Showing papers in "International Journal of Business Administration in 2012"

The Challenges Facing Small-Scale Women Entrepreneurs: A Case of Kenya

Abstract: The study sought to identify the challenges facing small scale women entrepreneurs in Kenya and initiatives put in place to counter the challenges. The study employed desktop research. MSEs Baseline survey, recorded that 612,848 women in Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Kenya, accounting for 47.4 per cent of all those in MSEs. The study showed that women tended to operate enterprises associated with traditional women’s roles, such as hairstyling. The small and micro enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in the Kenyan Economy such as creating jobs however they face serious challenges such as lack of finance, discrimination, problems with the city council, multiple duties, poor access to justice, lack of education, among others. The study established that many stakeholders from both public and private sector are helping empower women entrepreneurs in Kenya: such as formation of women enterprise fund, establishing of women’s university of science and technology, formal and informal financial support, and donor initiatives among others have been put in place. The study recommends that women in entrepreneurs need to be accepted and supported financially, legally and more capacity building should be made available. Further research is recommended in this area.

Attractiveness Factors Influencing Shoppers’ Satisfaction, Loyalty, and Word of Mouth: An Empirical Investigation of Saudi Arabia Shopping Malls

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to investigate the attractiveness factors influencing shoppers’ satisfaction, loyalty, and word of mouth in Saudi shopping mall centers The independent variables were attractiveness factors represented by these variables namely aesthetic, convenience and accessibility, product variety, entertainment, and service quality The dependent variables were shopper satisfaction, loyalty and WOM A structured questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 600 shopping mall customers, representing all of the shopping malls shoppers in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia A purposive sampling technique was employed in this research The multiple regression analysis showed the impact of shopping malls attractiveness factors on the shopper satisfaction The attractiveness factors aesthetic, convenience and accessibility, product variety, entertainment, and service quality, had a positive effect on Saudi shopping mall shoppers’ The most significant factor was product variety This research potentially contributes to shopping malls attractiveness factors and their impact on shoppers’ satisfaction in shopping malls of Saudi Arabia

Designing a Balanced Scorecard to Measure a Bank's Performance: A Case Study

Abstract: Performance measurement systems play a key role in evaluating the strategic performance of an organization, but many managers agree that their evaluation systems do not adequately fulfill this function. Hence, in recent years a shift towards the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) has emerged as a managerial approach to evaluate the strategic performance of the organization. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the understanding of how BSC is developed and applied in evaluating the performance of a Large Local Bank (LLB) in Iraq. Using the concepts of Kaplan and Norton, and the data made available from the bank, a BSC was derived to measure the performance of the bank between 2006-2009. The analysis assisted the cause-effect relationships between the non-financial, and the financial dimensions of the BSC. Due to lack of research work, in this area, in the banking sector in Iraq, this study shall contribute to the knowledge on how banks in Iraq may apply the BSC to evaluate their performance, and how they might turn strategic vision into potential performance. The authors proposed some future research needs required in this area. The use of the BSC developed here is limited to the bank studied; however, the approach could trigger off reflections among policy makers and other banks to start using the BSC.

A Literature Review on Organization Culture and Corporate Performance

Abstract: From 1980s, there are more and more studies about organization culture. And in Chinese studies and practices, we pay much attention to the culture due to the direct relationship between the organization culture and corporate performance, which we can be convinced by some academic papers. But there are some limitations in the study. This paper would like to give a literature review about organization culture and corporate performance. Meanwhile, we would give some suggestions about the further study.

Motivation and Employees’ Performance in the Public and Private Sectors in Nigeria

Abstract: Human resource management is aimed at getting the best from the employees and creating an environment where job satisfaction and performance can be enhanced. Organisations in both the public and private sectors in Nigeria have goals which can only be achieved by pressing the right button and stimulating the employees to get the desired result through the process of motivation. This paper examines motivation and employees’ performance in the public and private sectors in Nigeria. The authors identified factors that could guarantee job satisfaction on the part of the employees and also enhance job performance. In conclusion, the authors hold the view that if the recommendations in this paper are adopted, they will benefit both the employers and employees immensely in performance improvements in these sectors of the Nigerian economy.

