Showing papers by "KIMEP University published in 2012"

The global training deficit: the scarcity of formal and informal professional development opportunities for women entrepreneurs

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the global dearth of training options to support women entrepreneurs and to forward a set of recommendations to better meet the learning needs of women who own their businesses.Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a thorough literature review on the topic, which examines the learning and training experiences of female entrepreneurs in a wide range of disparate societies.Findings – The absence of leaning, training and professional development opportunities for women entrepreneurs is found to be an almost universal phenomenon. In the few examples where training has been planned and provided, the results have been very significant. Further, women and their businesses are disadvantaged by the lack of training available and that this comes at a high cost to their businesses.Research limitations/implications – The implications are that countries are hindering economic activity, growth and prosperity by ignoring the professional development needs of...

Culture and behavioural intent to adopt mobile commerce among the Y Generation: comparative analyses between Kazakhstan, Morocco and Singapore

Abstract: Purpose – This study aims to investigate perceived risk and trustworthiness in relationship to the diffusion of innovation theory to understand the determinants of behavioural intent to adopt mobile commerce among the Y Generation. It also seeks to investigate the impact of culture on mobile commerce adoption.Design/methodology/approach – Five hundred and thirty randomly distributed questionnaires in six tertiary education institutions in Kazakhstan, Morocco and Singapore were used. Multivariate analysis of variance was conducted using SPSS and structural equation modelling using AMOS 7.0 to test for construct validity and for hypothesis testing.Findings – Perceived risk, trustworthiness and Rogers' five perceived characteristics of innovation (namely, observability, trialability, compatibility, complexity, relative advantage) determined behavioural intent to adopt mobile commerce among the Y Generation. Culture had a moderating effect on these determinants in Kazakhstan and Morocco.Research limitations/i...

Societal institutions and HRM practices: an analysis of four European multinational subsidiaries in Bangladesh

Abstract: Using the ‘societal-effect’ approach, a variant of the institutional theory developed and tested in Europe, this study investigates the impact of societal institutions on human resource management (HRM) practices of European multinational subsidiaries in Bangladesh, which is now on the list of the Next-11 economies of the world. In-depth case studies of four European multinational subsidiaries revealed the presence of different degrees of influence – partly attributable to societal effect – on the human resource practices of these subsidiaries. Our study added a new dimension to the interface between the strong and weak institutions and how such interfacing accords both legitimacy and reverse legitimacy to MNC subsidiaries and their societal institutions respectively. Another interesting finding of the study is the emergence of political system as a societal institution and, hence, a determinant of HRM practices in these subsidiaries. The study's implications are given.

Kazakhstan: constructing identity in a post-Soviet society

Abstract: One of the problems with the now independent countries of Central Asia is that they have little history of independent statehood and even less experience of any ideological context that legitimizes a specific set of political arrangements, other than the discredited Marxist model of the Soviet system. Neither habit nor attachment to a coherent set of political ideals is very helpful as the basis for individual identification with or support of the State. Perhaps as a consequence, political operatives in Central Asian countries have opted to emphasize the centrality of ethnicity to legitimize their current political arrangements. But in Kazakhstan this presents a potential problem – the country is ethnically very diverse, has a large Russian/Slavic population and the ‘core nation’ of ethnic Kazakhs comprises a bare majority of Kazakh citizens. We utilize survey research to test the influence such factors as ethnicity, religion and other nexus of identity have on feelings of attachment to the state. Our fin...

Concessionary Nature of Public-Private Partnerships in Russia and Kazakhstan: A Critical Review

Abstract: This article provides a critical overview of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in Russia and Kazakhstan and examines the rationale underpinning such partnerships. The analysis discusses the reasons why governments in Russia and Kazakhstan focus principally on concessions as a form of PPP and goes on to provide a critical assessment of the key approaches and situational factors relating to concessions in these two countries. The article finds that external globalization impulses pressed Russia and Kazakhstan to align their policies and institutions with western orthodoxy and perceived international best practice. An ever-increasing emphasis on use of PPPs has been a key feature of this alignment. However, the governments of Russia and Kazakhstan have increasingly resorted to concessions as progress with the development and implementation of Western style PPP models has stalled. This article concludes that the governments of Russia and Kazakhstan have demonstrated an overly optimistic approach to PPP and as a result may have substantially understated their overall concessional risks and costs. Features of Russian and Kazakhstani PPP arrangements such as ambiguity in output specification and extensive reliance on government subsidies, combined with lack of expertise of private partners, may significantly decrease concession benefits.

