Strategic Planning for the Aviation Logistics Service Supply Chain in China |
Author : Ching-Kuei Kao ; Heng Hu ; Bey-Rong Kung ; Wen-Ih Hsieh |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :With the emergence of the international and domestic markets for aviation cargo, the volume of cargo, including postal cargo, for civil aviation has increased, and several purely cargo airlines have emerged. Consequently, competition among aviation logistics enterprises has intensified, and traditional air transportation can no longer meet customer demands for services. Aviation logistics enterprises must strengthen the aviation logistics service supply chain to expand their market. Accordingly, this paper discusses the situations and problems of the aviation logistics service supply chain in China. Moreover, the strategic planning of aviation logistics enterprises in China for the development of this supply chain is examined. To achieve the objectives of this study, the domestic aviation logistics service supply chain in China is first investigated. Three of China’s aviation logistics enterprises are selected as research objects for SWOT analysis. From the results of SWOT analysis, four key issues in the service supply chain of China’s aviation logistics enterprises are identified: cargo terminals, competitiveness, diversification of service types, and internal information sharing platforms. Finally, TRIZ analysis is performed on the four issues, and 11 strategies are designed for China’s aviation logistics service supply chain and then are divided into three phases according to implementation time frame (i.e., short-, medium-, and long-term) to provide references that can be applied to the practice of China’s aviation logistics enterprises |
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The Influences of Independent and Female Directors on the Use Non-Financial Measures in the Evaluation of CEO Performance in Malaysia |
Author : Rezgalla Abdalla ; Kausar Yasmeen ; Talib Alsaadi |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :CEO compensation and performance evaluation has become a highly contention issue in the business world. Several factors appear to be behind the image problem but the uppermost is the dramatic increase in CEO reward in recent decade. Wage efficiency theory argues higher compensation would increase the performance but on the evaluation of CEO performance many issues are faced in selecting performance measurement indicators. The purpose of this paper is to extend discussions in evaluating the CEO performance in research domain. Based on agency theory, the model of this research is developed. The cross-sectional data was collected by questionnaires. By applying regression model, this study revealed that independent directors and female directors on the use of non-financial measures in CEO performance evaluation, are found to be positively associated with the use of non-financial measures which reinforce the findings of prior studies in regarding their influence on the use of non-financial measures in CEO and corporate performance evaluation. The ratio of female directors on the BOD is significantly and positively associated with the use of non-financial measures in the evaluation of CEO performance. This study contributes economically, socially and politically. |
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Vegetable Market Performance in Smallholders Production System: The Case of Lake Tana Basin, Ethiopia |
Author : Marelign Adugna ; Mengistu Ketema ; Degye Goshu ; Sisay Debebe Kaba |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Lake Tana basin is one of the most potential vegetable production areas in Ethiopia. However, production in this region has been carried out at smallholders’ level with poor marketing infrastructure. Hence, this study was aimed to examine the structure and performance of vegetable marketing in the Lake Tana basin. Multistage random sampling mixed with non probability sampling techniques were employed to collect data from 385 smallholder vegetable producing farmers and 107 vegetable traders from three districts and two major town markets. Data were analyzed using market structure and performance indicators. The result of the analysis showed that market structure in the study area could be characterized by weak oligopolistic market with little chance of market participants to influence market price. Storage loss and transport cost were found the two largest cost components of vegetable marketing in the study area. Net marketing margin and producers’ share of the consumers’ price could be improved by shortening the distance between the producer and urban consumer or reducing the intermediaries involved. Establishing farmers’ group marketing with communication access together with least cost storage and transport technologies should be encouraged to improve vegetable marketing performance. |
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Budget Management and Organizational Effectiveness in Nigeria |
Author : John Nkeobuna Nnah Ugoani |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :The study examined the relationship between budget management and organizational effectiveness. Budget management is a useful mechanism for enhancing managerial behavior and necessary in motivating managers towards the achievement of organizational objectives. Organizational effectiveness is the reflection of how well resources are used by management that results to productivity and overall profitability. Budget management reinforces planning, coordination, motivation, communication as well as top management action. The exploratory research design was used for the study, and through data analysis, it was found that budget management has positive correlation with organizational effectiveness. The study suggests that management at all levels and times must ensure that deviations from budget are checked to avoid mismanagement and enterprise failure. |