An Econometric Analysis of the Determinants of Electricity Supply in Nigeria

Abstract: Electricity supply has been identified as the key constraint to industrialization and economic development in Nigeria. Recently, the government of Nigeria has initiated a lot of projects aimed at boosting electricity supply but this effort seems to yield no positive results. This may be attributed to the inability of policy makers to identify the determinants of electricity supply for actual policy formulation and implementation. Hence, this study analyzed the determinants of electricity supply in Nigeria (from 1970-2009), using a parametric econometric methodology of ordinary least squares. The results showed that technology, government funding, and the level of power loss were the statistically significant determinants of electricity supply in Nigeria and that an average of 40% of power is lost in transmission per annum. Thus, the government should inject more funds into the power sector to complete power projects with state of the art technology in order to enhance electricity supply.

Promoting Leadership Effectiveness in Organizations: A Case Study on the Involved Factors of Servant Leadership

Abstract: The world is crying out for ethical and effective leadership that serves others, invests in their development and fulfills a shared vision. Among the many leadership styles (i.e., authoritarian, benevolent dictatorship, participatory, etc.) the one that best represents the ideals embodied in the human factor is servant-leadership. Servant-leadership incorporates the ideals of empowerment, total quality, team building, and participatory management, and the service ethic into a leadership philosophy. This model of leadership emphasizes increased service to others; a holistic approach to work; promoting a sense of community; and the sharing of power in decision making. Servant-leaders must be value- and character-driven people who are performance and process oriented. The aim of this paper is determining the drivers of servant leadership in order to put servanthood behaviors activities into practice among leaders. So at first we developed literature on servant leadership. Then Thirty-three measurement items were developed on the basis of opinions from leaders and the literature. Then Data collection occurred via a questionnaire. To validate the measurement scales for servant leadership, we performed a factor analysis. The results show that a six-factor measurement model (including emotional dimension, commitment to community, egalitarianism, altruism, managerial skills and human skills) fits the data acceptably. All of the measurement items significantly loaded on the constructs on which they were hypothesized to load. These results gave us confidence that the measures are indeed valid and reliable.

A Comparative Study of Customers’ Perceptions of Service Quality Dimensions between Public and Private Banks in India

Abstract: Banking firms like other service providing firms are trying to improve their service quality to make customers satisfied with their services in order to survive in the dynamic business environment. This research paper uses the SERVQUAL model to identify the gap between customer expectations and perceptions of the actual service received in public and private banks in India. Outcomes of the study outlined that customers’ expectations are more with the private banks and the level of satisfaction is also higher while they deal with the private banks. In order to satisfy the customers the public banks should focus on improving the service in terms of tangibility, reliability, responsiveness and empathy.

Measuring Service Quality Dimensions: An Empirical Analysis of Thai Hotel Industry

Abstract: The aim of this study is to focus on hotel service quality based on the application of 29 characteristic indicators from the SERVQUAL model by comparing two hotel types, namely the boutique and the business hotel, in Thailand and to understand the expectation, perception and gaps between expectation and perception regarding hotel service quality. The study applied a self-administered questionnaire to measure the expectation and perception of service quality characteristics of hotels in Thailand. A total of 108 usable questionnaires were analyzed. The analysis shows that the service quality of hotels in Thailand was moderately low. Hotels were not able to deliver services as expected. Also, the customer expectation of the services of the boutique hotels was higher than that of the business hotels. It is observed that this study can claim to be the pioneer study of hotel service quality in Thailand; in that sense this study contributes to the literature by providing an advanced understanding of the hotel service quality in different types of hotel. This study also provides an opportunity for a comparison with other studies conducted previously in different parts of the world.

