Showing papers in "European Journal of Business and Management in 2013"

The Effect of Training on Employee Performance

Abstract: Employee is a blood stream of any business. The accomplishment or disaster of the firm depends on its employee performance. Hence, top management realized the importance of investing in training and development for the sake of improving employee performance. This conceptual paper aimed at studying the effect of training on employee performance and to provide suggestion as to how firm can improve its employee performance through effective training programs. The research approach adopted for the study conforms to qualitative research, as it reviews the literature and multiple case studies on the importance of training in enhancing the performance of the workforce. Further the paper goes on to analyse and understand the theoretical framework and models related to employee development through training and development programs, and its effect on employee performance and on the basis of the review of the current evidence of such a relationship, offers suggestions for the top management in form of a checklist, appropriate for all businesses, to assess the employee performance and to find out the true cause(s) of the performance problem so the problem could be solved in time through desired training program. The study in hand faces the limitations as there are no adequate indications to correlate directly the relationship between training and employee performance. Hence, there is a need for conducting an empirical research in future to test the proposition discussed in the study. The study in hand provides brief overview of the literature about training effectiveness and how it contributes in enhancing the employee performance and ultimately concludes along with recommendation to give directions for future research by applying different level of analysis on exploring the impact of training practices on employee performance. Keywords: Training , Employee performance.

The Effect of Perceived Risk on Online Shopping in Jordan

Abstract: Consumers’ perceived risk has been considered as a fundamental concern of decision making process during online shopping. For the purpose of this study, perceived risk is defined as the potential for loss in pursuing a desired outcome from online shopping. The study aimed to examine the effect of perceived risks (financial risk, product risk, time risk, delivery risk, and information security risk) on online shopping behavior in Jordan. To investigate the hypotheses of the research, data was collected from online shopping users; a survey was conducted with a sample size of 395 online shoppers among consumers who previously purchased online and mainly from the main popular online stores in Jordan, methodology was done using SPSS 17 and Amos 18. The study revealed that financial risk, product risk, delivery risk, and information security risk negatively affect online shopping behavior. The results also showed that the other two dimensions, perceived time risk, and perceived social risk have no effect on online shopping. The study has an important managerial implication; it provides marketers with the importance of consumers risk perception in order to adopt adequate risk-reduction strategies in the internet shopping environment. Keywords: Perceived Risk, Risk Dimensions, Online Shopping, Electronic Commerce, Jordan.

Impact of employee's job satisfaction on organizational performance.

Abstract: Employee attitude is very important for management to determine the behavior of workers in the organization. The usually judgment about employees is that “A satisfied worker is a productive worker”. If employees are satisfied then it will create a pleasant atmosphere within the organization to perform in a better and efficient manner, therefore, job satisfaction and its relation with organizational performance has become a major topic for research studies. The specific problem covered in this study is to scrutinize the impact of job satisfaction on organizational performance. It considered which rewards (intrinsic and extrinsic) determine job satisfaction of an employee and its relation with organizational performance. It also reviewed the influence of age, sex and experience of employees on level of job satisfaction. It also covered and investigated different events which can satisfy the employees on jobs, their retention in the job, and why employees stay and leave the organization. Data were collected through conducting detailed field survey using questionnaires from different employee (exit interview of outgoing employees) groups like management, senior managers, managers, professionals and support staff from five profit/non-profit sector organizations. The data analysis shows that there exists positive correlation between job satisfaction and organizational performance.

The Influence of Employee Rewards, Human Resource Policies and Job Satisfaction on the Retention of Employees in Vodafone Ghana Limited.

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of employee rewards, job satisfaction and human resource policies on employee retention in Vodafone Ghana Limited. The study surveyed 142 employees from Vodafone Ghana Limited. Data collection was done by means of a semi-structured questionnaire through personal contacts. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics and Pearson Chi-square. The results showed that when organisations’ reward systems are adequate, it does not only lead to equity, but increase retention. The findings again showed that job satisfaction and favourable human resource policies have positive link with retention. A limitation of the study was that the questionnaire was voluntarily completed by respondents, the researcher therefore had no information about the non-respondents. Keywords: employee rewards, job satisfaction, human resource policies, employee retention, Vodafone Ghana Limited.

