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on MENA - Middle East and North Africa |
| By: | Ebru Tüzemen Atik (Karamano) |
| Abstract: | The New Turkish Commercial Code was adopted on 13 January 2011 and entered into force with the exception of certain provisions on 1 July 2012. The New Turkish Commercial Code introduced many important innovations and changes, of which, those related to the law of corporations stand out. Especially, many obstacles encountered by foreign investors when they attempt to establish corporations in Turkey were eliminated by the New Turkish Commercial Code. Among the changes in question are many practical and functional innovations, such as the acceptance of independent auditing upon the abolishment of the board of auditors, which was previously a department of joint-stock companies, and the obligation for companies to set up a company web-site. The New Turkish Commercial Code has enabled the joint-stock companies to comprise one shareholder only, which, earlier, could have been founded by at least five shareholders. Another complementary regulation was also made in relation to the structure of the board of directors in joint-stock companies: The board of directors, previously required to comprise at least three members, could henceforth be formed by a single member. This situation is the result of and the obligation from regulations in Turkish Law decreeing the possibility to establish joint-stock companies by a single shareholder. However, the field of application for the single-member board of directors adopted to provide coherence with the single-shareholder joint-stock company is, in fact, not limited to only such companies; a single-member board of director can also be preferred in joint-stock companies with multiple shareholders. This memorandum was prepared to indicate the conditions and principles for the formation of the single-member board of directors in joint-stock companies. Some of the requirements for the membership in a multiple-member board of directors are not stipulated for single-member board of directors in Turkish law. In addition, principles for the representation, meetings, and decision-making of the single-member board of directors are different from those of multi-member board of directors in various cases. For this reason, this work aims to discuss the single-member board of directors in the New Turkish Commercial Code in general terms, insomuch as it differs from the multiple-member board of directors. |
| Keywords: | Single-member board of directors, joint-stock company, board of directors membership, single-shareholder joint stock company, representation of the company, management of the company, new Turkish Commercial Code, Turkish law of corporations |
| JEL: | K20 K29 K00 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:2704701&r=all |
| By: | YASEMIN ARI KOVANCI (Dokuz Eylül University) |
| Abstract: | With the beginning of Turkey's accession negotiations with the European Union in 2005, a new period has begun for the partnership which was first established with European Community in the year 1963. Within this period, to question the quality of working life in Turkey in terms of the harmonization process with European Union constitutes one of the required fields. . The European Union aims to provide and protect a humane quality of life and standard for everyone in an active, protective and healthy society. In this context, the quality of the working life especially in terms of the labor market is one of the key issues for European Union. However, nowadays there is an increasing asymmetry between the economic and social field. Therefore, the European Union's approach to quality of working life reflects the demand for a simultaneous increase in the employment and improvement in the quality of the work carried out. During the accession process of European Union it is needed to make a comparative analysis in terms of some basic indicators that can be used to define and measure the quality of working life in Turkey. In this context, it is possible to make various evaluations about working life quality in terms of multidimensional context such as: access and participation in the labor market, the level, structure and nature of employment; wages; job security; health and safety; social protection; gender equality; work-life balance and social dialogue. The aim of this study is to investigate the quality of the working life in Turkey in the membership process to European Union. |
| Keywords: | Labour market, Quality, Employment, Working Life, Turkey |
| JEL: | J01 J81 J21 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:2704465&r=all |
| By: | Onur Ergunay (Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Department of Foreign Languages); Cagdas Erenoglu (Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Department of Foreign Languages); Gulsen Demirbilek (Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Department of Foreign Languages) |
| Abstract: | The English language preparatory curriculum at Eskisehir Osmangazi University in Turkey has been developed by views of administrators and coordinators. The views of the instructors have also been considered during the curriculum development process. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the English language preparatory curriculum at Eskisehir Osmangazi University based on the views of students attending the program. For this purpose, the views of 35 students attending the program were taken with a survey designed by the researchers. The data were obtained at the end of the 2013 – 2014 spring term. The qualitative data obtained was analyzed through content analysis. The findings of the study revealed that students’ perception on the curriculum is positive to large extent. On the other hand, students suggested revision in the aims of the curriculum, adding some listening courses, variety in activities, extra-graded assignments. They also suggested less grammar focused, more speaking and vocabulary focused activities. In terms of the assessment procedure, they suggested that the quizzes should be announced in advance. The study also revealed that they felt themselves as high school students in the department due to the physical environment and friendly atmosphere created by the instructors. |