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Attitudinal and Structural Determinants of Entrepreneurial Intentions of Women |
Author : Kevin Banning ; Ravi Chinta |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Entrepreneurial intentions have been shown to be a good predictor of entrepreneurial activity, and consequently have attracted the attention of many scholars and policy makers. Because entrepreneurial activity provides an economic engine for job growth, it is crucial to identify what drives entrepreneurial intentions. Extant literature has focused on such factors as the availability of capital, governmental support, individual networks, and culture. This study empirically investigates the expected linkage between attitudinal and structural factors and the intensity of intention to start a business for women entrepreneurs in the southeastern United States. Results from a survey of 1200 women intending to start a business in reveal that significant attitudinal and structural barriers remain for women entrepreneurs. The paper concludes with implications for women entrepreneurs, policy makers, and for future research. |
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Performance Management and Bank Profitability in Nigeria |
Author : John Nkeobuna Nnah Ugoani |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Performance management ensures that the contributions of organizational members are directed toward growth and profitability. Although performance objectives are set at the beginning of the financial year, the achievement of such critical objectives rests on robust performance management. This embraces management action toward key FPIs such as gross earnings, ROA, ROE, NIM, among others that help in driving bank profitability. The exploratory research design was used for the study. Data were analyzed through descriptive and regression statistical methods and it was found that performance management has positive correlation with bank profitability. Based on the result of the study, it was recommended that banks should always check performance to ensure profitability. |
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Real Estate Level Forecasting - Review |
Author : Hongfei Guo ; Hao Jiang ; Weijian Zhang ; Fuqian Cui ; Ru Zhang ; Zhihui He ; Yitao Lun ; Qiufan Chen ; Qiufan Chen |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :With China’s rapid economic growth in recent years and the acceleration of urbanization, the real estate price has also shown a substantial increase, especially the housing prices have always been high in first-tier cities. This paper systematically combs the research on the factors affecting house price and the forecasting method of house price at home and abroad, and puts forward some suggestions on the regulation and control of real estate price in our country. It also points out the deficiency of data statistics and research perspective in empirical research. On this basis, it is proposed that we should strengthen the scientificalness and comprehensiveness of the empirical data, put forward a reasonable and appropriate hierarchical classification method for influencing factors, make clear the importance and coupling mechanism of each level, and excavate the dominant influencing factors. |
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Oil Consumption and Economic Growth in Turkey: An ARDL Bounds Test Approach in the Presence of Structural Breaks |
Author : Özgür Özaydin ; H. Alper Güzel |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between oil consumption and income in Turkey, using annual data from 1961 to 2016. The stationarity properties of the series are analyzed with Lee and Strazicizh (2003), unit root test allowing for two structural breaks, along with the conventional unit root tests namely ADF, PP and KPSS. Due to conflicting findings of the unit root tests, ARDL bounds test approach to cointegration is used to capture the relationship between oil consumption and income. The findings of the ARDL bounds test indicated that oil and income are cointegrated. The causal relationship between the variables is also examined by employing Toda and Yamamoto (1995), approach to Granger non-causality. The outcomes of the Toda and Yamamoto (1995), procedure showed that the direction of the causality is running from real GDP to oil consumption, but not vice versa. Both bounds test and Toda and Yamamoto (1995), test results reveal that, energy conservation policies will not harm economic growth in Turkey. |
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Assessing the Effectiveness of Commercial Bank Loans as Sources of Funding/ Capital Formation for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Southeast, Nigeria |