Corporate governance through an audit committee: an empirical study

Abstract: Even though there are many measures to put corporate governance (CG) in place and practise, an important tool essential for the success is the efficacy and effective functioning of an audit committee (AC). Nowadays, an AC is being looked upon as a distinct culture for CG and has received wide-publicity across the globe. Government authorities, regulators and international bodies all have indicated that they view an AC as a potentially powerful tool that can enhance the reliability and transparency of financial information. Being mandatory under SEBI’s clause 49 of the listing agreement, an AC can be of great help to the board in implementing, monitoring and continuing ‘good’ CG practises to the benefit of the corporation and all its stakeholders. This study performs a ‘content’ analysis on the AC reports of the top 500 listed companies in India during 2005 to 2008 to determine the information content of these reports and the extent to which these reports conform to the clause 49 requirements of the SEBI. ...

A model for strategy implementation and conflict resolution in the franchise business

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to explore the inherent tensions of the franchisor‐franchisee relationship from the viewpoint of business strategy. It also aims to highlight seven areas of the partnership that can be developed to promote cooperation on a shared strategic direction that delivers improved business outcomesDesign/methodology/approach – The literature is reviewed and the author's extensive experience in franchising is drawn on. The Seven C Approach is discussed as a guide.Findings – The paper finds that by adopting an approach based on communication, cooperation, consultation, collaboration, coordination, concession and competence franchisors and franchisees can work through their differences on strategy formulation and implementation.Practical implications – The paper has real and immediate practical benefits for franchisors and franchisees in that it provides a seven‐step guide for improving the working relationship between the two. This will result in greater trust and better business outcomes.O...

On being Poor-by-Choice: A Philosophical Critique of the Neoliberal Poverty Perspective

Abstract: Neoliberalism is an economic, social, and political philosophy that derives, but significantly deviates, from classical liberalism. It has supreme trust in the marketplace and in the omniscience of market forces. It postulates that poverty is an objectively knowable social phenomenon. It theorizes that poverty's causal explanation is grounded in the inappropriateness of the hopes, aspirations, and goals of those living in poverty. It moralizes that the poor have a moral obligation to critically assess the consequences for themselves and others of their decisions not to work even when work is available, for which they should be held responsible. It concludes that the work-shy poor-bychoice — the undeserving poor — cannot be trusted not to abuse tax-finance welfare support. The paper explicates, briefly, the philosophical underpinnings of neoliberalism as a social science paradigm, so as to facilitate, secondly, the exploration of its perspective on human nature, which informs, thirdly, its perspective on poverty. It concludes that neoliberalism is unable to speak with any certainty about the nature, causes, and consequences of poverty and its solution. The neoliberal poverty discourse is, essentially, a discourse on human nature. It asserts that the poor can choose not to be poor. This gives rise to an ideologically informed, assumption-based approach to anti-poverty policy.

What drives the employment of public-private partnerships in kazakhstan and russia: value for money?

Abstract: Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are employed in many countries as an alternative method of public service provision in which partners from the public and private sectors share their resources, responsibilities, and risks. Some well-justified factors that drive the partnership development are value for money and lack of budget funding. As PPP drivers may be unique, the paper surveys the reasons for PPP expansion in two transitional countries, Kazakhstan and Russia. Based on detailed discussion of the commonly employed reasons for partnering (such as greater value for money, or lower total social cost associated with a PPP as opposed to contracting out a service), internal and external PPP drivers in Kazakhstan and Russia have been categorized and examined. Among internal drivers, the need to attract private initiative and funding for upgrading the utilities and housing infrastructure is most influential because of enormity of the task for which governments lack resources. The countries’ intention to align themselves with the requirements of perceived international best practices is yet additional influential driver of external nature. The paper concludes that public policy in the two countries is the major driving force for PPP development although the value for money concept and transaction cost economics appear to be neglected. The emerging PPP policy paradigm in Kazakhstan and Russia has facilitated PPP development in recent years, since 2005. However, lack of reliable solutions and instruments for PPP formation and implementation significantly slows down PPP expansion.

Political Leadership and its Role in Achieving Good Governance in Kazakhstan

Abstract: This article examines the role political leadership plays in achieving good governance in Kazakhstan, a post-communist country in Central Asia. Since its withdrawal from the USSR, Kazakhstan maintains an authoritative political leadership, where President Nazarbayev, his trusted “inner-circle,” and the stalwarts of the Nur Otan party effectively rule the country. Opposition political parties are weak and disorganized, and their leaders are not quite capable of mobilizing favorable public opinion. The finding of the study suggests that the Kazakhstani political leadership has limited success in achieving good governance in Kazakhstan.

