Showing papers in "European Scientific Journal, ESJ in 2015"

Corporate size, profitability and market value: an econometric panel analysis of listed firms in kenya

Abstract: In corporate finance, the size of a firm is a primary factor in determining the success of a firm due to economies of scale. While, previous studies have confined their analyses on either a single industry or a few firms, in this study, we consider a rather comprehensive sample of firms that represent a sufficiently broad range of firm sizes in all sectors of Kenyan economy hence amplifying the importance of the study. Global corporate size literature shows plausable but mixed relationship between firm size, profitability and market value. The effect of corporate size on profitability and market value in a frontier market using panel methodology is unknown. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of corporate size on profitability and market value of listed firms in Kenya. In this study, data for companies which were active in Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) between the years 2010 to 2014 has been used. Unit root test results indicate that all the variables are integrated of order zero (p = .000) meaning that they were stationary at levels. Panel correlation and multiple regression methods are used in the empirical estimations. Results indicate that there is a positive significant relationship between firm size and profitability, that is, return on equity (β = .012, t = 2.585) impying that value that a unit change in firm size leads to an increase in return on equity of firms listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange of 0.012, all things being fixed whereas firm size insignificantly positively predicts profitability, that is, return on asset (β =.012, t = 1.659). In addition, the results show that corporate size has no statistically significant impact on firm market value (β = -.011, t = -.225) under random effects specification.

Waste management initiatives in india for human well being

Abstract: The objectives of writing this paper is to study the current practices related to the various waste management initiatives taken in India for human wellbeing. The other purpose is to provide some suggestions and recommendations to improve the waste management practices in Indian towns. This paper is based on secondary research. Existing reports related to waste management and recommendations of planners/NGOs/consultants/government accountability agencies/key industry experts/ for improving the system are studied. It offers deep knowledge about the various waste management initiatives in India and find out the scope for improvement in the management of waste for the welfare of the society. The paper attempts to understand the important role played by the formal sector engaged in waste management in our country. This work is original and could be further extended.

Strategic it-business alignment as managers’ explorative and exploitative strategies

Abstract: It has been argued by many that firms in a dynamic environment are challenged to both explore new possibilities to survive in a changing business environment, and to exploit old certainties to secure efficiency benefits. Indeed, as the basic problem confronting an organization is to engage in sufficient exploitation to ensure its current viability and, at the same time, to devote enough energy to exploration to ensure its future viability. Besides managers and academics have recently become more aware of the need to understand how firms could manage exploration and exploitation. This research aims to investigate the literature within the concept of organizational learning orientations. This is done by viewing the definitions and distinctions of exploration and exploitation, how to manage the tension between the two strategies, how management could be organized to deal with exploration and exploitation at the managerial level, and finally ‘exploring’ the relationships between exploration and exploitation with performance. An early study conducted by Venkatraman (1989) described the concept of fit from six measurement perspectives: moderation, mediation, matching, gestalt, covariation, and profile deviation. However, the extant literature in MIS and

Financial leverage and performance of listed firms in a frontier market: Panel evidence from Kenya

Abstract: This paper investigates the relationship between financial leverage and the financial performance of listed firm in Kenya We use annual data for the period 2007 – 2011 Using various panel procedures, the study finds reasonably strong evidence that financial leverage significantly, and negatively, affects the performance of listed firms in Kenya (ROA, β = - 0438, p = 0350) and Tobin’s Q, β = -5144, p = 0124) However, financial leverage negative but insignificant effect on ROE, β = -0176, p = 5765) Unit root test results indicate: all the variables are integrated of order zero (p = 000) Second, because the performance of firms depends on other things than just their financial leverage, we control for the effects of those other variables by including them in our models In this respect, the findings suggest that asset tangibility (β = 2302, p = 0215) and ownership concentration (β = -0057 (p = 0353) are important determinants of performance measured in terms of Tobin’s Q The study concludes that; that financial leverage is an important negative predictor of financial performance measured in terms of ROA and Tobin’s Q; ownership concentration is a pertinent negative predictor of financial performance measured in terms of Tobin’s Q and asset tangibility is a significant positive predictor of performance measured in terms of ROE and Tobin’s Q