Determinants of Financial Sustainability of Microfinance Institutions in East Africa

Abstract: Poverty eradication is at the forefront of the development strategy of Africa. Interventions through the delivery of microfinance services are considered as one of the policy instruments to eradicate poverty. However, for sustainable poverty alleviation, the MFIs themselves should be financially sustainable. Given the relation between the well being of the microfinance sector and the goal of poverty eradication, the purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the determinants of financial sustainability of microfinance institutions in East Africa where poverty is a serious problem. Binary probit and ordered probit regression models are used in this study in identifying the factors that determine East African microfinance institutions’ financial sustainability. Using unbalanced panel data collected from 23 microfinance institutions (MFIs) in East Africa from the period 2004 to 2009, the regression results reveal that MFIs’ financial sustainability is positively and significantly driven by loans intensity and size. However, management inefficiency and portfolio at risk have a negative and significant impact on financial sustainability. Breadth of outreach and deposit mobilization are not important determinants of financial sustainability. Thus, management inefficiency, portfolio at risk, loans intensity, and size are important determinants of microfinance institutions’ financial sustainability in East Africa. Keywords: Financial sustainability, Microfinance institutions, East Africa.

Dimensions of Brand Image: A Conceptual Review from the Perspective of Brand Communication

Abstract: Currently almost all products have the brand, and all companies strive to develop and maintain their brand reputation. Brand is a mark left on the minds and hearts of consumers, which creates a specific sense of meaning and feeling. Thus, brand is more than just a logo, name, symbol, trademark, or label attached to a product. Using theoretical review and self-reflectivity method, this conceptual paper aims to review the dimensions of brand image as one stage in the hierarchy of branding or brand communications, so it can be a guide for future studies related to the brand image. Brand image plays an important role in the development of a brand because the brand image associated with the reputation and credibility of the brand which later become the ‘guideline’ for the consumer audience to try and use a product or service then creating a particular experience that will determine whether the consumer will be into brand loyalist, or simply an opportunist (easy to switch to another brand). The dimensions of brand image in this study include brand identity, brand personality, brand association, brand behavior & attitude, and brand competence & benefit.

Training and Development Program and its Benefits to Employee and Organization: A Conceptual Study

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual study established on the employee training and development program and its benefits. This paper will inspect the structure and elements of employee training and development program and later the study present what are the positive outcomes for employees and organizations. Organizations find it difficult to stay competitive in recent global economy. Importance of employee development program is growing for the organizations those pursuing to receive an advantage among competitors. Employees are esteemed resource of the organization and success or failure of the organization relay on the performance of employees. Therefore, organizations are financing large amount on employee training and development programs. Furthermore, in training program it is supportive for companies to emphasis on knowledge, expertise and ability of employees. There is substantial discussion among professionals and researchers on the affect that development program has on both employee and organization. The study described here is a vigilant assessment of literature on fundamental of employee development program and its benefits to organizations and employees.

Influences of Price And Quality On Consumer Purchase Of Mobile Phone In The Kumasi Metropolis In Ghana A Comparative Study

Abstract: The study focused on the consumers of the selected mobile phones in Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana. The study use both primary data and secondary data. Questionnaires, personal interviews and price list of the selected mobile phones were used. The study use non probability sample method. This study is descriptive research which tries to describe how consumers are been influence by Price and Quality when buying mobile phone. Interviews and questionnaires were the main instrument used for collecting data in this study. The outcome of the study was that Price and quality has influence on the consumer buying decision and that consumers consider both price and quality in their buying situation. Key words: Mobile phones, buying decision, Price, Quality, Consumers, Quality.

