Showing papers in "TIJ's Research Journal of Social Science & Management - RJSSM in 2012"

Adversity Quotient: A new paradigm in Management to explore

Abstract: It is said that human mind is the most complex machine on earth Psychologists have always been trying to know why we behave the way we do or the way our mind functions It is a complex area of research where explanations have always fallen short Humans differ in their mental capabilities There are various tests available to analyze various mental abilities of a human mind which have a direct effect on their behaviour Some such measures are IQ test, EQ test, personality tests, achievement test, aptitude test, etc One such relatively new measure is AQ, which stands for adversity quotient AQ is the predictor of success of a person in face of adversity, how he behaves in a tough situation, how he controls the situation, is he able to find the correct origin of the problem, whether he takes his due ownership in that situation, does he try to limit the effects of adversity and how optimistic he is that the adversity will eventually end The science of AQ was developed by Dr Paul G Stoltz in 1997 This is a conceptual paper which explains at length what is AQ, how is it different from IQ and EQ, dimensions of AQ, building blocks of AQ, levels of adversity, how is AQ different from resilience and hardiness, AQ in organizations, research done on AQ, and how to improve your own and others AQ

Consumer Switching Behaviour: A Theoretical Review and Research agenda

Abstract: The paper extensively reviews the literature on theories of Consumer Switching Behaviour (CSB) and proposes a synthesized model of CSB for explaining the phenomenon in the context of mobile telecommunication industry in developing countries. The proposed model extends existing Push-Pull-Mooring Theory of consumer switching by incorporating the influence government policy, switching intention abortion factors as well as the psychological, emotional and behavioural consequence of switching on consumer and their former and new service providers. Future research to test the proposed model is suggested. It contributes to the consumer behaviour literature.

Corporate disclosure and governance in the nigerian banking sector: an empirical evaluation

Abstract: This study evaluates the extent to which banks in Nigeria comply with best practices in the performance of the financial accounting cum disclosure function with a special focus on corporate governance and corporate disclosure Secondary data was reviewed and analysed using the ordinary least square regression technique due to its high degree of unbiasedness, efficiency and consistency The results show that banks in Nigeria have generally maintained a high standard of information disclosure for the year 2010 This could be attributed to the aggressive reforms, regulation and competition in the banking sector in Nigeria The results further revealed that on average, about 78% of the banks quoted on the Nigerian stock exchange engage one of the Big-4 audit firms and thus have a fairly high tendency to disclose more information in the annual reports Finally, the results showed that on average about 60% of the members of the board have financial expertise and that BOARDSIZE, BOARD INDEPENDENCE and FINANCIAL EXPERIENCE have a significant influence on the disclosure of information in the annual reports

Microfinance in India - A Comprehensive Analysis of the Growth and Performance of MFI’s

Abstract: The extraordinary growth recorded by microfinance in India in recent years – 62% per annum in terms of numbers of unique clients and 88% per annum in terms of portfolio over the past few years – and around 27 million borrower accounts, India with the largest microfinance industry in the world is suddenly taken the world by surprise with the crises looming large on the very existence of this sector. An industry that grew at 90% on an annual basis from 2002-03 to 2009-10 was reduced to just 7% growth in 2010-11 with its portfolio over the period October 2010 (when the crisis started) to the end of the year 2011 estimated by M-CRIL to fall by around 33%. The objective of the research is twofold first, to analyse the financial performance of independent microfinance institutions (MFIs) in terms of cost efficiency, cash constraints and net portfolio in India providing microfinance services to low income clients secondly, this research helps to understand the role of microfinance in the Indian economy and to focus on the current performance of the sector in relation to financial services in general. The paper concludes that primarily, the regulations improvisation which is caught in the headlights of draconian regulation is uncertain which way to go. This is a dangerous situation that the sector has to deal with and come out successfully. Secondly, the crisis not only had the effect of bringing microfinance in AP (Andhra Pradesh) to a halt, it also caused a sudden rash of prudence in commercial bank lending to MFIs resulting in an increase in lending rates.