| Keywords: | Language curriculum, curriculum development, preparatory program |
| JEL: | I20 I21 I23 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:itepro:2904443&r=all |
| By: | Mario Mansour; Pritha Mitra; Carlo A. Sdralevich; Andrew Jewell |
| Abstract: | Fairness – and what governments can do about it – is at the forefront of economic and social debate all over the world. In MENA, this has been at the core of recent political transitions but has not been adequately addressed. This SDN explores how tax systems – a critical interface between the state and citizens – can play a role in meeting demands for greater economic fairness in MENA countries. The SDN finds that for countries with well-established non-hydrocarbon tax systems (mostly oil importers) reforms should focus on simplifying tax structures and introducing more progressivity of personal income taxes, broadening tax bases, and better designing and enforcing property taxes. Tax administration should be more efficient and user-friendly while simplifying tax regimes will reduce the scope for arbitrary implementation. MENA countries with less established non-hydrocarbon revenue systems can begin with a “starter pack†that includes introduction of low-rate value-added and corporate income taxes, excises, and property taxes while building up administrative capacity and taxation expertise together with plans for introducing a personal income tax. Across the region, effective communication, transparency, and constructive dialogue between the State and citizens are critical to the success of reforms. |
| Date: | 2015–09–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfsdn:15/16&r=all |
| By: | Nagehan Kaya (Karamanoglu Mehmetbey University); Zehra Künarc (Pamukkale University) |
| Abstract: | Earthquakes which happened in the world caused financial and emotional damages and these damages are closely associated with development level of a country. As a developing country, Turkey have lots of provinces which are situated in first-degree seismic zone. By virtue of this case in the last century there were 193 devastating earthquakes endangered Turkey with respect to economical. In 1999 in Golcuk, more recently in Van and Simav there were massive earthquakes have been affected region and all of Turkey. After these devastating earthquakes, the emerging scene worsened with defects which dealt with aid services. Experiences were the most striking example during the distribution of basic aids about clothing, blankets, tents etc. on the grounds that suitable disaster storage location didn’t selected. Denizli province in Turkey is located in the first-degree earthquake zone. This study will propose solution suggestion in order to prevent the defects encountered partially in previous earthquakes during a possible earthquake for Denizli. The aim of the study is minimize defects after the earthquake and ensure distribution of aid material squarely to disaster victims with solution suggestion. In this research, for the disaster storage location selection, criterias will be determined with expert opinion and this storage will be used to minimize defects after the earthquake and ensure distribution of aid material squarely to disaster victims. As a method to determine aid distribution point in Denizli and help to collect aids, by considering criterias such AHP(Analytic Hierarchy Process) and FAHP(Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process) multi-criteria decision making approachs will be used. |
| Keywords: | Earthquake, Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approach, Denizli, AHP, FAHP |
| JEL: | Q50 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:2704637&r=all |
| By: | Seyit TA (NECMETT) |
| Abstract: | Orientation is a training process. Usually it used to mean recruitment exercise. But today is referred to as the process of preparing the students to school. The scope of orientation; how to begin the process of orientation training and the situation in Turkey; all this topics are evaluated in this study. Orientation training has begun in recent history. At the same time a practice carried out by the Ottoman State in the 19th century considered within the scope of orientation training. |
| Keywords: | Orientation, Education, History, Methods |
| JEL: | I29 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:itepro:2905090&r=all |
| By: | Durmus Ozdemir (Department of Economics, Yasar University); Mustafa Kemal Gundogdu (Department of Economics, Istanbul Bilgi University) |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the Marshall–Lerner condition under the simultaneity of exports and import flows in the Turkish economy. Due to the high interdependence between ratios of export and import flows to GDP, the traditional version of the Marshall–Lerner condition is not sustained. In the case of Turkey, the long-term estimations of the price elasticities of exports and imports, and the respective cross elasticities, lead us to conclude that currency devaluation would, in the long run, improve the balance of trade. |