Working Capital Management and Performance of SME Sector

Abstract: The study investigates the influence of working capital management (WCM) on performance of small medium enterprises (SME’s) in Pakistan The duration of the study is seven years from 2006 to 2012 The data used in this study was taken from different sources ie SMEDA, Karachi Stock Exchange, tax offices, company itself and Bloom burgee business week Data of SME’s acquired from these sources forms the foundation of our calculation and then interpretation As the data was gathered for a period of seven years ie 2006-2012, the reason for choosing this period was because of the availability of the latest data The dependent variable of the study is Return on assets which is used as a proxy for profitability Independent variables were number of days account receivable, number of day’s inventory, cash conversion cycle (CCC) and number of days account payable In addition to these variables some other variables were used which includes firm size, leverage and growth Panal data technique is used to study the influence of WCM on profitability of SME’s Results suggest that number of day’s accounts payable has positive association with profitability whereas average collection period, inventory turnover and CCC have inverse relation with performance On the other hand the variable size and growth in sales has positive influence on profitability In contrast debt ratio has negative impact on profitability Keywords : Cash Conversion Cycle, Working Capital Management, SME’s

Personality and Learning Motivation

Abstract: In this study I investigated the relationship between personality traits and learning motivations by correlating Big Five model of personality, Core Self-evaluation, achievement and affiliation motivation, and intrinsic and extrinsic motivations for leaning. Data were collected from 298 participants using a questionnaire. Regression analysis results indicated that extraversion, agreeableness, openness to experience and conscientiousness were positively associated with intrinsic motivation, but neuroticism was positively associated with extrinsic motivation. Core self-evaluation was also positively related with intrinsic motivation and negatively related to extrinsic motivation. Furthermore, intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation are two concept that was mutually exclusive. Implications and further research directions are then discussed. Keywords: five-factor model, core self-evaluation, intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivations

Effects of balanced scorecard on performance of firms in the service sector

Abstract: This study sought to establish the effects of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) on performance of firms in the service sector. The study location was in Kakamega Municipality, Kenya and a survey research design involving 200 service providing firms was utilized. Stratified random sampling procedure was adopted with the strata organized based on the nature of services offered. After the stratification, simple random sampling was utilized to select the respondent firms. Semi-structured questionnaires were employed to collect primary data which were analyzed through descriptive statistics. The study revealed that non-financial criteria are as important as financial criteria in measurement systems and when both measures are integrated in the system, they lead to superior results.

The Impact of Forensic Accounting on Fraud Detection

Abstract: The study examines the effect of forensic accounting on fraud detection in Nigerian firms. the aim of this study is to determine the relationship between fraud detection and forensic accounting. To achieve this objective, data was collected from primary sources. The primary data were collected with the help of a well-structured questionnaire of three sections administered to fifteen firms in Benin City Edo State. The collected data were analyzed with descriptive statistics using ordinary least square (OLS) regression and Chi-square. The study reveals that the application of forensic accounting services on firms affects the level of fraudulent activities. Key Words : Forensic accountant, financial frauds, theft of cash/suppression of lodgment, Miscellaneous fraud, falsification of accounts, cashiering fraud, forged chequess with forged signature, computer operator fraud.

Impact of Human Resources Management Practices on Turnover, Productivity and Corporate Financial Performance

Abstract: In developing countries, the human resource availability is quite easy but the most unfortunate part is its effective and efficient management. It is a well established fact that it is human beings behind the machines which can drive or drown the organizations. Human behavior and psychology is driven and motivated by varying degree of factors. The researchers across the globe have evolved and successfully practiced certain HRM techniques in order to achieve best performance and productivity from human capital. Unfortunately this area remained neglected and human resource could not be exploited to its full potential in Pakistan despite the fact that the country possesses one of the best human capital in the world. This paper is an Endeavour to identify the best Human Resource Management practices applicable to Pakistani environments and analyze their positive effects on labor turnover, productivity and corporate financial performance. In order to achieve this objective, a survey questionnaire was designed and disseminated among respondents. A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed, out of which 145 completed questionnaires were received. The authors analyzed the data by using statpro software. the major conclusions and findings were; Need for articulation of vision, mission and values for organization, lack of performance management system, lack of benefit and compensation program, issue of corporate loyalty, poor workforce alignment, absence of HR development and training programs, lack of Human Resource Information System(HRIS),and non adoption of TQM. Keywords: HRM, Productivity, Pakistan, Turnover.

