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on MENA - Middle East and North Africa |
| By: | Thierry Pairault (CECMC-CCJ - Centre d'études sur la Chine moderne et contemporaine - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) |
| Abstract: | From Bandung to the present day, China's place and role in Africa have evolved considerably. Thierry Pairault shows that through the desire to integrate Chinese carmakers and manufacturers in the Algerian and Moroccan economies, the shift towards a predominant market logic in Sino-African relations is also accompanied by a gradual changeover between regions - in this case from Algeria to Morocco. Also appears a diversion of the internationalization of China. The partnerships signed by Chinese companies in the Algerian and Moroccan automobile sectors are less the manifestation of their integration than a modality of the globalization of traditional manufacturers through their Chinese partners - not to say their Chinese subsidiaries. |
| Abstract: | De Bandung à nos jours, la place et le rôle de la Chine en Afrique ont considérablement évolué. Thierry Pairault montre qu’à travers la volonté d’insertion dans les économies algérienne et marocaine des constructeurs et équipementiers automobiles chinois, le basculement vers une logique de marché prédominante dans les relations sino-africaines s’accompagne également d’un basculement progressif entre pôles régionaux – en l’espèce de l’Algérie vers le Maroc. Apparaît en outre un détournement de l’internationalisation de la Chine. Les partenariats que signent les entreprises chinoises dans les filières automobiles algérienne et marocaine sont moins la manifestation de leur insertion qu’une modalité de la mondialisation des constructeurs traditionnels par l’intermédiaire de leurs partenaires chinois – pour ne pas dire leurs filiales chinoises. |
| Date: | 2018 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-01695880&r=ara |
| By: | Samir, Saidi; Shahbaz, Muhammad; Akhtar, Pervaiz |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the impact of transport energy consumption and transport infrastructure on economic growth by utilizing panel data on MENA countries (the Middle East and North Africa region) for the period of 2000-2016. The MENA region panel is divided into three sub-groups of countries: GCC panel (containing the Gulf Cooperation Council countries), N-GCC panel (containing countries that are not members of the Gulf Cooperation Council), and North African countries (called MATE — Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt). Using the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM), we find that transport energy consumption significantly adds to economic growth in MENA, N-GCC and MATE regions. Transport infrastructure positively contribute to economic growth in all regions. The Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality analysis shows the feedback effect of transport energy consumption and transport infrastructure with economic growth. The empirical results add a new dimension to the importance of investing in modern infrastructure that facilitates the use of more energy-efficient modes and alternative technologies that positively affect the economy with minimizing negative externalities. |
| Keywords: | Transport, Energy Consumption, Infrastructure, Economic Growth, GMM, MENA Countries |
| JEL: | A1 |
| Date: | 2018–03–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:85037&r=ara |
| By: | Hlalefang Khobai (Department of Economics, Nelson Mandela University) |
| Abstract: | The study purposes to investigate the relationship between renewable energy consumption and economic growth in Turkey using annual data covering the period 1990–2014. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model is applied and the findings suggest existence of a long run relationship among the variables. The ARDL long run estimation results discovered that renewable energy consumption has a positive and significant effect on economic growth. The results from the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) reveals that there is a unidirectional causality flowing from economic growth to renewable energy consumption without feedback. This findings bring a fresh perspective for policy makers for long run and sustainable economic development in Turkey. |
| Keywords: | Renewable energy consumption, Economic growth, Causality, Turkey |
| JEL: | D04 Q47 Q42 Q01 |
| Date: | 2018–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mnd:wpaper:1807&r=ara |
| By: | Asongu, Simplice; Nwachukwu, Jacinta |
| Abstract: | We model core demands for better governance (political, economic and institutional), more employment and less consumer price inflation using a methodological innovation on the complete elimination of cross-country differences in signals susceptible of sparking social revolts. The empirical evidence based on 14 MENA countries show that the Arab Spring was predictable in 2007 to occur between January 2011 and April 2012. While the findings predict the wave of cross-country revolutions with almost mathematical precision, caveats and cautions are discussed for the scholar to understand the expositional dimensions of the empirics. |