| Keywords: | Marshall–Lerner condition, price elasticity, Turkey, export and import flow simultaneity. |
| JEL: | F14 F11 F44 |
| Date: | 2015–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:yas:dpaper:2015/01&r=all |
| By: | ÇÖ (Karamanoglu Mehmetbey University); Ebubekir KARAÇAYIR (Karamanoglu Mehmetbey University) |
| Abstract: | The share of the state's economic system varies from country to country. It can be said that when regulatory role of the state is taken into account, it has great importance in terms of the whole country. The relationship between development level of the country and the share of the public sector seems to be inverse. Everything is expected from the state for the reason that there is not enough power of the private sector in less developed country. Therefore, the share of public sector is greater than the share of the private sector in less developed countries. In developed countries, the share of the private sector is greater than the public sector. State which represent common legitimate sanction power of society, is important in history of economic thought. The regulatory and controlling role and share of the state in the economy and share are one of the most important issues that have discussed for many years. State-economic relations and the weight of the state in the economy is always the most important issues of economic agenda. The share of the state in the economy affects economic growth in an economic system.In this study, the relationship between the size of the public sector and economic growth is being assessed in terms of Turkey's economy. In this context between the years of 1980-2014 time series data will be utilized which pertain to Turkey's economy. After the time series used in according to their stasis unit root tests, the analysis examined cointegration between the series whether Mani (cointegration) will be investigated. The relationship will be determined between the size of the public sector and economic growth depending on the results of the appropriate empirical econometric models. |
| Keywords: | Public Sector, Economic Growth, Cointegration |
| JEL: | H10 O40 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:2704591&r=all |
| By: | Cesur, Resul (University of Connecticut); Güneş, Pınar Mine (University of Alberta); Tekin, Erdal (American University); Ulker, Aydogan (Deakin University) |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the impact of universal, free, and easily accessible primary healthcare on population health as measured by age-specific birth and mortality rates, focusing on a nationwide socialized medicine program implemented in Turkey. The Family Medicine Program (FMP), launched in 2005, assigns each Turkish citizen to a specific state-employed family physician, who offers a wide range of primary healthcare services that are free-of-charge. Furthermore, these services are provided at family health centers, which operate on a walk-in basis and are located within the neighborhoods in close proximity to the patients. To identify the causal impact of the FMP, we exploit the variation in its introduction across provinces and over time. Our estimates indicate that the FMP caused large declines in mortality rates across all age groups with more pronounced impacts among infants and the elderly, and a moderate reduction in the birth rates, primarily among teenagers. Furthermore, the results are suggestive that the program has also contributed towards equalization in the mortality disparities across provinces. Our findings highlight the importance of a nationwide supply-side intervention on improving public health. |
| Keywords: | healthcare, reform, socialized, medicine, health, Turkey, infant, mortality, birth, teenager, physician |
| JEL: | I0 I1 I11 I13 I14 I18 J13 J14 |
| Date: | 2015–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp9329&r=all |
| By: | Volkan Cakir (Arel University); Ahmet Pirlanta (Arel University) |
| Abstract: | Local governments are researching efficient and sustainable solutions to the problem of increasing amount of solid waste. Recycling is proposed as one of these solutions considering increasing environmental concerns. Recycling operation system starts with separating recyclable waste at household level. Though an efficient recycling system's success largely depends on the participation rate of inhabitants.Büyükçekmece is a district and municipality in the suburbs of Istanbul, Turkey on the Sea of Marmara coast of the European side, western part of the city. It is largely an industrial area with a population of 380,000. Although Büyükçekmece is a non-large district of |
| Keywords: | recycle management, Büyükçekmece, AHP, TOPSIS, solid waste management |
| JEL: | Q53 C65 D70 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:2705185&r=all |
| By: | Tansel, Aysit; Keskin, Halil Ibrahim; Ozdemir, Zeynel Abidin |
| Abstract: | This paper considers the private sector wage earners in Egypt and examine their wage distribution during 1998-2012 using Egyptian Labor Market Panel Survey. We first estimate Mincer wage equations both at the mean and at different quantiles of the wage distribution taking into account observable characteristics. Then we make use of the panel feature of the data and estimate models taking into account unobservable characteristics. We also consider the possibility of nonlinearity in covariate effects and estimate a variant of matching models. In all cases we find a persistent informal wage penalty in the face of extensive sensitivity checks. It is smaller when unobserved heterogeneity is taken into account and larger at the top than at the bottom of the conditional wage distribution. We also examine the informal wage penalty over time during the study period and in different groups according to experience and education. The informal wage penalty has increased recently over time and is larger for the better educated but smaller for the more experienced. |