Towards a Comprehensive Definition and Typology of Consumer Switching Behaviour: Unearthing research gaps

Abstract: The paper proposes a global definition of consumer switching behaviour (CSB) and presents a comprehensive conceptualization of CSB typology that require future research attention. The paper discusses research gaps emerging from the object of switching behaviour, bi-directionality of CSB, context of switching, voluntariness of switching, partiality of switching behaviour, time dimensions in switching, segments of switching behaviour, switching as an outcome and a process, consciousness and complexity of the switching process, cognitive and affective dimensions of switching process, and intentions and actual switching phenomena. The paper contributes to the body of knowledge in the area of consumer switching behaviour.

A study of consumer behavior approach towards shopping mall attractiveness with special reference to the city of ahmedabad

Abstract: Shopping malls have seen an impressive growth in India during the past few decades. However, the malls have not been able to consistently provide a one stop destination to the consumers in Ahmedabad. This paper examines the attractiveness factors of shopping malls from the shoppers’ perspective based on the survey of urban shoppers. There are three malls taken into consideration in this study which represent the city of Ahmedabad in a geographical manner. This paper proposes to study the shopping mall attractiveness wherein the attempt is to study the behavior and attitude of the shoppers towards malls. Furthermore, the paper also proposes to derive the constituents of an ideal mall from shopper’s perspective. This study revealed six attitude factors of the shoppers towards malls: Locality & Convenience, Relaxed Shopping, Prestige Shopping, Product knowledge, Any day visit and Price Parity. The study also arrived at characteristics of a mall that people consider while visiting the mall which are Overall Attractiveness, Amenities & Atmospherics, Personnel, Shopping Ease and Convenience. The categorization of attractiveness factors for studying the behavior and attitude of the shoppers towards malls reveal the overall insight about the concept of an ideal mall and therefore, allow the mall managers to develop effective retail strategies to deliver the desired values. medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical medical

Female Headed households and Feminisation of Poverty

Abstract: In this paper an attempt has been made to analyze the correlation between ‘female-headed households’ and the ‘feminization of poverty’. The paper is solely based on the secondary research. The analysis has been made on account of the data available and the conceptual grounds for this assertion. The logic of women headed households as poorest of the poor has been questioned and an attempt is made to find if there is consistent relationship between levels of poverty at national or regional scales and proportions of female heads. Also the trends in poverty and in the incidence of female headship over time have been analyzed. The paper concludes that the conceptualization of poverty has been multi faceted and multi causal on account of a conceptual as well as empirical data points of view. Although the female headed households are not the answer to poverty but they are certainly positive and empowering to the women heading them. Accordingly it can be concluded that overemphasis on ‘female-headed households’ in the ‘feminization of poverty’ is paradoxical not only on account of inconsistent and inadequate data, but also on account of conceptual inconsistencies.

Effect of Mergers and Acquisitions on the Profitability of India Pharmaceutical Industry

Abstract: Pharmaceutical industry appears to be one of the most active sectors in the game of mergers and acquisition accounting for about 8.6 per cent of total mergers and 11.6 per cent of total acquisitions in the 1990s and majority of these mergers and acquisition were horizontal in nature. In the amendments made to the Indian Patent Act (1970) in 1999, 2002 and 2005 in particular, the present paper makes an attempt to examine the impact of mergers and acquisition on the financial performance of Indian pharmaceutical companies. The paper tries to answer how far the wave of mergers and acquisition in the post-reform era helped Indian firms in improving their financial performance. It is found from the study that that the profitability of firm depends directly on its size, selling efforts and exports and imports intensities but inversely on their market share and demand for the products. It is also found that mergers and acquisition do not have any significant impact on profitability of the firms in the long run possibly due to the resultant X-inefficiency and entry of new firms into the market.