Knowledge management strategies as intermediary variables between itbusiness strategic alignment and firm performance

Abstract: Since the relationship between knowledge management and ITbusiness strategic alignment should be investigated further, highlighting the importance of knowledge (both tacit and explicit) in the formation and implementation of IT strategy; this research aims to review and discuss the links between data, information, and knowledge; how researchers classify knowledge; the ways that firms could manage their knowledge and systems; the difficulties and challenges that firms might face when implementing knowledge management systems, and the ways in which managers should resolve such challenges; and empirical research on the linkage between knowledge management strategies and firm performance. Consequently, further research is needed to validate the ways researchers measure the associations among IT-business strategic alignment, knowledge management, and firm performance in both developed and developing countries and across different industries.

The impact of bank size on profitability“an empirical study on listed jordanian commercial banks”

Abstract: This study is aimed to investigate the effect of bank size on its profitability for Jordanian listed commercial banks within different size bank categories. Data for Jordanian commercial banks for the years from 2007 up to 2012 were used to classify banks for three categories according to their asset size, in respect to their Total Assets. Profitability was measured by Return on Equity (ROE) as dependent variables. The study is constructed to reveal if there is a statistical difference in profitability according to size. Simple regression was applied by using dummy variables for categories to proxy asset size. The results of the study revealed a significance difference in the profitability of these different sized banks.

Quality of work life, personality, job satisfaction, competence, and job performance: a critical review of literature

Abstract: The success of any organization is highly dependent on how it attracts recruits, motivates, and retains a high performing workforce. Explaining the factors that influence employee performance remains a fundamental question for human resources management practitioners. The expectancy theories of Vroom, Porter, and Lawler, assert that employee performance depends not only on the amount of effort exerted, but also on the intervening influences of factors such as person’s abilities and traits, as well as their role perceptions. Researchers also suggest that a range of organizational and employee factors could impact employee performance. These include Quality of work life, ability, effort, motivation, attitude, personality, competence, and job satisfaction. This study looked at selected employee related factors, namely: employee personality, job satisfaction, and competence. QWL was included because organizations are known to adopt a strategy for improving employees’ Quality of Work Life (QWL) with the aim of satisfying both the organizational objectives and the needs of the employee. On the other hand, successful organizations consider job satisfaction to be important for work performance. However, job satisfaction alone cannot lead to performance. Having the right competences is important for performance. This review therefore seeks to investigate the employee related factors that influence the relationship between quality of work life and employee’s performance.

A qualitative analysis of product innovation in jordan’s pharmaceutical sector

Abstract: Product Innovation, especially New Product Development (NPD) is critical for the continued success, development, and long-term growth of a company. Despite extensive research on how to achieve NPD success, NPD process remains a difficult and a highly risky venture. The research was conducted to investigate factors that affect NPD in the Jordanian pharmaceutical sector. Five factors were conceptually identified from past literature as initial factors. They include senior management support (SMS), cross-functional teams (CFT), customer involvement (CI), supplier integration (SI), and time to market (TTM). These five factors were used to build the basic research model as independent variables; whereas NPD was the dependent variable for the research model. A qualitative research methodology was designed and used to achieve the research objectives. The needed data for this study was captured through personal interviews, and a survey that targeted all Jordanian pharmaceutical companies. The population from which respondents was chosen included research and development managers, marketing managers, and other personnel involved in NPD process in Jordanian pharmaceutical producing companies. Through conducting a number of personal interviews and using Content Analytical Technique (CAT) for data analysis, the results of the research show the existence of a number of factors that affect NPD process in Jordanian pharmaceutical sector such as: SMS, TTM, CFT, R&R, Knowledge, and Technology. In addition, a number of factors were identified as NPD challenges and constraints. These factors include the toughness and lack of clarity in R&R related to NPD process, the lack of financial and human resources, as well as addition to increasing DC. This paper suggests several recommendations. Firstly, senior managements need to provide enough support to NPD process whether as financial, moral or any other kind of support. Secondly, companies have to take the necessary actions to speed up NPD process in order to get the benefits of introducing products earlier into the market. Thirdly, companies have to work hard to ensure higher levels of knowledge among their staff, especially those who are involved in NPD process by providing continued periodic training to them.