Corporate environmental reporting on the internet: an exploratory study

Abstract: CER is considered a key medium through which to communicate environmental information to its stakeholders. The rapid growth of ‘internet’ technology has enabled the firms to disseminate information to the global audience by removing all geographical barriers. In this study, we explore the status of ER made by 39 corporations during the year 2005–2006, by using ‘content’ analysis methodology. In order to examine the quality of ER by these corporations on their websites, we followed the technology adoption model. The empirical data used in this study is based on the online annual reports and reporting made on their websites. An analysis of information collected indicates that corporations provide more ER on their websites, in sharp contrast, to reporting made within their annual reports. Unfortunately, ER in annual report is general, broad and narrative in nature, without specifically discussing the ‘environment management policy’ followed by the corporation and/or ‘statement of assurance’ from the corporat...

HR holds back economic development in Kazakhstan

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe how the under‐developed state of human resource management (HRM) seems likely to thwart the economic and social development behind Kazakhstan's ambition to be a top 50 nation by 2020.Design/methodology/approach – The paper explains the background to Kazakhstan's Vision 2020, the current state of HRM in the country and the progress HRM specialists need to make if they are to be able to support the nation's rapid economic and social development.Findings – The paper reveals that Kazakhstan needs quickly to develop a labor force with the skills and knowledge capable of delivering Vision 2020 while at the same time radically accelerating the competence, connectedness and co‐ordination of HRM specialists across the nation so that they can develop a shared practice.Practical implications – The paper urges the need for these specialists to implement the modern policies and practices that organizations rely on to maximize and strategically deploy their human capit...

Reckoning Electronic Government Progress in Bangladesh

Abstract: In the context of the recent interest and enthusiasm regarding e-government, this article proffers an overview of e-government by focusing on its conceptual development and experimental practices with a particular focus on Bangladesh. The study primarily draws on an extensive review of the secondary literature together with personal insights of the authors gained in the course of engagements with selected e-government related projects in Bangladesh. It explores, inter alia, the conceptual setting by examining the key definitional issues and models of e-government; reviews e-government as a practice at the global and developing country contexts; and examines the policy frame and infrastructural status of e-government in Bangladesh. Major challenges and constraints on wider application of e-government in Bangladesh are identified and some clues on possible improvement of the situation are also explored. Despite many constraints, a degree of positive change is already noticeable in reducing the digital divid...

How to build corporate identity for strategic advantage … and how not to: lessons from a post‐communist country

Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this viewpoint is to highlight the importance of corporate identity.Design/methodology/approach – The article lays out five key principles to shape a corporate image.Findings – Corporate identity is the sum of all things that tell stakeholder groups what a company thinks of itself and how it aims to be perceived by others. It is the practice of fashioning an image that clearly represents where the business strives to position itself in the market place, an image that is consistent with, and supportive of its brands, products, and services.Practical implications – Reference is drawn from post‐communist Kazakhstan serving to highlight how corporate image can be misjudged in smaller communities and the negative effects this can have on business.Originality/value – The article provides sound practical advice on the need for organizations to develop a corporate image and how to achieve this.

Aid for AIDS in Africa

Abstract: This article applies a two-tiered contribution model to ascertain the determinants of donors’ participation and contribution levels to giving aid for controlling HIV/AIDS in Africa Bayesian spatial estimates for the two-tiered model are presented for 22 donor countries that gave aid to 48 recipient countries during 2000–2007 We account for the public nature of HIV/AIDS contributions by including the contributions of other donors as a determinant at both participation and expenditure stages, along with standard determinants of general assistance Independent variables account for altruistic, political, economic, location, institutional, and environmental factors Donor’s reaction to spillovers differs in the two stages, thereby supporting the two-tiered estimates over the single-stage Tobit estimates Aid for AIDS in Africa is motivated by a complex mix of strategic (publicness), altruistic, and donor self-interests Key factors at both stages include donors’ spillovers, rule of law, past colonial ties, sharing a common language, trade, and people living with HIV A host of robustness tests are presented

Does Regulation Fair Disclosure Reduce the Information Quality of Managerial Guidance

Abstract: We examine an effect of Regulation Fair Disclosure (Reg FD) on voluntary public managerial guidance information quality. Results suggest that the information quality of public guidance has not deteriorated after Reg FD. We also examine separately the effect of Reg FD on information efficiency before earnings releases for firms that provide public managerial guidance and those that do not. We find that when we control for the impact of Reg FD on firm characteristics, information efficiency deteriorates for firms that do not provide public guidance and for new guiders, while it does not change for firms that continue issuing public guidance after Reg FD.