An Inquiry into Conflict Management Strategies: Study of Higher Education Institutions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to gain an insight into the conflict management strategies (CMS) of faculty in the higher education institutions (HEIs) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. To achieve the above mentioned purpose, survey method was used with the help of questionnaire. In this research, impact of CMS was assessed on the negative consequences and the impact of demographic variations on CMS was examined in higher education. Negative consequences were significantly explained by avoiding strategy and dominating strategy. This research has found significant differences in the dominating and obliging strategies among the male and female respondents. Regarding the designation, significant differences were found in the dominating strategy and avoiding strategy. While age of the respondents’ also exerted significant influence on the compromising strategy.

Determinants of consumption of food away from home in lagos metropolis, nigeria

Abstract: This study assessed the determinants of FAFH consumption in Lagos State, Nigeria. Data were obtained through multistage sampling technique, which involves the selection of two local government areas in the heart of Lagos metropolis and two local government areas in the peri-urban area of the metropolis. Descriptive statistics, Probit and Tobit regression models were employed for data analysis. Generally the level of expenditure on FAFH was influenced by sex; the household size and the proportion of adults in the household, when decomposed into bolus, non-bolus and snacks, the results indicate that sex, household size and the proportion of females in the household influenced the level of expenditure on bolus while the proportion of adults in the household and the proportion of females in the households affects the level of expenditure on non-bolus and only the sex of the consumers determine the level of expenditure on snacks. Female folks resident in Lagos metropolis and by extension, in Nigeria, should reduce their consumption of snacks and thereby reduce the danger of obesity associated with the high consumption of snacks. There is the need for the women folks to lay more emphasis on food at home to enable them to teach the younger folks how to cook several dishes. The present day increase in the numbers of FAFH consumers in Nigeria necessitates the need for appropriate government agency to ensure the establishment of standardized food facilities for FAFH, monitor the preparation of FAFH and the safety of FAFH.

Instructional Supervision a Tool for Improvement or Weapon for Punishment

Abstract: This study explores the nature of instructional supervision carried out in schools in Malaysia. This study followed the qualitative method involving questionnaire and interview. About hundred teachers and twenty five principals and other heads participated in this study .The discussion was focused on five themes that are related to the research questions namely supervision as a corporate process involving teachers; supervision by specialists’ supervisors, the role of principals and teachers in instructional supervision , benefits to teachers and ways to improve the process. The finding of the study reflected that supervision serves as a weapon for punishment rather than a tool for improvement. The findings also advocated for need of instructional supervision to be conducted in more systematic manner by involving teachers, principals, subject teachers and subject specialists. So as to make practices more meaningful, the supervision processes need to be mundane and, the principals need to upgrade themselves with skills of supervision.

Exploring the Critical Success Factors for Construction Companies of Developing Countries

Abstract: The construction industry is an important sector of any economy and has multiple backward and forward linkages with other sectors. This industry contributes significantly to socio-economic development, along with creating employment opportunities. Construction companies are the building blocks of construction industry and their success or failure significantly affects the construction industry. There are many factors that influence the success or failure of construction companies and projects. Since the stake holders involved in a project have different needs and expectations, therefore they interpret project success according to their own perception. The objective of this study was to find replies for the questions, how we define success and what criteria should organizations use to identify success? Which factors lead to success of construction projects and companies? This study has focused to identify the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) of the construction companies working in and around Islamabad. The survey data has been collected through a questionnaire from 36 construction companies. The results have been analyzed by using descriptive analysis, frequency analysis and the relative importance index (RII) technique. The research has identified 35 CSFs and they have been ranked as per evaluation on RII and weighted average of Likert scale. The most significant CSFs have been identified and analyzed for the consideration of management of construction companies to address these issues for increasing chances of their success at the construction projects. Construction companies therefore need to re-visit their existing policies and positions with respect to CSFs identified in this study. It would not only enhance their profitability, productivity, compatibility and quality but would also enhance the sustainability of national economic growth and strength of construction industry.