Social, organizational, demography and individuals’ technology acceptance behaviour: a conceptual model

Abstract: The main aim of this paper is to propose a conceptual model of technology acceptance that explains how individual, social, organizational factors affect the users’ behavioural intention to use technology by academics for teaching and learning activities. More specifically, the proposed model extends the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to include nine constructs namely, peer influence, superior influence, resource facilitation, technology facilitations; self-efficacy, academic tasks, nonacademic tasks, government support, and finally, institute support. In addition, seven demographic and situational moderators (age, education level, organisation type, academic position, voluntariness and usage experience) are hypothesized to have a moderating effect on individuals’ acceptance behaviour. This model provides valuable insights into the factors that influence the acceptance or resistance of Internet and technology by intended users and offers opportunities for future research in understanding the acceptance of technology.

The mediating effect of satisfaction on student loyalty to higher education institution

Abstract: Main purposes of this study were to examine links between student perceived value, student trust, university image, and student satisfaction to student loyalty and to describing an influence relationship of mediator variables in student loyalty model. The model was tested through the use of Partial Least Squares (PLS) structural equations methodology. Empirical data were drawn from 100 private university students in the upper north of Thailand. Questionnaire method and multi - stage sampling techniques were used in collecting data with an error 1% sample size. Data analysis with descriptive statistics and structural equations model analysis were used to test hypothesis model. Results from this study indicated that the student satisfaction (SATIS) and three antecedent variables: university image (IMAGE), student trust (TRUST), and student perceived value (PERC) have positive influence to student loyalty (STULOY) with statistical significant level 0.05. This model was perfectly fit with an empirical data and was predicted by student satisfaction and antecedent variables up to 82.5%. Moreover, the results also show that student perceived value was the construct that most influence to university image and student trust, and strongly indirect influence to student satisfaction. The influence of perceived value is also relevant to student loyalty via student satisfaction. The most important issue is an impact of student satisfaction variable that has highest directly influence and transmits relative influence linkage between antecedent variables and dependent variable. In conclusion, student satisfaction was a mediating variable and it implied that the student satisfaction was the major driver of student loyalty.

Nexus between leadership styles, employee retention and performance in organizations in nigeria

Abstract: The study sought to examine the nexus between leadership styles and employees’ retention in organizations with a view to ascertaining how leadership styles influence employees’ retention and performance, and consequently enhance productivity in organizations in Nigeria. The paper is a literary work; hence it derived its data from secondary sources of data. The objectives that guided the study were: to overview the concept of leadership, identify the various types of leadership, and their impact on employees’ retention and performance in organizations. The paper identifies the following leadership styles that are prevalent in organizations; autocratic, democratic, bureaucratic amongst others. The paper argued that effective leadership style is crucial for achieving organizational goals. Thus, the study reveals that when management styles are considered repugnant by the subordinates, they undermine employees’ performance and instigate their propensity to quit the organization, and vice versa. The paper further argued that employees’ retention and performance can be achieved through the adoption of appropriate leadership styles that will align business strategies with employees’ motivation and morale. Hence, it therefore, proposes that managers adopt leadership styles that will corroborate the behavioral patterns within the expectation levels of employees. This will propel employees to perform at maximum levels of contribution and not only spur but concretize their retention in organizations.