| Keywords: | Formal and informal wage gap; Formal and informal employment; Panel data; Egypt. |
| JEL: | J31 J33 |
| Date: | 2015–09–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:66857&r=all |
| By: | International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept. |
| Abstract: | The global oil market environment has changed substantially over the past year with oil prices dropping by close to 50 percent. Based on historical experience, the large oil price decline is expected to affect the macroeconomy and the financial sector. Meanwhile, demographic pressures to provide jobs and housing for a rapidly growing and young population continue. |
| Date: | 2015–09–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfscr:15/251&r=all |
| By: | TANSEL, Aysit; Keskin, Halil Ibrahim; Ozdemir, Zeynel Abidin |
| Abstract: | This paper considers the private sector wage earners in Egypt and examine their wage distribution during 1998-2012 using Egyptian Labor Market Panel Survey. We first estimate Mincer wage equations both at the mean and at different quantiles of the wage distribution taking into account observable characteristics. Then we make use of the panel feature of the data and estimate models taking into account unobservable characteristics. We also consider the possibility of nonlinearity in covariate effects and estimate a variant of matching models. In all cases we find a persistent informal wage penalty in the face of extensive sensitivity checks. It is smaller when unobserved heterogeneity is taken into account and larger at the top than at the bottom of the conditional wage distribution. We also examine the informal wage penalty over time during the study period and in different groups according to experience and education. The informal wage penalty has increased recently over time and is larger for the better educated but smaller for the more experienced. |
| Keywords: | Formal and informal wage gap; Formal and informal employment; Panel data; Egypt. |
| JEL: | J31 |
| Date: | 2015–09–22 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:66850&r=all |
| By: | Kamel Jlassi (Central Bank of Tunisia) |
| Abstract: | While there is considerable literature attempting to model current account, there is fewer studies to forecast current account balance. This study gives a comprehensive way to model and predict current account deficit (CAD) by evaluating the forecasting performance of direct and indirect approach. At disaggregated level, I use two variants to model current account component; in the first alternative I apply different ARIMA model with exogenous variables (ARIMA-X) to account for the pattern of the data and exogenous factors. In the second alternative, I integrate the cointegration relationship between exports and imports with ARIMA-X models. With respect to the direct approach, I use error correction model to allow for dynamics in current account. The data used spans from January 2000 to December 2014 and comes from Central Bank of Tunisia, Tunisian National Institute of Statistic, and OECD database. I find that for one-step ahead forecast ARIMA-X and reduced form model produce accurate forecast but with respect to dynamic forecast, direct method is more accurate comparatively to ARIMA-X. When cointegrating relationship between exports and imports is combined with ARIMA-X models, indirect approach outperforms direct approach. I also show that, as volatility of underlying components increase disaggregate approach using time series models become less reliable. In addition, I found that current account is mainly affected by local GDP, trade openness, fiscal deficit, exchange rate, credit to private sector and partner GDP. Estimation of ECM indicates that persistent effect is high and can take more than three quarters to die out. In addition I assess the performance of direct and indirect approach over time using naïve approach as benchmark. It appears that the MSE of naïve approach lies between direct and indirect approach in average up to horizon 12, but then worsen. |
| Keywords: | Aggregate and Disaggregate Approach, Cointegration, Error Correction Model, Time Series Models, Current Account Forecast, One-step ahead and Dynamic Forecast. |
| Date: | 2015–06–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gii:giihei:heidwp13-2015&r=all |
| By: | Fauzia Jabeen (Abu Dhabi University); Mehmood Khan (College of Business Administration, Abu Dhabi University); Syed Zamberi Ahmad (College of Business Administration, Abu Dhabi University) |
