{"title":"Brazil, BRICS Membership And FDI: Economic Divergence And Future Prospects","authors":"Peter Enderwick","doi":"10.18639/merj.2024.9900087","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18639/merj.2024.9900087","url":null,"abstract":"Brazil has long depended on IFDI to boost economic growth. Its membership in the BRICS grouping since 2001 has increased links with two of the world’s fastest-growing economies – China and India. However, Brazil has not been a strong economic performer within the BRICS group, attracting only a modest share of IFDI both globally and intra-group, in part because of its high cost of doing business. Brazil’s primary benefits of BRICS membership have come from increased trade, involvement in alternative governance arrangements, and broader support from China. Economic reforms, both domestically and internationally, are critical to Brazil’s continuing success in attracting IFDI.\u0000","PeriodicalId":406779,"journal":{"name":"Management and Economics Research Journal","volume":" 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141824580","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":"A Note On Persistence In Indian IT Equities","authors":"Sanjay Rajagopal","doi":"10.18639/merj.2024.9900089","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18639/merj.2024.9900089","url":null,"abstract":"The objective of the present study is to test for pricing efficiency in equities of individual information technology companies in the emerging Indian market, where the sector holds an important place in the domestic economy and is a significant contributor to the country’s exports. The fifty-six companies currently comprising the BSE IT index are studied for the possible presence of persistence in returns. Employing all continuously available price data for these firms, the Hurst exponent is estimated using three fractal analysis techniques, viz., rescaled-range, roughness-length, and wavelets. Persistence or “long memory” is unambiguously detected in eleven, or roughly 20% of the return series; antipersistence is detected in the case of two series. The results suggest that not all Indian information technology securities are priced efficiently, and that there exists the potential for investors to exploit a long memory characteristic in those stocks to extract excess profits from trading rules based on historical price information.","PeriodicalId":406779,"journal":{"name":"Management and Economics Research Journal","volume":"50 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141654240","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":"Can The Zambian Insurance Industry Use Internal Hire Versus External Hire As A Strategic Tool?","authors":"Mumba Keith, Qutieshat Abubaker","doi":"10.18639/merj.2024.9900086","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18639/merj.2024.9900086","url":null,"abstract":"This study aimed to assess the efficacy of internal and external hiring practices as tools for strategic human resource management in the Zambian Insurance industry. The investigation analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of both internal and external hiring strategies, with a specific focus on their impact on organizational performance and employee development. Through an extensive examination of existing literature, interviews with industry professionals, and a survey of senior executives responsible for recruitment and selection processes in the Zambian Insurance sector, the study gathered data from a sample of both large and small insurance companies operating in different regions of Zambia. This ensured that the entire industry was represented. The study provided valuable insights into the strategic considerations and outcomes of internal and external hiring in this specific context, enhancing our understanding of effective human resource management practices in the Zambian Insurance industry and offering recommendations for improving talent acquisition strategies. The study also looked at the possibility of turning the human resource function in the surveyed industry from a 'day-to-day' issue to a more strategic aspect of the business through a comprehensive hiring plan and the use of internal recruitment with employee retaining strategies. In conclusion, the research findings suggest that the Zambian insurance sector has the capability to utilize both internal and external candidates as a strategic approach. The decision to choose between internal and external hiring is influenced by various factors, including financial considerations, the immediate need to fill a vacant position, the desire to bring in fresh expertise, and the compatibility with the company's culture. Internal hiring offers several advantages for the Zambian insurance industry, such as cost savings, reduced recruitment time, and the ability to foster employee growth and loyalty within the organization. Conversely, external hiring brings in new perspectives, skills, and experiences that may not be readily available internally.","PeriodicalId":406779,"journal":{"name":"Management and Economics Research Journal","volume":"23 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140981783","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":"South African Public Sector Post-Apartheid Economic Initiatives For Human Development: Why Were The Strategies Short-Lived?","authors":"Z. Nhleko, W. Ladzani, S. Seeletse","doi":"10.18639/merj.2023.9900082","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18639/merj.2023.9900082","url":null,"abstract":"This paper investigates the extent to which the national economic initiatives introduced in post-apartheid South Africa were successful, why they were removed and why they were unsustainable or indefensible. In order to address the research questions, this study used a qualitative design involving the views of government officials who participated in the formulation of national policies. A total of six officials for each strategy (RDP, GEAR, ASGISA, NGP, NDP, DDM) were sampled purposively, in order to generate rich information on the performance of each policy considered, and the decision to replace the policy. A semi-structured survey form was developed for this purpose. The study results show that none of the economic strategies were able to decisively change the trajectory of South Africa’s economic development. The