The Role and Sustainability of Microfinance Banks in Reducing Poverty and Development of Entrepreneurship in Urban and Rural Areas in Nigeria

Abstract: The achievement of good economic growth is anchored around an environment of well focused policies aimed at poverty eradication through the empowerment of the people by availing them of access to factors of production, particularly credit. The study examines the role of Micro-finance banks in reducing poverty and the development of entrepreneurship. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and administered to entrepreneurs (small scale enterprises) and micro-finance banks within the Lagos State area. The study identified high rate of loan default among the SMEs, which poses serious consequences for microfinance banks. It was also established that the challenges facing microfinance banks include, among others, the documentation of credit process, wrong information, identity of the loan applicant, and unstable economic situation in the country.

An Examination of the Impacts of Fiscal Decentralization on Economic Growth

Abstract: Fiscal decentralization is said to offer a number of benefits for public sector governance, including growth, accountability and responsiveness of government officials to local demands and needs. However, there has been debate about the effects of fiscal decentralization on macroeconomic performance and growth. In this paper, we examine both sides of the arguments and posit that while there are many benefits to be gained from fiscal decentralization, its impacts on economic growth is constrained by a number of factors that are based on the contexts of the societies/economies involved. Hence the positive impact of fiscal decentralization on growth depends on the context and the society/economy.

How to Maintain Sustainable Competitive Advantages-----Case Study on the Evolution of Organizational Strategic Management

Abstract: The aim of the article is to analyze why the sustainable competitive advantage may disappear for many business organizations, and how to maintain the advantages in order to survive in the market. The paper proposes an evolution path of strategic literature, from the classical Porter’s strategic theory to business inertia, strategic resilience, then Organizational transformation, finally to the Business sustainability. Based on the case studies and literature review, this paper makes a conclusion that competitive advantages of organizations have a life cycle which starts from a planned selection and subsequent resource accumulation, however, enduring success requires sustainable competitive advantages and implies continuous improvement and innovation. This paper is empirically explored in many explorative, historical case studies to research the evolution path of firm’s strategic planning processes. The author aims at helping the firm leaders to solve complicated, uncertain management issues arising from today’s dynamic business areas.

Discriminant Analysis of Factors Affecting Telecoms Customer Churn

Abstract: A major challenge facing telecoms business providers in Nigeria today is the continuous growing competition and customers’ expectation of service quality and as such customers are able to choose among multiple service providers based on the level of satisfaction, affordability, and service quality of service providers. Customer demand and competition are forcing firms to cut loose from the traditional customer satisfaction paradigm, to adopt proactive strategies which will assist them to take the lead in the market-place. This study aims at identifying factors that discriminate among subscribers exhibiting willingness to drop their current service provider and those willing to stay. The study also examines the effect of socio-economic and demographic factors associated with the identified discriminants. The major factors identified are high call rate, poor service facilities, off-beam advertisement medium, availability of superior service provider and unattractive service plan.

Application of Data Envelopment Analysis to Measure the Technical Efficiency of Oil Refineries: A Case Study

Abstract: This paper is an attempt to implement the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach to measure the relative efficiency of a sample of oil refineries in Iraq over a period of two years, 2009-2010. We demonstrate that DEA is an effective tool for the Ministry of Petroleum (MOP) for monitoring and controlling the performance of oil refineries, which are growing as an important sector in Iraq. The authors followed a case study methodology where data about the inputs and outputs of refineries are gathered and analyzed to compute the relative efficiency of the refineries. Based on the results obtained, 50% of the refineries were efficient in 2009, while 58% of them were efficient in 2010, and the overall efficiency of the refineries studied was about 82% and 87% respectively. Later, inefficient refineries were investigated closely to identify the areas in which the use of resources manifest decreasing returns to scale. We concluded the paper with some recommendations on the applicability of the DEA for oil refinery efficiency evaluation. Due to the absence of research work, in this discipline, in the oil sector in Iraq, this study shall augment our knowledge on how oil refineries in Iraq may apply DEA to measure their efficiency, and how they might use the results to overcome efficiency problems. Although the results of the present paper are limited to the oil refineries studied; the DEA approach could trigger the attention of policy makers in the MOP to apply DEA to improve the efficiency of other DMUs. In addition, other manufacturing and service sectors in Iraq could, also, benefit from this approach.