The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on the Nigerian Economy

Abstract: This study investigates the empirical relationship between Foreign Direct Investment and economic growth in Nigeria. The work covered a period of 1981-2009 using an annual data from Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin. A growth model via the Ordinary Least Square method was used to ascertain the relationship between FDI and economic growth in Nigeria. The study also added Gross Fixed Capital Formation with a view to capture the effect of domestic investment on the growth of the economy for the period under review. Interest Rate and exchange rate were also added as control variables in the model. Granger causality test was also employed to determine the direction of causality between FDI and economic growth in Nigeria. The result of the OLS techniques indicates that FDI has a positive and insignificant impact on the growth of Nigerian economy for the period under study. GFCF which was used as a proxy for domestic investment has a positive and significant impact on economic growth. Interest rate was found to be positive and insignificant while exchange rate positively and significantly affects the growth of Nigeria economy. Therefore, government should provide an enabling environment that will encourage foreign investors to invest in Nigeria economy by addressing the security challenges in the country, providing investment friendly environment by improved regulatory framework as well as encourage domestic investment. Keywords: Foreign Direct Investment and Nigerian Economy

Sustainability, Profitability and Outreach Tradeoffs: Evidences from Microfinance Institutions in East Africa

Abstract: The aim of the study was to examine the presence of tradeoffs between sustainability, profitability and outreach to the poor. The study was conducted in East African using a panel data of 47 Microfinance institutions for four years period. Using Welfarists approach the study found out that profitability focus has a negative impact on outreach to the poor, implying the presence of tradeoffs. The results on financial sustainability did not show presence tradeoffs with the outreach measures. Under Institutionalist view, the study found out that outreach to the poor has a positive relationship with both sustainability and profitability measures. The study concludes that, the possibility of tradeoffs exists between outreach to the poor with profitability measures as compared to the outreach with financial sustainability. The presence of tradeoffs between financial performance and outreach to the poor also depends on the variables used and estimation model specification. Some variables which indicated the existence of tradeoffs under Welfarists views did do not show such impact under Institutionalist views. The study recommends that Microfinance institutions in East Africa should focus on financial sustainability in order to reduce their subsidy dependence, ensure survival and growth in the future. To the policy makers the study recommends that sustainability does not compromise the outreach to the poor. The government should review their policies governing Microfinance institutions to ensure that the institutions are directed towards sustainability. The government should also allow institutions to mobilize savings and offer other financial services to broaden their activities and the outreach to the poor. Keywords: Sustainability, Profitability, Outreach, Microfinance Institutions, East Africa

Elements of Green Supply Chain Management

Abstract: The purpose of the paper was to highlight the elements of green supply chain. The rise in greenhouse emissions and pollution of the environments by firms has precipitated the need for organizations to realign their supply chain operations with a view of conserving the scarce resources. Firms in the hospitality industry rely on energy and water as their key resource inputs in ensuring that they offer better services to clients. The paper looks at how firms can implement several elements of green supply chain in their processes. This is a conceptual paper and the methodology used is a desktop research in which in depth literature review is done to highlight how firms can incorporate green supply chain tools in their supply chains. The analysis is based on previously conducted research from books and relevant journals and articles. The findings of the paper confirm that firms need to implement green supply chain elements as a continuous process to achieve sustainability in the supply chain processes. The study concludes that firms need to enhance the levels of implementing green supply chain practices in managing their operations. This is an emerging supply chain management paradigm that will enable firms to realize long term sustainability in their operations. Key words: Green Supply Chain Management Elements

