income created in the family is unjust, and women do not have access to sources such as loans. Women are negatively affected by both the traditional social class structure and the inequality between the socially defined gender roles and statuses. This situation becomes more apparent for especially women who work in agriculture in rural areas. Although women’s contribution to the workforce is high due to the fact that they work as unpaid agricultural workers in rural areas, the employment of women in agriculture decreases due to the general decrease of employment in this sector. Women working in agriculture cannot continue taking part in the workforce when they leave the sector or when they move to another region. Women who do take part in the workforce, do low status work requiring no qualifications and without any job security.  This may result in women being isolated from work life as well as social life. In Turkey, where social gender roles are shaped by social factors, that is, social gender based distribution of responsibilities, women are usually considered to be responsible for housework and raising children.  To a large extent, the domestic responsibilities of women prevent them from searching for a job and joining the work force. Women are expected to first be a housewife and mother. In rural areas, women are unpaid family workers who do agricultural work as an extension of their domestic work. These features of women’s life in rural areas make it necessary to study, discuss and find solutions to the problems of women in rural areas, and to develop relevant strategies.
Globalization, Free Trade, And Outsourcing: A College Students Perspective - Part III
Authors: Speter K. Morris (Moshe)
Published: March 2016

As globalization becomes a growing factor in the US business world, it is important to understand what college students know and think about the subject. In the beginning of 2008, a survey was undertaken among a convenient and disperse group of students.  The survey was conducted in NY and Connecticut among undergraduate and graduate students.  The survey results were presented at Thirty Fifth Northeast Business & Economic Association conference in November 2008.  Between the time that the first survey was taken and the second, there have been seismic changes in the US. Then the elected president was George W. Bush, a Republican, and today the president elect is Barak H. Obama, a Democrat.  The Republicans, in general, and President Bush, in particular, were “internationalists” and strong advocates of free trade.  The Democratic party philosophy was more domestically-oriented being anti-free trade, in general, and NAFTA, in particular. Additionally, the economic situation was perceptually better then than now.  These changes were reflected in the attitudes of the college students that were surveyed. In 2009, the survey was repeated. After a devastating economic decline worldwide with millions of jobs lost in the US, the attitudes of college students in NY were again surveyed to measure any impact on their attitudes on globalization.
The Analysis Of The Rural Credit Market In Ghana
Authors: Owusu-Antwi George , Antwi James
Published: March 2016

The formal banking sector does not satisfy the growing demand for credit, and many borrowers turn to informal loan sources to meet their production and consumption needs. The problem of the rural credit, which includes supplying credit for a rural community for economic growth, is reemerging on the development agenda as a pressing issue. The rural economy is financially very fragile. Lack of credit is a significant and sometimes binding constraint, limiting investment in productivity-enhancing technology and inputs. Rural credit plays a critical role in household strategies to reduce vulnerability. In spite of the contribution that credit entails to the rural development, it has been one of the crucial factors that have not been given proper attention. The purpose of this paper is to identify problems that have hindered the effectiveness of the rural credit market in Ghana. The paper is premised on the theoretical understanding of rural credit markets and applies the framework to investigate the aspect of the rural credit market in Ghana. Improving the rural credit system will help to raise household incomes and reduce poverty and will contribute to the eradication of extreme poverty. The paper identifies high cost, interest rate, lack of collateral, lack of innovation and high delinquency rates as the main factors that have hindered the effectiveness of the rural credit market in Ghana. This paper will interest policymakers to place more emphasis on savings mobilization and to revisit interest rate policy, while providing cheap and adequate credit to small and poor farmers.
“O que está acontecendo com as imagens?”: arte, mídia e educação em Jean Baudrillard.
Authors: Fabbrini Ricardo Nascimento
Published: March 2016