Modelling credit risk for SMEs: Evidence from the Indian market

Abstract: SME sector is subject to high credit risk and several credit risk models are being developed taking into account only quantitative factors and no model is being developed with relevance to Indian market. This calls for a need to study the industry practices and develop credit risk model for SME sector. This calculated PD helps the bank in decision making regarding credit risk and also helps in identifying the capital requirement that a bank is supposed to keep against the credit risk portfolio which is usually 8% as per Basel II in which 4.5% to be kept in Tier 1 capital. The result shows that the model is almost 30 percent higher than the performance of the generic corporate model. Key Words: Credit Risk, Profitability of default, portfolio, Basel II

Factors influencing profitability of Regional Rural Banks( RRBs)

Abstract: Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), which emerged as an important financial institution in India for meeting the rural credit requirement. It is always argued that the RRBs have not been able to earn much profit in view of their policy of restricting their operation to target groups. In spite of that the RRBs made a remarkable performance. The present paper will make an attempt to probe and understand the factors influencing the profitability of RRBs. The presenter adopted CRAMEL ratio technique to observe the values and these factors have been adopted in the multivariate technique. The determined values are experimented through path analysis

A study on the Bank financing of SMEs in India

Abstract: The financing of small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) has been a subject of great interest both to policy-makers and researchers because of the significance of SMEs in private sectors. In developed and developing countries, on average, SMEs account for close to 60% of manufacturing employment. More importantly, a number of studies using firm-level survey data have shown that SMEs not only perceive access to finance and the cost of credit to be greater obstacles than large firms, but these factors constrain SMEs more than large firms. Banks are the main source of external finance for SMEs. Furthermore small banks are more engaged in relationship lending where as the large banks have a comparative advantage at financing SMEs through arms-length lending technologies (eg., asset-based lending, factoring, leasing, fixed-asset lending, credit scoring, etc.) instead of relationship lending. Early studies on SMEs financing shows that bank credit is the major source of external finance for the SMEs. Both small and large banks play a vital role in financing SMEs. The study finds that the following are the main factors which act as the driver for the financing decisions. They are: profit earning of SME, legal formation of the firm, stages of development of the firm. no of default firm made in previous loans, availability of collateral, payment history of firm, preparation of financial statements, feasibility of the proposed project and experience of management in business. The influence of these factors decides the risk associated with the SME lending.

Study of Impact of Green Marketing on Sale

Abstract: Green marketing will play an important role in achieving sustainable development. Dutta, B. (2009, January) in his article on Green Marketing titled Sustainable Green Marketing The New Imperative published in Marketing Mastermind states that Green Marketing involves developing good quality products which can meet consumer needs and wants by focusing on the quality, performance, pricing and convenience in an environment-friendly way. Unruh, G. And Ettenson, R. (2010) in their research article titled, Growing Green: Three smart paths to developing sustainable products. Published in Havard Business Review, is for executives who believe that developing green products make sense for their organisation and need to determine the best path forward.

Self Help Groups and their Role in Socio Economic Empowerment- A Study in the States of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu

Abstract: Women face discrimination in most societies. The Microfinance movement was started with the objective of empowering women. The Self help groups have played a very crucial role in the delivery of microcredit in India. They have emerged as support groups in enhancing women’s ability in facing all kinds of problems in their domestic environment. Besides the availability of microcredit to these members from banks and microfinance institutions brings about a change in their household welfare and makes a significant impact on their socio economic status and their empowerment. In India, the two states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have been leading as far the microfinance movement is concerned. The present research paper compares the role of Self help groups in these two states in bringing about social empowerment and also determining the factors which contribute to the socio economic status of these members.

Cluster Institutional Isomorphic Pressures: A case of Tirupur knitwear cluster

Abstract: There is a growing interest on study of industrial clusters in the institutional perspective. Each industrial cluster is unique, need to analyse the role of institutions in the formation, growth, and in sustaining the competitiveness of the cluster is felt. This paper explores one of the popular industrial clusters and analyses how the institutions in the cluster develop a force of homogeneity. For understanding the forces of the cluster, first the evolution of the cluster in the organisational and institutional perspective is explained by the support of various literatures. Then the relevant phenomenon is identified in the cluster activities and is associated to the cluster institutional isomorphic forces. This paper will create an understanding of the role of institutions in the cluster and help the various stakeholders to design strategies for the growth and competitiveness of the cluster.

