{"title":"Fostering a Culture of Voluntary Tax Compliance among the Construction Contractors; Drivers and Barriers at Firm and Policy Level","authors":"Chandana Jayalath, Pawani Wijebandara","doi":"10.9734/sajsse/2023/v20i3709","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/sajsse/2023/v20i3709","url":null,"abstract":"Effective tax money collection is crucial for any modern sphere of economic development. This research explores the unique challenges faced by construction contractors in meeting tax obligations and the factors that drive their compliance behavior. The study investigates the reasons behind noncompliance, including factors such as complex tax codes, financial constraints, inadequate knowledge and understanding of tax requirements, and perceived unfairness in the tax system. Additionally, the research explores factors that can encourage contractors to voluntarily comply with tax obligations, such as the benefits of maintaining a good reputation, avoiding penalties, and accessing government incentives. A literature survey was undertaken to identify drivers and barriers behind voluntary tax compliance. A questionnaire was piloted on five (5) senior construction practitioners those who have more than 25 years working experience to establish the appropriateness of the questions and alleviate the inconsistencies, if any. A structured questionnaire survey was subsequently carried out to test the reality on the ground. Based on the findings, the study suggests 13 key determinants inspiring voluntary tax compliance, 8 drivers that effectively encourage voluntary tax compliance and 19 reasons behind tax evasion in the construction industry. By addressing these drivers and barriers, this research aims to foster a tax system that enhances voluntary compliance at two tiers namely, firm and policy.","PeriodicalId":162253,"journal":{"name":"South Asian Journal of Social Studies and Economics","volume":"34 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128931972","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Empirical Investigation of the Relationship between Banks’ Lending Rate and Coffee Export Growth in Tanzania","authors":"Raphael Mbunduki","doi":"10.9734/sajsse/2023/v20i3708","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/sajsse/2023/v20i3708","url":null,"abstract":"This paper examines the relationship between banks’ lending rate and coffee export growth in Tanzania by the help of Johansen Co-integration test and vector error correction (VECM) model. The research results suggested that there is a negative relationship between banks' lending rates and coffee export growth both in the short run and long run. In the long run, the study found that, a unit change in BLR results in a 0.1936 percentage point decrease in the coffee export growth; while, in the short run, the study suggests that, a unit change in banks’ lending rate results in a 0.0303 percentage decrease of the coffee export growth, ceteris paribus. \u0000This result supports the argument that, as the cost of loans became cheaper (the low-interest rate charged on loans by commercial banks) will attract farmers to borrow for purchasing farm inputs and expanding agricultural production and hence this will intern enhance export growth, and the high-interest rate correlated with inhibited growth in the coffee exports growth. \u0000Based on the results obtained, this study recommends that, the monetary policy of the country periodically has to influences outcomes in the agriculture sector especially exportable crops such as coffee through easier monetary conditions. This will promise the availability of agricultural financing through borrowing from lending institutions at an affordable borrowing rate. Along with this, the availability of farm inputs especially fertilizers, mode seedlings, and pesticides has to be assured to farmers; which will undoubtedly produce the desired impact and lead to optimum productivity and crop quality to enhance exports.","PeriodicalId":162253,"journal":{"name":"South Asian Journal of Social Studies and Economics","volume":"43 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"126477160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessing the Level of Women's Empowerment among Garment Workers in a Particular Locale of Dhaka City, Bangladesh","authors":"Nusrat Sharmin Moushumy, Kaniz Fatima Jui, Sumaya Sultana, Homaira Siddika","doi":"10.9734/sajsse/2023/v20i2707","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/sajsse/2023/v20i2707","url":null,"abstract":"This research aims to assess the socioeconomic characteristics of female workers in the RMG industry with primary data from 100 respondents, equally divided into two categories: 50 Helpers and 50 Operators which is selected randomly. Using tabular analysis and descriptive statistics techniques, the study analyzed the data to gain insights into the socioeconomic profiles of the participants. A random sampling technique was used in selecting sample. Results indicated that a majority of the female workers (both Helpers and Operators) fell within the age group of 15-29 years. Furthermore, only 4% of female employees (Operators) possessed higher secondary education. The study found that 80% of respondents (Helpers) and 72% of respondents (Operators) were married, with the household head typically being the respondents' husband. The