Applying “Business Case” Construct Using the “Diffusion of Innovations” Theory Framework: Empirical Case Study in the Higher Education

Abstract: Real-world cases have highlighted the need for better understanding of the process by which risk-averse organizations introduce new enterprise systems. There is a particular need to focus on the “business case document” which comprehensively outlines the pros and cons of adopting the new system. This chapter describes the complex innovation and diffusion process of enterprise systems as not described before. It asks questions about how information on a new system is communicated to potential stakeholders. Taking the specific case of a large public sector university, it examines all the processes involved in evaluating whether a new ­system is right for an organization and convincing both end-users and upper management to approve the change. Accordingly, any document that drives this change must be as credible as possible. And so, this paper looks at the possible sources of credibility for both the document and the sponsor who writes it.

Antecedents of brand trust in online tertiary education: a tri-nation study

Abstract: Online education, which is centered on the use of the Internet and the World Wide Web, presents a new generation of educational tools. Its ‘anywhere, any time’ concept frees the student from the constraints of time and place. Because there are no barriers to information flow over the Internet, it holds promise for a ‘curriculum without walls’ where intellectual richness is available to all. To take advantage of the huge number of potential students worldwide, many universities and commercial education providers have moved rapidly to introduce online tertiary programs to get a share of this market. Online programs are now commonplace in many learning institutions. However, Internet-based education has not attracted as many students as had been expected. Specifically, online tertiary education has not attracted as many students as had been expected in Singapore (Gagnon, 2002; Tan & Lambe, 2002; Wong, Gerber, & Toh, 2003); Brunei (Leong, 2006); and Malaysia (Alhabshi, 2002). There is still a lack of confiden...

Framing the Business Case for IT Purchases: Do I Use the Executive Sponsor’s Rationale or Do I Use Process Innovation?

Abstract: This paper discusses the dilemma that upper management has during the cycle of purchase for technology base products. The executive must sort through the executive sponsor’s rationale and attempt to rely upon their unstructured personal assessment. The authors present a methodology that is based upon a plan of reasoning and assessment called “process innovation.†They maintain that the executive decision makers will rely upon this new methodology to improve their judgment by diffusing the overall purchase process with sound reasoning that leads to good judgment.

Risk Management in Public-Private Partnerships and Research Agenda for Transitional Countries

Abstract: The article surveys common risks that public-private partnerships (PPPs) face, discusses principles of risk allocation and identifies approaches to risk management. Additionally, the relevance of aspects of PPP risk allocation and management to partnerships in transitional countries such as Kazakhstan and Russia is deliniated. The article contrasts and compares few ways of categorizing PPP risks, and finds no major discrepancies between available approaches. The article emphasizes the need to focus not only on initial risk allocation in a contract between partners, but also on subsequent risk management. Due to emerging risks such as unanticipated changes in demand, risks may need to be negotiated and reallocated. The article argues that risk mitigation tools such as those that may increase demand for a partnership service have to be employed as they permit to raise revenue and contribute to the overall PPP success. For the discussed aspects of PPP risk management, the article suggests directions for future research in the context of a transitional country.

Professional development for company directors – a strategic leadership opportunity for HR? The case of Air Astana

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to explore potential opportunities for corporate learning and development functions to play a strategic leadership role by meeting the professional development needs of company directors.Design/methodology/approach – The authors conducted an interview with Mr Dmitriy Larionov, an independent director at Kazakhtelecom and Air Astana.Findings – The interview revealed that, from the perspective of the interviewee, company directors do have important professional development needs. These needs, however, are not easily satisfied and can go unmet.Practical implications – Learning and development professionals in listed companies can play a heightened strategic and influencing role in corporate governance by better equipping directors to perform their duties well.Originality/value – Air Astana is a rapidly expanding company in a highly competitive and universally significant industry. Kazakhstan is a new country without a history of private companies. Kazakhstan is one of the world's fa...

Central Asia and the Caucasus: transnationalism and diaspora

Abstract: Central Asia and the Caucasus: transnationalism and diaspora, edited by Touraj Atabaki and Sanjyot Mehendale, London and New York, Routledge, 2005, xii + 242 pp., Index, £24.95 (paperback), ISBN 97...

Cloud Computing for Business

Abstract: Advanced information technologies and the Internet have resulted in the emergence of the phenomenon of processing in the clouds (cloud computing - CC). A general definition of processing in the clouds is “access to a resource on the Internet outside the company firewall.”

