Showing papers in "International journal of business and social science in 2011"

Inclination towards entrepreneurship among university students: an empirical study of Malaysian university students

Abstract: This study investigates the inclination towards entrepreneurship among university students in the northern region of the Peninsular Malaysia. Specifically, it aims to examine the relationship between entrepreneurship education and inclination towards entrepreneurship. The influence of demographic characteristics and family business background on university students’ inclination towards entrepreneurship is also being examined.An empirical test carried out on the data gathered from questionnaires demonstrates that two entrepreneurship education variables are found to have statistically significant relationship on the inclination towards entrepreneurship. At the meantime, two demographic variables and a family business background variable have an effect on university students’ inclination towards entrepreneurship.Finally, based on the findings, the implications of the study have been forwarded.

Determinants of business success of small and medium enterprises

Abstract: The small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play critical role in the development of the country. The success of SMEs depends on number of factors. This study examines the role of key factors in the success of SMEs in Pakistan. The study also investigates the relationship between SMEs success and its determinants. Target population of the study was SMEs operating in different lines of business from service to manufacturing. Sample size of this study was 520 small and medium lines of businesses. Responses of the subjects were collected through questionnaires. SPSS software is used for analysis. This study concludes that there is a significant relationship between business success and its determinants. The result also shows that financial resources are the most important factor in the success of business perceived by small and medium enterprises. The success of small and medium enterprises can contribute significantly in the development of the country.

Workplace Bullying: A Complex Problem in Contemporary Organizations

Abstract: Workplace bullies, people who belittle, humiliate, and threaten their co-workers cost organizations billions of dollars a year. While it is estimated that fifty-four million people are subjected to emotional abuse in the workplace each year, U.S. organizations are still struggling to recognize and alleviate this problem. In this study, a qualitative approach explored the problem of workplace bullying from a theoretical perspective. Qualitative data was collected through focus groups methodology and through Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) computer-assisted methodology. The study was conducted with conflict analysis and resolution graduate students who utilized Roger Schwarz’s (2002) The Skilled Facilitator problem-solving model to deepen their awareness of the negative impact workplace bullying has on organizations, targets, and bullies and to provide possible solutions to this social problem. This study found that organizational cultures exacerbate the problem when the leaders either do not understand workplace bullying or dismiss it as tough management. The study concluded that a systems approach to designing a training program that addresses the root causes, involves individuals at all levels, and provides skills for dealing with this phenomena can promote a harmonious working environment.

Critique of the discourse of authentic leadership

Abstract: This article suggests that the new management discourse of authentic leadership is deeply problematic because it fails to take into account how social and historical circumstances affect a person’s ability to be a leader. It examines some of the arguments made by proponents of authentic leadership theory, and contrasts these claims about authenticity with Hannah Arendt’s concept of uniqueness, as well as considering Heidegger’s notion of authenticity as resoluteness. It also looks at the ways in which authentic leadership fails to address issues related to power and privilege by looking specifically at how silence operates. The author argues that it is vital to consider how authenticity manifests itself differently depending upon a person’s place in the world, and looks at how silence influences notions of autonomy, and a person’s ability to take up space within the public sphere.

The Possibilities and Challenges of Multigrade Teaching in Rural Pakistan

Abstract: In rural Pakistan instruction frequently occurs in multigrade settings where, due to lack of teachers and space, two to three teachers teach six classes. Manyteachers lack the knowledge and skills to manage multigrade classes effectively as they have been trained for single-grade teaching. Thisqualitative study was conducted to explore the possibilities and challenges of implementing multigrade course strategies in four project schools. Based on the findings of the study, this paper argues that multigrade courses have positive impact upon the teaching learning practices of schools. However, government has to play a key role in sustaining the implementation and impact of multigrade course strategies.