Workplace Relations, Social Dialogue and Political Milieu in Nigeria

Abstract: Harmonious and stable labour-management relations are sine qua non to the development process in Nigeria. For economic and social stability, Nigeria needs to sustain the existing democracy, encourage social dialogue with a view to coping with conflictual issues nationwide. It is against this backdrop that this paper seeks to examine social dialogue as a set of roles for trade unions, and the degree to which this function is enabled or constrained by the dynamics of the political environment in Nigeria. To achieve this objective the authors adopted the qualitative research method. Secondary data such as collective agreements, newspapers reports and official state records were used and supplemented with in-depth interviews with key union representatives and employers’ organizations. The authors outline essential elements for social dialogue and how it can contribute to healthy labour-management relations. The authors addressed the positive contributions that social dialogue can make towards minimising open expression of conflicts with the negative consequences on the tripartite social partners, as well as the impacts of political milieu on the effectiveness of trade unions and by extension social dialogue in Nigeria.

Credit Card Ownership and Usage Behaviour in Botswana

Abstract: The study examines credit card ownership and usage in Botswana, and their posited association with consumer demographics and attitude toward debt. In this study, we find that credit card ownership and usage in Botswana are relatively high and that these appear to be influenced by consumer demographics and in particular income, age, education, gender and marital status as well as attitude towards debt. Attitude towards debt is generally negative across all groups. However, chi-square results suggest that these findings are not statistically significant. Only age and gender seem to be significantly related to attitude towards debt where the youth and females are more likely than other demographic groups to have negative attitude towards debt. The study recommends segmenting the credit card market in Botswana based on consumer demographics and attitudes towards debt.

Exploring the Influence of Quality and Safety on Consumers’ Food Purchase Decisions in Botswana

Abstract: The main purpose of this research was to gain some exploratory insights into how important food quality and safety issues were in influencing Botswana customers’ food purchase decisions. A cross-sectional descriptive research design utilising a structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 150 respondents who reside in Gaborone, Botswana in January 2011. The study found that in defining quality and safety of food, consumers used the same attributes thus resulting in an overlap in definitions of the two concepts. It also revealed that both food quality and safety were considered important by consumers. Consumers also perceived a relationship between quality and safety as they believed the two to be related. The implication from this research is that, consumers in developing countries such as Botswana also have concerns regarding food quality and safety and that the two concepts are important in their daily food choices.

Effect of Work Values on Work Outcomes: Investigating Differences between Job Categories

Abstract: Organizational researchers have found that work values influence, or are influenced by, other factors. This article explores basic work value dimensions and examines their effect on work outcomes. Study 1 used an exploratory factor analysis of data from 6,500 working persons in Japan and identified 6 basic work values that varied by job category. Study 2 demonstrated that these work values influenced job outcomes such as satisfaction, a sense of personal growth, and perceived skills.

The New Competitive Advantage: Technological Change: An Application of Electronic Data Interchange Implementation in SME in Automotive Industry

Abstract: The pace of change in technology has accelerated rapidly in the past decade providing various opportunities to companies to improve their efficiency and competitiveness. One of the useful and cost effective technological innovation is electronic data interchange (EDI). EDI has being increasingly used in many industries, as companies realized the potential benefits and competitive advantages of adopting electronic data exchange in their operations. EDI is strategically important, because good information systems are critical to the survival of many organizations. This paper presents an application of EDI in a SME in automotive industry in Turkey. With this study, our aim is to show the benefits of using EDI applications, explain how companies easily implement EDI in their system and what the advantages of these applications are.

