Indexing

Abstract: The crucial role of education in the overall development of a nation cannot be overemphasized. It is not only seen as a key to poverty reduction and vehicle for promoting equity, fairness and social justice but also helps to supply the essential human capital which is a paramount condition for sustained economic growth. Thus, enhancing effective investment on education and health has been a tenet of growth and development strategies for most countries. The basic objective of this paper investigated the relationship between human capital (through education and effective health care services) and economic growth in Nigeria, using annual time series data from 1980 to 2012. The paper employs OLS methodology. The result shows that considering the magnitude, 1% increase in GDP is brought about by 22% increase in human capital. This postulates that an increase in allocation to education and health will lead to increase in GDP. The estimated value of R2 (goodness of fit) of 0.80 or 80% and it show that the independent variables explain about 80% of the variation in the dependent variable. The findings have a strong implication on educational and health policy in Nigeria. The study seems to suggest that a concerted effort should be made by policymakers to enhance educational and health investment in order to accelerate growth which would engender economic growth.

Abstract: The paper examines the role played by banks in the propagation of external shocks to African economies. We employ a general equilibrium model of a small open economy to analyse how the banking sector propagates external shocks. The study uses a vector autoregression (VAR) analysis to assess the impact of exchange rate and foreign interest rate shocks on bank lending spreads and output fluctuations in African economies. We use quarterly time-series data for 5 selected African countries for the period 1990-2011. The findings show that foreign interest rate and exchange rate shocks significantly affect output fluctuations in Africa. The results, however, indicate that banks play limited role in the propagation of shocks to African economies.

Abstract: The main objective of this study is to reach an appropriate model to predict the stock market index EGX 30. The study examined the application of the following models to predict EGX30:
•Artificial neural networks.
•ARIMA models.
•Combination between neural networks and time series analysis using observations. previous residuals  and estimated values of ARIMA model.
The study showed that the most appropriate model to predict the index of stock market EGX30 is the model of combination between neural networks and ARIMA models, where it gives more accurate results rather than ARIMA and ANN each separately, that is because the combination between  these models combining the flexibility of the time series and the power of artificial neural networks,  where one of these models compensates the shortage of the other model, further more artificial neural networks give the best prediction rather than ARIMA models in accordance with the standards of prediction accuracy MAPE and MSRE.

Abstract: Internet banking allows banks to provide information and offer services to their customers conveniently using the internet technology. However, studies have shown that customers have perceptions that impact on the uptake and continuous usage of the platform. The purpose of this study is to understand the effect of customer perceptions on usage of internet banking in commercial banks in Kenya. This study used descriptive research design while a stratified random sampling technique was used to select subjects to represent the target population which was made up of 1,837,312 customers of commercial banks within Nairobi County. An estimated 384 respondents were targeted to participate in the study. 272 questionnaires representing a 71% response rate were received and analysed. Based on the findings of the research it was concluded that customers have perception that have an effect on usage of internet banking, Customer still feel that internet access fees and internet banking transaction charges are high. Costly internet access and unreasonable pricing of internet banking transactions, hinders usage of the internet and by extension technological solutions offered by commercial banks such as internet banking. Commercial banks can relook into the issue of subsidizing the monthly internet banking maintenance fee so as to attract more users and continued usage.

Abstract:  Today, banks seem to be jumping on the bandwagon of Internet banking. Why is there a sudden increase of bank interests in the Internet? The first major reason is because of the improved security and encryption methods developed on the Internet. The second reason is that banks did not want to lose a potential market share to banks that were quick to offer their services on the internet. Another trend in e-banking is a shift of focus of banks from being product-centric to customer-centric. Access to the Internet has put wealth management decisions and demand side technology in customers’ hands, and they can dictate the types of products and services they require, while the internet has enabled banks to deliver desired product/services more quickly.  

Abstract: External capital has been a significant factor affecting the economies of developing countries to a large extent.The experience has shown that during the last four decades, most of the developing countries have not been able to reap the benefits of foreign finance and have become indebted to international financial institutions, commercial banks and developed countries. A large chunk of their resources goes to service their debt.It has been well established that external debt of developing countries increased manifold over the past three decades. There has also been corresponding rise in the debt service payments and other related variables showing pressure of debt on developing world. There have been many factors which exerted their influence on debt from time to time and consequently the problem continued to become more severe. The factor behind the increase in the debt burden have varied but are interrelated.. In view of these certain policy implications need to be paid attention. Present paper concentrates on the rising external debt of various country groups of developing countries and the factors behind the huge magnitude of debt of these country groups.

