Showing papers in "Socioeconomic challenges in 2022"

Estimating Climate Influence Of The Potential Covid-19 Pandemic Spreading In Algeria

Abstract: This document aims to investigate the potential influence of climate on the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the direct and indirect effects of climate are felt all over the planet, although their magnitude and manifestations vary. According to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), climate change could be the cause of nearly 250,000 additional deaths per year worldwide between 2030 and 2050 (Word Health Organization, 2021). This study focused on examining the relationship between climate (Temperature, humidity, and wind speed) and hospitalizations due to COVID-19 in a well-selected sample of wilayas in Algeria. In this brief, we want to shed light on the likely course and geographic spread of the epidemic. The purpose of this article is to answer the main question of the study: We do this by examining the effect of climate (temperature, humidity, and wind speed) on hospitalizations due to COVID-19 in the wilayas of Algiers, Blida, Oran, Adrar, Setif and Tamanrasset. The choice of wilayas is based on the availability, quality, and consistency of the data required. Our analysis suggests that high temperature and humidity or high relative wind speed tend to hamper the spread of the virus and that a high population density tends to facilitate its transmission. This does not mean that higher temperatures are enough to contain the disease. The climate potentially plays a role in the spread of many respiratory viruses. It appeared important to know if this could also be the case for the new coronavirus, COVID-19. While the role of climate in the transmission is still difficult to quantify, it is clear that other factors are taken into account in the transmission of COVID-19, namely mainly compliance with the rules of physical distancing and barrier gestures. This study focused more particularly on the effects of absolute climate (Temperature, humidity, and wind speed). 90% of infections would have occurred in areas where the temperature is between 3 and 17 degrees and the absolute humidity is between 4 and 9 g / m3, 35 to 85% relative humidity (Bukhari Q., Jameel Y., 2020). We address the issue of the impact of climate on the spread of COVID-19, we use the SUR (Seemingly Unrelated Regression) model to estimate the relationship between climate and COVID-19 cases in Algeria during the period between April 18th, 2020, and April 17th, 2021 inclusive. The results of the SUR model estimate, also showed that there is no real climate that can damage the pandemic situation in Algeria during the period studied.

Measuring the Effect of Healthcare Service Quality Dimensions on Patient’s Satisfaction in The Algerian Private Sector

Abstract: There is a gap in marketing literature related to impact of service quality dimensions on perceived service quality and patient satisfaction, in the private healthcare industry. The healthcare system is responsible for improving the general population’s health in a country. To differentiate from competitors, the quality of service is mainly considered a critical success factor for hospitals (Azmit et al., 2017). Therefore, competition is essential for improving quality and patient satisfaction in healthcare institutions (Kitapci et al., 2014). This article aims to determine the relationship between health service quality dimensions and patient satisfaction in the healthcare sector. Specifically, the paper seeks to find out the most critical dimensions of service quality, which is used to evaluate the characteristics of private healthcare service quality as perceived by patients. A field study was carried out on a sample of 208 patients in Tlemcen city in Algeria. The questionnaire developed for this study was based on a SERVQUAL model specifically, based on Parasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry, (1985) variables that identified the influence of five dimensions (i.e., reliability, tangibility, assurance, responsibility, and empathy) in healthcare service environments on patient satisfaction. The results have found after the application of structural equation modelling that: reliability, tangibility, assurance, responsibility was more significant in contributing to patient satisfaction, while empathy was not significant. This indicates that patients tend to have a positive perception about the health service if they consider the perceived quality of the health service to be credible, reliable, tangible, and responsive, even though they may feel that the health provider does not empathize with them. Hence, healthcare industry practitioners can consider this model as an instrument to assess healthcare and help improve their service quality. Therefore, service provider managers can use this instrument to assess private hospital service quality in Algeria and other African countries.

Public Investment in Human Capital and Economic Growth in Algeria: An empirical study using ARDL approach

Abstract: The main aim of this research paper is to examine empirically the link between public investment in human capital and economic growth in Algeria over the period 1990-2017. In fact, public authorities spend annually considerable funds to make both education and health available for all citizens as they are vital elements for a better life. This political action which is well understood from social perspective should have also some economic benefits especially in terms economic growth. Scholars strongly argued the crucial importance of investing in human capital to spur growth. In this context, the current paper tends to assess the impact of public spending devoted to human capital components on economic growth in Algeria. To do so, the study used annual time series data of government expenditures on these two sectors ranged from 1990 to 2017, and employs for estimation the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach. The main finding of this paper is that there is no cointegrating relationship between these two variables in the long run. This result is in line with many previous studies in Algeria as well as in other developing countries. This basically supports the idea that spending on education and health would not inevitably lead to growth. The lessons learnt from the experience of emerging economies denote that there are a series of preliminary conditions that should be set up to make the association between public investment in human capital and growth possible. Government spending alone cannot induce economic growth if corruption prevails and resources are inefficiently allocated. Also, it is the quality of health and education that matters. In Algeria, despite of the considerable funding of education and health sectors, the quality of service offered inside schools and hospitals is still poor. Thus, increasing numbers of doctors leave the country because they believe that work conditions are not suitable. Many Patients also prefer to join foreign hospitals because they believe that local medical service is somewhat unsatisfactory. Likewise, a great number of university students choose to join foreign universities to pursue their higher studies because they consider the quality of local universities is poor. Based on this evidence, policymakers are invited to take into consideration these conditions among others in order to strengthen the impact of public investment in human capital on economic growth in the future.