O artigo examina a “guerra das imagens” na contemporaneidade, a partir da reflexão estética de Jean Baudrillard. Mostra que para Baudrillard a imagem hegemônica na sociedade da simulação total, é o simulacro: imagens planas; sem enigma, sem mistério; sem face oculta; nos termos do autor. Partindo desse diagnóstico, o texto conjectura se nessa sociedade hiper-real, é possível, ainda, produzir uma imagem de resistência, uma imagem que “force o pensamento”, no sentido de Gilles Deleuze. Por fim, afirma-se que é no campo da educação e da produção artística que se pode desenvolver a percepção sensível, de modo a permitir a seleção das imagens, no reconhecimento de suas diferenças. Para tanto, analisa-se fotografias de Nan Goldin, Ana Mariani, e do próprio Jean Baudrillard; além de videoinstalações, entre outras obras.
Sun Tzu’s principles of war art and today’s competition strategies: A relative approach
Authors: Kilinc Izzet , Öncü Mehmet Akif , Tasgit Yunus Emre
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study is to associate with the principles of Sun Tzu's art of war and the basic features of the competitive strategies, and to reveal the similarities between Sun Tzu's war strategies and competitive strategies, to generate a different point of view for business and literature. Qualitative research method was used. Sun Tzu's art of war book was examined aspects of competition, and theoretical and practical secondary sources were evaluated. As a result, the Principles of Sun Tzu's art of war have been adapted to the business competitiveness, related to competitive strategies and created a conceptual framework.
Visual discourse of the clove: An analysis on the Ottoman tile decoration art
Authors: Öncel Taskiran Nurdan , Bolat Nursel
Published: March 2016

In tile art, one of the world-famous Turkish Handicrafts, a wide variety of patterns are used on tile objects. The most common of these, after the tulip pattern, is the naturalist clove pattern. Different meanings were assigned to this pattern within the boundaries of form, color and design. Identification and perception of these meanings have a special place within the frame of the culture that they relay. In this present study the fields of meaning of the clove pattern frequently used in tile decoration arts among Turkish handicrafts were tried to be determined. By taking Greimas' Actantial Model as the theoretical model, in the study visual discourse analysis of the clove pattern will be made.
Economic and other determinants of political trust
Authors: DiPietro William R
Published: March 2016

Political trust is important for the effective functioning of government. This paper uses cross country regression analysis to see whether three different measures of economic performance matter for political trust. The results lend support to the hypothesis that political trust is influenced by economic growth, the standard of living, and the appropriate use of government spending. In addition, the paper considers two institutional variables, perceived independence of the judiciary and the degree of democracy to assess their effect on political trust. It finds that perceived judicial independence has a positive effect on political trust, but democracy has a negative effect.
Investment, Employment and Financial Performance Evidence from Cooperative Enterprises of Fars province
Authors: Moradi Javad , Nematollahi Marzieh
Published: March 2016

Investing huge resources in different parts of economic and industrial sectors to increase and promote public welfare and also, provide opportunities for country`s reserves’ growth. Therefore, identifying accurate opportunities for investment is critical, since it helps investors to know the maximum benefits to the economy coupled with the greatest influences in removing the country`s economic problems and difficulties, especially in employment. This article investigates the relationship between investments, employment and the financial performance of the active cooperative enterprises of Fars province in Iran. Based on the considered conditions, 120 firms were selected from the population on the basis of the classified random sampling method during the period 2006-2011. The findings indicate that there is a positive and meaningful relationship between investment and employment in cooperative enterprises. Also, the results show that there is a significant difference among the financial performance of cooperative enterprises in different sectors on the basis of invested capital. Specifically, the increasing investments in agricultural and industrial sectors have led to higher Return On Assets (ROA) ratio.
The Study of Fans’ Brand Loyalty in Iranian Professional Football League
Authors: Javani Vajihe , Ehsani Mohammad , Amiry Mojtaba , Kozechiyan Hashem
Published: March 2016

The study aims to examine winning brands influence on fans’ brand loyalty in Iranian professional football league. A ten-minute pen and paper questionnaire was distributed to fans of five superior teams of Iranian professional football league in 2009-2010 seasons. Team’s association questionnaire developed by Gladden and Funk (2001) was used for data collection. Reliability of the questionnaire was estimated by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. A structural equation model (SEM) test with maximum likelihood estimation was performed to test the relationships among the research variables using 912 participants. The findings showed three dimensions of brand associations influenced on fan’s brand loyalty of which the attitude was the most important. Benefits and attributes were placed in the second and third rank respectively. In addition, the obtained model of this research highlighted strong interactional effects between the three mentioned dimensions of brand associations.
The Indirect Effects of Servant Leadership Behavior on Organizational Citizenship Behavior and Job Performance
Authors: Zehir Cemal , Akyuz Bulent , Eren M Sule , Turhan Gulden
Published: March 2016