Abstract: The banking system has recently witnessed a lot of developments and was the focus on a great deal of attention due to its significance and the effective role it plays in the world economies. In addition, it works on consolidating the economic stability and mitigating the cases of default suffered by many banks. Both governments and authorities in charge are exerting efforts to avoid the occurrence of banking crises through internal monitoring committees on banks through such as the Basel I and II Accords related to the Bank of International Settlements. On the Egyptian part within the framework of the banking reform scheme the importance of applying the decrees of Basel II lies in the purpose of providing sufficient and appropriate levels of capitals that match the volume and quality of risks. This study aims at casting light on the Basel Accords II through the presentation of its definition, objectives and focal points. In order to shed light on such subject and its treatment, the researcher of this study has formulated the following problem: Are the indices of Basel Accords in conformity with the banking systems existent in both the developing and the developed countries? What are the drives behind changing the decrees of Basel Accords I and II? Both questions shall be answered by this present study.

Abstract:  Stress has become an issue of great concern over the last decade .It is an extensive alarm across all professions and is a  generally reported cause of occupational illness , absenteeism, sabotage, strikes and turnover. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that by 2020 five of the top ten medical problems worldwide will be stress related. This paper is a review of literature about stress, its causes, consequences, and management.

Abstract: The human-computer interaction factor also has an effect on work exhaustion because now a days work related stress is becoming a great challenge to the working people especially IT professionals in the organizations. In one end, The stressors like self role distance (SRD), Inter-role distance (IRD), Role Boundaries(RB) and Personal adequacy(PA) but at the other end, work load, lack of time flexibility, health issues and other problems are creating more problem for IT professionals in fact these factors are pooling them for late work.

Abstract:  This article discusses the demand and supply scenario of Natural Gas in India. There is huge scope for development of Natural Gas industry in India as demand is much more than its supply. A large portion of Natural Gas used in India is imported.

Abstract: The industry of Information and Technology in India has showcased phenomenal grown since the past two decades and Chennai is one of the major hub for the industry. By virtue of the nature of the industry, the human recourse is the vital for the industry output which has recorded its contribution significantly for the GDP as well as the trade of export. Hence it is imperative to estimate the level of competencies of the employees and the desired level for a sustainable industrial growth which can contribute to the growth of the nation. The researcher have collected data for the subject analysis from an appropriate instrument of questioner method with a sample size of 500; non-probability sampling method. And analyzed statically by Percentage method, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Chi-Square Value, Goodness of Fit Index, Comparative Fit Index, Standardized Root Mean Residual etc     

Abstract: Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) is a programme under the aegis of World Customs Organization (WCO) for the frame work of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (SAFE) and to facilitate movement of legitimate goods across internal borders. In India, the AEO Programme is administered by Customs and Central Excise Department (CBEC) under the Ministry of Finance. Any entity that complied with the pre-determined requirements for the said programme can have the commercials advantage cupped with high degree of standards on security for the goods across borders of India and other countries. The AEO programme is aimed to ensure quality operations of supply chain through a flawless system controls by a methodical process and strict compliance to the process. Therefore it is more appropriate to study the significance of conceptual relevance of Deming Wheel which is one of the most effective methods in Quality Management. The P-D-S-A Cycle is very much appropriate for implementation of the AEO programme.  Keywords: Authorized Economic Operator, Deming Wheel, Goods Security, PDSA Cycle, and World Customs Organization.