Cash Transfer Programmes For Reducing Poverty And Vulnerabilities: Effects On Children’s Health In Sub-Saharan Africa And Latin America

Abstract: This paper summarizes the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on cash transfers and child health. The main purpose of the research is to assess the effects of cash transfers on children’s health and development outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. Systematization of the literary sources indicates that studies have justified cash transfer as social-income support that addresses a vital social determinant of health (income) for children in low-and-middle-income countries. The methodological basis of this study is a systematic review that searched a wide range of electronic databases such as PubMed, ResearchGate and ScienceDirect. Studies included in this review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cluster-RCTs, quasi-experimental and mixed methods studies of cash transfer interventions in children 0-18 years. Inclusion criteria were met by eight studies, four from Africa and four from Latin America. The systematic review presents the results of data synthesis of the included studies that mainly reported the effects of cash transfer programmes on child anthropometry outcomes, cognitive development, morbidity, and healthcare utilization. The review found cash transfer programmes to improve these variables among children in households receiving cash transfers. This systematic review has added to the debate on cash transfers and children’s health outcomes. In general, the systematic review indicates that cash transfer programmes intended for children are effective at improving anthropometric, health, and cognitive outcomes, as well as access to healthcare. However, there is a need for more research to clarify the multiple pathways by which cash transfers can improve children’s health and nutritional outcomes. It is also necessary to clarify what factors explain the variety of effects of cash transfer programs on child health and nutritional status. Finally, cash transfer interventions are not permanent mechanisms for promoting access to healthcare. Policymakers in developing countries should borrow ideas on how to finance healthcare services for improving the socio-economic wellbeing of citizens.

Knowledge asset as competitive resource

Abstract: Knowledge is a strategic, high-quality source of power. Knowledge assets – technological and human capital – have been recognized as key resource for sustaining competitive advantage in a dynamic turbulent environment. Past research argued that knowledge is important to facilitate and leverage knowledge assets. Most of the firm’s knowledge and skills reside in its human capital, often in tacit and explicit knowledge. Existing knowledge is not enough to be competitive on the future market. Firms must collect, disseminate and create knowledge capital. According to the theory of dynamic organization knowledge creation (SECI; processes of socialization, externalization, combination and internalization), knowledge assets are the key elements that facilitate knowledge creation processes. Knowledge can be created on personal / organizational level, and also externally, such as with customers, partners and suppliers. Nonaka, Toyama and Konno (2005) identified four dimensions of construct of organizational knowledge capital: experimental knowledge assets, conceptual knowledge assets, routine knowledge assets and system knowledge assets. Each form of knowledge has specific individual support in process of knowledge creation. The firms needs vision and synchronized entire team. This paper employed a survey instrument and collected data in Slovenia. Our research confirmed Nonaka, Toyama and Konno (2005) research, we confirmed all four dimensions of organizational knowledge capital. Total 195 responses were analysed. The study shows importance to create learning environment, networking between professionals, to build trust encourage open, share / disseminate knowledge and create new knowledge.

The effectiveness of employment in high-tech and science-intensive business areas as important indicator of socio-economic development: cross-country cluster analysis

Abstract: Employment is one of key parameters of the economy, which characterizes its efficiency, possibility of using the labour potential and growth of population’s well-being. The level of employment is the most important indicator of the effectiveness of socio-economic policy of the state. A high level of employment in high-tech and science-intensive business areas is a driver of sustainable economic development of countries, increasing labour productivity, ensuring leadership in the market, and reducing the productions costs. Thus, the assessment of the effectiveness of population employment in high-tech and science-intensive service areas is significant today, as it is a comprehensive assessment of the country’s development, its current state in high technologies and further prospects for working with them. The research purpose consists in determining the maximum, most effective value of the population employment efficiency index in high-tech and science-intensive service spheres based on cross-country cluster analysis. The sample of countries all over the world were divided into 3 clusters, taking into account the rating value of the following indices: employment in high- and medium-high-tech production sectors and science-intensive business service spheres; enterprises that conducted training to develop / improve the ICT skills of their personnel; new registered enterprises. During the research there were statistical data analysis, cluster analysis using Ward’s method and software Statgraphics, optimization method using Frontier Analyst software. As a result, the efficiency of population employment in high-tech and science-intensive business service sectors of 36 countries in 2021 was determined, and accordingly reference countries with high population employment in this research sphere were identified. The potential reserves for increasing the targeted value of the population employment index in high-tech and science-intensive sectors were also characterized. The obtained results can be useful for business managers, they can adopt the experience of doing business in countries with more effective indicators, with the aim of developing employees, providing them with new training and knowledge that will facilitate doing business in the future.

Factor Analysis Of Energy Security: Net Import Dependency

Abstract: This paper analyzes various aspects of energy dependency and identifies the hidden factors behind national energy security. Based on a review of the scientific literature, the factors that reduce energy security in the consumption of natural gas, oil, and nuclear energy generation were identified. One such factor is import dependency on energy resources. Import dependency on energy is a crucial characteristic of energy security and can exacerbate the effects of external aggression, non-competitive behavior, and pressure. Given the energy crisis of 2022, most countries around the world have revised their energy security policies to reduce import dependency by diversifying supplies and reducing dependence on Russian energy resources. The factor analysis of energy dependency ratios, 1990-2020, was used to study the energy security of the EU27 countries. The factor analysis was performed for annual indices calculated using the Eurostat database of “Simplified energy balances.” The paper hypothesized the existence of latent relationships between energy security variables for the twenty-seven EU countries. The hypothesis was verified using Bartlett’s sphericity test and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin criterion. The results of hypothesis testing showed its statistical significance (the p-value < 0.05) and the possibility of factor analysis. Correspondence indices also indicated the adequacy of possible prediction of a set of variables. The factor analysis was executed in Python using the FactorAnalyzer module (the release 0.4.0). The principal factor extraction and the varimax rotation model were used to obtain the initial solution, preserving the orthogonality of the loading matrix. The factor structure of the model was confirmed for four factors consisting of the twenty-eight elements. The received four factors model allowed us to describe around 80% of the cumulative variance. It was found that each factor separately explained 46.89%, 15.80%, 10.91%, and 6.39% of the variance, respectively.