Social responsibility in higher education institutions: application case from the middle east

Abstract: Universities represent a vital body part of any societies. Universities nowadays are faced with new environment and challenges that necessitate the need to be independent from governmental and state support. The changing environment in which universities function and the challenges that higher education has been facing were identified as: mass expansion of higher education; decrease of state expenditure and support for universities; diversification of financial resources; internationalization; commercialization; changes brought by IC&T development, the adaptation of curricula to accommodate and capitalize on labour market requirements. These changes and challenges will have their impact on the quality of education, university autonomy, academic freedom, its changing focus and responsibilities towards society. This highlight that universities are moving toward corporatization which calls for them to be a good corporate citizen and the best approach for universities to achieve that is by adapting the concept of Social Responsibility. This paper aims to discuss how universities could achieve development, sustainability, and competitiveness through applying University social Responsibility USR concepts. Also this paper will present the case of The Hashemite University as a socially responsible university. In conclusion applying social responsibility to universities will help them facing the rapidly changing environment and challenges. University social responsibility can be used effectively by universities as presented in the case of Hashemite University to ensure development and sustainability for the university and society.

The effective research process: unlocking the advantages of ethnographic strategies in the qualitative research methods

Abstract: In doing academic and educational research activities, many researchers especially, the doctoral students find it very hard and challenging in choosing the best and appropriate research method for a particular research. While some people are overwhelmed by the plethora of research designs, many researchers still believed that it is difficult and complex in making the selection of the right research approach and methodology for any research study. This exploratory study examined the ethnographic approach in the qualitative research design as an effective process in educational research protocols. The ethnography design as one of the qualitative research methods became significantly popular in the academic globe in the 1980s as well as a useful tool for doing research related activities from the cultural and natural settings. The purpose of this investigation is focused and centered on helping the present and future doctorial students unlock the benefits of using the ethnographic strategies in the qualitative research methods to conduct their research study. Data for this study were collected from 26 present and future doctoral students from San Antonio, Texas. The findings that emerged from the data suggested that while there are some other research designs associated with the qualitative method, many doctoral students prefer to use ethnographic paradigm as the most effective and appropriate process in conducting qualitative research.

The mediator effect of logistics performance index on the relation between global competitiveness index and gross domestic product

Abstract: Logistics sector plays a critical role in social and economic developments of a country. Therefore understanding the relationship among the logistic performance, competitiveness and prosperity of a country is important. Logistics Performance Index (LPI) firstly published by World Bank in 2007 and repeated in the years 2010, 2012, 2014. In this research the mediator effect of LPI on the relation between Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was aimed to analyze for the years 2007, 2010, 2012, 2014. The mediator effect was measured by using hierarchical regression analyses. As a result of the analyses, the mediator effect of LPI on the relation between GCI and GDP was found statistically meaningful. Consequently, the result of the research could be suggested that the logistics ability of a country dominated the relation between competitiveness and prosperity.

Virtual reality - shows a new vision for tourism and heritage

Abstract: Observe the heritage, a monument, architecture or a sculpture and immediately receive useful additional information to interpret better. This is one of the promises of virtual reality technology. The concept of virtual reality is far from being a new concept. Many experiments on ways to overcome layers of information, in addition to the real world elements, in live observation, have been made over the past decade, exploring different types of use, in leisure and professional contexts. Improving the perception of reality, in contrast to virtual reality, offers other initiatives that replace the context of a simulated world, and the possibility of using an interactive way to manipulate it in a digitally way. Those are the latest achievements that have opened new evolution perspectives of virtual reality. The idea behind most computer applications is to improve the user interaction with the real world, adding information through the use of tools and techniques that were confined to the digital world. But those applications could be used on tourism orientation in cities and in the professional world, in diverse areas, as architecture in the BIM environment or interior design architecture, with the projection of elements like the furniture and could be visualized in the virtual space. The ability to draw, could verify and share new realities, that was already being exploited by companies, which add new layers of information to be used in their catalogs and products that literally transform the hybrid PC, tablets and smartphones customer in additional information sources, that lead to know better what is observed, but in tourism and heritage that virtual reality is being used more intensively. Virtual Reality could be a good way to travel and understand the touristic world.