A study of the factors that affect the impulsive cosmetics buying of female consumers in Kaohsiung

Abstract: Marketing products, vendors tend to incite consumers’ intention to buy impulsively through various methods of stimulation. This fact has led to the increasing complexity of the factors which determine impulsive buying. This research analyzed the factors which determine impulsive buying, and used questionnaires and a focus group survey in order to study the factors that determine female consumers’ impulsive purchases of cosmetics.

A study of organizational citizenship behaviours, organizational structures and open innovation

Abstract: With increasing technological advances, the need to create not only innovations but faster innovation has become a part of sustaining or gaining competitive advantage. Open innovation paradigm answers this need by utilizing larger resources and expertise that firms involved in the open innovation process offer. Given the recency of the concept of open innovation, the factors that influence the creation of open innovation are hazy. Most of the research on open innovation looks at the “hard” aspects of organizations, while the soft issues stand less researched. This conceptual paper draws attention to two such aspects of organization: organizational citizenship behaviour and organizational structure. This paper proposes that practicing organizational citizenship behaviours by the employees enhances the chances of creation of open innovation while not doing so can botch up the whole exercise particularly during the infancy stage. It is also proposed that informal organizational structures favour creation of innovation in the open innovation paradigm more than the rigid formal structures. It is further argued that besides proper citizenship behaviours and informal structures, firms need to achieve strategic resonance with suppliers and customers to create successful open innovation. Propositions are developed, managerial implications underscored and future research directions highlighted.