research revealed that the average annual salary of Helper respondents was Tk. 62040, while the mean annual income of Operator respondents was Tk. 128400. Regarding credit utilization, the study found that, on average, Helpers received 89.45% of the applied loan amount, with an average applied loan of Tk. 5346, and Operators received 92.24% of the applied loan amount, with an average applied loan of Tk. 8590.The study also explored the empowerment levels of the female workers and discovered that about 92% of Helpers and 90% of Operators kept their earnings and spent independently. Overall, Helper and Operator categories experienced improvements in income levels, health conditions, and financial situations, with decision-making abilities in various aspects of life, such as buying and selling, food selection, family planning, treatment, and visiting relatives, showing significant enhancements. Despite these improvements, the study identified a decline in savings, which decreased by 64% for Helpers and 36% for Operators. In light of these findings, the research advocates for enhancing the existing facilities to maximize the empowerment and well-being of female workers in the RMG industry.","PeriodicalId":162253,"journal":{"name":"South Asian Journal of Social Studies and Economics","volume":"27 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134207177","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chibuike Darl Ochiagha, C. C. Onwuadi, I. Ozurumba
{"title":"Effectiveness of Adult Environmental Training Programme from the Perspective of Adult Facilitators and Learners in Enugu State, Nigeria","authors":"Chibuike Darl Ochiagha, C. C. Onwuadi, I. Ozurumba","doi":"10.9734/sajsse/2023/v20i2706","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/sajsse/2023/v20i2706","url":null,"abstract":"The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of adult environmental training programme from the perspective of adult facilitators and learners in Enugu State. The study was guided by 2 research questions and two null hypotheses. The design of the study was a descriptive survey research design. The sample consisted of 668 respondents made up of 213 facilitators and 455 adult learners in 395 state owned adult education centres in Enugu State. Multi-stage sampling technique was used in drawing the sample composition of the study. Influence of Environmental Awareness and Training of Adult Facilitators on the Implementation of Environmental Adult Education Programme Questionnaire (IEATAFIEAEPQ) was the main instrument used for data collection. The instrument was validated by research experts, two in Adult Education and one in measurement and evaluation. The instrument overall reliability coefficient was 0.78, which showed that it was highly reliable. The data collected through the instrument was used to respond to the from the 2 research questions that guided the study using mean and standard deviations, while t-test analysis was used to test the two null-hypotheses formulated for the study. The data analyses revealed among others that: Environmental awareness creation among adults and training of environmental adult education facilitators has effect on the implementation of environmental adult education programme. Conclusion was drawn and recommendations were given.","PeriodicalId":162253,"journal":{"name":"South Asian Journal of Social Studies and Economics","volume":"40 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123546696","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Understanding Expenditure Behavior of Farm Families of Punjab, India","authors":"Rupinder Kaur, Ritu Mittal","doi":"10.9734/sajsse/2023/v20i2705","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/sajsse/2023/v20i2705","url":null,"abstract":"The present study was planned to understand the expenditure behavior of farm families of Punjab. Data was collected from 500 farm women selected by using simple random sampling technique. Data was analyzed by using frequency, percentage, mean score and one way ANOVA. Expenditure behavior of farm families was measured in terms of expenditure on different household components such as personal, health, clothing, children’s education, food, relative’s functions, transport, entertainment and household utility bills. It was found that farm families spent comparatively more on food, household utility bills, children’s education and transport while expenditure on clothing, on relatives’ function and personal expenses of farm women were found to be least. Overall average annual expenditure on different household component was Rs. 275,668 of an average farm family. It means farm families spent Rs. 22,972 monthly on different household components. Comparison of average annual expenditure of different income groups on different household components showed that high income group had high expenditure on various household components. Expenditure on relative’s functions, household utility bills and overall expenditure was significantly high for high income groups.","PeriodicalId":162253,"journal":{"name":"South Asian Journal of Social Studies and Economics","volume":"70 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130005876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Perceptions of Chemical Pesticides Use among Vegetable Growers in Bangladesh: Implications for Sustainable