Design and characterization of photonic crystal fiber for sensing applications

Abstract: A simple structure of Photonic Crystal Fiber (PCF) for gas sensing and chemical sensing has been proposed in this paper. Index guiding properties of proposed PCF have been numerically investigated by using finite element method (FEM). From the numerical result, it is shown that the relative sensitivity and confinement loss depend on geomatrical parameters and wavelength. The relative sensitivity is increased by a increase of the diameters of central hollow core and innermost ring holes and confinement loss is decreased with a increase of the diameters of outermost cladding holes. By optimize the parmeters, the relative sensitivity is improved to the value of 20.10%. In this case, the confinement loss of the fiber is 1.09×10-3 dB/m.

Impact of brand image on buying behaviour among teenagers

Abstract: The objective of this research study is to analyze the impact of brand image on teenagers brand choice, source of information, factors affecting buying choice and level of satisfaction. The sample of the study is 300 respondents in which 150 students were chosen from schools and 150 students were selected from colleges of Karachi. Two schools and two colleges were selected for this research study. Through a structured questionnaire data were collected and with the help of SPSS, analysis was made. The results revealed that values of regression analysis shows that there is 33.7% variance of buying behavior of teenagers explain by the impact of advertisement on buying behavior, advertisement’s impact on brand image and brand image impact on brand loyalty. The results of Pearson correlation shows that teenagers buying behavior is significantly 36% correlated with teenager’s loyalty and 49% with advertisement impact on brand image. The teenagers buying behavior is also 38.8% positively and significantly correlated with advertisement. The results of correlation also interpreting that the all relationship is positive and high significant at 0.01 level. There is a practical relation between brand image and consumer teenager buying behaviour. Marketers can utilize the findings in order to come up with carious marketing strategies in order to target teenagers in more precise manner.

Ct scan images analysis of maxillary sinus dimensions as a forensic tool for sexual and racial detection in a sample of kurdish population

Abstract: Despite the fact that the skull and other bones may be badly disfigured in victims who are incinerated, it became an urgent necessity to gender determination using maxillary sinuses as a useful tool of human skeletons in forensic medicine. The aim of the study: to determine the reliability and accuracy of maxillary sinus dimension measurement as a method for gender and racial identification through the use of reconstructed helical CT images. Material and Methods: This prospective study included cranial computerized tomography images (CT) of 119 (M: 57 and F: 62) of the Kurdish population of Sulaimani city of Iraq with an age range (20 - 75) years. All patients were examined on Spiral Computed Tomography Scanner from October 2014 to March 2015.The greatest measurements were taken from the width, length, and height of the maxillary sinuses. The descriptive and discriminate analyzes were performed by using the SPSS package program. Results The mean of the length, the width, and the height of maxillary sinus in males on both right and left sides were (35.90± 4.71, 36.63 ± 5.34) (25.74 ± 5.69 , 25.36 ± 6.03) and (32.86 ± 7.00 , 33.13± 6.87) mm, respectively but in females were (34.58 ± 4.21, 35.60 ± 3.94 ), (22.54 ± 4.74 and 21.53 ± 4.47) and (29.16 ± 7.20,29.25 ± 6.17 )mm respectively. The present study showed that the left maxillary sinus width was the best discrimination parameter, that could be used to study sex dimorphism with Prediction of 69.4% for female and 52.6% for male (overall accuracy = 61. 3%). The discriminative analysis showed that the accuracy of maxillary sinus measurements-i.e the ability of the maxillary sinus size to identify gender-was 71% in females and 56.1% of males (overall accuracy = 63.9%). Conclusion The study showed that the diameters of the maxillary sinus can be used as a guide and a useful tool for racial and sex determination.