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to measure visitors’ satisfaction at Dubai Festival City. A survey was administered to 457 visitors and only 213 were completed but 211 were usable. Data analysis was done by calculating averages and standard deviations, Cronbach's alpha-values and practical significance by means of satisfaction sizes. Correlation analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to identify if differences exist based upon age, gender, or parental status on the ratings of each of the dimensions. Finally, regression analysis was utilized to determine which of the factors are the strongest predictors of a visitor’s intent to return to Dubai Festival City. The findings of the study stipulate that the middle aged adults preferring The Festival City over other age groups was not accepted based on the results of the ANOVA, however it was found that women may prefer The Festival City over men. The study recommended that The Festival City must use visitors’ satisfaction as a tool for predicting the long-term success of the Festival and areas such as facilities, food, and atmosphere and price- value are essential to this concept.         

Abstract: Use of technology in financial services of course has given a tremendous impetus to their development however, due to heavy dependency on electronic and digital tools to carry out business and payment transactions, a serious threat has also been imposed to the safety and reliability of financial operations. This technology word changes the human life in every manner and every sector. Banking field is one of them. Banking in India originated in the last decades in 18th century. Since that time banking sector applying different ways to provide facilities and securities to a common man regarding to money. Security issues play extremely important role in the implementation of technologies specially in banking. The banking sector is at the core of who comes to cyber security becomes more important on that front. After the arrival of internet and world wibe web communicating banking sector is totally change specially in terms of security because now money is in your hand on a single click, Now users with different kinds of ways is the number of options to manage your money. In this paper an attempt to cyber security mechanism put forward an issues of Indians banks websites.

Abstract: Lean & Six Sigma (LSS) have become frequently used words in any forum related to Quality, Productivity & Waste elimination in order to meet the customer requirements in terms of Quality, Delivery & Cost (QDC). LSS initiatives play a major role in any operational situation, Since the OEMs enjoyed the benefits of LSS initiatives, and they demand the same from their suppliers (Tier 1-3). Moreover National and International competitiveness, High Quality expectation to the level of Zero Defect, Just-in-Time & Cost Competitiveness demand the Small & Medium Suppliers to practice and demonstrate their Operational Excellency to get sustained business with their Customers on a long term basis. LSS plays a vital role in equipping Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to get their edge, provided, it is practiced and implemented strategically.

Abstract: The Green Human Resource Management is based on green movement related to Protection of Environment and save the planet Earth from future disasters. The topic of environmental sustainability is attracting increased attention. Green human resources refer to using very employee interface to promote sustainable practices and increase employee awareness and commitments on the issue of sustainability.It involves undertaking environmental friendly HR initiatives resulting in greater efficiencies, lower costs and better employee engagement and retention which is in turn help organizations to reduce employee carbon footprints by the likes of electronic filing ,car sharing, job sharing and teleconferencing and virtual interviews, recycling ,telecommuting, online training, energy efficient  office  spaces etc.
The “Magna Carta “ on Human Environment was declared in the first United Nations(International) Conference on Human Environment held in June 1972 in Stockholm declared that to defend and improve the human environment for present and future generation had become an imperative goal for mankind.
Efficiency creaed by Green HRM can lowr operational costs and enables the industry professionals to realize their Corporate Social Responsibility in a better mannner.The Green HRM will also help employers, manufacturers in image and brand building and by strictly implementing ISO14000 standards, environmental audit and thus changing the orgaization culture and thinking .It will make employees and society members aware of the utilization of natural resources economically.
In this paper attempt has been made to promote the importance of Green HRM in polluting indstries and to study the latest environmental friendly solutions to stay Green in the Human Resource Function.

Abstract: Nigeria is one of the economies with great demand for goods and services and has attracted some foreign direct investment over the years. The amount of foreign direct investment  inflow in to Nigeria has reached US $ 2.23 billion in 2003 and it rose to US $ 5.31 billion in 2004 (a 138 % increase), this figure rose again to US $ 9.92 billion (an 87% increase) in 2005. The figure however declined slightly to US $ 9.44 in 2006 while it has been on astronomical fall since 2006 till date. (CBN, 2011). The question that comes to mind is, do these for actually contribute to economic growth in Nigeria? If foreign direct investment actually contribute to growth, then, the sustainability of foreign direct investment is a worthwhile activity and a way of achieving this sustainability is by identifying the factors contributing to its growth with a view to ensuring its enhancement. The nose driving this research is to determine the short run impact of FDI on economic growth, OLS with ward test analysis was employed to determine the short run analysis of impact of FDI on economic growth. The result shows that all the explanatory variables such as Gross Fixed capital formation (GFCF), Total labour force (TLBF), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Lending rate and Average Manufacturing Capacity Utilization (AMCU) grossly affect economic growth in Nigeria. The result also implies that there exist a singleton (short run) impact of FDI on economic growth, recommendation was made that government must put in place all the pull factors such as good road, stable power supply and most essentially security of life and property of foreign investors in order to reduce the level of unemployment which serves as impediment to sustainable development in the Nation Nigeria.