Outsourcing Success: Critical managerial factors in the services sector

Abstract: Competition in modern business is competition among business networks. In businesses, outsourcing has become a common practice. Managers’ responsibility has broadened from managing business to managing business context including outsourcing. The overall aim of this paper is to develop a framework which considers all the important factors and their interactions in measuring outsourcing success. The framework is derived from the perspectives of resource dependency and social exchange theories. Degrees of outsourcing, vendor management capability and vendor’s service performance, have been deduced as the most critical factors which influence outsourcing success. Compatibility between partners and partnership quality are proposed to respectively mediate and moderate the effect on outsourcing success.

Economic value added and market value added of private steel companies

Abstract: Financial status is the backbone of company’s economy system. The economy of the company is greatly influenced by the operation of finance. It is an essential for proper allocation of resources, which in turn helps sustain a healthy climate for analyzing the profit as well as performance. There are different financial tools like Ratios, Fund flow and Cash flow, Common size, Comparative statements etc., to assess the financial performance. This study takes an effort to use the Economic Value Added (EVA) and Market Value Added (MVA) i.e. to find out the economic profit and to measure the difference between equity and debts respectively in addition to the usual financial tools.

Relationship between emotional intelligence and spiritual quotient of executives

Abstract: This study investigates the relationships of ten dimensions of Emotional Intelligence (EI), namely Self awareness, Empathy, Self motivation, Emotional stability, Managerial actions, Integrity, Self development, Value orientation, Commitment and Altruistic behavior with Spiritual Quotient (SQ) among Executives. Data for this study were collected using a questionnaire instrument from 550 employees in NLC working as executives The frequency distribution and chi-square analysis were used to evaluate the status of EI. Most of the executives were found with low EI and the significant difference in the level of EI was found. The relationship between EI and SQ was analyzed using Canonical correlation analysis. From the results of the canonical correlation, it was found that there was a negative relationship between EI and SQ. Further, Transactional model along with Trans-figurational mode, Transformational mode and development mode tend to negatively influence all of the EI dimensions. From the results of the correlation analysis, it was found that existed a there negative relationship between overall spiritual quotient and emotional intelligence among executives at workplace.

The changing nature of public sector management and its implications for managers and professionals

Abstract: Public Sector Management (PSM) has witnessed changes over the past decades: from Traditional Public Administration to New Public Management (NPM) or managerialism and Governance. Moving from traditional administration with emphasis on career, tenure, neutrality of the public servant and a structure of hierarchical authority, to the New Public Management with emphasis on privatization and commercialization and other private sector concepts, the implementation of the notion of business and competition in managerialism intensified the idea of customer orientation in public service delivery. The introduction of some aspects of a market type mechanism signified innovating forms like contracting out, and agentification. Similarly, the movement into and the introduction of the governance concept expanded the role of Civil Society organizations or Non-Governmental organizations (NGOs), in public sector management, accountability and service delivery. It is argued that this changing nature of public sector management no doubt has implications for leadership in the public sector. Managers and professionals have to adapt to these new changes. The paper, a conceptual one, traces the changing nature of Public Sector Management and discusses the implications on managers and professionals concentrating on the assumptions of self-sufficiency of the service; direct control; accountability regimes; uniformity of the sector; legal and procedural performance as well as democracy and the role of administration in policy making and implementation. Key Words: Accountability; Governance; Managers; New Public Management; Traditional Administration.

Attitudes, knowledge and perceptions about homosexuality among undergraduate Social Work students at the University of Zimbabwe, School of Social Work.

Abstract: The study sought to assess the attitudes, knowledge and perceptions of social work students at the University of Zimbabwe, School of Social Work about homosexuality. A sample of 60 students was drawn from a frame of 142 students. The study also targeted lecturers as key informants. It was found that the students are homophobic and lack knowledge concerning the etymology, etiology and factors surrounding homosexuality. This is despite the fact that the lecturers have a positive attitude towards homosexuality. Some factors like sex, religion and knowledge on homosexuality were found to influence the students’ attitudes and perceptions. The study recommends that the School of Social Work should include a topic on homosexuality in its curriculum and social workers should promote social justice by fighting for gay rights as part of human rights.