Analysis of Some Factors Affecting Market Patronage in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract: Human settlements are made up of parts, which work together as a system. A major part of the system is the ‘market,’ whose functionality is found to be influenced by some factors such as mode of transport, consumers' income, sex, age, occupation, markets distance, location and item(s) on sales among others. The use of questionnaire, inventory survey and documentary analysis were employed for this study and the data were subjected to univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses. Recommendations include; opening up of market roads for the free flow of goods and services, conduct of market survey to determine among other things shop needs and requirements so as to encourage patronage, expansion and general development of the state.

Role of Business Management into the Success and Survival of Small Businesses: The Case of Star Learning Centre in Botswana

Abstract: The study aimed to establish the aspects of management, which have led to the survival, and success of the small-scale businesses in Botswana- a case of Star Learning Centre. The questions explored were 1) What is the role of management in the survival or success of Star Learning Centre? 2) What management styles, systems and practices are appropriate for Star Learning Centre and other small scale businesses in the Botswana? 3) What work culture is appropriate for business success? 4) What factors have enabled the Star Learning Centre to succeed? The study used a convenience sample comprising 31 staff members of Star Learning Centre. The probability sampling approach was applied because the number sampled was known. Questionnaires, observation and interview methods were used as the main instruments. Findings revealed that Star Learning Centre success can be attributed to effective management, team work, timely communication, conducive working environment. The problems/challenges faced by the Centre were: shortage of capital, shortage of land, lack of open discussion between staff and management, and an unsatisfactory remuneration system. The study recommends further research that may capture more and bigger businesses.

How Managers Can Conduct Planned Change in Self-organising Systems: Actor Network Theory as a Perspective to Manager’s Actions

Abstract: This article discusses why the majority of change initiatives in organisations fail in accomplishing the intended goals and expectations defined by its members and gives directions for a new perspective of organisational change and the leadership role of managers in this. First this paper carries out a literature review of notions from Weick’s sensemaking concept and Actor Network Theory to develop a perspective of emergent organisational change and the role played by managers. The limitation of the influence managers’ actions have in the organisational context is discussed. However, an important characteristic of the manager as a formal leader is also incorporated in this; leaders are able to reduce the equivocality of their followers and together with their followers they can construct new meanings by acting together. An important conclusion is that managers may become more effective in change processes when they are willing to step into the role of sensegivers.

The Measurement of International Experience as a Dimension of Board Indices: Concept for an Improvement

Abstract: In recent years, the internationality of enterprises, relying on adequate management resources, has gained in importance. One resource is the "International Experience of the Board" which for lack of primary datavery often can be measured on the basis of secondary data only. The lack of primary data on the one hand and the public interest on the other hand leads to the creation of partly simplified board indices based on more or less random measures / variables or compositionswith limited informative value.The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the need for an improvement of such indices composed of secondary data and to develop a new concept for a board index(“InExWE”).The new indexis basedon the available secondary data, too, and has to be seen as a suboptimalsolution but in contrast to some other indices this indexoffers the advantage ofsubdividing "International Experience" into different subareas and separate weighting factors to improve its informative value. First results of a pilot study indicate an additional informative value.

Theorising the Concept of Organisational Artefacts: How It Enhances the Development of Corporate/Organisational Identity

Abstract: Organisational artefacts are materials, buildings, symbols, names, images, logos, catchwords that make sense to all the stakeholders of an organisation; they therefore have meanings and do not just exist. Artefacts demonstrate the culture, norms and values of those who are in the organisation as well as all its stakeholders. In a nutshell it is a medium of communication within the members of the organisation and those outside the organisation; it makes enormous statements. This paper employing the descriptive/historical approach will examine the impacts of organisational artefacts on business organisations including how it helps in the development of a corporate identity in the organisations. This is more so as an organisation’s identity –expressed partly through organisational artefacts- goes directly to the heart of the existence of the organisation. The study concludes that directly and indirectly, knowingly and unknowingly, organisational artefacts enhance the development of corporate identity.