Author : Ugwu-Oju M. Obiageri ; Vincent A. Onodugo ; Mbah, Paulinus Chigozie |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :The paper assesses the effectiveness of commercial bank loans as sources of funding Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Southeast, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey method wherein structured questionnaire was used to collect data was adopted. A sample of 500 respondents was randomly selected from the five industrial hubs in the five states of Southeast, namely Nnewi, Aba, Enugu, Abakiliki, and Owerri. With the aid of pecking order theory (POT)/hypothesis of Lending, percentage formula, and SPSS version 20.0 tools, the data generated from the respondents were analysed. Among others, the results of the analysis reveal that SMEs and commercial banks are highly indifferent to the loans facilities; strict collateral requirements, high interest rates, and the nature of requirements for guarantors dissuade SMEs from accessing loans; and government interventions provided palliative measures but failed to address the problems associated with the loans. Therefore, this paper recommends policy reforms to reduce interest rate, collateral and guarantor requirements. Further research on how to modernise and harmonise other external sources of SME funding such as ‘daily contribution’ and ‘Isusu’ systems is required. |
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Determinants of Off-farm Employment Participation of Women in Rural Uganda |
Author : Fang Cheng ; Haisen Zhang ; Nobeji S. Boniphace |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Off-farm employment in rural areas can be a major contributor to rural poverty reduction and decent rural employment. While women are highly active in the agricultural sector, they are less active than men in off-farm employment. This study analyzes the determinants of participation in off-farm employment of women in rural Uganda. The study is based on a field survey conducted in nine districts with the sample size of 1200 individual females. A two-stage Hechman’s sample selection model was applied to capture women’s decision to participate and the level of participation in non-farm economic activities. Summary statistics of the survey data from rural Uganda shows that: i) poverty and non-farm employment has a strong correlation, implying the importance of non-farm employment as a means for poverty reduction; and ii) there is a large gender gap to access non-farm employment, but the gender gap has been significantly reduced from group of older age to younger generation. The econometric results finds that the following factors have a significant influence on women’s participation in off-farm employment: education level of both the individual and household head (positive in both stages); women’s age (negative in both stages); female-headed household (negative in first stage); household head of polygamous marriage (negative in both stages); distance from major town (negative in the first stage); household size (positive in the second stage); dependency ratio (negative in the second stage); access to and use of government extension services (positive in the first stage); access to and use of an agricultural loan (negative in the second stage); and various district dummies variables. The implications of these findings suggest that those policies aimed at enhancing the identified determinants of women off-farm employment can promote income-generating opportunities for women groups in comparable contexts. In order to capitalize on these positive linkages, policies should be designed to improve skills and knowledge by providing education opportunities and increasing access to employment training, assistance services and loans for non-farm activities and by targeting women in female-headed, large and distant households. The government should increase investments in public infrastructure and services, such as roads, telecommunications and emergency support. |
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Assessment of the Impact of Oil and Non-Oil Products on Nigeria Gross Domestic Product (GDP) |
Author : Okeke Charles C. ; Eze Francis C. |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :This study investigates specifically the impact of Oil and Non-Oil Products on Nigeria Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Data were collected for period 1981-2016 Descriptive Statistics and Multiple Linear Regression Approach was used, defining Oil, and Non-Oil Products as independent variables and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as dependent variable. From the analysis, Oil, and Non-Oil Products contributes immensely to the Nigeria Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Contrary, the Oil Product is positively and insignificant on economic growth of Nigeria (GDP) and the Non-Oil Product has positively and significant on economic growth of Nigeria (GDP). This study therefore recommends that Nigeria should enhance her export promotion strategies and diversify her economy far away from Crude oil. |
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The Review Analysis of China’s Economic Growth and the Correlations with Thailand’s Economy |
Author : Wannakomol Supachart |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :This article was aimed to study the environment and the co-movement of China’s economic growth together with Thailand under economic and macro-finance dimensions by collecting information from academic literatures, global organization reports, and historical data from opened source database such as World Bank, United Nations, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and other relatives. The study found that China’s and Thailand’s economic activities are related particularly in term of trade but the low investment. In fact, services industry has replaced industrial manufacture to be the influent factor on gross domestic product (GDP) in both two countries. Moreover, enhancing to promote world- class capital markets and financial system development in China has drawn attraction from Thailand investors to invest more than a half of Thailand’s direct investment funds in financial firms and activities in China in 2017. In the conclusion, Thailand’s economic growth is still relied on China’s demand for raw materials according to goods and products they have exported to China. The suggestion for Thailand is to create their own technology like China’s development model in order to produce valuable goods and services productivity. And for both countries, China and Thailand should also have to focus on income distribution through other areas outside the city under the principal of economic development to improve the welfare of the population. |