Abstract: If you are going to start a new business or already involved in a business organization, there are number of different ways to structure a new business organization. The most common types are sole proprietorships, Partnerships, and company form of organization. The new concept, new form of organization LLP introduced in India from 2008 called as – Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008.

Abstract: In the present scenario, NPAs have been the most vexing problem faced by commercial banks. The Govt. of India and Reserve Bank of India have initiated various measures to control NPAs in the post reform years. But banks are yet to solve the dilemma. This needs to be remedied. Thus, it is pertinent to examine the asset quality and NPAs of commercial banks in the present global competitive scenario. An investigation in respect of asset quality and NPAs of banks is therefore likely to be highly related academic issue particularly in a backward region. With this backdrop, an attempt has been made in this paper to examine the list of factors influencing Nonperforming Assets from banker’s perspective and borrower’s perspective in selected banks analyzed by using mean, standard deviation and t test in SPSS 20 for this objective a hypothesis framed as there is no significant difference between banker’s perception and borrower’s perception of the factors influencing Nonperforming Assets in the selected Commercial Banks in Andhra Pradesh.

Abstract: The past decades have seen an increasing number of women in the workplace. Perhaps, this has led to a change in gender roles. While there is more openness to women joining the workforce, there is still gender inequality in the workplace. This is in contrast with the fact that women population numbers has surpassed men according to latest population statistics. The number of women seeking higher education has also doubled in recent years. Research has shown that approaches to human resources lack any reference to gender issues in organisation. The study sought to identify the relationship between human resource planning and gender mainstreaming in the sugar sector. The objectives of the study were; to evaluate the integration of gender mainstreaming in the sugar sector, to establish the influence of gender mainstreaming in human resource planning, to examine the relationship between gender mainstreaming practices and human resource planning and to identify challenges faced in integrating gender mainstreaming practices in the sugar sector. The theoretical framework for the study was based on theory of justice that advocates the principle of fairness through the process of social transformation. The study was conducted on three sugar firms within Nyanza Province (Chemelil, Muhoroni and Sony). The study population comprised of senior administrators and employees working in various departments within Muhoroni, Chemelil and Sony sugar firms. A total of 4709 respondents formed the study population where a sample size of 357 respondents was chosen. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were applied. Questionnaires, interview guides and documents analysis acted as instruments of data collection. Data collected was arranged, sorted out to remove errors, coded, entered and analysed using descriptive statistics, inferential analysis and content analysis. The presentation of results was made in tables, pie charts, graphs and narrative forms.  The result shows that gender mainstreaming policy has not been implemented in the sugar sector. Independent sample t–test showed that there existed no significant difference (p>0.05) between gender of respondents and gender mainstreaming policies in the human resource planning in the three sugar industries. The three organisations have not yet achieved gender rule. A glass ceiling approach has been observed in the three sugar industry where the top positions are mainly occupied by men. The study recommends that the sugar industry should ensure full integration of gender mainstreaming policies in their human resource planning. Gender mainstreaming practices needs to be promoted in the sugar industry and training is needed for employees working in organisations to create awareness on gender issues.

Abstract: The need for environmental sustainable responsibility by firms has risen on an altogether new level as the year 2011 ended with the largest ever jump in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The bitter truth is that the carbon intensity of the world’s fastest growing economies is only rising despite futile efforts of UN climate talks.
It is imperative for an organization to work collectively towards reorganizing the world’s systems of energy and agricultural production by optimizing its capabilities, assets and even by flexing its political muscle to directly influence inadequate policies.
Practically this is rare as companies tend to “greenwash” their image by misrepresentation of facts to popularity & profits. On the other hand companies such as Google & IBM have been genuinely effective in playing their part in environment sustainability.