Delving into Speech Act of Suggestion: A Case of Iranian EFL Learners

Abstract: This study intends to investigate how Iranian EFL learners utilize suggestion speech act. To this end, 150 Iranian English learners took part in this research and completed a DCT (Discourse Completion Task) consisting of 6 situations in which learners’ suggestion act was explored. Percentage and Chi-square were employed to analyze the data. The findings were compared with those of Jiang (2006) in order to find out the similarities and differences between Persian and English suggestion strategies. The study results indicated discrepancy in three types of suggestion samples between natives and non-natives. Moreover, gender and language proficiency were found to play a significant role in the production of suggestion strategies. Finally, the results were discussed in the context of language learning and teaching. Key terms: Pragmatic competence, Speech act, Suggestion act, EFL context Introduction Many researchers focus on the need for the rules of producing “communicatively appropriate performance” (e.g. Schmidt & Richards, 1980, P. 1; Uso-Juan & Martinez-Flor, 2008) as well as proper development of pragmatic competence (e.g. Bardovi-Harlig & Hartford, 1996; Celce-Marcia, Dornyei & Thurrell , 1995, as cited in Fernandez Guerra & Martinez-Flor, 2005). As a matter of fact, many learners may not be aware of socially and culturally appropriate forms which may lead to communication break-down or communication conflict. Therefore, according to Schmidt and Richards (1980), we should try to appreciate a theory which account for language use among which speech act theory plays a crucial role. Speech act theory is concerned with uses of language. Schmidt and Richards (1980) propose that generally speech act includes all the acts we do while speaking though, this is a broad definition. The main contribution of speech act theory is to explanation of communicative competence. Pragmatic speech acts such as invitations, refusals, suggestions, and apologies are significant components of communicative competence. Different approaches analyzing communicative competence has considered pragmatic competence as the basic component, on the other hand, within pragmatic competence increasing attention has been drawn to interlanguage pragmatic (ILP) studies which most of them have been carried out on production of different speech acts. Thus, the study of speech acts appears to be necessary to the understanding of intercultural studies. Within the last few years, great deal of studies have been carried out in regard to different speech acts, such as: request (e.g. Jalilifar, 2009; Taguchi, 2006), apology (e.g. Eslami-Rasekh & Mardani, 2010; Harris, Grainger & Mullany, 2006) , compliment (e.g. Sharifian, 2008; Wolfson, 1981) and refusals (e.g. Allami & Naeimi, 2010; Tanck , 2002) among which speech act of suggestion has absorbed scant attention. We regularly use suggestions in our daily interactions. We receive suggestions from different people: we may receive personal suggestions from our friends or relatives; we may get professional suggestions from doctors or professors. Suggestions also arise in educational environments such as class in which students ask for teachers‟ help and hints. Being informed of intricacies of suggestion speech act, we should be cautious while suggesting. Non-natives may not be cognizant of the different influence of direct or indirect suggestions. Therefore, the present study intends to investigate the suggestion strategies made by Iranian EFL learners in order to study whether their suggestions map with those of natives and to find the differences and similarities between native and non-native speakers of English. Furthermore, many pragmatic studies have been involved with investigating the influential factors in speech act performance such as gender (e.g. Allami, 2006; Bryant Smith, 2009; Sumhung Li, 2010) and proficiency (e.g. Allami & Naimi, 2010; Nguyen, 2007; Wannaruk , 2008). Thus, this study aims to investigate gender influence and probe whether participants with different language proficiency levels have a better pragmatic competence with respect to their suggestions. © Centre for Promoting Ideas, USA www.ijbssnet.com 153 Theoretical Framework Martinez-Flor and Uso-Juan (2006) regarded pragmatics as a linguistic concept related to language use which involves speakers‟ intentions while communicating utterances in particular contexts and considered notion of pragmatics as a reaction to Chomsky‟s abstract construct of language in which grammar played a predominant role. Pragmatics has also been implemented in the field of second language acquisition and more specifically in construction of SLA models (Celce-Murcia et al, 1995 as cited in Fernandez Guerra & Martinez-Flor, 2005; Martinez-Flor & Uso-Juan, 2006). Pragmatic speech acts such as requests, apologies, compliments and suggestions are significant components of communicative competence. Therefore, learners to be communicatively competent in a second or foreign language demand not only to promote their grammatical knowledge but also to improve their pragmatic competence. To perform speech acts appropriately, two types of knowledge are required: sociopragmatics and sociolinguistics (Leech, 1983; Thomas, 1983 as cited in Uso-Juan & Martinez-Flor, 2008). The former indicates when to perform a speech act and what is appropriate in a certain condition, whereas the latter is concerned with linguistic forms related to the speech act. Searle (1976) also differentiates pragmatic speech acts into 5 catagories of representatives (we tell people how things are), directives (get people to do something), commissives (the speaker is committed to do something), expressives (feelings and attitudes are conveyed) and declarations (they cause to happen a change). Suggestions belong to directive acts. As Barenjee and Carrell (1988, p. 319) state, while making suggestion several concerns should be observed: “urgency of the suggestion”, “degree of embarrassment in the situation” and “social distance and power between speaker and the hearer”. Thus, the speaker should try to mitigate the effect of offence on the hearer by some politeness strategies. Moreover, learners‟ ability to use speech act samples appropriately is a major component of pragmatic competence. Fraser (1983, p. 29, as cited in Allami & Naeimi, 2010) defines pragmatic competence as „„the knowledge how an addressee determines what a speaker is saying and recognizes intended illocutionary force conveyed through subtle attitudes in the speaker‟s utterance‟‟. Generally, speech act studies can be discussed in two categories. First, those which explore speech acts‟ strategies in regard to speakers‟ native language (Al-kahtani, 2005; Cheng, 2009; Karimnia & Afghari, 2010; Sharifian, 2005) and second, those which investigate characteristics of non-native speakers‟ speech acts in comparison to native speakers( Ahmadian & Vahid Dastjerdi, 2010; Al-Eryani, 2007; Bryant Smith, 2009; Parvaresh & Eslami Rasekh, 2009; Wannaruk, 2008; Wolfson, 1981). Banerjee and Carrell (1988) have discussed suggestions in ESL. 28 native speakers of Chinese or Malay and 12 native speakers of American English responded a DCT including 60 suggesting situations. The study intended to determine to what extent, native speakers and nonnative speakers vary in their suggestion strategies. Furthermore, some implications were recommended for the ESL classroom teacher in helping students develop their pragmatic competence. Results revealed that although suggestions made by native and nonnative speakers were basically similar in directness and frequency, number and type of politeness strategies were differe Martinez-Flor and Fukuya (2005) have operationalised FonF (Focus on Form) in the pragmatic realm. This study involved the effects of both explicit and implicit pragmatic instruction on learning head acts and downgraders in suggestions. 81 Spanish learners of English in a computer science class participated in this study for 16 weeks. During this period, learners were classified into three groups: an explicit group who received metapragmatic information on suggestions for 12 hours, an implicit group who were exposed to pragmalinguistic input enhancement and recast activities and a control group who received no treatment. All the participants were required to perform Email and phone tasks as preand post-tests. Analyzing 1296 responses, the results revealed that both explicit and implicit groups made pragmatic development in the post test. Jiang (2006) described the linguistic forms of suggestion acts in both real language and ESL textbooks. Suggestion forms were compared in two authentic settings of professor–student interaction during office hours and student–student study groups on the basis of T2K-SWAL Corpus. Furthermore, three old and three recent ESL textbooks were compared to determine the extent to which textbook materials represent authentic language use. It was indicated that the new generation textbooks introduce more linguistic structures for suggestions than the old generation textbooks though, there is still a gap between real language use and ESL textbooks. The author emphasized on the contextualized pragmatic teaching. Sum-hung Li (2010) considered Cantonese students‟ production of suggestion samples in English (their L2) not only with Australian students, who were attended as a target-based control group, but also with other native Cantonese students in Cantonese (their L1). Participants were high school students who were required to perform an open role play. International Journal of Business and Social Science Vol. 2 No. 16; September 2011 154 The study results showed that syntactically, Cantonese students in their L2 employed fewer syntactic types in making suggestions whereas pragmatically, they were same in their selection of perspective, directness and politeness strategies. However, there were significant differences regarding