English for specific purposes: role of learners, teachers and teaching methodologies

Abstract: This article aims at presenting insights regarding the peculiar role of learners, teachers and teaching methodologies to address to the specific needs of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) programmes. It has been found out that adulthood teaching demands that ESP teaching should not be restricted only to instructional setting but other modes, such as self-access study, project work, cooperative learning etc. should be incorporated in the program. It has also been reported that ESP learners should be actively involved in the process of the choice of the content materials, curriculum development and teaching methodology to ensure maximum commitment and motivation of the program participants. The following five key roles have been identified for ESP practitioners who need to discharge their work as a 1) teacher, 2) course designer and material provider, 3) collaborator, 4) researcher and 5) evaluator. ESP teachers have to bear the extra burden of the content area of the learners as well. Additionally ESP practitioners have a challenging task because they are not in the position of being the 'primary knower' of the carrier content and in most of the cases ESP learners may know more about the content than the teachers. The findings strongly suggest that ESP teaching calls for an extremely professional behavior on part of ESP teachers who need to update their knowledge by remaining constantly in touch with the research in the various fields of ESP. It is suggested that no single teaching methodology can be sufficient to address diverse and peculiar needs of ESP learners and ESP practitioners have to pick and choose from a host of teaching methodologies to run an effective ESP course. It may be summed up that as the learners’ personalities as well as the learning contexts are diverse and specific, there is an unavoidable need to choose matching pedagogical methodologies.

Students' satisfaction with hostel facilities in federal university of technology, akure, nigeria

Abstract: The importance of the social environment in students’ life cannot be overemphasized. Availability, adequacy, and functionality of hostel facilities are the key factors in the determination of students’ satisfaction. Using the hostels in the Federal University of Technology, Akure as a case study, the facilities provided in the hostels were identified and the level of satisfaction with each of the facilities measured using Relative Satisfaction Index. Questionnaires were used in data collection from a total of 322 students taken as the sample size for the study. The study revealed that respondents were dissatisfied with the adequacy and functionality of some facilities such as the laundry, bathroom and toilet facilities due to distance from rooms and the level of cleanliness. The paper recommends the need for provision of more hostels with better designs and current facilities through public-private partnership to meet the needs of the growing students’ population.

An approach to understanding leadership decision making in organization

Abstract: This study examined the vital approach to understanding leadership decision making in organizational leadership and management activities. The purpose of this paper is focused and centered on the best approach to understanding the leadership decision making process (LDMP) among leaders and managers in organizational activities. This phenomenological qualitative paradigm which focused on essence or structure of an experience was used in order to gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of the issues and challenges affecting effectiveness, clarity, and success among organizational leadership and managements in business practices. Two hundred and sixteen organizational leaders from some cities and states in North America (Canada, Mexico, and United States) participated in this study and identified how they acquired their leadership role, knowledge, and skills. The findings from this investigation suggest that organizational leaders should allow their skilled subordinates - individuals and/or groups to participate in the decision making process mostly when their involvement will enhance the quality and/or acceptance of the decision by everybody at the workplace.

Defining workplace learning

Abstract: This paper focuses on the significance of workplace learning. Learning is often defined as the route in which any type of knowledge is attained (Eraut, 2000: 4; Lave & Wenger, 1991: 47). The workplace can be an important place for learning and development, and in which knowledge can be created (Avis, 2010: 171). A discussion of the various types of workplace learning is included in this paper, namely those which fall under the category of formal, informal and unconscious. Research shows that 80% of the learning occurs informally through self-directed learning, networking, coaching and mentoring (Yeo, 2008: 318). However, there may be obstacles that can hinder learning at the place of work. Examples of these obstacles are also tackled in this paper.

Suppression of incidence of rhizoctonia solani in rice by siderophore producing rhizobacterial strains based on competition for iron