Digitalization and the Covid-19-Led Public Crisis Management: An Evaluation of Financial Sustainability in the Azerbaijan Business Sector

Abstract: Abstract One of the key challenges for businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic has been to maintain financial sustainability despite the public crisis and consumer demand shocks. While some companies have managed to digitize and cope with the new realities, others have not. This will determine the future of companies and the direction of anti-crisis tools in management strategies. The purpose of this study is to analyze the use of digitalization as an anti-crisis tool among Azerbaijani businesses during the Covid-19 outbreak. The data set is based on voluntary survey data gathered from key businesses of the Azerbaijan economy. Our analysis applied k-means clustering, the related-samples Wilcoxon Signed Rank test and the independent-samples Mann-Whitney U test to learn whether there was any connection between digitalization and financial sustainability. Our findings indicate that 42% of the businesses that participated in the study obtained benefits by using digitalization as a crisis management tool during the Covid-19 pandemic period, but 38% of the respondents did not report any significant changes in their businesses despite increased digitalization efforts. Moreover, 20% of the businesses examined experienced negative changes after digitalization. The results of the independent-samples Mann-Whitney U test indicated that those businesses that had high scores before and after the increased digitalization efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic, achieved higher median profits, while the businesses with lower scores experienced a financial loss. As can be seen from the results, the chances of benefiting from digitalization are rather uncertain for local businesses. The main policy conclusion from this study is that businesses in Azerbaijan need to address the digitization challenge comprehensively to increase benefits and reduce costs. The results of our study are useful for business owners, policy makers, and top managers when developing strategies for enterprise-level digitization, especially during and after viral outbreaks.

The Asian Entrepreneurship Core in Covid-19 Period: Value Chains, Specialized Education, Massive Participation of Women and Strategic Accompaniment

Abstract: Abstract The document seeks to follow up on companies, entrepreneurs and States, on the issue of strategy and entrepreneurship. For this, two parts are taken, “Companies and take-off strategies typical of central and southeast Asia, before the pandemic”, there are unicorn companies, ventures, new versions of organizations before COVID, period from 2012 to 2019. The cases to be studied come from companies, States, organizations, which are located in the center, such as in Southeast Asia: the Republic of India and the People’s Republic of China. It also takes the leading countries of Southeast Asia, led by Japan, first-generation of the Asian Tigers, Singapore, South Korea, Republic of China Taiwan (ROC); second generation, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, among others. Then, strategic cases are described, analyzed, and sought, in the period 2021-2022, the same countries of Central Asia, plus Japan, the first-generation Tigers, all those previously analyzed, plus Hong Kong and the Second generation, all the analyzed in the previous period, plus Malaysia and Cambodia (OJEDA F. A., 2014). Sectors associated public policies, business strategies, exact cases of companies are observed, for each country, before and after the pandemic until today, 2022. With this research scheme, the reader establishes a “road map” of the companies, which has been generated from a highly volatile international environment, but with great opportunities. It is also an attempt to show a business “catalogue of practices” from these countries, which can be an example for Western organizations, in times of global crisis and international price volatility, especially affecting the value chains of food commodities, energy and basic electronic supplies.

The Global Socioeconomic Impact of Mental Health

Abstract: This paper outlines the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific communities on the issue of common genetic factors discovered in mental disorders. The main objective of the research is to analyse the relationship between genetics and mental health. The relevance of this study by FAAVM Canada, (North America), is to help recognize that major mental health disorders share certain genetic defects. These findings may also point to apply better multidisciplinary scientific research methodologies to diagnose and treat these conditions. However, genetic factors can increase the risks of mental health issues, or make us more vulnerable to developing them, by reducing the brain’s ability to deal with or compensate for traumas and other cognitive disruptions. This research empirically confirms and theoretically proves that the results can be useful for vaccine and pharmaceutical drug development. Across the European Union (EU) region, approximately 165 million people are affected annually by mental illnesses, for the most part, anxiety, mood, and substance abuse disorders. On average, over 50% of the general population in middle-income and high-income countries will experience at least one mental illness at some point in their lives. That being said, mental illnesses are by no means limited to a minority group of predisposed persons but are a major public health challenge. These scientific attributes are in fact mandatory diagnostic criteria that exert considerable socio-economic repercussions not only for those affected but also for their families, communities, social, and employment related environments. In the first year of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic, global frequency of anxiety and depression increased by an immense 25%, according to a scientific summary released by the World Health Organization (WHO). Mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders account for over 10.4% of the global burden of mental health diseases, owing to demographic changes and prolonged life expectancy, and were the leading cause of years lived with disability among all disease groups.

An Education Gift — Integrated Cognitive and Non-Cognitive Skills — for Future Generations to Grow the Economy in the Digital Phase

Abstract: This paper summarizes arguments driving education policy discussion about a relationship between the growth of the economy and early childhood cognitive and non-cognitive skills. The first finding is that rising Harmonized Test Scores, including PISA test scores, do not contribute to labor productivity per person in high income courtiers in Asia, Europe, and North America. On the other hand, the test scores can drive the economy in high income countries in Africa, Caribbean, Middle East, and South America; upper middle-income countries in Africa, Caribbean, Middle East, Ocean, and South America; low middle-income countries; and low middle-income countries more than high-income countries. The second finding is that rising Harmonized Test Scores (HTS) are likely to connect to labor productivity per hour. By a simple regression by taking a logarithm, this study investigates the relationship between labor productivity per hour and the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) test scores. The coefficient of determination is 0.60. It is not enough to get a sufficient result. Accordingly, the study discusses how labor productivity per hour in high income courtiers in Asia, Europe, and North America is associated with non-cognitive skills. In the digital economic phase, it seems that integrated cognitive skills and non-cognitive skills contribute to labor productivity per hour. We recommend that policymakers should invest in early childhood to not only maintain or improve PISA test scores but also to improve non-cognitive skills associated with psychology. Overall, this paper presents analysis and empirical results, aimed at building a more future-oriented education policy. The audience for this paper includes policymakers, educators, and economists.