Identifying Strength and Weakness of Sustainable Higher Educational Assessment

Abstract: Sustainable Higher Education (SHE) is regarded as one of the most influential medium of facilitating sustainable development movement in the world. SHE assessment approaches are tools or frameworks which assesses the level of sustainability in higher educational institutions. There have not been any comprehensive studies related to the existing sustainable assessment approaches. It is a relevant issue which merits a proper study to evaluate both the strengths and weakness of those SHE assessment approaches. Archival research technique, content analyses as well as interview were utilized to address this objective. Archival research technique was employed to facilitate the investigation of documents and textual materials in the realm of SHE assessment approach from 12 years starting from 1998. Content analyses were utilized as the research technique which quantify and analyzes the meanings and relationships of concepts and finally interview was employed to validate those two techniques. Comprehensiveness, popularity, novelty, conforming Three Bottom Line (TBL) theory and avoiding Subjective Judgment were the main criteria of evaluation. The study has identified 18 popular SHE assessment approaches out of which Sustainability Tracking and Assessment Rating System (STARS) and Campus Sustainability Assessment Framework (CSAF) were found out to have more strength in comparison of other SHE assessment approaches. The finding can be used for the higher educational institutions which aim to assess the level of SHE in their institutions.

Why do consumers buy socially responsible products

Abstract: This paper describes a study into consumers' reasons for buying socially responsible (SR) products, such as Fair Trade products and organic meat. As opposed to other studies, we use a qualitative approach based on 25 in-depth interviews and include several different products in the research. This leads to several new results, such as: (1) buying SR products is perceived as an imperfect moral duty; (2) low quality of SR products is a dissatisfier, but high quality not a satisfier; (3) the attitude towards SR products is related to the reputation of charitable funds; (4) the demand for SR products is negatively related to the frequency of purchasing SR products; (5) reflection on SR products raises the demand for SR products; (6) consumers that have witnessed the social problems that SR products aim to alleviate purchase more SR products. Finally, we find that the demand for different SR products is correlated: if a consumer buys one SR product, it is more likely that (s)he purchases other SR products as well.