Abstract: Rice is a major crop in much of the developing world, where disease management using agrochemicals is not economically practical, nor environmentally safe. The identification of biocontrol agents therefore presents a useful alternative. Here, we screened bacterial strains isolated from the rhizosphere of rice plants, and identified a number of these that exhibit antagonistic activity towards the fungal pathogen, Rhizoctonia solani, the causative agent of rice sheath blight disease. Correlation analysis with different metabolites produced by these bacteria revealed that antagonism was strongly correlated with the quantity of siderophores produced by individual strains, and was increased under iron-limiting conditions. Selected high-siderophore-producing strains were found to promote the growth of rice plants, possibly via the solubilisation of soil phosphates, nitrogen fixation and the production of phytohormones. These same PGPR also conferred resistance against sheath blight disease, which resulted in significant yield increases in infected plants. A consortium of the selected strains was especially effective in both growth promotion and disease suppression, and generally performed better than treatment with the fungicide, benlate. Molecular analysis indicated that the PGPR strains tested enhance plant defence gene expression, and may therefore activate induced systemic resistance in rice. Our work has identified a series of rhizobacterial strains able to promote plant growth and provide effective resistance against sheath blight disease in rice and which therefore have potential for application as biocontrol agents in agriculture.

Islamic microfinance: moving beyond financial inclusion

Abstract: The current situation of high unemployment and the widening whole of the disadvantaged people in Muslims countries have awakened the need for proper access to microfinance. Currently, poor and low income people in Muslim countries have little access to either conventional or Islamic microfinance. This article is an attempt to investigate to what extend Islamic microfinance can best help in alleviating poverty in Muslim communities. The results showed that conventional microfinance concentrates on the lowincome group. However, it excluded the destitute people from microcredit and other related activities such as saving and skills improvement both financially and socially. Furthermore, the result indicates that Islamic microfinance is moving beyond conventional counterpart to provide effective social and financial inclusion simultaneously. This is done through Islamic social tools such as Sadaqah, waqf, and Zakah, which is to be given directly to the extremely poor either in cash or in kind to satisfy their basic needs before granting them microcredit.Thus, these results are a good motivation to those who provide microfinance in these countries to improve the social and financial inclusions of the disadvantaged people. Hence, this can be achieved by adopting Islamic microcredit.

The impact of generic competitive strategies on organizational performance. the evidence from albanian context

Abstract: One of the main questions that guide researches in management field is why some companies are different and obtain good performance compare to other companies. Nowadays, there has been a growing intensity of competition in all areas of business and this has resulted in greater attention to analyse competitive behaviour under different competitive strategies application and environmental dynamics and complexity. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between competitive strategies and organizational performance. Testing the applicability of Porter`s generic strategies in construction firms we can explain the differences in the performance and comprehend how generic strategies can give them a performance advantage over the rivals. Simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 110 companies. The data was be collected using questionnaires and analyzed using ANOVA statistical model. This paper reports findings on the relationship between the Porter`s generic strategies (cost leadership, differentiation) and firm performances. The study found significant positive effects of cost leadership, differentiation and focus strategies on performance. The results of this study would assist the managers to design better competitive strategies they have to compete. According the purpose of this study there are following the qualitative and quantitative methods.

Another weighted weibull distribution from azzalini’s family

Abstract: A new weighted Weibull distribution has been defined and studied. Some mathematical properties of the distribution have been studied and the method of maximum likelihood was proposed for estimating the parameters of the distribution. The usefulness of the new distribution was demonstrated by applying it to a real lifetime dataset.

Technostress: trends and challenges in the 21st century knowledge management

Abstract: Technostress is the trends and challenges of the librarians in the 21st century knowledge management. It is a modern disease of adaptation caused by an inability to cope with the new technologies in a healthy manner. It manifests itself in the struggle to accept technological innovations. The study sought to answer the following: what is the profile of the librarians; what is the level of technostress of librarians in terms of physical, emotional, behavioral, and psychological; and how did the librarians cope with technostress? The study employed descriptive survey method. This method seeks to ascertain respondents' perspectives on technology stress related in a predetermined structured manner. With the total of twenty nine (29) professional librarians who enrolled the MLIS program for second semester 2013-2014. Results showed that librarian is a female dominated profession. On the other hand, librarians are slightly affected physically by stress coming from the technology. Moreover, the coping strategies of librarians for physical aspects, despite the fact that librarians sometimes experienced to do exercise, do some deep breathing, and follow proper diet. However, the emotional aspects, the librarians often listen to music, and sometimes stay calm, maintain a sense of humor, talk with others or find a mentor to confide with, and meditate. In like manner, when it comes to behavioral aspects the librarians sometimes utilizes effective time management, establishes a teamwork relationship, and take a technology time-out and seldom do some job rotation. Thus, the psychological aspects, the librarians oftentimes realized that the only thing constant is change, and go with the flow. Every technological change or problem librarians have to deal with is an opportunity to learn something and balance positive and negative thoughts. Furthermore, stress influences human behavior whether in illness or in health and it is the body’s nonspecific response to a demand placed on it.