| Abstract: | In contemporary society, the learning process is becoming a vital factor in business and socioeconomic growth. Education can play its role effectively if it is managed properly and is supported by technology. This study adopts the Technology Acceptance Model to investigate the acceptance and perception of technology usage amongst the local and expatriate students in the UAE context. The methodology used in this research is quantitative in nature. A survey study was conducted, which involved students from various faculties at one of the private university in United Arab Emirates. Purposive sampling technique was used to determine the sample size used for the study. Data were collected from a sample of students (n=236) who use blackboard system. A hypothesized model was developed through technology acceptance theory of Davis, from where hypotheses were postulated for the study. Regression and Structural equation modeling was used to ascertain the goodness of fit of the model of the study and to analyze all the hypotheses postulated therein. The findings follow the intuition that most of the factors studied affect students’ satisfaction and retention positively and significantly. Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) comes out to be the strongest contributor of students’ satisfaction. The analysis also shows that the level of satisfaction among students significantly impacts their retention to Blackboard and PeopleSoft. It was noticed that nationality does not impact students’ satisfaction with this software. This paper emphasizes technology implementation and receptivity in higher education students. It makes tentative suggestions and recommendations on how policy makers might respond to current and future technology needs. Using the TAM model to predict satisfaction and retention rates within UAE education system, rather than using the regular quality factors, will contribute toward further understanding of how to build quality education. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there has been a great emphasis on utilizing e-learning to complement traditional methods of teaching in universities, but with very little empirical research that examines students’ attitudes toward the use of blackboard. This study provides an understanding of the technology receptivity in higher education students and can serve as a basis to encourage University management and its stakeholders for further improvement in this region. |
| Keywords: | Technology Acceptance, Higher Education, United Arab Emirates |
| JEL: | I29 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:2703162&r=all |
| By: | MOHAMMED BAHUDHAILAH (Hull University) |
| Abstract: | In recent years, the increasing demands of organisations on their employees, together with more family and non-work commitments, raise questions of how to balance these conflicting demands. This is especially relevant currently for women in Saudi Arabia as they are have high levels of educational attainment and are being encouraged into the workforce by government initiatives, yet are still expected to perform the traditional domestic roles assigned to them by religion and culture. Flexible work is considered in some cultures as one of the solutions that might resolve conflicts between employees' family life and work. The purpose of this research is to explore the impact of flexible work on work life balance for women in Saudi Arabia. To achieve this aim four questions are raised: 1) to what extent do women in Saudi Arabia have flexibility in their work in terms of where, when, and how long they work? 2) To what extent do women in Saudi Arabia desire to craft their work? 3) Does flexible work lead to work life balance for women in Saudi Arabia? And why? 4) What barriers do women in Saudi Arabia face to achieving flexibility? The research questions have been formulated to enable different factors in the study to be explored. Semi-structured interviews are to be used in collecting data. Thirty working women in the health, education, and banking sectors are to be interviewed; these are the most important sectors that employ women in Saudi Arabia, and have a significant number of female workers in them. Moreover, this study will explore the effect of religion and national culture in the context of flexible work, and the effects of job crafting for achieving an environment of flexible work. The researcher will adopt a qualitative approach to explore women’s experiences. This will give different points of view and many opportunities for the researcher to expand current knowledge. |
| Keywords: | flexible work, work life balance. women work, job crafting |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:2704292&r=all |
| By: | Chaouech, Olfa |
| Abstract: | This paper estimates the Taylor rule under the static version, then the dynamic version of the Central bank of Tunisia (CBT), using monthly data from 2002:Q1 to 2014:Q12. The empirical results indicate that the CBT followed the Taylor rule in its dynamic version. |
| Keywords: | Tylor rule, GMM, Monetary policy, Reaction function |
| JEL: | C13 E52 |
| Date: | 2015–06–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:66771&r=all |
| By: | Birsen UNAL (Selcuk University) |
| Abstract: | History is one of the most essential academic disciplines for the existence of states, societies and nations. Historical sources are important elements in order to research history as an academic discipline, to evaluate the past events and to illuminate the period when they occur. Aboveground and underground historical sources reveal the political, social, economic, religious and cultural approaches of the states, nations and societies. States, nations and societies have gradually paid special attention to the protection of historical artefacts within the frame of these values. They have taken them under protection.With regards to archaeology, the Ottoman Empire had been a rich country in terms of aboveground and underground historical sources because of its geographical position and historical past. However, there had not been any efficient effort to protect and evaluate the historical sources for centuries. This caused the impairment of many historical sources in the Ottoman Empire either consciously or unconsciously. Apart from the damage they got in the archaeological site where they were