What is Policy, Social Policy and Social Policy Changing

Abstract: Today we are experiencing good improvements in policy, social policy and policy making. A lot of good researches have been done on these issues and helped for the development of policy. The contributions of university professors, politicians and elites cannot be considered low. And the academic papers are deployed to offer from the major theoretical and methodological approaches and empirical research. To put in their proper context the important contributions of the processes of social policy change in the construction of social development should make some notes theoretical and methodological research into social policy.

The Establishment of Effective Advisory Boards for Promoting Social Justice in the Arts on College Campuses

Abstract: This paper focuses on some of the important aspects of establishing an advisory board on college campuses for governing arts organizations with social justice missions. In contrast to Boards of Directors of for-profit corporations, the nonprofit advisory board services the needs of organizations by performing services aimed at assisting the activities of the organization. Most boards are made up of people who like the same things and who support the same causes. This is especially true for arts organizations which tend to have a homogeneous board make-up. This paper makes the argument that advisory boards are an important component of arts organizations with a social justice mission and purporting the board members are unique volunteers with a social consciousness which supports efforts to advance the cause of underrepresented and disenfranchised populations. Board members are responsible for some strategic administrative functions which are outlined in this paper. Furthermore, this paper attempts to capture the essence of why advisory boards are necessary for successful arts organizations working on social justice activities.

An evaluation on the attitudes of residents in georgetown towards the impacts of tourism development

Abstract: The study confirms the usefulness of social exchange theory in explaining residents’ perception toward tourism development in Georgetown. There are positive and significant relationship between personal benefit gained from tourism development, perceived positive impacts and support for tourism development. Nevertheless, only one finding which is not in aligned with social exchange theory. There is no significant relationship for perceived negative impact towards support for additional tourism development. In short, residents who benefit from tourism development in Georgetown perceived greater positive impact than those who receive less benefit or do not receive any benefit. The positive impact that resident perceived has a positive relationship with their support level toward tourism development. Keyword: Tourism development, social exchange theory, Georgetown, Malaysia, attitudes.

Values in Human Resource Management of Japanese Multinationals in the US: A Country-of-Origin Effect or Local Responsiveness?

Abstract: While the philosophical argument to research values in the workforce has long been recognized as necessary, their empirical study is recent and deficient at the social level. In this paper, a novel approach to studying social values is applied to an important question in the globalization debate, namely: to what extent do the practices of Japanese multinationals in the US transfer values from Japan, and to what extent do they adjust to the local environment? Survey data from the US National Organizations Survey, 108 Japanese MNCs in the US, and 95 firms in Japan indicate a partial country-of-origin effect as well as partial local responsiveness. Thus, we concluded that Japanese HRM is characterized by the values ‘sense of belonging’, ‘family security’, ‘varied life’, and ‘universalism’, whereas the local value ‘social order’ is more important to the HRM of Japanese multinationals whereby country-of-origin values are found to a lesser degree.

Stress Perceptions of Working Adult Pakistanis and Americans

Abstract: Workplace stress can impact personal stress and these are of concern for all adults in every economy. This practical paper compares the perceptions of 231 working adults in Pakistan with 288 Americans. While a moderate level of stress was found among these respondents and in the U.S., higher stress levels were discovered among Pakistanis. While older respondents and males did have higher stress scores, no statistically significant differences were linked to age or gender. However, statistically significant differences were found between those who had for government and those who did not work in the public sector. Pakistani respondents without a college degree had higher stress scores than those with higher degree. Suggestions and recommendation for stress reduction and stress management are provided.