Pest Management","authors":"Santa Islam, Nazmus Sayadat, Samiul Haider","doi":"10.9734/sajsse/2023/v20i2704","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/sajsse/2023/v20i2704","url":null,"abstract":"The majority of farmers in Bangladesh regularly use chemical pesticides to combat insect and pest attacks on their vegetable crops, even though doing so may have negative impacts on the environment and human health. The present study was conducted to assess the socioeconomic characteristics of the vegetable growers, examine the current pest management practices, identify the farmers’ perception of different aspects of chemical pesticide use and the factors that determine their perception towards pesticide use. A total of 120 vegetable growers were interviewed face to face from two unions of Gouripur upazila in Mymensingh district using a semi-structured questionnaire and following a simple random sampling technique. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of the descriptive analysis shows the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents. The result shows that most of the respondents use chemical pesticides in vegetable cultivation and they have a positive perception of chemical pesticide use. The result of the correlation coefficient found that education, farming experience, extension media contact, and knowledge about insect pest management have positive and signification correlations with the farmers' perception. This research emphasized the requirement for prompt implementation of highly stringent pesticide use rules and suggested training courses for pest control specialists, farmers, and pesticide sellers.","PeriodicalId":162253,"journal":{"name":"South Asian Journal of Social Studies and Economics","volume":"3 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127429523","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Economics of Entrepreneurship: Drivers, Impacts, and Policy Implications","authors":"Amar Jyoti Borah, A. Bhowal","doi":"10.9734/sajsse/2023/v20i2703","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/sajsse/2023/v20i2703","url":null,"abstract":"The study of entrepreneurship as an economic phenomenon has evolved over the years, with seminal works by scholars laying the foundation for understanding its multifaceted nature. The objective of the research paper \"The Economics of Entrepreneurship: Drivers, Impacts, and Policy Implications\" is to investigate and analyze the multifaceted aspects of entrepreneurship and its role in driving economic growth and development. Additionally, the research seeks to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and initiatives aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and propose evidence-based policy recommendations to foster a conducive environment for entrepreneurial ventures. The methodology employed in the research involves a comprehensive and systematic approach to gather and analyze data. Firstly, a literature review is conducted to gain insights into existing theories, studies, and empirical evidence related to entrepreneurship, economic growth, and policy implications. Secondly, data is collected from various sources, such as government reports, surveys, and databases, to assess the level of entrepreneurial activity, its impact on the economy, and the effectiveness of existing policies. The significance of the research paper lies in its potential to contribute valuable insights to the field of entrepreneurship and its implications for economic development. By comprehensively exploring the various drivers and impacts of entrepreneurial activities, this study aims to shed light on the crucial role of entrepreneurship in fostering innovation, job creation, and economic growth. \u0000The findings from this study indicate that entrepreneurship plays a vital role in stimulating economic growth, job creation, and innovation. It is evident that entrepreneurial ventures contribute significantly to GDP growth and job opportunities, thereby enhancing overall economic development [1,2]. The research also highlights the significance of effective policy measures to promote and support entrepreneurship. Government initiatives, such as tax incentives, access to financing, and business development programs, are instrumental in creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurial activities [3,4]. In conclusion, this study underscores the pivotal role of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth and development. It emphasizes the need for policymakers to formulate strategies that facilitate entrepreneurial activities and mitigate the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. By adopting effective policy implications, countries can harness the potential of entrepreneurship to achieve sustainable economic prosperity [5,6].","PeriodicalId":162253,"journal":{"name":"South Asian Journal of Social Studies and Economics","volume":"16 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114935879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Elements and Dimensions of Emergencies Preparedness and Response among Large Worship Centres in South-South Region of Nigeria","authors":"O. I. T. Yemi-Jonathan, A. Obafemi, O. Eludoyin","doi":"10.9734/sajsse/2023/v20i2702","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/sajsse/2023/v20i2702","url":null,"abstract":"Good