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Oil Consumption and Economic Growth in Turkey: An ARDL Bounds Test Approach in the Presence of Structural Breaks |
Author : Özgür Özaydin ;H. Alper Güzel |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between oil consumption and income in Turkey, using annual data from 1961 to 2016. The stationarity properties of the series are analyzed with Lee and Strazicizh (2003), unit root test allowing for two structural breaks, along with the conventional unit root tests namely ADF, PP and KPSS. Due to conflicting findings of the unit root tests, ARDL bounds test approach to cointegration is used to capture the relationship between oil consumption and income. The findings of the ARDL bounds test indicated that oil and income are cointegrated. The causal relationship between the variables is also examined by employing Toda and Yamamoto (1995), approach to Granger non-causality. The outcomes of the Toda and Yamamoto (1995), procedure showed that the direction of the causality is running from real GDP to oil consumption, but not vice versa. Both bounds test and Toda and Yamamoto (1995), test results reveal that, energy conservation policies will not harm economic growth in Turkey. |
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Exploring the Impact of Environmental Sustainability on Firm Performance in the Manufacturing Industry in Jordan |
Author : Ahmad Fathi Alheet |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Environmental sustainability is an important component of a firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility. It relates to firm practices that ensure the conservation of the environment and natural resources, such as water, land and air. This research study aims to study the concept in relation to firm performance in Jordan. It proposes that environmental sustainability practices of a company in Jordan’s manufacturing industry positively influence its financial performance. For this purpose, the study assesses the relationship between environmental sustainability score and the profitability ratios. Results reveal a significant positive impact of sustainability score on the ROA of the companies. It is therefore recommended to manufacturing firms in Jordan to focus more on environmental CSR and sustainability practices, which would result in improved efficiency and profitability. |
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Characterization of Government Entreprenurial Human Capacity Building and its Impact on Business Profile of Women Entreprenuers in Abia State, Nigeria |
Author : Iroegbu O. M.; Ubuaru L. C. |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :This study evaluated the extent of inclusion and participation of Women in Human capacity Building of a State in Nigeria. One hundred female business owners who graduated from skill acquisition centres of Abia state were randomly sampled to determine access to capacity building programmes, relevance of skills offered in programmes and type of business operation. Results showed that the 30% women affirmation policy as implemented by Abia State Government is an important factor in women entrepreneurial development. The Human Capacity building of Women entrepreneurs are tailored as stop gap. Even as petroleum producing state with strong financial base, her human capacity building strategies lack depth and are less consistent with entrepreneurial goals of women with tertiary level education. Irrespective of the state cosmopolitan status the human capacity building strategies are challenged by male dominated bureaucracy and cultural perception of female roles. A significant number (68% ) of women endorsed government policies. Seventy (70%) percent of women with tertiary education level viewed the skills offered in human capacity building as irrelevant to their training needs and entrepreneurial aspirations.Financial independence and Technology knowledge base influenced choice of business operations. The service sector was observed as the predominant choice of women.Empowerment support facilitation was suggestive of gender disparity in capacity building programmes. |
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Do Your Neighbors Matter to You? : Focused on Chinese Jiu Ling Hou (Post-’90s) Generation Online Shoppers |