Bibliometric Analysis of Research of the Behavioral and Social Dimension of the Public Health System of the World

Abstract: Abstract The paper emphasizes the importance of human health as the most valuable, most important resource at the individual and national level, affecting the country’s socio-economic development and competitiveness. It states that it is necessary for the actors ensuring the public health system to form a new concept for the functioning of the health system, taking into account the current state of public health, the functioning of medical institutions, and the resource support of the healthcare industry. The primary purpose is to conduct a bibliometric analysis of scientific publications dealing with the global behavioral and social dimension of the public health system. The systematization of literary achievements and approaches to solving this problem has been carried out, which indicates the need for proper attention and high-quality, conceptual, international research by world scientists on issues related to the state and level of public health, satisfaction with the healthcare system. The relevance of the analysis of research on the behavioral and social dimension of the public health system of the world implies that the further development of the healthcare industry necessitates research, intensive development, and dissemination of available scientific and methodological international experience in solving this issue of the public health system in different countries worldwide. The research consisted of four stages. A map of the interrelationships of key concepts with other scientific categories has been constructed; a content-contextual study of the constructed blocks of bibliometric analysis has been implemented; an inter-cluster analysis has been carried out. A map of the interrelationships of the key concepts under study with other scientific categories has been constructed, reflecting the dynamics in the form of a contextual-time block; the evolutionary-time prospects of the study have been determined. A geographically extensive map of the scientific bibliography of the categories under study has been constructed; the spatial component of the study has been analyzed. A territorially branched map of the spatio-temporal dimension of the category under the study in dynamics has been constructed. The methodological tools of the research are theoretical (grouping, abstraction, synthesis) and empirical methods (observation, description), research methods, services of the Scopus information platform, and VOSViewers tools.1.6.15. The study was conducted based on the publications indexed by the Scopus database for 2000-2020. The objects of research were the following scientific categories: “health care system, medical services, behavioral aspect, social aspect,” the countries United States, Germany, Norway, Greece, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, India, Netherlands, China, Brazil, Switzerland, Denmark, Belgium, Iran, Japan, Italy, Spain, because these two groups of objects allowed to conduct two-directional analysis of the problem under study. The results of the bibliometric analysis presented in the paper showed that the aspect of the behavioral and social dimension of the public health system was relatively young and insufficiently developed; the attention of the scientific community for a long time on this issue was mainly concentrated in the United States and the United Kingdom. China, Iran, and Japan were less involved in this process at an earlier time interval, but this research became relevant for them in recent years. The study results can be used to identify the most potential priority areas for forming the policy and strategy of the state health system, based on determining the main significant, modern, relevant characteristics of the healthcare industry.

“Problems Of E-Governance İn Government Agencies And Their Solutions”

Abstract: The study summarizes a number of scientific discussions and arguments. The main purpose of the study is to improve the quality of e-services in government agencies, to study the current situation and issues related to the general situation in Azerbaijan in this area. Research and systematization of scientific sources show that there are problems with e-governance in government agencies and a number of improvements are needed. Transparent governance and the creation of citizen satisfaction in Azerbaijan is one of the priorities of the state. In this sense, the relevance of the study includes the analysis of e-governance problems in government agencies in Azerbaijan and ways to solve them. The study was conducted in the following sequence: – General information on e-government is provided; – In the world practice, there are a number of obstacles to the implementation of e-government in any country; – Information was provided on what factors are important for the development of e-government information resources in e-governance; -The current state of e-governance in government agencies in Azerbaijan has been analyzed. The theoretical and methodological basis of the research is the perspectives of researchers, theories, scientific articles, scientific research on e-governance and its improvement. Research objects include e-government, analysis of e-government problems in government agencies and finding solutions. The research is based on scientific-theoretical approaches and empirical analysis. Research has shown experimentally and theoretically that development is impossible without e-government, and the application of e-government has become a necessity. At the end of the study, the results and recommendations of the study were given. The results of the research are useful in the development of programs, projects and proposals related to e-governance, as well as in solving research problems and overcoming existing problems in e-government. E-government plays an important role in the successful development of public administration, increasing the flexibility, efficiency and citizen satisfaction of public administration. The main purpose of e-government is to improve the quality of work and management of government agencies, to protect the rights and freedoms and interests of citizens, to ensure transparent governance.

Association Between Factors Likely to Have an Influence on Foreign Direct Investment: The Case of Jordan

Abstract: Objective: The research objective is to discover associations between factors likely to have an influence on multinational corporations’ foreign direct investment in Jordan. The scope of the research and its objectives are driven by, first and foremost, the fact that there is increasing interest in MNCs’ investments in the MENA region and particularly in Jordan, and second there is a lack of academic research jointly examining the factors behind locational decisions. Research Design & Methods: This study has adopted quantitative methods (non-experimental) because we are able to measure the relationship between the set of variables and set of score. The study designed based on of international business literatures that includes economic, legal, social political factors. Questionnaire survey used to collect that data from sample of 50 companies in operate in Jordan and either owned by foreign inventors or are subsidiary of multinational companies. Findings: the study results indicate mixed views among MNCs because of the current situation and our research results demonstrate that MNCs’ location decision is immensely influenced by economic and political factors, and less by both legal and cultural factors. This indicates there is a similarity with other neighboring countries and significant difference from developed economies western countries. In addition, research finding also indicates that some MNCs mitigating their risk exposure by shifting their investments to relatively more stable business environments, such as the Gulf region and Jordan compared with other Levant countries as confirmed by the FT 2014. Implications & Recommendations: The finding of this research indicate that policy maker in Jordan should concentrate on supporting the macroeconomic environment and maintain its political stability to continue attract FDI. Contribution & Value Added: The existing MNC theory did not jointly examine the factors influencing location decisions, given the scarcity of national publications in the field of international business in Jordan, this research aims at enriching the national literature in this field.