emergency response plans help ensure that appropriate actions are taken to minimize the effects of any loss. Considering the recent emergency events involving worship places in Nigeria, the study examined the emergency response preparedness measures in large worship centres in the South-South State capitals of Nigeria. With focus on worship centres with seating capacity above 1500, the study selected worship centres such as Full Life Christian Centre (Uyo), Living Faith Church (Port Harcourt), Salvation Ministry (Yenagoa) and Christ Embassy Summit (Benin) for the study. The study adopted cross-sectional survey research design based on questionnaire for data collection and analysis was done through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS v.21) using the descriptive (frequency count and table) and inferential statistics (analysis of variance-ANOVA). The result of the analysis indicated that worship centres agreed to have appointed personnel for risk monitoring and emergency team (92.9%) and established a proper and functioning communication protocol with the relevant government sector (86.1%). However, the worship centres have not developed initial response monitoring framework to facilitate timely preparation and monitoring in case of crisis (67.2%) and lack a written contingency plan, response and emergency preparedness document that is publicly available (58.0%). The statistical analysis of the study indicated that worship centres showed significant difference in protocols between the Church and the Government for requesting/accepting international assistance (where p < 0.05, p = 0.014). overall, the worship centres showed significant level of emergency preparedness and response; however, there is need for integrated approach towards infrastructural development planning towards optimizing their emergency capabilities.","PeriodicalId":162253,"journal":{"name":"South Asian Journal of Social Studies and Economics","volume":"6 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115389822","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Analysis of Employment Generation through Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in Uttar Pradesh Pre and Post Covid-19 Pandemic Issues and Challenges","authors":"Tahawwar Husain, S. Akhtar, Shahid Kaleem","doi":"10.9734/sajsse/2023/v20i2701","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/sajsse/2023/v20i2701","url":null,"abstract":"This study analyses the employment generation trends through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The study is primarily based on secondary data to examine the performance and effectiveness of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in providing employment to rural people who are willing to do unskilled manual work. The study examines the categorizes-wise employment demanded by households and employment offered to household from 2014-15 to 2022-23. The study shows that MGNREGS provided the highest employment during covid 19. Approximately 12.05 crore people got the job, that has been declined to 77.43 lakh in 2022-23. It also examines the SCs and STs employment status and shows that 29.10 lakh SCs population and 91.72 thousand STs got the job in 2020-21. This study also examines employment provided to disabled persons and shows that 17.43 thousand people got the job in 2020-21 and 14.06 thousand people got the job in 2021-22, and 14.03 thousand people got the job in 2022-23.","PeriodicalId":162253,"journal":{"name":"South Asian Journal of Social Studies and Economics","volume":"3 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114180460","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Macro Economics Analysis of Relationship between Unemployment and GDP Growth of Bhutan: Application of Okun’s Law","authors":"Sangay Phuntsho Waiba, Aiti Maya Bomjan","doi":"10.9734/sajsse/2023/v20i2700","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/sajsse/2023/v20i2700","url":null,"abstract":"This paper examines the relationship between unemployment and the GDP growth rate in Bhutan, focusing on the applicability of Okun's laws from 1991 to 2022. The findings reveal significant short-term and long-term impacts of unemployment on Bhutan's GDP. Both the short run and long run demonstrate the negative effects of unemployment on GDP in Bhutan. The results confirm the validity of Okun's law in the country, showing that a one-unit increase in unemployment leads to a decline of 2 percentage points in GDP. Consequently, this study emphasizes the need for appropriate measures and policies to address the unemployment problem in Bhutan. To tackle this issue, the implementation of hands-on training and workshops on job-related skills during undergraduate studies is recommended. By providing practical training early on, individuals will be better prepared for the job market, enhancing their employability and contributing to the economy more effectively. Furthermore, the government should allocate mandatory internships in various related fields. These internships will provide students with valuable practical experience, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.","PeriodicalId":162253,"journal":{"name":"South Asian Journal of Social Studies and Economics","volume":"14 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125710997","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}