Author : Hao Weng ; Yiqi Hu ; Zhen Li ; Yichu Sun ; Min Chung Han |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :The post-’90s generation is made up of those born between 1990 and 1999 in China; it is also the generation that is driving e-commerce in China. To attract these post-’90s consumers, online retailers have adopted recommender systems based on previous purchases and personal preferences. However, current Chinese online retailers do not typically consider the purchasing histories of their neighbors, although those neighbors have been proven to influence consumer behavior intention in several fields of study. Thus, this study investigates neighbors’ influences on Chinese consumer behavior in online shopping. In particular, this study examines the relationship between neighbors’ purchase histories and consumers’ purchase decisions among Chinese post-’90s consumers. Furthermore, this research seeks to determine whether neighbors’ purchasing history has an influence on consumer perceptions (e.g., perceived enjoyment, perceived risk) and whether perceived enjoyment and perceived risk have influences on purchasing intention. |
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Quality Improvement Practices and Compliance Performance of Selected Malaysian SMIs: Recommendations for the Trainers |
Author : Faizah Abd Majid; Muhamad Kamal Sabran |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :The study investigated the Quality Improvement Practices (QIP) of selected small medium industries (SMIs hereafter) namely the E&E manufacturers in Malaysia. The objectives of this study are to investigate the influence of the quality improvement practices (QIP) among Malaysian E&E manufacturers on their compliance performance. The quality improvement level of twelve QIP; seven soft factors and five hard factors, were determined in the study. Later, the improvement level of the QIP was compared according to the manufacturers’ size, ownership, length of operation, and ISO status. A quantitative research method, which involved the distribution of a set of questionnaires, was used in the study. Another important aspect of the research is to identify relevant soft and hard factors that need emphasis in future trainings by the QIP trainers. As the sole assessor of Product Certification compliance for the manufacturers in Malaysia, SIRIM QAS has the data on the Malaysian manufacturers’ compliance performances. Based on the data, it can be concluded that Malaysian SMIs are still struggling in implementing quality improvement practices. The data has yielded interesting findings related to the identified soft and hard factors that need further emphasis in future trainings. The findings provided recommendations for future trainers of QIP. |
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Determinants of Dividend Payout Policy of Listed Corporations in Nigeria |
Author : Peter E. Ayunku ; Dumani Markjackson |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :This study examines the underlying components that determine the dividend policy statement of corporations in Nigeria. The study purposively select ninety-four (94) corporations out of the universe of companies listed in the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Financial ratios were extracted and computed from published annual audited financial reports spanning 2007 to 2017. This was informed by the ex-post facto research design adopted to observe key indicators of these corporations in retrospect. The panel regression analysis was used to explain the numerical phenomenon collated. The Durbin-Wu-Hausman specification test found the fixed effect model to be more suitable. The empirical results indicate that financial leverage has a significant negative impact on dividend payout; liquidity has an insignificant positive impact on dividend payout policy; profitability has an insignificant positive impact on dividend payout decision; and company size has a significant positive impact on dividend payout dicision. The study concluses that liquidity, profitability and company size are the determinants of the dividend policy of corporations in Nigeria. More specifically, company size was found to be a major determinant to the dividend policy statement of corporations in Nigeria. The study suggests that, corporations should sustain their liquid positions, asset base and profit levels at all times to meet the universe of desires of their shareholders. |
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The Role of Human Resource System in Developing a Culture of Innovation |
Author : Dr. Fawaz Ali Thawabieh |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :The Research aims on Human Resource Management and innovation has to date relied on a theoretical assumption that there exists an identifiable set of HR practices which organizations seeking to be innovative should adopt. However, analysis of the various prescriptions of HR practices for innovation reveals a high level of internal inconsistency, leading to conflicting advice for practitioners. Furthermore, a review of empirical research on the topic indicates that HR practices within innovative organizations are remarkably similar to those found in the best practice literature This raises questions about the link between strategy and HRM, and about the theoretical foundations of research on HRM and innovation. Drawing on recent research on HRM and firm performance, I suggest that research on HRM and innovation can benefit from incorporating elements from both contingency theory and best practice approaches into the existing configuration theory approach. A change in direction for both theoretical and empirical research on HRM and innovation is proposed. This paper is laid out as follows. In part one, I ask what a strategy of innovation is, and consider what employee behaviors are believed to be consistent with such a strategy. The second section compares and contrasts different authors’ prescriptions of HR practices for innovation, and also compares the findings of research on HRM and innovation with the findings of the best practice approach. In the final part I consider the implications of MY review for future research on this topic. I propose a broadening of the theoretical base on which research on HRM and innovation is founded, and discuss the particular challenges involved in conducting empirical research on HR systems for innovation. |