The role of economic diplomacy in the promotion of non-hydrocarbon exports in Algeria

Abstract: Several studies and statistics have indicated that non-hydrocarbon exports in Algeria represent a low rate of around 5% of total exports. This weakness means that the Algerian economy is fragile, which depends on the prices of hydrocarbons (oil, gas) which is unstable on the international market. Several factors are the cause of the situation of Algerian exports which remain difficult to identify. This ambiguity has led us to dig into the field of investigation to get closer to the reality of the reasons that justify this lack of diversity in exports. The main objective of our study is therefore to measure the performance of Algerian economic diplomacy in the promotion of non-hydrocarbon exports. We treated our subject of research by using a methodology with an exploratory design of qualitative order on a sample of Algerian exporting companies which have an experience of more than ten years in the field of exports established in the region of Oran- Algeria. To process the results of our research, we used the method of content analysis of the interviews we conducted with exporters. Our sample has identified important elements in contribution to other previous research on this subject which has dealt with the subject of exports in Algeria but which has not resulted in the role of economic diplomacy in the promotion of exports. the results that we have obtained from our empirical study can be generalized, they reveal a definition of the activity of non-hydrocarbon exports in Algeria and the role of Algerian economic diplomacy in the promotion and supervision of these exports then the shortcomings of economic diplomacy in the field of exports at the end of the results we recommended measures that must be implemented to have an effective economic diplomacy that can contribute to increasing and promoting diversified exports.

Effect of prepaid meters on the household expenditure on electricity consumption in Ondo state

Abstract: Unfair high electricity billing is a challenge to consumers in Nigerian electricity market and it exerts undue pressure on households who are Charged for electricity service that are not supplied by service providers through estimated billing. Customers loss income as a result of this problem. Whether the introduction of prepaid meter will bring succor to consumers is an empirical issue. The hypothesis that adoption of prepaid meter reduces household expenditure on electricity consumption was tested in this study. A total of 577 (362 males and 215 females) participants were drawn from 4 local governments area of Ondo State using multistage sampling techniques. The participants had a mean age of 46.93 years and standard deviation of 21.04 years. The study was analyzed using frequency count, means and percentages. Results showed that 70.72% of the participants witnessed a reduction in their electricity expenditures as a result of adoption of prepaid meter plan which was attributed to elimination of estimated bills and users embracing electricity conservative strategies. More so, about 82% of the participants expressed their preference for prepayment electricity plan over old metering system. The implications of the finding is that the distribution companies should make more prepaid meters available as there is willingness on the part of electricity subscribers to buy into the metering plan.

Regulations and the Characteristics of Entrepreneurs

Abstract: Abstract In this study, we examine whether different types of regulations affect the composition of small business owners in U.S. states. We employ a national survey titled the “United States Small Business Friendliness Survey”. This survey asks small business owners their opinions on different types of regulations (i.e. “health and safety regulations”, “employment regulations”, “tax code”, “licensing regulations”, “environmental regulations”, and “zoning regulations”). The survey also asks business owners questions on their own characteristics like “position in the firm”, “previous entrepreneurial experience”, “gender”, “age”, “political view”, “education level”, and “race”. Our results show that each regulation category affects almost all categories of owner characteristics. The exceptions are the following: “Health and safety regulations” do not affect position in the firm, “employment regulations” do not affect gender and age, “tax code” does not affect position in the firm and age, “licensing regulations” and “environmental regulations” do not affect position in the firm and gender, and “zoning regulations” do not affect position in the firm, previous experience, and gender. “Health and safety regulations” affect gender, age, political view, education level, and race. “Employment regulations” affect previous entrepreneurial experience, political view, education level, and race. “Tax code” affects previous entrepreneurial experience, gender, political view, education level, and race. “Licensing regulations” affect previous entrepreneurial experience, age, political view, education level, and race. “Environmental regulations” affect previous entrepreneurial experience, age, political view, education level, and race. “Zoning regulations” affect age, political view, education level, and race. Overall, our findings indicate that regulations affect the geographical choice of entrepreneurs. The states with a more favorable score in a certain area of regulation attract a certain group of entrepreneurs. Policymakers should consider these findings when devising their strategies to attract certain types of entrepreneurs to their states.

The global crisis, manufacturing firms, regulations and taxes

Abstract: In this study, we focus on how regulations and taxes affect manufacturing firms in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. We examine whether overall regulations became a bigger obstacle to these firms after the 2008-2009 Global crisis. We also examine whether tax inspections became a bigger obstacle after the Global crisis. Besides regulations and tax inspections, we also look into the prevalence of corruption related to tax officials before and after the Global crisis. Using two large datasets (i.e. the BEEPS IV and BEEPS V surveys), we are able to compare the pre-crisis period to the post-crisis period. Our results show that, in this region, post-crisis, senior managers spent more time on dealing with overall regulations which includes tax-related regulations and other types of regulations. Therefore, we can conclude that, post-crisis, regulations became a bigger obstacle to manufacturing firms’ operations. We also find that, post-crisis, there was a significant drop in the percentage of firms that had inspections or meetings with tax officials. Also, post-crisis, each firm on average, had fewer inspections or meetings with tax officials. Therefore, while overall regulations became a bigger obstacle to these firms, tax inspections became a smaller problem. When we examine corruption, we find that there was no significant change in the prevalence of bribes related to tax officials. Before and after the Global crisis, a similar percentage (8-9%) of manufacturing firms had to deal with bribe requests by tax officials. Future studies may focus on other types of regulations which include employment regulations, health and safety regulations, licensing regulations, environmental regulations, and zoning regulations, and the corruption related to these regulations.

