Authors:Catalin Angelo Ioan Abstract: Article shall carry out the analysis of natural movement of Romanian population During 2007-2014. They are thus treated indicators: Live births, Deceased, Natural increase, Marriages, Divorces and Deaths under 1 year. In addition to the regression analysis, are determined the median, quartiles, the arithmetic mean and standard deviation for each indicator. Also the analysis examines dependence aforementioned indicators of regional GDP variation. PubDate: 2017-07-28 Issue No:Vol. 13 (2017)
Authors:Elvania Nur Fadzilah, Rasyid Mei Mustafa, Negina Kencono Putri Abstract: The main aim of this research is to examine the effect of understanding the level, awareness to pay taxes, tax services quality and tax penalties on SMEs tax compliance. The type of this research is quantitative research using survey method. The population in this research is SMEs in Banyumas. The selection of sample using purposive sampling method, with the amount 60 SMEs. In this research using primary data. Data collection techniques are distributing questionnaires to SMEs owner. The analytical method used in this research is multiple linear regression analysis. The research show that the tax understanding, awareness to pay taxes, tax services quality and tax penalties have positive and significant effect on SMEs tax compliance. The result of adjusted R square examination show that the effect of the understanding level, tax awareness, taxservices quality and tax penalties on SMEs tax compliance in Banyumas is 64.5%. PubDate: 2017-07-07 Issue No:Vol. 13 (2017)
Authors:Romeo Victor Ionescu Abstract: The paper deals with the idea that EU has to reformate as a result of the latest challenges, including the Brexit. A possible effect and opportunity from this can be a stronger position for the EU Balkan Member States. The analysis in the paper takes into consideration all Balkan economies, including candidate countries in order to obtain a general approach for the region. This approach is new because it puts together member and candidate members from a region, in the context of re-evaluating the EU, and leads to the idea of finding a regional leader able to generate regional progress and to support the region’s interests in the European Institutions. The analysis covers five representative economic indicators (GDP growth rate, gross fixed capital formation, unemployment rate, inflation rate and general government gross debt) and is realized on three levels: a comparative analyses, a cluster analysis, and a cumulative analysis as well. Moreover, regression is used in order to point out the economic disparities across the region. The main conclusion of the analysis is that the great regional economic disparities can be decrease using common regional policies. Moreover, the analysis identifies a regional economic leader able to coordinate common initiatives at least on short and medium terms. The analysis and the conclusions in the paper are supported by the latest official statistic data, pertinent tables and diagrams. PubDate: 2017-07-07 Issue No:Vol. 13 (2017)
Authors:Olusegun Kazeem Lekan, Olaoye Ismail Kayode, Abdulrahaman Abdulrazaq Morenikeji Abstract: This paper presents an exhaustive analysis of a pulley factory layout design for operational efficiency and effective production. Focusing exclusively on the pulley factory layout problem in a Thai factory, this study applies Craft algorithm to analyse the layout and arrive at an effective design. The analyses reveal that CRAFT algorithms ease free flow of materials and personnel at the least cost, minimize distance travelled and improve the original layout by twenty percent (32%). For this reason, the new layout design witnesses flexible operations, effective functionality, and meet cost savings objectives. Therefore, it is recommended that operation managers should adopt the Craft algorithm program to overcome material flow obstruction and ineffective operations resulting from ineffective layout designs. PubDate: 2017-06-20 Issue No:Vol. 13 (2017)
Authors:Ligia Muntean (Jemna) Abstract: The problem of inconsistent results of empirical studies is a reality in any research field. Literature provides the approach of meta-analysis as a solution because it responds to the challenge of evaluating, combining, comparing and synthesizing the accumulation of results to a typical, common and representative value of a particular research topic. In this paper, we aim to respond through meta-analysis to a double challenge within marketing scientific research field. We analyze the applicability level of mixed methods in relation to quantitative methods by evaluating the differences among empirical results from studies whose aim concerns the same research topic, namely the customer behavior. Based on a set of well-defined criteria, we selected 20 studies published in two journals from American Marketing Association database. The search was limited to a number of keywords included in the title of these papers: consumer, behavior and customer. The results obtained from the quantitative review of the literature specific to consumer behavior analysis suggest that the type of method is a significant determinant of the differences existing among results of primary studies. PubDate: 2017-06-20 Issue No:Vol. 13 (2017)
Authors:Godfrey Marozva Abstract: This paper investigates the relationship between the macroeconomic variables, leverage and the stock returns on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange using ARDL bounds testing approach and Vector error correction model. A further analysis on the effects of leverage on volatility was done using a generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity model (GARCH 1,1). The study revealed that there is co-integrating relationship between macroeconomic variables and stock returns. Particularly, there is a long run relationship between stock returns and real GDP, and also between stock returns and interest rates. Additionally, this paper shows that leverage affects the volatility of stock prices. Finally, it is noted that after disequilibrium the economic model will always adjust to equilibrium at a rate of thirty-three percent within a year. Since leverage positively influence volatility in stock returns investors that are risk averse should avoid highly geared firms. PubDate: 2017-06-20 Issue No:Vol. 13 (2017)
