Developing Country Studies 

About: Developing Country Studies is an academic journal published by IISTE. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Population & Poverty. It has an ISSN identifier of 2224-607X. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 1644 publications have been published receiving 5977 citations.

Consumer Perception of Product Quality and the Country-of-Origin Effect

Abstract: The research study brings into perspective a marketing concept that has been debated over a long time. The aspect of country of origin has been has been in existence since the period of World War I. Similarly, consumer behavior towards product quality has been a concern that is inevitable. As such, the study seeks to establish the relationship that exists between country of origin and product quality in the market. The research objectives focuses on consumer perspective and a critical analysis of previous literature is undertaken. To fulfill the set objectives, the research uses primary research method that uses quantitative data collected through questionnaires in the market, the participants of this research study were chosen randomly across Nigeria and used to establish the issue under study. The study is undertaken in Nigeria, which is categorized as a developing country hence great beneficiary of foreign products. The main aim of this research study is to gain understanding on the concept of country of origin and its impact on consume perception of the product quality. It is clear from the findings that most people prefer obtaining foreign products, which are expensive in nature. Such products include automobiles and electronics that are associated certain countries like the German – machines and the Japan – workmanship. It is thus worthwhile to mention that the research study established a relationship between product quality and country of origin hence the consumer perception on this issue to provide recommendation to different stakeholders. Keywords: Consumer Perception, Product Quality and Country of Origin

Issues in SACCOS Development in Kenya and Tanzania: The Historical and Development Perspectives

Abstract: SACCOS (Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies) as of now are predominant form of external financing for small and micro enterprises in most of the developing counties (Kenya and Tanzania inclusive). Contemporary studies show that SACCOS’ role towards developing these small enterprises is increasing rapidly.From this insight, this paper discusses the origin, characteristics and contribution of SACCOS to the economic development. Considering their contributions; this paper also unveils the constraints to SACCOS’ development in these countries. In Kenya, SACCOS have been noted to contribute over 45% GDP, and it is estimated that at least one out of every two Kenyans directly or indirectly derives his /her livelihood from these kinds of cooperative movements. On the other hand, in Tanzania cooperatives (including SACCOS) through financing of SMEs contributes about 40% to the country’s GDP and employs 94.7% of school leavers every year, majority of these SMEs in rural areas depends on co-operative movements for external financing. The rapid development of SACCOS in both countries has been caused by growth of the private sector; which hugely demands external financial resources. SACCOS in the two countries have more or less similar constraints including: lack of well-trained officials and proper administrative framework, bureaucracy, inability to raise vast financial resources and many others. This paper recommends policy makers and governments to come-up with policies and strategies that will support the growth of SACCOS which looks to be a pertinent alternative solution for financing micro and small businesses. Key words : SACCOS’ development, Kenya, Tanzania

Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth in Nigeria

Abstract: This work empirically investigates the effect of foreign direct investment on Nigeria’s economic growth over the period 1990 to 2012. The study made use of ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation techniques in analyzing the secondary data. The secondary data were mainly sourced from Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin (CBN), Annual report and Statement of accounts. The result shows that Export assumes a positive sign which implies that there is a positive relationship between Economic growth and Export; in conclusion FDI has led to increase in Export in Nigeria. Keywords : Foreign direct investment, Economic growth, Gross domestic product

An Analysis of Mobile Banking Acceptance by Pakistani Customers

Abstract: This study explores the factors affecting and manipulating the mobile banking acceptance by Pakistani customers. The expansion of technology has generated new opportunities in the world as the expansion of mobile technology has merged the financial and telecom service providers to pioneer new innovations for financial institutions in order to provide branchless banking through mobile banking. This research acquires a TAM (Technology Acceptance Model). Outcomes of this study sustains extensive TAM in forecasting bank customer’s behavioural intent to use mobile banking. The data was collected from the MCB bank account holders in Pakistan which includes 200 survey responses, analyze through statistical techniques: regression analysis. The result of data analysis demonstrated the context of the following variables such as speed, self-efficacy (SE), Mobilty Access(MA) , Advertising(AT) and quality of service , user perception relates to the convenience of mobile banking that affect the tendency to use and adoption. Keywords: Mobile Banking, Innovation, TAM.

Managing Ethnic and Cultural Diversity for National Integration in Nigeria

Abstract: Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and culturally diverse society that has witnessed conflicts arising from this ethnic and cultural diversity. This paper expounds such conceptual issues as ethnicity, cultural diversity, federalism and national integration and then presents the historical background to ethnic and cultural conflicts in Nigeria. It is argued that national integration in the Nigerian context has been an attempt to forge “unity in diversity”, seeking to wish away socio-cultural differences and imposing uniformity in spite of complex cultural diversity. This has created more conflict and posed obstacles to unity, peaceful co-existence, progress and stable development. It recommends that national integration and its benefits can be realized only with the development and entrenchment of a supportive public culture; understanding, respecting and tolerating differences occasioned by socio-cultural diversity; as well as the development of new institutions and mechanisms that address poverty,