Innovation And Social Networks For Creating Social Value

Abstract: In an increasingly digitized world and after the disruption of the covid-19 pandemic, the internet and social networks are becoming the central backbone of interactions between individuals, organizations, and governments worldwide in general and defending the democratic values in Ukraine in particular. The influence capacity of social networks on creativity and innovation has grown in recent years and has been an objective of the study. This paper analyses the interaction between innovation and social networks from a balanced assessment, considering opportunities and risks. The interaction between social networks and innovation could redesign the value creation process. The proliferation of social media platforms coincides with the expansion of the open innovation paradigm and has demonstrated its efficiency in facilitating solutions in different fields such as science, statistics, engineering, production and the generation of social policies. On the other hand, risks have to be analyzed and mitigated. The social networks and search engines could have become a proxy for organizing and accessing information and knowledge on a large scale; however, evidence points out how the fake data and concentration could suffocate innovation. The research develops a theoretical framework to analyze how the organizational structure of social networks could influence the knowledge absorption capability and innovation; what is the influence of the social networks on creativity and innovation; and their role as drivers to create the social value. The results of the research could be practically valuable for many stakeholders: Chief Innovation Officers and Communication Managers, Teams responsible for Stakeholders Engagement and Open Innovation programmes, Policy Makers, and the Scientific Community interested in developing empirical research on the topic, as well as citizens to understand their role as change-makers contributing to developing Innovation and Creativity.

Unemployment, Poverty And Governance Questions In Nigeria: Human Capital Development And Partnership Approach Options

Abstract: The level of unemployment amongst the old and young people in Nigeria is not only outrageous but seemingly on the increase, notwithstanding the presence of all economic major resources together with several policies, programmes, and projects of successive administrations. Governments, at various levels, have adopted different measures to reduce unemployment and poverty rates with little or no significant effects. This study, therefore, attempts to focus mainly, on Human Capital Development (HCD) and Public Private Partnership as panacea to alleviating unemployment and poverty rate in Nigeria and Africa at large. To achieve its objective, the paper employs a secondary method of data collection and hence, the documentary method of analysis is adopted. Literature revealed that responsive governance – governance that responds to the plight and predicaments of the citizenry (unemployment and poverty) by investing in human capital development will in the end, not only produce men and women of creativity but entrepreneurs that will drive the economy by engaging their knowledge and skills in productive ventures. In addition, the adoption of Partnership Approach by the study canvassed the involvement of the private sector to actively participate in job creation that will lead to poverty alleviation. It is recommended that for an economy to thrive, governance should focus on the provision and sustenance of basic infrastructural facilities such as functional vocational institutions, quality education, and an enabling environment for the private sector’s ease of doing business.

The impact of the innovation on the economy: an empirical analysis for Azerbaijan

Abstract: Innovation is a basic and important element of economic success. Innovation is seen as a significant factor in boosting product competitiveness in both domestic and global markets, replacing outdated manufacturing equipment, and creating demand for highly skilled workers. It is commonly acknowledged that for the state to develop an effective scientific and technical policy, an information base that depicts the status, scale, and direction of innovation activities throughout the economy is required. Therefore, it is critical to consider both the decimal and descriptive aspects of the information. In short, creating the groundwork for an innovative economy is critical to achieving good outcomes in the country’s socioeconomic growth. The study’s major goal is to examine the economic effect of innovative development in Azerbaijan. The State Statistics Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan provided the study with statistical information for the years 2000–2021. To begin, the study performed a literature review of various scholars on the issue, and the initiatives adopted by the state in different years to promote creative growth in Azerbaijan were analyzed. Furthermore, indicators such as GDP, the number of people employed in the economy, fixed assets, and innovation costs were utilized to estimate the impact of innovations on economic growth. When coefficients represented in individual variables in the generated model are compared, it is clear that the influence of innovation costs (0.877 or 87.7%) on the amount of activity in the economy is bigger than the effect of fixed assets (0.292 or 29.2%) and the number of employees (0.020 or 2%). At the 0.05 level of significance, the t-statistics and their probabilities associated with the coefficients show that the number of employees has a negative effect on GDP, whereas production funds and expenditure on innovations have statistically significant positive effects on GDP. The estimated F-Statistic and its probability imply that the cumulative result of innovation expenditure on GDP is statistically significant. The study claims a connection between innovation spending and GDP, and that the former has a major influence on the latter. The research also demonstrates that the model’s explanatory variables account for about 98.4% of the changes in the explained variable. This suggests that, in the framework of the model, spending on innovation accounted for about 98.4% of the variation in GDP over the study period. This study, therefore, contributes to the expanding amount of evidence indicating that expenditure on innovation is related to and has a significant impact on GDP. The results of the model also show that an increase in production funds of 1% generates a rise in GDP of 29.3%, a rise in employee numbers of 1% causes a boost in GDP of 2%, and an expansion in innovation expenditures of 1% causes a GDP rise of 87.7%. In this regard, it is thought appropriate to raise innovation costs, particularly during the digital economy transition.

Empowering human resources to achieve the strategic goals of business companies

Abstract: The study aimed to identify the impact of human resources empowerment in achieving the strategic goals of business companies in the Gaza Strip. The researcher chose three dimensions of empowerment, and after reviewing the scientific references and previous scientific studies that dealt with the subject to measure their role in achieving the strategic goals of business companies. The study reached a few results, the most important of which are: The study showed that the level of importance of (information sharing, freedom and independence, work teams) in business companies in the Gaza Strip was high, and this can be explained by the importance of each of the dimensions of employee empowerment, and thus is reflected in the achievement of strategic goals. The study showed that the freedom and independence of workers in business companies in the Gaza Strip was moderate, and this is because the management of these companies gives freedom and independence to the employee to act in situations that confront them during their work, but it is not absolutely free, due to the sensitivity and importance of private work. The study came out with several recommendations, the most prominent of which were: Increasing the principle of freedom and independence and making more spaces available for employees, especially those on the front lines. Attention must be paid when forming work teams that their role should be to achieve the general goals of the company in general, and to reach the strategic goals in particular. Intensifying and deepening the effective and efficient sharing of information between the various administrative levels, and urging workers and employees to the principle of innovation at work in line with the nature and mission of the company.