Authors:Mokhele John Khumalo Abstract: This research paper seeks to empirically estimate and test reversibility or non-reversibility of the maize demand using the Tweeten – Quance and Wolffram – Houck methodology in South Africa with the use of annualized seasonal data for the periods 1970/71 to 2012/13. The test procedure seems to hold in South Africa in the case of demand for maize and the function is found to be irreversible. This is shown by the coefficients of both the increases and decreases in the price of maize, which are found to be non-identical. The results indicate that when maize prices increase by 1%, demand for maize falls by almost 12%, while decreases in maize price drive demand up by nearly 20%. The structural VAR on the other hand, which assumes that innovations are proliferated in the maize demand, maize prices, wheat prices and income, indicates that the SVAR is just –identified. These results reveal that ignoring such structural changes when conducting policy changes might be detrimental to the agricultural sector. PubDate: 2017-06-20 Issue No:Vol. 13 (2017)
Authors:Ntokozo Patrick Nzimande Abstract: Studies often conclude that SADC monetary union would be disastrous and not optimal for all member countries. This is because of the observed low, and even negative correlation amongst member countries. However, Frankel and Rose (1998) demonstrate that the degree of synchronisation is not irrevocably fixed and is endogenous to other factors. Hence, this study is set out to investigate factors influencing business cycle synchronisation in the SADC region. More precisely, we use a generalised method of moments (GMM) to investigate the influence of trade integration, financial integration, fiscal policy convergence, monetary policy similarity and oil prices (a proxy for global common shocks) on the degree of business cycle synchronisation. To conduct our analysis, we data covering the period of 1980-2014, we use bilateral data due to unavailability of regional aggregates. We find trade, fiscal policy convergence and monetary policy similarity to have a sanguine impact on the degree of synchronisation. Moreover, owing to their procyclical behavior, financial flows lead to diverging business cycles. In addition, we find oil prices to exert a negative impact on business cycle comovement in the SADC region. Our results have far-reaching policy implications for the proposed SADC monetary union- by stimulating trade, ensuring coherence in macroeconomic policies SADC could move closer to becoming an optimal currency area. PubDate: 2017-06-20 Issue No:Vol. 13 (2017)
Authors:Daniel Francois Meyer, Thomas Habanabakize, Paul-Francois Muzindutsi Abstract: The private sector contributes to job creation either directly by creating new positions for job seekers or indirectly by increasing growth that results in job creation for unemployed people. This study employed an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model to analyse the long and short run effects of aggregate expenditure on job creation in the private sector in South Africa. The findings indicated that there is a long run relationship between aggregate expenditure and job creation in the private sector. Investment spending and net exports are the aggregate expenditure components that create long-term jobs, whereas consumer consumption and government spending lead to possible long run job destruction. The Error Correction Model (ECM) results revealed that consumption and investment spending create jobs in the short run, while the Granger-causality test suggested that a bi-directional causal relationship exists between consumption, investment spending and employment in the private sector. The study concluded that the negative effect of consumption on private employment might be due to the consumption of imported goods and services. Thus, the employment situation in South Africa could be improve if more focus is on consumption of domestic products. PubDate: 2017-06-20 Issue No:Vol. 13 (2017)
Authors:Majda Fikri, Mohammed El Khomssi Abstract: For economist statisticians, measuring poverty in a country is a very tricky task given the sensitivity of the result to the index or the chosen measure. Thus, the use of an axiomatic approach is essential for the user of poverty measure so that he can clarify the meaning to give to poverty and its evolution. In this article we present an axiomatic analysis of the semi fuzzy poverty indexes: PGf index and MIf vector, combining between the fuzzy set theory and the classical set. On the one hand, we demonstrate the satisfaction of these two indexes of a set of axioms most desirable by economists. And on the other, we discuss limitations according three axioms that we demonstrate in order to improve the format of these semi fuzzy poverty indexes. The demonstrations are done in a special framework mixing techniques of fuzzy mathematical theory and others of classical mathematical theory. PubDate: 2017-06-09 Issue No:Vol. 13 (2017)
Authors:Frantz Daniel Fistung Abstract: This work aim to propose a new method for monetary valuation of Statistical life. This approach is different from the existing ones in that moment because propose to link the Value of Statistical Life with to major economic indicators: Gross Domestic Product per capita and the Life Expectancy. Comparing the results obtained using the new formulas proposed in this work, with some other analysis made, at the international level, on the same purpose, the differences are not significant. The proposed method is more relevant and creates the possibility of adopting a unique value for the Value of Statistical Life at world level. PubDate: 2017-06-09 Issue No:Vol. 13 (2017)