Social Desirability in Virtual Communities

Abstract: As virtual worlds and social media in general become important settings for marketing actions, we need to know what is the weight of social norms within such contexts. To what degree can a researcher expect that the answers obtained within a virtual world – ultimately a social network – reflect real opinions and are not inflated by social desirability? Does the social context of an online community induce higher social desirability? This paper investigates whether social desirability is stronger within virtual world online communities than in the real world, observing same structural relationship among measured constructs but higher social desirability tendency in the virtual world compared to the real life. Since social networks and online communities will be more often used as research and communication platforms, increased attention needs to be paid to the social desirability tendency of the community members.

Analysis of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Shortage in Ghana: A Case of the Ashanti Region

Abstract: Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is increasingly becoming the preferred choice of fuel in the world. The increase in patronage could be attributed to its affordability, efficiency and environmental friendliness. Like other energy sources, there are challenges that impede the smooth supply of LPG resulting in shortage. Several factors are involved which ultimately affects the efficiency of the entire Supply Chain system. The perennial LPG shortage in Ghana is an uncomfortable experience that needs urgent attention. Therefore, the study seeks among others to investigate the magnitude of noted disruptions that contribute to the shortage of LPG and the extent to which the LPG usage categories influence the length and frequency of shortage. A survey methodology was deployed for a total of 35 LPG retailers and 120 consumers in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Results of the study indicated that the Technical and Transportation disruption was ranked by retailers and consumers as major factors that disrupt the supply of LPG. Analysis carried out revealed that the frequency of LPG shortages experienced by consumers depends on the categories of usage, whilst the consumers' experiences of the duration for LPG shortage are rather independent on the categories of usage.

Research on Innovation Risk Management based on Bayesian Risk Decision-Making

Abstract: Innovation is an inexhaustible force for the prosperity of one nation, and also the life source of enterprises. However, the high-risk characteristics of innovation activities make enterprises to perform scientific and effective innovation risk management. Based on a general introduction of Bayestian Risk Decision-making Theory and practices of product innovation in enterprises, the author discusses how to use the theory to achieve quantitative innovation-risk management, providing references for scientific decision of innovation activities in enterprises.

Logistics in the Health Care System: The Case of Greek Hospitals

Abstract: Medical logistics is used as a tool for measuring performance and improving operations and is a topic of worldwide increasing importance. In Greece the implementation of such applications is relatively limited and there is therefore a significant scope for study. The fact that the cost of health care treatment has substantially increased over time due to over-spending of medical supplies, makes the need of identifying the factors which lead to such situations imperative. The research presented in this paper is a first attempt to identify the level of awareness of logistics that hospitals in Greece have. In fact, recently the majority of the larger Greek hospitals faced serious deficiencies in medical supplies due to their insolvency. The purpose of this paper is to examine the distribution process of supplies, the amount or the volume of distributed medicines and the degree of partnerships between Greek hospitals and their vendors. In addition, we monitor the extent of responsibility given to the logistics departments (if they do exist) with respect to purchasing, inventory management, internal distribution to medical departments and management information systems.

Thoughts on Reconstruction of Financial Control System in Chinese Listed Companies in Perspective of Systems Theory

Abstract: In the circumstance of fast development of China’s capital market, the increasing number of listed companies, and the more complicated corporate financial environment, companies should introduce the systems theory into corporate financial control and build more effective corporate financial control system in order to achieve survival and development. On the basis of systems theory, this paper analyzes the barriers for the implementation of financial control system in Chinese listed companies and the reasons, and tries to reconstruct and implement the corporate financial control system.

Corporate Governance Quality and Cost of Equity in Financial Companies

Abstract: There are many studies demonstrating how good corporate governance positively affects the economic-financial performance of companies, but few which examine the relationship between corporate governance and cost of equity capital. These mainly focus on multiple industries, and suggest that there are positive shareholder value implications for firms with stronger corporate governance mechanisms. This paper investigates the relationship between the quality of governance and the cost of equity in financial companies. It finds that financial companies with the best governance (both "internal" and "external") are associated with a higher cost of equity capital.