The Impact of Organizational Support for Career Development and Supervisory Support on Employee Performance: An Empirical Study from Pakistani Academic Sector

Abstract: Many organizations are turning to human resource development to increase their employees’ knowledge, skills, and capabilities so that they can survive. This thrust has raised up career development programs to become an integral part of many organizations’ strategic plans. This research study is focused upon identifying the need and exploring the level of its intensity for career development of employees and its essential relationship with the success of an organization. It is a comparative study whereby the difference in attitude of the organization as a whole towards career development of the individuals has been studied. This study considers the difference in the significance and commitment attached to the individuals’ career development and its integration into the Human Resource Processes and procedures by organizations following different types of management styles. This study analyzes the supportive role of learning organization towards the individuals’ careers while itself moving towards the final stage of development. The organizational support for career development and supervisory support are independent variables and employees’ performance is dependent variable. Keywords: Organizational support, Employee career development

Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility Information Disclosure on Financial Performance and Firm Value in Banking Industry Listed at Indonesia Stock Exchange

Abstract: This study aims to analyze and explaining effect of corporate social responsibility information disclosure on financial performance and firm value in banking industry listed at Indonesia Stock Exchange. This study uses quantitative methods with positivism approach. Research objects were 15 banking companies listed at Indonesia Stock Exchange based on population criteria with observation period 2008-2011. This study uses secondary data derived from annual reports and financial statements. Data analysis used was Path Analysis. Research results show corporate social responsibility information disclosure affects on all financial performance measurement namely Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE) and Return on Sales (ROS). Corporate social responsibility information disclosure affect on firm value that measured by Tobin's Q. Financial performance that measured by ROA and ROE affect on firm value that measured by Tobin's Q, but ROS did not affect on firm value that measured by Tobin's Q. Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility/CSR, financial performance, firm value, banking

The Effect of Destination Image on Destination Loyalty: An Application In Alanya

Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the impact the destination image of Alanya district which is a district of Antalya, one of the main tourism centers in Turkey had on establishing destination loyalty. The sampling group of the study consists of tourists who visited Alanya district of Antalya between the months of June and August in 2012. A survey containing scales pertaining to destination image and destination loyalty was used as a data collection tool for the application and the collected data were analyzed by benefiting from statistical techniques such as factor analysis, reliability analysis, arithmetical average, standard deviation, Pearson correlation analysis and regression analysis. The study concluded that there was a positive and strong affiliation between the destination image which was reported as positive in general by the participants and destination loyalty and that cognitive image had a greater impact on establishing destination loyalty than affective image. Key Words: Destination image, cognitive image, affective image, destination loyalty, Alanya

The Effects of Capital Structure on Profitability of Listed Firms in Ghana

Abstract: The study investigated the relationship between capital structure and profitability of listed firms in Ghana during the five year period from 2005 to 2009. Literature review on the relationship between the firms’ profitability and capital structure showed that there is either a positive, negative or neutral relationship between profitability and capital structure. It also showed there is no conclusive evidence of what should be the optimal capital. Regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between capital structure and profitability. Also, average profitability and debt ratios were used to determine whether Ghanaian listed firms depended on debt or not. Similar to Abor (2005) study, the results revealed that, there is a statistically significant positive relationship between profitability and short term debt and a significantly negative relationship between profitability and long term debt. However, the results revealed a statistically negative relationship between profitability and total debt contrary to Abor (2005) study. The results also revealed that, Ghanaian listed firms relied more on short term debt than long term debt. The average short term debt to total capital ratio was 52% and long-term debt to total capital ratio was 11%.