key reasons are the removal of the economic strategies before they achieved the stated objectives potential; inability to adjust and refocus strategies continuously; a lack of implementation and monitoring capacity. The study contributes to the understanding of how South Africa’s economic development strategies performed and why they were removed. This informs future approaches to the development and management of economic strategies. The findings suggest that there must be sound and consistent public management to drive and coordinate implementation, in order for economic development initiatives to be effective.","PeriodicalId":406779,"journal":{"name":"Management and Economics Research Journal","volume":"55 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139264917","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":"Outbound Logistics And Profitability Among Sugar Manufacturing Firms In Kenya: A Literature Review","authors":"Evance O Ongati, F. Aila","doi":"10.18639/merj.2023.9900081","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18639/merj.2023.9900081","url":null,"abstract":"The global role of outbound logistics in supply chain processes and supply chain distribution cannot be overemphasized. Reviewed literature has shown that empirical tests have been done in relation to outbound logistics and profitability. However, minimal research work has been done on establishing the link between outbound logistics and profitability, particularly among sugar manufacturing companies in Kenya. Semi-systematic review was utilized using secondary data.. The literature reviewed in this study was in regard to sugar manufacturing firms in Kenya published between 2011-2021. The philosophy guiding this study was positivism which is a deductive approach. The review established a significant positive influence of outbound logistics on the profitability of the firms. Evidence links the profitability of sugar manufacturing companies in Kenya and outbound logistics. It was recommended that the firms enhance their focus on outbound logistics in order for their profitability to continue to improve. Researchers can increase activity on this subject and context.","PeriodicalId":406779,"journal":{"name":"Management and Economics Research Journal","volume":"12 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139275325","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":"Managing Millennials In The Workplace: A Disgrace Or Charming?","authors":"Mukuze Kebiat, Ndhlovu Pilot, Chirasha Vonai, Matyokurehwa Maria, Muzvondiwa Eresi, Rusike Emmanuel","doi":"10.18639/merj.2023.9900080","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18639/merj.2023.9900080","url":null,"abstract":"Using the qualitative approach, the study sought to explore the challenges of managing millennials in the hospitality industry, with a focus on Simbisa Brands Limited. An in-depth interview guide and documentary review were used to collect data, with a sample size of twelve participants. According to the findings of the study, Simbisa Brands' management faces insubordination challenges when dealing with millennials within their organization. It was also observed that excessive social media use by young employees, economic challenges, and overburdened workloads all have an impact on their productivity. Recommendations were that Simbisa Brands management would deal with insubordination by seeking the services of an employment law expert for quick and impartial advice. Importantly, staying organized can help an organization handle a heavy workload by streamlining the process of finding information and making decisions. The organization can also implement a planner system that displays its workload at a glance. Researchers also recommend that Simbisa Brands implement structural reforms that increase work autonomy and flexibility for its millennial employees. Future research could look at private and public sector organizations and use a mixed-method research approach to overcome the limitations of using only one research strategy.","PeriodicalId":406779,"journal":{"name":"Management and Economics Research Journal","volume":"7 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133798475","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":"Influence Of Collaborative Stakeholder Engagement On Industrial Harmony In The Devolved Public Health Sector In Kenya","authors":"W. Mwangi, A. Kariuki, Edward Mburu","doi":"10.18639/merj.2023.9900079","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18639/merj.2023.9900079","url":null,"abstract":"The health sector in any country is the greatest pillar of wealth generation. The life of citizens and by extension the economy depends largely on an effective and efficient health care system. A harmonious workplace that guarantees satisfaction of workers and employers aspirations is essential for enhanced services provision in the public health sector. Industrial harmony comprises of industrial democracy, employee loyalty, and shared vision. Since devolution of healthcare services in 2013, the Kenyan devolved public health sector has been affected by frequent short and often localized health workers’ industrial actions. The dilemma of the right of employees to industrial action and the citizens’ right to health care are two delicate and conflicting constitutional provisions that continue to elude policy and legislative environment. Industrial action is a protected right that every employee enjoys, however, there is need for a balance between the protection of these rights and the need to guarantee essential public services in order to safeguard citizens and their well-being. This study sought to determine the influence of collaborative stakeholder engagement on industrial harmony in the devolved public health sector in Kenya. The study used pragmatic research paradigm. The study research design was mixed methods research methodology. The study population was 3,355 medical workers in level 5 county referral hospitals, in the Central Economic Regional Bloc (CEREB). The study selected 351 respondents using stratified random sampling. In addition, 10 medical superintendents, 10 secretary generals from KMPDU and 10 from KNUN respectively were selected for participation in the study through purposive sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. Data analysis involved