Assessment of Workplace Discrimination against Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Abstract: Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a genetic / neurological condition, impacting about 2% of young children in the United States, which causes certain challenges in one’s communication, learning, socialization, and even stress management coping skills. Children with autism tend to demonstrate the presence of constrained, confined, or repetitive patterns of behaviors, activities, and interests. People with ASD learn differently than others, and their attention can be gained and maintained through repetition and routine. Individuals who have a mild or extreme form of ASD often experience more difficulty adjusting to changes in the work environment and society in general. Consequently, even though many individuals with ASD can perform their jobs successfully, they are often discriminated against and not afforded reasonable accommodations for them to gain and maintain steady employment. In this paper, we provide an overview of ASD to create awareness, along with recommendations so that more autistic adults can be employed in the workplace. Employers and manager should know that autism spectrum disorder involves a range of symptoms that cause difficulty communicating, such as flat affect (or diminished emotional expression), poor eye contact, and difficulty understanding nonverbal cues. These symptoms make it difficult to find and maintain employment, and people with autism regularly deal with discrimination and prejudice, both in and out of the workplace. Employers show less interest in hiring neurodivergent employees even if they are qualified and capable of performing the required work, and many do not provide sufficient accommodations to those that they do hire.

A new approach to evaluate the index of ISO 9001

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to offer a new approach to evaluate the index of ISO 9001 standard, as so far countries are listed for the ISO 9001 standard based only on the number of ISO 9001 certificates issued for each country, and this perception does not correspond to reality, because some countries that are listed per alphabetic order on top, doesn’t enjoy the property of having a better ranking when it comes to rank countries per number of ISO 9001 certificates issues, or when it comes to rank countries about their weight on the issue. On the other side, listing countries simply by the number of ISO 9001 certificates issued, doesn’t reflect the real weight of countries on the issue, because this rank should be adjusted with the number of businesses of countries taken into consideration, better understanding of ranking models used. A new approach to ranking countries about this issue is needed, reflecting the issue of taking into consideration the number of ISO 9001 certificates issued in a country per number of businesses in that country, as a better way of evaluating the index of ISO 9001 standard. The methodology/method used to conduct this study were (1) the data collection on the number of ISO 9001 certificates issued per country, (2) the data collection on the number of businesses in each country, (3) the division of the number of ISO 9001 certificates issued with the number of businesses, (4) construction of a new ranking list of countries based on the ISO 9001 standard index, (5) inversing the list to give the right value/rank of countries, and graphics draw of the new approach for better visualization and understanding the issue. The main conclusion of this study is that a new approach is needed to evaluate the index of ISO 9001 standard as a more appropriate indicator for listing/ranking countries and this serves all those interested in the academic field, public administration, and the reports and studies of the national and international level of organizations, to create a better perception of doing business in general and on the aspects of quality management in particular, especially when it comes to making the most appropriate comparisons between countries on these issues, weighting them numerically and graphically, as well as helps on understanding, and for a better approaching of socio and economic issues related to ISO standards and continuous improvement of people and organizations.

Inflation, Foreign Exchange, Interest Rate, Trade Balance, Payment Balance on Growth In The Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of inflation, foreign exchange rates, interest rates and trade balance on economic growth through an increase in the balance of payments. The research method used in this study is a quantitative descriptive research method using path analysis using AMOS 18. Variables of inflation, interest rates and the balance of trade affect economic growth through an increase in the balance of payments, where these three macroeconomic variables are capable of boosting economic growth, while the moderator variable for an increase in the balance of payments is the link and driver for the three variables such as inflation, interest rates and the trade balance did not contract against the increase in economic growth. The conclusion of this study is that partially inflation, interest rates and the trade balance have a significant effect on the economic growth variable and the moderator variable for increasing the balance of payments, while simultaneously the inflation variables, foreign exchange rates, interest rates and the trade balance has a significant effect on the variable of economic growth through the variable of increasing the balance of payments. Through the results of research that has been stated that the inflation variable, interest rates and trade balance affect economic growth through an increase in the balance of payments, where these three macroeconomic variables are things that are able to boost economic growth, while the moderator variable for an increase in the balance of payments is a link and a driving force for the three variables such as inflation, interest rates and the trade balance did not contract to the increase in economic growth.

Impact of Human Resource Management on Organizational Performance in Nigeria: Nigeria Breweries Kaduna PLC as a Case Study

Abstract: Abstract Over the last decade, much research has been conducted in the field of human resource management (HRM) and its associations with organizational performance. Prior studies have found substantial positive evidence for statistical associations between HRM and organizational performance. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between HRM practices and firm performance. This study examines the relationships among HRM practices and firm performance. The researcher adopted the descriptive survey design. Primary data was sourced through the instrument of questionnaire. The total of 13 department which comprises of 305 employees which the sample size needed to carry out our survey was 75 in order to achieve 90% precision from the sample. The research study is drawn scientifically using the stratified random sampling technique. The findings revealed among others HRM has a great impact on organizational performance and the conclusion is a stimulus to Nigeria breweries through a well-coordinated HRM practices, value added to company’s production processes and the contribution made by each employee have more effect on the results obtained by the organisation. This finding leads to the conclusion that HRM can bring about a higher organisational performance for firm. The researcher recommended among others that HRM should endeavor to have a well-structured effective organizational performance in order to achieve the set up objectives and in order to improve employees efficiency and effectiveness towards achieving the organisational goals, the appraisal period should be more frequent probably every quarterly and various motivational instrument should be introduce to entice employees to perform better and these would go a long way in fostering an understanding of multicultural work climate and enhancing the building of a truly agile Nigeria breweries, Kaduna.