Job Design and Employee Performance: the Moderating Role of Employee Psychological Perception

Abstract: Job design plays a vital role in the performance maximization. A well designed job brings involvement and satisfaction to the employees and they perform well by employing all their energies in the work. Job design remains a valued issue among the researchers for its importance and effectiveness. A well designed job, according to psychological perception and attitude of employees, motivate workers towards task performance, and such employees become highly productive and loyal to the organization. This study is based on a review of the published literature and personal observation in the workplace to analyze the impact of job design on employee performance. Furthermore, this study proposes a new variable known as “psychological perception” of employee to highlight how employees behave towards a job design. A conceptual framework has been proposed to show the construct of job design by job rotation, job enrichment and job enlargement and relationship of job design with employee performance. It has been found that the psychological perception of an employee has a significant positive impact on the relationship of job design and employee performance. Keywords: Job Design, Job Rotation, Job Enrichment, Job Enlargement, Psychological Perception, Employee Performance.

Factors determining Profitability: A Study of Selected Manufacturing Companies listed on Colombo Stock Exchange in Sri Lanka

Abstract: This paper aims to investigate whether factors such as c apital structure, working capital, firm size, non-debt tax shield and growth rate, determining profitability have any impact on profitability of selected manufacturing companies listed on Colombo stock exchange, Sri Lanka over a period of five years from 2008 to 2012. This study employs multiple regression analysis to measure relationship among variables, individual and overall impact on profitability and to test the operational hypotheses. The results revealed that whereas all independent variables explain 76.6% and 84.7% of the variance on ROA and ROE respectively where significant is at 5% levels, the overall model has a significant impact on profitability at the rate of 80.5 % (Adjusted R 2 = 80.5%, P 0.05). Keywords : Profitability, Determinants of Profitability, Colombo Stock Exchange

Impact of Corporate Governance on Firm Performance: Evidence from Sugar Mills of Pakistan

Abstract: This paper examines the impact of corporate governance mechanisms (Board Size, Board Composition, and CEO/Chairman Duality) on firm performance (Return on Asset) in sugar industry of Pakistan. The data of corporate governance mechanisms (Board Size, Board Composition, and CEO/Chairman Duality) collected from 12 listed sugar mills of Pakistan from 2005 to 2010. Using panel data methodology as a method of estimation Arithmetic mean, ANOVA and t-test applied on data by using SPSS. The results raveled that there is a significant impact of corporate governance on firm performance. Results further reveal that there is a significant impact of board size, CEO/Chairman Duality on ROA, and there is insignificant impact of Board Composition on ROA. Keywords: Corporate governance, Board of director, firm performance

Corporate Social Responsibility Activities Disclosure by Commercial Banks In Nigeria

Abstract: This study investigates the various types of social responsibility activities information that were disclosed by Nigerian commercial banks and the factors that determine the level of disclosure in their annual reports and accounts. Descriptive data analysis results indicated that commercial banks in Nigeria disclosed more information on human resources and community involvement and very low information on environmental, product quality and consumer relation. The outcome of multivariate analysis suggests that value of total assets have positive relationship and statistically significant with the level of corporate social responsibility activities disclosure. Although, gross earnings and number of branches are positively and significantly related with Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure (CSRD) level . Keywords: corporate social responsibility, annual reports, banks.

Effects of Leadership Style on Organizational Performance in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria

Abstract: The study examined effects of leadership styles on organizational performance in small and medium scale enterprises in Lagos state The main objective was to examine the effect leadership styles on the performance of SMEs in Nigeria The study adopted the descriptive survey design using percentages and chi-square (X 2 ) on hypothesis and questions formulated The findings of the study revealed that good leadership style enhances employee morale and that there is what is known as participatory leadership style of management where both employers and employees take decisions that have positive impact on the growth of the organization and good welfare facilities for the employees Keywords : Leadership Style, Organizational Performance, Small and Medium Enterprises and management

Assessing Entrepreneurial Intentions of University Students A Comparative Study of Two Different Cultures Turkey and Pakistani

Abstract: Researchers have been considered about why people prefer to become entrepreneurs. The major aim of this study is to test the cross-cultural generalizability of how well Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) would predict entrepreneurial intention (EI) amongst Turkish and Pakistani University students. The results demonstrated that the relationships among the TPB components are equally intense and comparable across Pakistani and Turkish cultures – the only exception being the relation of social norms with intentions. However, SN would prove its impact on EI through both PA and PBC, but not directly on intention.