The relationship between leader and followers plays a vital role, particularly in educational institutions where a keen understanding of human character and high level of social interaction ought to be facilitated. For this reason, in stark contrast to contemporary leaders who see people only as units of production or expendable resources in a profit and loss statement, servant leadership focuses on meeting the needs of followers, making them reach their maximum potential and so perform optimally in order to achieve organizational goals and objectives. This study examines the effects of servant leadership behaviors of private college principals on teachers’ organizational citizenship behavior and job performance. Using 300 respondents from the private education institutes in Turkey, servant leadership behavior is examined for its indirect effects on organizational citizenship behavior and job performance by its impact on organizational justice. Organizational justice acts as a mediator between the variables in question. All the results are in support of the studied mediation effects. Implications of the findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Economics vis-à-vis Politics of Venezuela under the Chavez Regime 1998-2012
Authors: Das Ramesh , Dinda Soumyananda
Published: March 2016

In today’s world most of the countries are following the market rule to determine their economic determinants with some to follow the mixed role of the government. There are a very few countries or states that are following the socialistic nature of development. One such country is Venezuela which has a long history of socialism and the degree of socialism got magnified under the regime of Hugo Chavez. The last election result in favour of Chavez has put some questions before the economists and politicians regarding its grounds. The present study has been framed in line with examining whether the role of economic factors have done the trick for Chavez to regain the presidential power. The study for the period of 1998-2010 has observed that the country has suffered in major economic factors compared to two Latin heroes Brazil and Argentina, albeit he has won the election. The study further observed that there are certain political grounds that played role for the favourable verdict.
Arab Spring vs. Zero Problems Policy Impact of the Arab Spring on the Trade Expansion of Turkey
Authors: Sorhun Engin
Published: March 2016

Although Turkey has historically concentrated its trade with the European Union (EU) it has diversified its trade markets with the neighbouring regions and different group of countries during the last decade. Among them, Arab countries have come into prominence. Especially, following the “zero problems with neighbours” policy (ZPN), pursued by Turkey since 2002, the trade volume with the Middle Eastern neighbours has increased faster than that with its traditional partners. Nevertheless so called “Arab Spring” has started to manifest its effects on this trend. It deteriorates not only the economies of the concerned countries but also Turkey’s trade expansion. This paper aims: (i) to test through a gravity model the positive impacts of the ZPN policy and the negative impact of the Arab Spring on the trade expansion with the Spring Countries; and (ii) to reveal the positive impact of the policy change and the negative impact of the uprising movements on the realization of trade potential by Turkey in the Spring Countries.
A Discussion on the European Debt Crisis by Fiscal Sociology
Authors: Chang Chia-Jen , Chung Chia-Jung
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this article is that discuss the reasons of European debt crisis. Every European country adopts austerity policy, which cannot solve government debt problems and further lead to economic exacerbation and continuous recession, based on the neoclassical economic theory. In order to realize the root of European debt crisis, this article adopts the reaseach method of fiscal sociology. In this study, we think that the government debt problem is the result of economic profits conflict based on the Fiscal Sociology. The economic profits conflict of investment, consumption, international business and labor market will have influence on the government’s revenue and expenditure. Furthermore, the root of the European debt crisis is the uneven income distribution by financialization and neoliberalism.
An Evaluation on Effects of Total Quality Applications in Customer Relations Management on Sustainable Global Competition
Authors: Altinok Pinar
Published: March 2016

The concept of globalization inherently necessitated knowing management technics that could adapt to fast changes. Assuming all other financial aspects are almost equal for companies, the only factor “that can create difference” within the global competition environment is “the human factor”. It draws attention in the way that among companies who set out with the same technical equipment, the companies who are successful in customer relations are able to render the global competition sustainable through approaches that are based on the human factor. In this area, the constructive influences of total quality management on the human, which is the main source that can manage information and turn it into speed and strength, positively reflect on companies and translate into advantages. Placing human at the center of the business, these approaches add new dimensions to changes and developments that will create differences in the global market in line with the versatile structure of business management and contribute to earnings that support economic growth.
Incentives Packages and Employees’ Attitudes to Work
Authors: Olubusayo Hezekiah , Stephen Ibidunni Ayodotun , Maxwell Olokundun
Published: March 2016