Authors:Josephat Mukwarami, Robertson K. Tengeh Abstract: Faced with enormous unemployment, the South African government enacted pro-SMME policies. It is reasonably assumed that these policies would ignite growth within the SMMEs cluster, regardless of the sector. However, evidence suggests that these laudable efforts have not benefited the poorest of the poor nor have they aroused and sustained entrepreneurship in certain quarters. Using the spaza shop as the focus and two prominent townships as the locus, this paper sought to understand the factors that under mind the effective startup of businesses by natives. Furthermore, it identified the support structures that can foster and sustain new firm births. Leaning on the exploratory and descriptive research design, the quantitative research approach was enforced through self-administered questionnaires. The data collected was captured and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, and was based on 121 fully completed questionnaires. The results conceded a number of challenges unique to native spaza shops. These included limited seed capital, inability to benefit from bulk purchases, competition from non-South African shops, management inexperience, lack of business information, unsuitable business location, and lack of collateral. The customarily challenges included crime, high cost of security and limited management skills. To encourage and sustain, new firm births, firstly, spaza shop-owners must have a clear vision of what they want to achieve before they embark on the venture. Secondly, crime must be dealt with collectively. Thirdly, government agencies and the private sector must come on board to address the skills gap. Lastly, technology should be adopted, to mitigate the issues around bulk purchases and transport costs. PubDate: 2017-06-09 Issue No:Vol. 13 (2017)
Authors:Thobekani Lose Abstract: This study aims to examine why entrepreneurs choose to join the incubation programme in urban areas, South Africa. The study utilised a quantitative method approach to collect data by way of questionnaires. The data was collected using structured questionnaires. The research participants for this study were limited to entrepreneurs in the incubation programme in Western Cape Province and Gauteng Province in South Africa during the course of the study. Populations of all 65 (incubatees) were deemed suitable for the study. This paper provides an insight into the reasons entrepreneurs chose to join the incubation programme. The findings indicated that entrepreneurs join the incubation programme to acquire entrepreneurial skills, entrepreneurial education, funding, business networks, Access to technology, sported a gap in the market and employment creation. PubDate: 2017-06-09 Issue No:Vol. 13 (2017)
Authors:Sarbu Maria Ramona, Vasile Cocris, Ovidiu Stoica Abstract: This paper outlines the need for an analysis of the extent to which foreign direct investments (FDIs) affects real convergence expressed using the following selected macroeconomic indicators: Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, the unemployment rate (UR), labour productivity (LP) per person employed and the minimum wage (MW). The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on real convergence in Romania’s and Bulgaria’s economy for the period from 2004-2014. The main results for both Romania and Bulgaria show that FDI can be considered important sources of growth for real convergence that have contributed to economic growth, increased labour productivity and increased the minimum wage except for the unemployment rate. The results confirmed our expectations because be logically, foreign firms bring their own technology, appropriate for the work of the employees, in order for their employees to produce as much as possible and pay salaries relatively higher compared to companies with local capital, but they demand instead a higher productivity. PubDate: 2017-06-09 Issue No:Vol. 13 (2017)
Authors:Collins C Ngwakwe Abstract: South Africa's reserve played a vital economic defence role during the economic crises of the recent past. however little research has examined the relationship between export value and the reserve of South Africa. This paper contributes by assessing the impact of four independent variables (export value, government effectiveness, foreign direct investment and GDP) on the reserve of South Africa. Data were from the World Bank Archives of Global Financial Indicators and from the World Bank Archives of Governance Indicators covering from 1996 to 2014. A cointegration and the OLS regression tests showed a long run relationship between export value, government effectiveness, foreign direct investment and the reserve of South Africa. The Granger Causality test revealed that foreign reserve may influence export value (unidirectional), and that reserve may enhance government effectiveness. The paper offers policy recommendations that may improve the level of reserve and provides an agenda for further research. PubDate: 2017-06-06 Issue No:Vol. 13 (2017)
Authors:Kunofiwa Tsaurai Abstract: This research studied the impact of infrastructural development on FDI inflows into Zimbabwe using annual time series data ranging from 1994 to 2015. Explanatory variables that determine FDI that were included in the study include market size, trade openness and financial sector development. Using the OLS –Heteroskedastic and Standard Error Consistent White Test approach, the study found out that infrastructural development as measured by internet users (per 100 people) had a positive and a significant impact on FDI inflows in Zimbabwe in line with both theory and empirical predictions. Furthermore, market size, trade openness and financial sector development in line with literature were found to have had a positive and significant influence on FDI inflows into Zimbabwe. In order to improve the inflow of net FDI into the country, Zimbabwean authorities need to create a conducive environment that entices foreign investors to invest into the country. This includes the formulation and implementation of policies that enhances infrastructural development, open up trade with other countries and grow the economy. PubDate: 2017-05-03 Issue No:Vol. 13 (2017)
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