Modern Education and Colonized Assam: an Experience of Progress under Britain’s Rule.

Abstract: The so-called dual missions (Constructive and destructive) of the imperial British government always worked out in a parallel way in India. Apart from colonial subjugation and exploitation, native people experienced so many progressive and encouraging acts of colonial government. Among those the notable and exceptional act or activities of the Englishmen was to bring about an intellectual revolution in different parts of Indian territory through new modern western education system. As a considerable part of the British dominion, Assam since middle half of the 18th century experienced the policies, mechanisms and magnitudes of the modern education system. This paper offers an evaluation and understanding of Assam Modern Education system and the development of English language during colonial rule (1757-1947). And attempt has also been made to assess the impact and limitation of Assam education system and English language teaching process under British government in a most intelligible and analytical way.

Key Components of Human Resource Development (HRD)

Abstract: A definition of HRD is "organized learning activities arranged within an organization in order to improve performance and/or personal growth for the purpose of improving the job, the individual, and/or the organization". HRD includes the areas of training and development, career development, and organization development. This is related to Human Resource Management -- a field which includes HR research and information systems, union/labor relations, employee assistance, compensation/benefits, selection and staffing, performance management systems, HR planning, and organization/job design. Nadler (1970) defined HRD as a series of organized activities, conducted within a specified period of time, and designed to produce behavioral change. Some of the common activities he identified within HRD are training, education and development. He identified training as those activities intended to improve performance on the job, education as those activities intended to develop competencies not specific to any one job, and development is preparation to help the employee move with the organization as it develops. Strategic HRD puts…"particular emphasis on the development of comprehensive, coordinated and dynamic approaches for major learning initiatives within and outside an organization in order to facilitate the achievement of all stake holder objectives in a competitive and turbulent environment. Development’ refers to a process of active learning form experience leading to systematic and purposeful development of the whole person, body, mind and spirit, Development combines the concepts of development (change and growth ) and training (learning specific skills). This research paper will evaluate the Key Components of Human Resource Development (HRD). This will include individual development (personal), career development (professional) and organizational development. The importance of each component will vary from organization to organization according to the complexity of the operation, the criticality of human resources to organizational efficiency, and the organization's commitment to improved human resources. But all three have one focus—individual performance improvement. Since individual performance improvement is the heart of an HRD program, HRD can be described as the "area of congruence" among the three components.

Globalisation and development at grassroot in africa: the case of women street vendors and household producers in the developing island of mauritius.

Abstract: Contribution of women in the economy cannot be neglected when accounting for development. Recent globalization trend, leading to contractions mainly in the demand for manufacturing and tourist sectors, coupled by the last financial crisis, have accentuated the participation of women in the informal economy in Mauritius. However, even if they seems to be actively independent in this informality their well being usually depend both on whether they are navigating in the highest economically return sectors and their level of dependence on male counterparts . \ This research examines in which areas, whether low returning or high returning, women in the informal sectors in Mauritius are clustered and whether they still depend on male counterparts in their daily dwellings which include access to raw materials, resellers for their end products, and access to suitable areas where they can put their products on sale. Both desk and primary research methods were employed. The study included also face to face interviews of 99 women, street vendors and household producers, in the informal sector in 8 regions in Mauritius: 4 urban and 4 rural. The data were collected using qualitative techniques and results were analyzed and presented. Even if like many countries, participation of women in the informal sector seems to be a panacea to fight for poverty of women who have lost their jobs, independence of women in the informal sectors in Mauritius seems to be only artificial as they rely on male designed sectors to be able to perform their daily activities. Moreover, the majority of these women are cornered in the poorly least remunerated sectors of the parallel sector. Male domination affects the full development of women at different level in the informal sector. Men dominate access to even the basic source of raw materials or imported goods that these women will produce or retail. Male set the prices of these good, make the decision about the areas allocated for women and furthermore, enters in different deals with politicians, who help them in maintaining their power to the detriment of their female counterparts. In the long run this may affect development, especially development that take into consideration the full potential of women.