The Social Element of Sustainable Civil Engineering Public Procurement in Northern Ireland

Abstract: Sustainable development was first introduced by Dyllick & Hockerts (2002), their vision defined sustainable development as a share of the key components. There is evidence to show that sustainable development is proposed and concluded without complete regard to the social element. Therefore this research demonstrates current misconceptions in the corporate social responsibility clauses in Northern Ireland's public sector procurement. The research comes in two components initially a literature review of procurement social policy for Northern Ireland. Secondly, a questionnaire study reports on the views of public sector procurement personnel. The findings show that although the European Union wish to create a collaborative network of social solutions and best practice, the current practice in Northern Ireland's public procurement is an assortment of standards that may not be best suited to achieving the social component of sustainable development.

Didactic Experiments Suggest Enhanced Learning Outcomes

Abstract: The article discusses a didactic experiment carried out at an MA programme at The Copenhagen Business School. The experiment aimed at encouraging students to take charge of their learning processes via a course programme design that would motivate students to take an active part in selecting and presenting material in the language studied, just as they were encouraged to systematically use evaluation processes to enhance learning outcomes. Eventually, increased grade point averages suggested that the experiment was successful. The article also mentions subsequent revisions to the original format and points the way for further research.

Export enhancement, WTO rules and financial crises

Abstract: This paper reassesses the current WTO rules on export assistances in light of the global financial crisis. Our empirical analysis shows that export enhancing measures had positive effects on household consumption, implying that such measures were necessary to prevent the domestic economy from falling into deeper recession wrought by the financial crisis. The domestic economy is in a dilemma during a financial crisis because, on the one hand, it must rescue the economy, but on the other, it must not hurt the other exporters. In view of this polemic, this paper points out that the current law is inadequate in that it fails to take into account important and highly relevant economic issues pertaining to the current global financial crisis.

A Critical Analysis of the Competitiveness of the Iranian Pistachio Industry

Abstract: The pistachio industry has played a major role for the Iranian economy being one of the biggest non-oil exports in the country However, over the past 15 years, this industry has lost competitiveness against American producers in demanding markets for high quality pistachios This study focuses on the analysis of the international competitiveness of the Iranian pistachio industry The research opted for an industry-level case study In-depth interviews were carried with owner directors and managers from 11 firms across different sectors in the Iranian pistachio industry In addition, further interviews were conducted with government employees, academic professors engaged with the pistachio industry, and Iranian-Americans pistachio producers in California This research reveals those factors and areas where adjustment needs to be made to prevent a further erosion of the competitive position of Iranian producers against American producers in the international market

Economic Growth and Income Convergence in Ethiopia: A Critique

Abstract: In its review of Ethiopia’s economy, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has indicated that Ethiopia has been attaining economic growth for the past seven years. In addition, the IMF highlights that the lifestyle of the Ethiopian people has been getting better for the last two decades. In his recent statement, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia has stated that Ethiopia has not only registered rapid economic growth but the income from economic growth has been redistributed equitably. Over the last twenty years, Ethiopia has gone through various structural changes. However, unless the Ethiopian population is experiencing extreme poverty that is undetected, or the economy is completely controlled and managed by the state inducing minimal differences in wages and salaries, or instituting poverty-reducing public programs, though inconclusive, the economic literature does not seem to support Ethiopia’s Gini coefficient of 0.29 which is far below the Gini coefficient of newly industrialized countries. Therefore, the policy implication of this study is that the study that gave the entire world an impression that Ethiopia’s Gini coefficient is 0.29 needs to be replicated by other sound methodologies in order to confirm or invalidate the study.

Is Porter's diamond applicable to developing countries? A case study of the broiler industry in Uruguay

Abstract: This study focuses on the analysis and assessment of competitiveness of the Uruguayan broiler industry within MERCOSUR union. Porter’s (1990) ‘national diamond’ was selected as the appropriate framework for analysis and was applied to the six major Uruguayan broiler firms. This research reveals that the unique characteristics of the Uruguayan broiler industry are successfully accommodated within the selected framework to explain the success of the broiler industry against other meat substitutes. These results are consistent with those found in the existing literature, lending support to the view that Porter’s (1990) model seems to be applicable to developing countries such as Uruguay. However, some modifications of the model are required to fully explain the progress of this industry. This research project presents an adaptation of Porter’s ‘diamond’ to the singularities of the firms investigated in this study.