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Influence of Investment Skills on Long Term Performance of Athletes in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya |
Author : Evans Biwott ; William Sakataka ; Wasike Edward Wanyonyi |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :The study set out to address the effect of poor long term financial performance of athletes in Elgeyo Marakwet County. The purpose of the study was to assess effect of investment skills on long term financial performance of Kenyan athletes of Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya. The objective was to establish levels of influence of investment skills on long term financial performance of athletes. The study was carried out in Elgeyo Marakwet County which is one of the 47 Counties of Kenya. In regard to establishing levels of influence of investment skills on long term financial performance of athletes in Elgeyo Marakwet County, the study established that 63% did not have savings accounts, thus revealing a poor saving culture against those who had savings accounts at 37% respectively. The study also revealed that majority of the respondents at 62% did not have retirement accounts against only 38% who had retirement accounts. The government, both County and National should ensure favorable policy based conditions and regulations to ensure athletes invest locally for posterity and sustainability. Furthermore, the government should encourage investment advisory extension services across the community. |
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Discussion of Consumers’ Body Satisfaction: Focused on Purchasing Decision and Service Satisfaction |
Author : Jessie Coronel ; Hao Weng ; Min Chung Han |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Clothing choice has been a way for consumers to express their individuality and the possibility to boost their self-esteem. Despite the amount of prior research conducted regarding body satisfaction and individuals clothing choices, little is known about consumers’ body satisfaction and its impact on their clothing purchasing decisions. Thus, this study tries to shed light on the relationship between consumers’ body satisfaction and its impact on their purchasing intentions. The objective of this study is to identify whether consumers’ body satisfaction would influence their service satisfaction at retail stores when service failure of wrong size clothing recommendations has occurred. Additionally, in this study, gender differences in body satisfaction and purchasing intention is tested. The research identifies that body satisfaction to service satisfaction and service satisfaction to purchasing intention have a direct relationship with each other. Body satisfaction and purchasing intention do not have a direct relationship with each other. Notably, this study also finds that body satisfaction is higher in males but presented no gender difference in purchasing intention after the service failure. |
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Evolutionary Economics and the Stra.Tech.Man Approach of the Firm into Globalization Dynamics |
Author : Dimos Chatzinikolaou; Charis Vlados |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :This article aims to examine whether the “Stra.Tech.Man” approach (Vlados, 2004), which explores the dialectical synthesis between strategy, technology, and management inside all socioeconomic organisms fulfills the requirements to be an analysis of evolutionary direction. It tries to answer this question, in particular, by examining the theoretical foundations of evolutionary economics and the subsequent evolutionary theorization of the firm that stems analytically from evolutionary economics. With this goal in mind, an overview of the relatively recent literature is attempted by presenting some of the significant contributions to evolutionary economics and the evolutionary theory of the firm. Next, it examines the specific way of building the Stra.Tech.Man approach on the production process of innovation and change management, by analyzing how this can lead to the structuration of an evolutionary direction of business planning for any socioeconomic organism. |
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Analysis of the Impact of Exchange Rate, Inflation, Export and Import on Gross Domestic Product in Bangladesh |
Author : Papi Halder |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :This study is about the impact of selected macroeconomic variables on economic growth of Bangladesh. Economic growth of Bangladesh is measured in terms of annual nominal GDP growth rate. Least squared regression model has been employed considering exchange rate, export, import and inflation rate as independent variables and gross domestic product as the dependent variable in this study. The results reveal that export and import have significant positive impact on GDP growth rate. The other variables (exchange rate and inflation) are not significant, indicating that there exists no significant relationship among the variables. The findings will help the policy makers to make policies concerning the country’s economic growth to remain robust in the near future. |
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