All Articles
Original Article87 downloads
Enhancing International Institutional Efficiency for Sustainable Development in Africa: Opportunities and ChallengesThe development landscape of Africa is shaped by a complex web of international institutions that play a critical role in supporting the continent's socioeconomic advancement. From the United Nations to regional development banks, these institutions provide essential aid, technical assistance, and cooperation to address pressing challenges such as poverty, inequality, and infrastructure deficits. However, the effectiveness of international institutions in promoting sustainable development in Africa is often hindered by bureaucratic inefficiencies, donor coordination issues, and limited local ownership of projects. This paper explores the opportunities and challenges associated with enhancing international institutional efficiency for sustainable development in Africa. One key opportunity lies in strengthening collaboration and partnerships between international institutions, African governments, and civil society organizations.
By leveraging international expertise, resources, and best practices, these partnerships can address specific development challenges in sectors like health, education, and infrastructure. Moreover, promoting institutional efficiency and accountability is essential to ensure that resources are allocated effectively and projects are implemented efficiently. Strategies to enhance institutional governance, transparency, and accountability are crucial for maximizing the impact of international assistance in Africa. Addressing key challenges and barriers is another critical aspect of enhancing international institutional efficiency in Africa. Bureaucratic inefficiencies, donor coordination issues, and limited local ownership of projects often impede the effectiveness of development initiatives. Reforming institutional structures, enhancing coordination mechanisms, and promoting inclusive decision-making processes are essential steps towards overcoming these challenges.
Original Article135 downloads
HAS SECTORAL SPECIALIZATION SYNCHRONIZED BUSINESS CYCLES IN THE WAEMU?This paper analyses the sectoral sources of synchronization or fluctuations in the WAEMU in the period from 1960 to 2021 using a linear common factor model and the Markov switching model. The partial correlation matrix from the common factor model indicates some correlation between economic activities in the WAEMU. In contrast, the Markov switching model indicates that the normal state does not dominate in the same way across the union countries, confirming Prebisch-Singer's (1950), hypothesis on terms of trade deterioration. Using the different value added as probability transition variables, our results show that all WAEMU member countries record high GDP growth rates in the expansion phase following a positive shock, regardless of the sector of activity. On the other hand, during a recession, business cycles in some WAEMU member countries do not follow activities cycles. Consequently, sectoral specialization has not been able to synchronize business cycles in the WAEMU. Despite the process of trade opening, most of the countries of the union that have adopted the policy of agricultural specialization are poorly integrated into world trade, no doubt due to unequal trade.
Original Article100 downloads
Profiling the Transitional Poor in Senegal: Determinants of TransitionThe purpose of the study is to analyze the determining factors of the transitory poor, namely the characteristics of those who fall into poverty and the characteristics of those who emerge from poverty. To carry out this work, we determined the states of poverty during the transition 2005-2011 and 2011-2018 using the pseudo-panel methodology inspired by the work of Dang and Lanjouw (2013) using national survey data (ESPSI ,II, EHCVM). Then, we sought to detect the determining factors using a multinomial model.
It appears in the results that 12% of poor households in 2011 remained in poverty in 2018 and that 31% of poor households emerged from poverty during the period considered. After estimating multinomial logit models, the analysis is oriented according to gender, level of education and area of residence which are determining factors of transitional poverty.
Original Article50 downloads
Building Entrepreneurial Relationships: An SME Perspective of Public Service Delivery Management (SDM) in Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New GuineaThis study explored the status and effect of the service delivery management (SDM) by the District Development Authorities (DDAs) towards the growth of small and medium entrepreneurship in the Eastern Highlands Province (EHP). It focused on the SDM elements of service culture, service quality, employee engagement and customer experience approaches. Utilizing the mixed method to research, the data were gathered through survey and interview from the owners-managers of 160 SMEs operating at the 8 districts of Eastern Highlands Province. The data were statistically processed using frequency distribution, weighted mean, rank, standard deviation and Chi-square test.
The study found out that the SDM approaches for service culture, service quality, employees’ engagement and customer experience are less operative, with observed weaknesses and shortcomings that require improvements; and therefore meet only some expectations of the beneficiaries. There is no relationship between organizational culture and leadership to the progress of small and medium entrepreneurship. The causal strategic management measures along the study’s independent variables indicate that SMEs in EHP are aware of their role as partners in socio-economic development; desirous to work with the DDAs in their respective districts towards growth of small and medium entrepreneurship in the province. The study suggests other areas for further research.
Original Article464 downloads
The Art of Communicating with Business Developers via Multiple Intelligences: A Case Study of what is in a Periodical’s Message?A singular publication titled The Voice of the Vacation Ownership Industry: Developments, hereafter referred to as Developments, is dedicated to sharing development trends and issues pertaining to their readership base which consists of academicians, consumers, entrepreneurs, legislators, and resort developers. However, to date, there is an absence of empirically oriented studies within peer reviewed journals structured around modeling message content as aligned with information assimilation processes leveraged by that publication’s readership. In an effort to address that void, the enclosed research note is premised upon Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences whereby he proffers that individuals filter information through nine distinct intelligences which in turn allow an individual to dynamically encode message content as representative of the nine intelligences of 1) bodily-kinesthetic, 2) existential, 3) intrapersonal, 4) interpersonal, 5) linguistic, 6) logical-mathematical, 7) musical, 8) naturalistic, and 9) visual-spatial. The employed pilot study content analysis process indicates that all nine of Gardner’s multiple intelligences were represented albeit at differing levels of exposure, thus implying an incomplete representation as to how timeshare product offerings and services integrate with his/her hospitality and recreational values, attitudes, and interests.