discovered, this situation caused the smuggling of the historical artefacts from the Ottoman Empire. After the second half of the 19th century, historical artefacts discovered within the state boundaries were taken under protection with regulations. As in other states, the ownership of historical artefacts became a prestigious element in international affairs. Operations were carried out about confiscating and recording the historical artefacts and the data related to the place where they were discovered. The increasing numbers of the collected historical artefacts in War Warehouse caused lack of space for storage. Therefore, other places were allocated to solve this problem.Preservation, protection and recording of the historical artefacts have revealed museology activities in the Ottoman Empire. Systematic museology activities, started in 1846, became one of the important issues even during the war period. In this regard, the practices and the measures taken indicate that museology activities actively operated even if they started late in the Ottoman Empire.In this study, we will discuss both the confiscation of underground and aboveground historical artefacts and the related studies conducted about this issue in the Ottoman Empire. |
| Keywords: | Ottoman Empire, museology, source, artefact, preservation, museum |
| JEL: | Z00 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:2704567&r=all |
| By: | Mehdi Bhoury Author-Email: mehdi.bhoury@bct.gov.tn Author-Homepage: Author-Workplace-Name: Central Bank of Tunisia Author-Workplace-Homepage: Author-Name: Mohamed Slim Mouha Author-Email: Address: mohamed.mouha@bct.gov.tn Author-Homepage: Author-Workplace-Name: Central Bank of Tunisia Author-Workplace-Homepage: |
| Abstract: | In this paper, we have applied spectral and cross spectral analysis techniques as an alternative approach to characterize the Tunisian business cycle and measure the degree of its international synchronization. As a robustness check, we have applied these techniques to the industrial production (overall and manufacturing IPI) as well as two synthetic indexes: a dynamic factor and a diffusion index. We found the presence of two types of cycles: a minor cycle of 12.5 quarters (3.1 years) detected in Tunisia and in all its European trade partners and a major cycle of 33.3 quarters (8.3 years) observed in the majority of the cycles studied. The cross–spectral analysis provides a strong evidence of synchronization of the Business cycle in Tunisia and its European partners, particularly at high frequencies. The volatility of the Tunisian business cycle is generally lower than that of the European cycle. It is even lower for longer cycles. The transmission of cyclical shocks from the Euro Area to Tunisia is instantaneous for short cycles. The delays are much longer for the major cycles. They can reach 5 to 6 quarters. Keywords: Business cycle, spectral analysis, international synchronization. |
| Date: | 2015–06–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gii:giihei:heidwp16-2015&r=all |
| By: | Jamal Ibrahim Haidar |
| Abstract: | I uncover the existence, extent, and mechanism of exports deflection, which followed exports destruction, after the imposition of exports sanctions against Iranian exporters. Using highly dis-aggregated data about Iranian non-oil exports, I show how exporter size, past export status, and pricing strategy matter in the process of exports deflection. The main findings are as follows: (i) two thirds of the value of Iranian non-oil exports thought to be destroyed by exports sanctions have actually been de?ected to destinations not imposing sanctions; (ii) exporters reduced their product prices as they deflected exports to new destinations; (iii) exporters deflected more of their core and homogeneous products; (iv) larger exporters deflected more of their exports than smaller exporters; (v) the new destinations are more politically-friendly with Iran; and (vi) the probability of an exporter to deflect exports to another destination rised if the exporter already existed in that destination, suggesting that cost of exporting matters too. I conclude that exports sanctions may be less effective in a globalized world as exporters can deflect their exports from one export destination to another. |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:qsh:wpaper:316051&r=all |
| By: | Salah Al-Ali (College of technological Studies) |
| Abstract: | Due to the rapid change in science and technology in world economy, the issue of forging vocational and technical colleges is considered significant, especially in developing countries (e.g. Kuwait), where the shortage of semi-skilled indigenous manpower is highly noted in various sectors of the economy. The success of vocational and technical education would depend, to great extend, on those who run such institutions. The distinction between managing an academic institution and vocational and technical education institution has to be clearly made so that tangible outcomes can be achieved. The fact is that vocational and technical education has its own unique characteristics that have to be thoroughly absorbed by those who are intending to run such institutions. The study would be based on extensive fieldwork that encompassed a review of related literature, questionnaires and personal interviews with: the Dean of the College of Technological Studies, the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, the Head of the Departments, the head of Industrial Training Programs, and selected instructors. The objectives are to measure leadership attributes (e.g. setting an appropriate strategy and plan, encouraging team work, vision, communication skills, confidence, and persistence). Finally, the paper would argues that unless the management of the College of technological Studies, CTS, realises the importance of the application of leadership attributes, the CTS would not be able to supply local industries with the needed manpower. Thus, increasing dependence on expatriates for years to come. |