Barrier to innovation in developing countries’ firms: evidence from nigerian small and medium scale enterprises

Abstract: This paper explored the barriers to innovation in the Nigerian Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs). The data used in this research were derived from the study of 996 SMEs that were selected in southwestern Nigeria using stratified random sampling technique. The data were collected using questionnaire and face-to-face interviews with 38 SME Owners/Managers in the study area. The data collected were analyzed using appropriate descriptive statistics. The study identified the major barriers to innovation in the Nigerian SMEs to include inadequate financial means and venture capital companies to sponsor new innovation, inadequate government assistance, poor infrastructural facilities, small size of company and market, lack of motivation for new innovation, inadequate research and development facilities within the firm, and lack of opportunities for cooperation with other firms and research institutions. The paper concluded that the barriers to innovation in the Nigerian SMEs need to be reduced or eliminated inorder to enhance their innovative performance and be at par with the rest of the SMEs from across the world now that the market place is open to all players.

The effect of osteoporosis health education program based on health belief model on knowledge and health beliefs towards osteoporosis among jordanian female teachers

Abstract: This study was conducted to assess the effect of osteoporosis health education program based on Health Belief Model on knowledge and health beliefs towards osteoporosis among Jordanian female teachers This experimental study was performed on 200 female teachers (100 teachers in the intervention group and 100 in the control group) aged 25 - 49 years old in four governmental secondary schools affiliated to public educational directorate in Amman governorate The females participated in a four-week educational program based on the Health Belief Model The data collection instrument was a validated and reliable questionnaire in three sections: demographics, knowledge and health beliefs The questionnaires on osteoporosis knowledge and health beliefs were given to the participants before the program (pre-intervention) and repeated three months later after the intervention on the same participants (post-intervention) The health education program prepared according to pre-intervention results The results revealed that the mean scores of teachers’ knowledge and health beliefs subscales among the intervention group were significantly changed before and after the educational intervention program (P < 005) The use of an osteoporosis educational program seems to improve knowledge and health beliefs In addition, it could support the need to raising the awareness and knowledge of osteoporosis

IMPORTANCE OF EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT IN CREATION OF COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE TO SMEs. (CASE OF SMEs, IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF ALBANIA)

Abstract: External and internal factors have crucial impact to SMEs environment Nowadays business environment is more global and competitive than it has been in the past A broad range of business factors are connected to SME’ competitive advantage The aim of this research is to show the importance of external and internal factors in creation of the SME’s competitive advantage The resource – based view of the SMEs, such as capabilities, competencies etc, and the threat of new entrants, rivalry, threat of substitutes, supplier power and buying power; the combine of these factors are in the center of this study Firms need to better understand the competitive environment and develop strategies that create sustained competitive advantage Then we present our study methodology used on this study which consists in a combination of qualitative and quantitative method To realize the aim of this study are determines some objectives and research question pertaining the impact of the external and internal factors, such as Porter’s five forces or, tangible and intagible assets in the creation of competitive advantage etc Based on the research questions are made hypothesis The empirical analyze is done to understand the potential sources of competitive advantage for SMEs Study consists on a final sample of 460 participant from different small and medium enterprises in Northern Albanian Region It is used regression analysis The result revealed that both, external and internal factors have positive affect in competitive advantages of SMEs Based on the result of this analyze are done conclusions Findings support the idea, within limitations, that external environment have greater impact than internal environment on SME’s success Results strongly suggest some important academic and practitioner implications and some suitable recommendations