Original Article434 downloads
"Embracing Digital Transformation: The Impact of Digital Technologies on Entrepreneurial Ventures in the Zimbabwean Business Landscape"In the rapidly evolving business landscape, digital transformation has become a crucial factor for entrepreneurial ventures to thrive. This study aimed to investigate the impact of digital technologies on entrepreneurial ventures in Zimbabwe, with a focus on the fast-food industry. Using a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and interviews, we collected data from 250 entrepreneurs and stakeholders. Our results show that digital technologies have a significant positive impact on entrepreneurial ventures, improving market access, efficiency, and innovation. However, challenges such as limited infrastructure, economic instability, and lack of digital literacy hinder the adoption of digital technologies. We recommend that entrepreneurs prioritize digital marketing and payment systems, while policymakers and stakeholders invest in digital infrastructure and promote digital literacy training programs. By embracing digital transformation, entrepreneurial ventures in Zimbabwe can enhance their competitiveness, drive economic growth, and create employment opportunities.
Original Article34 downloads
Managing Stakeholder Conduct, Social Responsibility, and Ethical Climate: The Case of CuraçaoThe purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of social responsibility practices and ethical climates conveyed by representatives of commercial and non-commercial business units within the country of Curaçao. The questionnaire was administered to 183 business clients to examine impacts upon the attainment of unit financial goals and on the development of strategic alliances relating to tourism perpetuation and sustainment. Findings indicated differences in social responsibility and ethical climates by business units and relative to the type of goal attainment considered. Implications would be for the management and business representatives to incorporate and highlight the importance of the identified social responsibility and ethical climates during negotiations with their tourism clients, thus increasing the likelihood of sustaining tourism in Curaçao.
Original Article202 downloads
From Hiring to Empowering: HR's Role in Nurturing a Technologically Competent WorkforceIn today's dynamic business landscape, the imperative for organizations to evolve in response to both internal and external pressures has never been more pronounced. The need for employees at all organizational levels to be able to deftly navigate the difficulties presented by rapidly evolving technologies and various operational contexts underscores the necessity for this evolution to necessitate a transformation in workplace environments. (Qadir* & Mohammed, 2024) The advent of new technologies that streamline work processes mandates a comprehensive reevaluation of existing methods, a shift in organizational mindsets, and a recalibration of work practices to enhance task efficiency. Central to the technological pivot driving organizational transformation is the SMAC constellation—Social Media, Mobility, Analytics, and Cloud. This technological quartet revolutionizes communication modalities, fosters online community formation via mobile technologies, and enhances data analysis capabilities in the cloud, collectively facilitating a more interconnected and agile organizational ecosystem. To ensure the organization can handle future difficulties, workers must know new technologies and are committed to learning and adapting. With this level of skill, keeping up with new technology, interacting on social media, and learning new things is a breeze.
Additionally, there is an increasing push in the IT industry to hone fundamental abilities vital to business operations and adaptable work arrangements. This focus is essential for ensuring the organization's long-term success and improving operational effectiveness. At the same time, it's critical to put workers' happiness and health first while also promoting workplace equity and exploring alternative work arrangements like hybrid models. Organizational structure may be improved, and ethical requirements can be met by incorporating diversity and inclusion concepts into the workforce. This also offers commercial advantages. This transformational road requires the active participation of human resource departments. Their role extends beyond that of conventional operational managers; they are responsible for guiding the development of employees' expertise, character, and potential. Employees are equipped with the necessary technical and interpersonal skills to complete jobs quickly and effectively via this strategic approach, allowing them to contribute to the organization's overall objectives significantly. The article delves into the evolving models of HRM in modern organizations, highlighting how technology, continuous education, and an inclusive work environment are vital to success in the long run. Organizations may stay ahead of the competition by adapting their human resource strategies to meet modern workplaces. This will allow them to take advantage of advancements in technology, employee development opportunities, and workplace diversity.
Original Article269 downloads
The Influence of Product Quality and Content Marketing on Purchasing Decision in UKM Medyna Hijab Blitar CityMedyna Hijab is one of the hijab and Muslim clothing manufacturers in Blitar, the development of this business is very rapid until now which is motivated by several factors including product quality, content marketing and purchasing decisions. This research aims to examine the effect of product quality and content maketing on purchasing decisions at UKM Medyna Hijab Blitar City. The research method is quantitative. The scope of this study uses two independent variables, namely product quality (X1) and content marketing (X2), while the dependent variable used is the purchase decision (Y) at UKM Medyna Hijab Blitar City. The population in this study were consumers who had purchased hijab products at UKM Medyna Hijab Blitar City, totaling 056 consumers. The sample calculation in this study used the slovin formula with a significant level of 10%. Significant level of 10%. So, a sample of 95 respondents was obtained. Researchers use purposive sampling. Data collection using a questionnaire with a Likert scale, interviews and documentation. Data analysis using multiple linear regression analysis and hypothesis testing consists of t test, F test and coefficient of determination test. coefficient of determination. The results of this study concluded that simultaneously the variables of product quality and content marketing have a positive and significant effect on purchasing decisions. This means that companies need to pay attention to product quality and content marketing to be able to improve purchasing decisions.
Original Article81 downloads
ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF PROFESSIONALISM, COMPETENCY, INDEPENDENCE, ACCOUNTABILITY ON AUDIT QUALITYThis research aims to analyze and obtain empirical evidence about the influence of professionalism, competence, independence and accountability on audit quality, both simultaneously and partially for public accounting firms in Central Java. Data was collected by survey using a questionnaire in the research area in Central Java. The population in this study consisted of auditors at public accounting firms in Central Java. The analysis model in this research uses several regression analysis model techniques and the linear analysis used is the F test, t-test and R2R2.