| Keywords: | Vocational and technical Education, developing Indigenous Manpower, Interaction between vocational and technical education and local industries, Kuwait. |
| JEL: | A20 I20 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:2703230&r=all |
| By: | Jamal BOUOIYOUR; Amal MIFTAH |
| Abstract: | In this paper, we empirically investigate the relationship between international migration and education attainment levels. We ask whether rural children who live in households that experience migration or/and receiving remittances are more likely to complete school at a given age than children who live in non-migrant households. Higher secondary and higher education levels are examined separately. Our results clearly show that children in remittance-receiving households complete significantly more years of schooling. In particular, remittances increase the probability of a male child completing high school. However, the evidence suggests that the international migration lowers deeply the chances of children completing higher education. Evidence also indicates the utmost importance of households' socio-economic status in determining to what extent the household mitigates the possible detrimental effects of migration on their children's educational outcomes. |
| Keywords: | International migration; Education; Remittances; Morocco |
| JEL: | F24 I22 O15 O55 |
| Date: | 2015–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tac:wpaper:2015-2016_3&r=all |
| By: | Jamal BOUOIYOUR; Amal MIFTAH |
| Abstract: | Using a nationally-representative household data set from Morocco, the present study seeks to estimate the effects of migrants' remittances on household investments in children's human capital. Three findings emerge. First, children in remittance-receiving households are more likely to attend school and less likely to drop out compared with those in non-remittance-receiving households. Second, children's participation in labor market decreases in the presence of international remittances. Third, we find remittances to be associated with significantly lower level of no schooling for girls. These findings support the growing view that remittances can help increase the educational opportunities, especially for female children. |
| Keywords: | Child Labor; Education; Gender Inequality; Remittances; Morocco |
| Date: | 2015–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tac:wpaper:2015-2016_4&r=all |
| By: | Hesham Abdelghany (alexandria university) |
| Abstract: | The research investigated the impact of accounting disclosure quality and information asymmetry on the Egyptian stock market activity. The research provided some insights for the efficiency of the Egyptian stock market and how accounting disclosures play an active role in certain circumstances leading to reducing the informational gap between investors and management and enhancing the responsiveness to information in terms of increase in stock prices, transactions volume and transactions value. Data has been collected for companies listed in the Egyptian stock market for the period from 2002 through 2014. Research sample comprised of 60 companies which results in 780 observations for the research. I found that there are significant association between both accounting disclosure quality and information asymmetry and the stock market activity. |
| Keywords: | accounting disclosure quality |
| JEL: | E44 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:2704127&r=all |
| By: | Nassr Saleh Mohamad Ahmad (Al-Jabel Al-Garbi University) |
| Abstract: | AbstractPurpose: This paper aims to setting up a road map for using profit-and-loss sharing (PLS) type of Islamic financing to overcome the financial difficulties of SMEs in Libya. Design/Methodology/Approach: The road map has been developed based on the conceptual framework of Ascarys's (2010) which use the Analytic Network Process (ANP) method, to analyse problems faced by Islamic banks when dealing with PLS financing. Findings: The study found that (1) there is a finance gap in financing SMEs in Libya; (2) most Libyan firms have knowledge about the existence of Islamic banking and finance; (3) loan has interest is the highest important reason as to why Libyan SMEs do not apply for any loan from the bank; (4) the portfolio of Islamic finance worldwide is dominated by non PLS financing; and (5) the conceptual framework of Ascarys's (2010) includes three aspects of the lack of PLS in Islamic banks namely, problems, alternative solution and development strategies. Research limitations: An empirical study is needed to provide more support to the suggested road map.Originality/Value: This is the first study that proposal the use of PLS for financing SMEs in Libya. The paper demonstrated various issues for PLS financing of SMEs in Libya which could help policy makers to undertake some serious public policy issues by understanding motives for encouraging Libyan Islamic banks and SMEs to deal with such PLS contracts. |
| Keywords: | Profit-and-Loss Sharing (PLS); Islamic Finance; Islamic Banks; Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs); Road Map; The Conceptual Framework of Ascarys's (2010); Libya. |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:2704904&r=all |