Analysis of professional competency enhancement program of nahe on the performance of college teachers.

Abstract: Learning and trainings play a vital role in mapping a community. In order to improve the quality of education globally, various programs and institutions are running. The effect of these programs and performance of the institutions can be measured by judging the skills of people who seek from them. We had analyzed the competency enhancement program of National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE) on the performance of college teachers by circulating a questionnaire among teachers who got trained from NAHE. Our results showed a strong correlation between teaching efficiency and training. It was also found that 71% teachers are satisfied with this program. Eighty percent teachers viewed that in-service teacher training is necessary for their professional growth. Forty percent teachers were viewed that National academy for higher education is playing effective role in teacher training. Results of the study showed that this program attained its objectives. Same type of follow-up study of the effect of pedagogical training on teaching in higher education was conducted by Ylanne in Finland in 2006. Results of that study showed that there were most positive changes occurred among teachers who gained more in-service pedagogical courses.On the basis of findings of our study it is recommended that there would compulsory in-service teacher training for college teachers.. It is also recommended that college teacher’s promotion would be linked with in-service teacher training. We think that this study will help in future planning of training program for college teachers.

Getting the Girls to School: The Community Schools Project in Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan

Abstract: This paper reviews a ten-year, two-phase educational project that, amongst its main aims, attempted to increase significantly the enrolment of girls in schools. After discussing the constraints on the lives of females in the region, the paper analyses the effects of the project on enrolment. Although girls’ enrolment doubled, a large proportion of girls remained out of school and the drop-out rate of girls was significantly higher than that of boys. The paper examines the reasons for these trends and suggests that, contrary to some expectations, many parents are willing to send their girls to school, but only under strictly controlled and monitored conditions. Finally, there is a discussion of some broader implications of developments that took place during the project. 1. Background: The Gilgit-Baltistan Seen as part of the larger ‘Kashmir’ dispute, the region known as Gilgit-Baltistan had the status of a ‘territory’ of Pakistan, not a full province, since the country got independence in 1947. However, the current political government in Pakistan took the historic and long-awaited decision in 2009 by giving some ‘controlled’ autonomy to this area as a semi province. Set amongst some of the highest mountains in the world, even today the region is relatively isolated and sometimes difficult to access. Although it is generally believed that GilgitBaltistan is one of the least advantaged areas of Pakistan, it is difficult to find objective data to support the assertion. However, the challenges and daunting nature of the region are self-evident. By way of illustration, the following assessment, written by the then Chief Secretary of Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan, 1995: 1) provides a graphic account of some of the major characteristics and difficulties of the region: The population of [Gilgit-Baltistan] is currently estimated at 968 000 scattered over an area of 72 496 square kilometres. The presence of a difficult terrain comprising snow-clad high mountains, rivers, nullahs and streams, coupled with harsh weather and an undeveloped communications infrastructure, complicates accessibility to most communities. Four of the world’s highest mountain ranges – the Himalaya, Karakoram, Pamir and Hindukush – meet here and [the] altitude of much of the region is above 3000 metres; many communities are settled at 3000 metres or above. The population is divided over 650 settlements dispersed in 20 different valleys.