| Keywords: | Arab Spring; Political Instability; Timing; Economic Growth |
| JEL: | N17 O11 O20 O47 P52 |
| Date: | 2017–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:85055&r=ara |
| By: | Anas Yassine (MSFGR - Laboratoire Management, Systèmes Financiers et Gestion des Risques [Casablanca] - Université Hassan II Casablanca - UH2C (MOROCCO)); Abdelmadjid Ibenrissoul |
| Abstract: | This article aims to explore an empirical approach to analyze the macroeconomicsdeterminants of default of borrowers. For this purpose, we have measured the impact of the adverse economic conditions on the degradation of the credit portfolio quality. In our paper, we have shed more light on the question of the aggravation of default rate. For this, we have undertaken econometric modeling of the default rate distribution of a Moroccan bank while we inspired from some studies carried out. Our findings demonstrate that the decline in the economic situation has a positive impact on default of borrowers. Hence, the bank also has responsibility for monitoring the adverse economic conditions. |
| Abstract: | Cet article se propose d'explorer une approche empirique pour détecter les déterminants macroéconomiques de la défaillance des emprunteurs. Ceci, dans l'objectif de mesurer et expliquer l'impact des évolutions défavorables de la conjoncture économique sur la dégradation de la qualité du portefeuille de crédit. Dans notre étude nous avons jeté la lumière sur la problématique de l'aggravation des taux de défaut, en s'inspirant des travaux précurseurs sur la défaillance des emprunteurs. Nos résultats démontrent que les récessions économiques sont au cœur de la problématique de la solvabilité des emprunteurs. De ce fait, les banques doivent surveiller d'une façon active les évolutions des facteurs de risques macroéconomiques, et redéfinir leurs dispositifs de gestion des risques traditionnellement inscrits dans le cadre des mesures microprudentielles. |
| Keywords: | solvability,Risk factors,solvability 2,solvabilité,taux de défaut,macroéconomique,Facteurs de risque,Key-words: Risk factors,macroeconomic,default rate,credit |
| Date: | 2017–01–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-01683225&r=ara |
| By: | Christophe Muller (GREQAM - Groupement de Recherche en Économie Quantitative d'Aix-Marseille - ECM - Ecole Centrale de Marseille - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - AMU - Aix Marseille Université - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales) |
| Abstract: | Social programmes for poverty alleviation involve eligibility rules and transfer rules that often proxy-means tests. We propose to specify the estimator in connection with the poverty alleviation problem. Three distinct stages emerge from the optimization analysis: the identification of the poor, the ranking of their priorities and the calculus of the optimal transfer amount. These stages are implemented simultaneous by using diverse distribution regression methods to generate fitted-values of living standards plugged into the poverty minimization programme to obtain the transfer amounts. We apply these methods to Egypt in 2013. Recentered Influence Function (RIF) regressions focusing on the poor correspond to the most efficient transfer scheme. Most of the efficiency gain is obtained by making transfer amounts varying across beneficiaries rather than by varying estimation methods. Using RIF regressions instead of quantile regressions delivers only marginal poverty alleviation, although it allows for substantial reduction of the exclusion of the poor. |
| Keywords: | targeting,poverty,optimizing estimator |
| Date: | 2018–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:wpaper:halshs-01684570&r=ara |
| By: | Philippe Adair (ERUDITE - Equipe de Recherche sur l’Utilisation des Données Individuelles en lien avec la Théorie Economique - UPEM - Université Paris-Est Marne-la-Vallée - UPEC UP12 - Université Paris-Est Créteil Val-de-Marne - Paris 12); Ali Souag (ERUDITE - Equipe de Recherche sur l’Utilisation des Données Individuelles en lien avec la Théorie Economique - UPEM - Université Paris-Est Marne-la-Vallée - UPEC UP12 - Université Paris-Est Créteil Val-de-Marne - Paris 12) |
| Date: | 2018–01–15 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-01683932&r=ara |
| By: | Farah Khattab (School of Business, Lebanese International University, P.O. Box: 146404, Beirut-Lebanon) |