The Long Run Growth Rate of the Kazakhstan's Economy

Abstract: Kazakhstan’s economy has performed very well for almost the past decade – growing on an average annual growth rate of 9%. Furthermore, over this period there has been rapid increase in production in all the sectors of the economy. Can this economy continue to grow at such a high growth rate in the long run? The scanty existing literature on the topic suggests that growth is driven by exports from the extractive industry, while growth accounting studies on Kazakhstan’s economy reveal little contribution of total factor productivity to growth. In theory, the total factor productivity (TFP) growth rate and long-run growth rate, or the steady state growth rate are equal. Hence, we examine this premise because it is as interesting and useful as policy input. In investigating the long run growth rate, we used parametric (econometric) methods with extended production functions to include learning by doing through trade (openness). We find the estimates of the TFP steady state growth rate to be around 3 percent. This study gives us better insight into the economic growth of the country, although with transitional economies like Kazakhstan’s, there are huge institutional changes.

Senior executives and their boards: toward a more involved director

Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to explore the opportunities and barriers facing senior executives in supporting boards of directors in assuming an enhanced strategic function.Design/methodology/approach – Semi‐structured interviews with ten senior executives in four major publically listed Australian companies were conducted.Findings – Senior executives can do more to enable the strategic functioning of their boards. However, barriers, both perceived and real, often prevent or deter them from doing so. The conclusion is that boards and senior directors need to forge a more productive relationship to better serve the company's interests.Research limitations/implications – The paper serves as exploratory research in an under‐researched topic and may provide a platform for further, in‐depth research. Limitations of the study include the small sample size and the fact that the study was restricted to Australia and therefore this study's conclusions may not be transferable to other countries.Practical impl...

Household Survey Data for Research on Well-Being and Behavior in Central Asia

Abstract: This paper summarizes the micro-level survey evidence from Central Asia generated and analyzed between 1991 and 2012. We provide an exhaustive overview over all accessible individual and household-level surveys undertaken in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan - and of all English-language academic papers published using these datasets. We argue that Central Asia is a fascinating region for the study of comparative economics given its dual experience of transition and development. However, the region is also understudied, in part due to lack of data, and especially due to a lack of panel data. We identify knowledge gaps caused from this lack of longitudinal surveys and suggest worthwhile areas for future research. Finally, we also present the new and novel individual-level panel dataset called "Life in Kyrgyzstan".

E-Business Lаndsсарe in Developing Countries: Focused on Kаzаkhstаn

Abstract: E-Business has gained much attention as a new opportunity to provide global competitiveness for companies in developing countries. This study is primarily focused on critical success factors of e-Business systems in developing countries, especially in Kazakhstan. This study aims to provide a framework to unfold the barriers and challenges so that companies in Kazakhstan take benefit of making а right decision for e-Business implementation. To achieve the goal of the research, the survey was conducted to assess and understand the lаndsсарe of e-Business in Kazakhstan аnd identify the key suссess fасtors which can be utilized in improving the design and implementation of e-Business systems. Kazakhstan, as a leader of Central Asia, has a great potential to impact expansion of e-Business systems in this region. In order to prepare a well designed e-Business systems which reflect success factors identified in this study, a framework to develop a landscape design for e-Business systems might be necessary. This study revealed critical factors affecting successful implementation of e-Business in Kazakhstan, which has shown the reality of success factors in developing countries. It is expected that success factors identified in this study can be utilized in designing and implementing e-Business systems in developing countries. In addition, it might be desirable to stay aware of opportunities and challenges, and see it as an initiative to improve businesses rather than the solution, especially in developing countries.

Audit Quality in Kazakhstan: Does Big 4 Provide High-Quality Audits?

Abstract: This paper provides empirical evidence on audit quality in Kazakhstan as measured by audit tenure and the frequency of issuing modified opinions. In addition, an overview of audit institutions of Kazakhstan and an analysis of the current audit market for public companies are offered. This paper also sheds light upon the potential independence problems resulting in low audit quality and current barriers to audit researches in Kazakhstan. Consistent with the findings of extant researches on audit quality and the general perceptions of investors, two hypotheses were developed, i.e., the audits performed by Big 4 audit firms in Kazakhstan also have higher quality than non-Big 4 audit firms in terms of audit tenure and the frequency of issuing modified opinions. The result confirms the hypothesis that Big 4 audit firms provide higher audit quality than smaller local firms in association with audit tenure instead of in relation to the frequency of issuing modified opinions. The result indicates that Big 4 audit firms may not be as independent as they will be in a highly litigious market. Therefore, an independent inspection should be regularly implemented according to the audit law, and the inspection report should be publicized by Chamber of Auditors (COA) 1 . If this is not practical due to the lack of qualified inspectors, a peer review may be an alternative to implement the quality control policy immediately. To the author’s best knowledge, this is the first audit quality research in countries of the Commonwealth of Independence States (CIS).