For any organization to compete favourably in the competitive society, employees’ attitudes and commitment towards work goes a long way in determining the employees’ performance and organization productivity. The main objective of this study is to examine the effect of incentives packages on employees’ attitudes towards work. A descriptive research method was adopted for this study using one hundred twenty valid questionnaires which were completed by members of staff of four (4) selected government parastartals in Ogun State, South-West Nigeria using stratified and systematic sampling technique. The data collected were carefully analyzed using percentage supported by standard deviation to represent the raw data in a meaningful manner. The results show that strong relationship exists between incentives packages and employees’ attitudes towards work and the workers are not satisfied with the present incentives packages. The summary of the findings indicates that there is strong correlation between the tested dependent variable and independent construct. However, employers of labour and decision makers should endeavour to review incentives packages at various levels in order to earn employees’ commitment and satisfaction.
Natural Resources Determining FDI in Nigeria
Authors: Dinda Soumyananda
Published: March 2016

This study investigates the determinants of FDI to Nigeria during 1970-2006. This study suggests that the endowment of natural resources, trade intensity, macroeconomic risk factors such as inflation and exchange rates are significant determinants of FDI flow to Nigeria. The findings suggest that in long run, market size is not the significant factor for attracting FDI to Nigeria, it contradicts the existing literature. The findings indicate that FDI to Nigeria is resource-seeking. Results also suggest that trading partner like the UK in North-South (N - S) and China in South-South (S - S) trade relation have strong influence on Nigeria’s natural resource outflow.
Determinants and Effects of Innovation on the Firm Level
Authors: Erturk Muzaffer
Published: March 2016

In highly competitive market conditions, it is vital to innovate for the firms in order to survive. The profitability, market share, consumer satisfaction and global competitiveness of the firms mainly depend on their competency of the production of the successful innovations providing for the firm competitive advantage. In this context, main aim of the study is to investigate the effects and determinants of the innovations in the firm level by considering a firm operating in white goods sector in Turkey. Main result of the study is that innovations have important effects on performance indicator of the firm. For this reason, firms have to focus on the production of the innovations providing sustainable competitiveness and profitability by implementing appropriate policies.
Political Stability and Fianancial Crisis
Authors: Vasileiou Evangelos
Published: March 2016

This paper tries to examine in detail political stability in the European Union’s (EU) countries during the period 2002-12. Firstly, it examines the causality relationship between political stability and economic growth, which is an issue that has puzzled scholars for decades. Using the Granger causality test the empirical findings suggest that in the case of the EU’s countries, causality is one directional, moving from political stability to economic growth. Secondly, it examines the factors that affect political stability. Using the fixed effects panel data model, we may suggest that the long term recession, the increased unemployment ratios and the high levels of inflation significantly threaten political stability. However, there are other factors that are not exclusively due to economics, such as transparency, public health care, education etc., which may significantly reduce the previously mentioned consequences.  Finally, this study suggests some reforms of the EU’s regulation according to the migration policy that may smooth social and humanitarian disparities.
The Effect of Emotional Intelligence Abilities In Managers Upon Their Job
Authors: Avci Burcu S , Altindag Erkut , Yarbag Pelin Sahin
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between the emotional intelligence levels and job satisfaction of the managers and to carry out a research in this sense. In the research, the relationship of emotional intelligence abilities in managers with their own job satisfaction was analyzed. The main population of the study included the managers in different grades of small, medium, and large scale entities from different sectors in Istanbul. The basic purpose of the study was to reveal the relationship between the emotional intelligence dimensions the managers had and their own job satisfaction. In this sense, it was analyzed the effect of emotional intelligence abilities managers had upon their own job satisfaction, and whether there was a relationship between them or not. The field research was carried out with reference to the theoretical framework revealed after the literature review.In methodology section of the study, the findings related to the research and the interpretations were included with the analyses. It was revealed depending upon the correlation and regression analyses performed within the scope of the research that interpersonal relationships factor had effect upon the job satisfaction.