Comparative Analysis of Nigerian Educational System

Abstract: Education can be effective when it relates to the past, present and future of the society. It has to bear practical relevance to the socio-cultural background of the people. Therefore, the philosophy and sociology of the community or nation must be informed by the cultural beliefs, tradition and shared norms of the people. This study tries to cast indigenous education in retrospect from the pre-colonial era to present. Historical development of every society particularly the developing countries are incomplete without the recognition of traditional system that prevailed before the advent of the western system of education. The paper compares the roles and objectives of the new and integrated (6-3-3-4) system of education with the colonial system of education. Emphasis was on functionalism, social responsibilities, job orientation and educational empowerment. Finally, the study was carried out to ascertain the influence of basic skill and functional vocational education through integrated curriculum.

How Small Companies Generate Ideas for New Services

Abstract: Although conventional models of successful service development suggest that the generation of ideas for new services should be made in a formal and structured way, it is unclear whether most service development really is conducted in this way, and whether these formal models might merely represent theoretical structures that have been retrospectively imposed on the actual process. The present study therefore presents the findings from in-depth case studies of service development in eleven small Swedish companies. The study concludes that new ideas in such firms rarely emerge from a formal systematic process. The most important sources of inspiration for such new ideas are outside the company. It is therefore important that individuals involved in the generation of ideas maintain an open mind to the possibility of receiving inspiration from unexpected sources, including from people whose skills and knowledge are in other fields of business activity.

Intellectual Elite: Identification Problem and Influence on Socio-political Processes in Europe by the Example of France and Poland.

Abstract: Consideration of the mediator structures' role in the modern socio-humanitarian research seems to be quite topical. However, the research is mostly focused on the structures of the civil society and their interaction with governmental institutes, which is quite explainable. Against this background, insufficient attention is given to studying of the specific social groups having direct influence on the political elite's behaviour and the decisions it makes. It is mostly development of the XX-century Europe where the influence exerted by these social groups is difficult to overestimate. Any socio-political and economic transformations cause a certain resonance with intensity depending on a lot of factors. Especially important in this period is the extent of interaction of social groups and political elites. An essential part of such influence is played by the social structure that the West refers to as the intellectual elite or intellectuals. It is the result of their interaction with the social environment and the political elite that the vector of further development of this or that country largely depends on. It actually acts as a distinctive modulator of the attitude the society takes to any actions performed by the political elite. Thereby, the intellectual elite has a powerful toolkit to influence the decisions made by the authorities and can even counterbalance them at certain stages in the development of the state.

Davidson on Keynes and Macroeconomics

Abstract: In the history of economic thought Post Keynesianism offers a different interpretation of John Maynard Keynes’s General Theory than what is known as mainstream Keynesianism. Being one of the most outstanding heterodox economists, in the Paul Davidson tradition of Post Keynesianism, a direct connection to the writings of Keynes is present theoretically as well as methodologically. This paper aims partly to present some views on Davidson’s interpretation of Keynes and partly to present and discuss a textbook in Post Keynesian macroeconomics that Davidson wrote together with Smolensky in 1964.

Separate auditing or not? The impact of relational concern on board of director's choice of auditor in Chinese public listed companies

Abstract: This paper was aiming to address an in time research question: why Chinese public listed companies showed differences in terms of the number of auditors they used to audit internal control over financial reporting and financial statement under new regulations on security exchange. Integrating theoretical perspectives from both intra and inter organization studies, the author explained the influence of relational concern brought by the directors who held multiple functions on board’s choice of auditor. The author pointed out that the multifunctional directors were prevalent in Chinese firms and the presence and proportion of such directors in the board would make the concern about the internal and external relationship salient during the choice of auditor. A series of propositions regarding to the influence of board-top management team relationship, the relation with other companies’ boards, and the enterprise-government relationship brought by the multiple function directors have been proposed. This conceptual paper enriches our understanding about the influence of intrapersonal diversity on team decision making process, and has implication for Chinese regulators on how to boost separate auditing.

Leadership and ‘tipping’ in workplace transformation : a critical review

Abstract: The purpose of this is to critically appraise the idea of the “tipping point” from the perspectives of leadership in workplace transformation. It is argued that the desirability of any workplace tr ...