Effect of Credit Risk Management Practices on Lending Portfolio among Savings and Credit Cooperatives in Kenya

Abstract: Sound lending procedures in financial institutions involve identifying high-risk loan applicants, modifying lending conditions such as security requirements and monitoring repayments. Credit risk management is an emerging activity that lies within Sacco’s. Many researches have attempted to answer the benefits of the credit risk management. However, it has remained unclear for the Sacco’s management on the effects of credit risk management practices on lending portfolio. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of credit risk management practices on lending portfolio among Sacco’s in Nakuru County, Kenya. Data on risk identification, risk analysis, risk monitoring, risk evaluation and risk mitigation obtained from 59 Sacco’s sampled from among Saccos in Nakuru County were analyzed using regression models to identify its effect on lending portfolio. Results indicate a significant effect of all the risk management practices on lending portfolio except risk evaluation which did not register a significant effect on the lending portfolio of the Sacco’s. The findings further show that majority of the Sacco’s have largely adopted risk management practices as a means of managing their portfolio. Key words : Credit Risk Management, Lending Portfolio, Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies, Kenya.

Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Financing and Economic Growth in Nigeria

Abstract: This study examines the impact of financing small scale enterprises on economic growth in Nigeria, using a quarterly time series data from 1992 to 2009. The study combined several econometric estimation techniques. The findings shows that loan to small scale entrepreneurs have a positive impact on the economic performance while interest rate has a negative impact on economic growth. The study thereby concludes that the greatest or worst problem confronting SMEs in Nigeria is managerial capacity. Access to capital or finance is necessary but not a sufficient condition for successful entrepreneurial development. Keywords: Enterprises, Loan, OLS Estimates, Economic Performance, Nigeria

Detecting Phishing Websites Using Associative Classification

Abstract: Phishing is a criminal technique employing both social engineering and technical subterfuge to steal consumer's personal identity data and financial account credential The aim of the phishing website is to steal the victims’ personal information by visiting and surfing a fake webpage that looks like a true one of a legitimate bank or company and asks the victim to enter personal information such as their username, account number, password, credit card number, …,etc This paper main goal is to investigate the potential use of automated data mining techniques in detecting the complex problem of phishing Websites in order to help all users from being deceived or hacked by stealing their personal information and passwords leading to catastrophic consequences Experimentations against phishing data sets and using different common associative classification algorithms (MCAR and CBA) and traditional learning approaches have been conducted with reference to classification accuracy The results show that the MCAR and CBA algorithms outperformed SVM and algorithms Keywords: Phishing Websites, Data Mining, Associative Classification, Machine Learning

Women Entrepreneurship: Islamic Perspective

Abstract: Islam is a complete way of life. Every act of a muslim is worship if done with the intention of pleasing Allah (SWT). So there is no separation between business and religion. Islam has its own entrepreneurship culture and guiding principles based on the Al-Quran and Hadith to guide business operation. According to the study it can be said that Islam is not against women working or engaging themselves or contributing their worth in business related activities. Many sahabiya (Women companions) of Prophet ( PBUH) were involved in various business activities which is allowed in Islam. The Holy Qur’an and Sunnah invite people (Men/Women) to work to earn lawful money i,e Women entrepreneurship was allowed. It is also to be noted that the Muslim woman was given a role, duties and rights more than 1400 years ago that most women do not enjoy today, even in the West. These are rights granted by Allaah and are designed to keep balance and peace in the society. Key word : Al-Quran, Hadith, Business, Business women, Entrepreneurs, Women entrepreneurship, Islamic entrepreneurship, Women in Islam.