Visibility profession: managing the position, communication or the public?

Abstract: Technical mutations offer possibilities of interactions in new models or contracts of trust with the new conjuncture of crises of trust in mediations. With these changes, the question of the identity of journalism and the management of the journalist arises with the model of communication or the relationship with the public in the management of information. The meaning of information takes its meaning in the extent that communication and the current context of journalism destroys its function and its place in the public space. The debate comes into place on the postulates of the meaning of practices and presupposed evolutions of management in the institution of journalism inevitably linked to the new profile of the public who are familiar with the technical seals. Taking this context of position, employment, uses and practices into account, we have grasped the meaning of the new management of the contingencies of journalism with technological seals: the management reversed on media institutions. In the search for answers to the various questions of the study, it clearly appears that the social dynamic creates a direct link between the journalist and the public. At the level of the media with strong popular support and interaction on the platforms, the reason for the link may be the availability of the journalist or their obvious access, while at the level of the highly institutionalized media, the processes alienate the journalists and their public, erase them even in their representations. Beyond all this, there are characteristic features of mediation: humanization of the journalist-public relationship. And it recreates the perspective of the functions of language in the relation of information processes in social environments and the transformation of these information processes into communication processes in order to guarantee the human, less artificial nature of the environment of interactions. The identity crisis of the journalist, his post and his public constitute contingencies and crises of transformation that the management of media institutions and the approach to managing relations with the public must take into account. It is fundamentally the reading of the characteristic features of the new function of communication of the journalist that the spaces of arrangement of the relationship are located.

Some Economic Issues concerning the Loss of the Special Status Relationship between the United States and Hong Kong

Abstract: The demonstrations in 2019, 2020 and thereabouts for the preservation of certain civil rights in Hong Kong, led to some suppression by the Chinese National central government. As a result, some of the special trade advantages between Hong Kong and the U.S. were lost. The economics and cultural special traits helped Hong Kong thrive. Having a judicial system separate from that of Mainland China, allowed for a more commerce producing judiciary. A key requirement for Hong Kong to be treated differently than Mainland China was for Hong Kong to have some independent autonomy, sufficient for the U.S. to see Hong Kong as a separate area politically from Mainland China. In July 2020, the U.S. made the formal decision to take away Hong Kong’s special status, because a sufficiently independent Hong Kong no longer exists. This article examines the history of this phenomena and the results of having that special trade policy changed. Data from recent years show how the economy with Hong Kong and trade with Hong Kong has changed. Unfortunately, some cultural ties and exchanges between the United States and Hong Kong have also been curtailed. These changes regarding cultural ties are beyond the scope of this article. In regard to Chinese support for the United States, Ukraine and NATO, Ukraine in the war between Ukraine and Russia, this should be pointed out. China should support Ukraine, since it is in China’s best interest, and it is the right action to take.

Identification of Key Sectors in Nigeria – Evidence of Backward and Forward Linkages from Input-Output Analysis

Abstract: The input-output table provides summary information on the industrial structure of an economy in a specific period. This table contains information on the flow of goods and services between industries and economic sectors. The backward and forward links are descriptive measures of the economic interdependence of sectors in terms of the volume of transactions. Sectors with strong backwards and forward linkages are vital sectors and play an essential role in a country’s development strategy. This paper aims to construct a symmetric input-output table for Nigeria and examine the Nigerian economy’s production structure by using the results applying traditional backward and forward linkage methods developed by Chenery-Watanabe and Rasmussen. Our study identifies the key sectors with backward and forward linkages as Crop and Animal production, Manufacture of Food products, Textiles, Refined petroleum products, Chemicals, Motor vehicles, Furniture, Machinery and equipment, Wholesale/retail trade, Land transport and Telecommunication. In addition, through the constructed symmetric input-output table, sector development can be further done in line with the relationship matrix, as it serves as a conduit for investment strategy, local linkage matrix and policy development. So, for the development strategy it is very important to determine which industries possess high backward and forward linkages, then stimulating final demand or primary inputs namely of these industries could positively influence the economic activity of the country. The results from this work may be used by policy makers in terms of which sectors of the economy stimulate (for example, by means of creating extra final demand, decreasing taxes, or with the help of subsiding) in order to gain better results in the sphere of economic development of Nigeria.

Moderating Influence Of E-Learning On Employee Training And Development (A Study Of Kwara State University Nigeria)

Abstract: With rapidly changing work environment and digitalization in social life, it is easier and effective to use electronic learning (E-learning) systems to train human resource. This training can cover various dimensions like technologies, product, services, culture and policies. This study examined the influence of E-Learning on employee training and development. Two research questions were posed for the study and two hypotheses formulated in line with the objectives. As such, the objectives of the study were to examine whether the employees with less workload spend more time on E-learning than employees with higher workload, thus handle larger responsibilities and how the trainings imparted through E-learning has influence on performance of the employees and service quality. The study employed survey research, the experimental research and the ex-post facto. For this research, the quantitative research design was used. Questionnaires were administered to a sample size of two hundred and sixty (260) employees out of the seven hundred and twenty six (726) employee population of Non Academic Staffs of Kwara State University Nigeria. The simple random sampling and the test re-test reliability approach was adopted. The research found out that E-learning is a facilitating step for improving the pace of learning and reducing employee down-time thus enabling employees to handle greater responsibilities. Thus it concluded that employees with less workload can be made more responsible by providing training through E-learning. And it was also revealed that E-learning improves performance of employees by enhancing their productivity which influences quality of work thus improves employee performance. Based on the results of findings, the study recommends that Learning interactivities designed to accomplish knowledge transfer with a heavy emphasis on skills development on online learning platform can be used for new hires and market including: Business operations, auxiliary services, guidelines and future markets which will enhance employees performance and service quality. Other e-learning solutions are important as they are self-directed and much easy than any other methods of training.