Optimizing Returns in Volatile Stock Markets – A Scientific Approach

Abstract: The economic scenario in India has undergone considerable change in the last few decades. Some of these changes include deregulation of the banking industry, development of financial markets, transition into floating exchange rates, increasing role of capital markets and global competition. There are two types of risk, namely, market risk or systematic risk, and company risk or unsystematic risk. The Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) which was developed by Sharpe (1964), Lintner (1965), and Black (1972) was largely supported by Black, Jensen and Scholes (1972), Fama and Macbeth (1973) and Blume and Friend (1973). Later this method was questioned on various grounds. The paper mainly focuses on the estimation of NIFTY quoted companies (one of the NSE, India index) returns for the period of 1997-2010 using the CAPM frame work. Further this paper compares the CAPM returns with that of the Annual Market Returns (AMR). The study states that most of the companies’ scrips are undervalued and have not rewarded the investors properly.

Peri-Urban and Urban Farmers’ Perceptions of Mini-Livestock Farming in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract: The study focused on perception of peri-urban and urban farmers about mini-livestock farming in South-Western Nigeria. Specifically, the peri-urban farmers’ socio-economic characteristics, level of involvement in rearing mini-livestock, constraint associated with mini-livestock farming and farmers’ perception about mini-livestock farming were examined. One hundred and eighty-two respondents were interviewed through the use of structured interview schedule and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Data analysis was carried out using frequency counts, percentage, mean, standard deviation and correlation. The results of the study showed that more males were involved in mini-livestock rearing than females, while the mean age of the farmers was 46 years. Majority were literate and information sourced from fellow farmers was the most common and reliable source of information accessible by the respondents, but there was low extension contact. Problems confronting the respondents include inadequate credit facilities, untimely supply of inputs, improper management skill and low extension contacts. Peri-urban and urban farmers had moderate perception about mini-livestock farming but with low level of involvement in the production. In conclusion, there is need to arouse the interest of farmers through training and re-training in the management practices of these mini-livestock. A little motivation from change agents research institutes and government policy makers could boost production of mini-livestock.

Treatment of US Print Media Opinion Pages given to Egypt

Abstract: This study analyzes the treatment of the opinion pages of The New York Times and Washington Post on Egyptian revolution 2011 in the light of agenda setting and framing theories. For the purpose, the opinion pages of these papers were selected to tap the phenomenon of this revolution. The findings of the study indicate that both the newspapers remained neutral on the revolution struggle for regaining the democracy and the policies of Egyptian Army. Results indicate that both the newspapers supported the revolution in their editorials as well in columns. Both the papers favored their country’s foreign policy regarding Egyptian crises. These papers also favored the intervention of their country into the crises and advocated for peaceful outcome. It is concluded that both these papers did not favor Prersident Hosni Mubarak and remained anti in most of their discourses. Both the papers manipulate and portrayed some issues negatively to support their government agenda on the issue. The time period of the study was from Jan, 1 to March, 31, 2011.

Innovation of fraud deterrence system in the organization using forensic accounting and data mining techniques

Abstract: Corporate fraud is a critical issue in the businesses around the world including Thailand nowadays. The losses from fraudulent activities affect about 5-7% of annual business revenues. This research attempts to identify the risk factors causing frauds, develop a risk model to identify potential frauds and develop a fraud deterrence system for corporate fraud. Qualitative and quantitative researches were conducted to identify the fraud risk factors. The samples were selected from listed and non-listed companies in Bangkok. The attitude and behavior survey was carried out to collect the information from the participants. The information from those surveys was used to determine the potential fraud risk behaviors using data mining technique. The potential fraud risk behaviors were used to develop the fraud deterrence system. It is expected that the fraud deterrence system developed will deter corporate frauds in the firms resulting in the potential savings.