both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Qualitative data collected through interview guide was analyzed using content analysis technique. Quantitative data collected using the questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics comprised means and standard deviation while inferential statistics comprised simple linear regression to depict the relationship between the study independent variables and the dependent variable. The study established that collaborative stakeholder engagement had a positive and significant influence on industrial harmony (=.925, p-value=.000). The study concluded that collaborative stakeholder engagement enhances industrial harmony. The study recommends the expansion of communication/information sharing system so that workers can channel their issues without being victimized as well as establishment of effective internal dispute resolution mechanisms. The devolved healthcare facilities also need to build trust among healthcare workers by being considerate of their work welfare as well as involving them in policy formulation exercises.","PeriodicalId":406779,"journal":{"name":"Management and Economics Research Journal","volume":"27 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124993245","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}
Paul RO Edogbanya, G. T. Olubiyo, Ruth Emmanuel, J. Obaje, Olu-Osayomi Olusegun, Victoria U Obochi, M. O. Matthew, Christiana N Ebeniro
{"title":"Banana (Musa sapientum) Peels As A Potential Ripening Agent For Its Fruits","authors":"Paul RO Edogbanya, G. T. Olubiyo, Ruth Emmanuel, J. Obaje, Olu-Osayomi Olusegun, Victoria U Obochi, M. O. Matthew, Christiana N Ebeniro","doi":"10.18639/rabm.2023.9800033","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18639/rabm.2023.9800033","url":null,"abstract":"Commercial ripening is an essential part of fruit business, as ripe fruits are not suitable for long storage due to their fast-decaying nature. Therefore, fruit traders pick unripe fruits and distribute early, thereafter different methodologies are used to fasten the ripening process of fruits. The present study is aimed at investigating the efficacy of the use of banana peel as a ripening agent for its fruit. Ripe banana peel and unripe banana were obtained from Anyigba market in Kogi state, Nigeria. The peels were weighed (25g, 50g, and 100g) and subsequently bagged with 5 unripe bananas (about 118g each), including control (without banana peel), all in triplicates and stored in a dark cupboard for a period of 96 hours. One banana from each replicate was assessed for sugar content and texture as ripening parameters after every 48 hours. The results revealed that the bananas within treatment groups were riper with significantly (p < 0.05) higher sugar content (117.70 ± 5.67, 119.59 ± 14.44 and 104.98 ± 14.26 mm/dL at 25g, 50g and 100g respectively) than the control (35.90 ± 12.90a mm/dL). Also, banana fruits treated with banana peels were significantly lower in texture (4.25 ± 0.55b, 5.65 ± 1.15b and 4.50 ± 0.10b cm at 25g, 50g and 100g respectively) than the control (10.65 ± 0.15a cm). From the study it can be concluded that, banana peels hastened the ripening process of banana and may be possibly exploited by local farmers as a cheaper and eco-friendlier method of ripening bananas.","PeriodicalId":406779,"journal":{"name":"Management and Economics Research Journal","volume":"298 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132494929","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":"Workplace Bullying And Employee Reaction; Demographics, Work Position And Form Of Mistreatment","authors":"A. Petasis","doi":"10.18639/merj.2023.9900077","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18639/merj.2023.9900077","url":null,"abstract":"It has been reported that workplace violence occurs every other day, and this is quite a misnomer. It ranges from ordinary verbal abuse to getting physical among employees. All forms of workplace bullying should be shunned and completely rebuffed towards creating a more enabling and healthier working environment for employees, as this is the only way to actual growth and productivity of an organization. A reasoning for this study is to acquaint managers with what workplace bullying is all about so that they can take full responsibility for their employees in a way to clamp down on the hazard and provide a better working environment for their employees. Organizations should take conscious efforts by looking into some of the practices and cultures that are operational in their workplace and annul some of them that are promoting workplace bullying. This qualitative study aimed to copiously probe into the phenomenon of workplace bullying, in a way to adequately study the style and pattern, via the use of 1050 questionnaire responses from employees in Cyprus. Results revealed that bullying is more rampant in the workplace, between the superiors/ managers and their junior workers. Junior workers are subjected to different forms of ill-treatment from the superiors like hurling abuses at them, making them work overtime, out of which job intimidation takes the lead. Female workers are more vulnerable to workplace bullying than their male counterparts -but it's noteworthy to say that the bully can either be a male or female- the question of who bullies is not determined by gender. Employee responses may not however, reflect reality due to the nature of the study and the subtlety of the issue. Further studies can focus in which segments of the industry workplace bullying occurs more frequently, as well as in legislative matters.","PeriodicalId":406779,"journal":{"name":"Management and Economics Research Journal","volume":"198 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122528479","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":"Time Series Analysis Of Narcotics Use During COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown In A National Referral Hospital – An Exploratory Study","authors":"Babafunso A. Adenuga","doi":"10.18639/rabm.2023.9800032","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18639/rabm.2023.9800032","url":null,"abstract":"Not applicable","PeriodicalId":406779,"journal":{"name":"Management and Economics Research Journal","volume":"22 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134253105","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}