| Abstract: | Objective –The objective of this study is to identify and implement the most suitable and prominent dimensions for service quality, which is key for the development of a successful model. Within a competitive academic environment, Lebanese higher education institutions are forced to develop their own dimensions of service quality and offer higher quality services than their competitors. Therefore, identifying the key dimensions of service quality in the Lebanese higher education sector is a priority for universities, to improve their overall services and maintain high levels of retention. The foremost condition to success is a well-developed service quality assessment process to evaluate university services. This paper aims to investigate the most effective service quality assessment tool for Lebanese universities, in addition to the corresponding dimensions of service quality and their impact on the satisfaction of the students. Methodology/Technique – This study undertakes a comprehensive review of recent studies dealing with different aspects of service quality models and the corresponding service quality dimensions are presented and discussed. Considering the proved and established qualities and capabilities of the SERVQUAL model and the urgent need for service quality assessment for private higher education institutions in Lebanon, a modified SERVQUAL model with seven dimensions is proposed and highlighted as a potential model for assessing service quality in the Lebanese higher education sector. Findings – Based on the comprehensive literature review carried out, it was noted that the SERVQUAL instrument is the most prominent model used in recent investigations to assess service quality in the higher education sector. Novelty – Choosing the proper and the most influential service quality model is one of the crucial challenges faced in higher education |
| Keywords: | Service Quality; Quality Dimensions; Service Model; Customer Satisfaction; Lebanese Higher Education. |
| JEL: | I20 I23 I29 |
| Date: | 2018–02–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gtr:gatrjs:jmmr177&r=ara |
| By: | Mazen J. Al Shobaki (Department of Information Technology - Al-Azhar University); Samy S. Abu Naser (Department of Information Technology - Al-Azhar University); Ashraf A. M. Salama; Abed Alfetah M. Alferjany; Youssef M. Abu Amuna |
| Abstract: | The study aimed to identify the role of measuring and evaluating performance in achieving the objectives of control and the performance of the job at the Islamic University in Gaza Strip. To achieve the objectives of the research, the researchers used the descriptive analytical approach to collect information which is the questionnaire that consisted of (22) phrases were distributed to three categories of employees of the Islamic University (Faculty Members and Their Assistants, Members of the Administrative Board, Senior Management). A random sample of (314) employees was selected and 276 responses were retrieved with a recovery rate of 88.1%. The Statistical Analysis Program (SPSS) was used to enter process and analyze the data. The results of the research showed a positive role between measuring and evaluating the performance and achieving the objectives of the control of performance in the Islamic University from the point of view of the members (senior management, faculty and their assistants, and members of administrative board). The researchers also recommended a number of recommendations, most notably the provision of an appropriate level of the elements of the control systems today through the modernization and continuous development of performance measures and the need to provide the physical and financial resources necessary to continue the development and achievement within the university, to expand the development of technology in the various activities of the university through the construction of a complete and integrated system to support supervision systems in the university to suit the size of the university. The researchers also recommended following up and reviewing the performance measures and work to modify them in line with the mission and the goals of the university that it seeks to reach. |
| Keywords: | Measuring and Evaluating Performance,Palestine,Gaza Strip,Islamic University,Senior Management,Members of the Administrative Board,Faculty Members and Their Assistants,Supervision |
| Date: | 2018–01–29 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01695437&r=ara |
| By: | International Monetary Fund |
| Abstract: | Growth has recovered and should reach 4.4 percent in 2017, although non-agricultural activity remains subdued. Inflation is low and well-anchored. The fiscal deficit is expected to decline to 3.5 percent in 2017 and public debt is sustainable. The current account deficit is projected to decline moderately and international reserves are at a comfortable level. Job creation has improved, but social tensions have increased in 2017, and much remains to be done to reduce structural unemployment, especially for the young, and to promote higher and more inclusive growth. |
| Date: | 2018–03–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfscr:18/75&r=ara |
| By: | International Monetary Fund |
| Abstract: | Selected Issues |
| Date: | 2018–03–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfscr:18/76&r=ara |
| By: | Abed Alfetah M. Alferjany; Ashraf A. M. Salama; Youssef M. Abu Amuna (Department of Information Technology - Al-Azhar University); Mazen J. Al Shobaki (Department of Information Technology - Al-Azhar University); Samy S. Abu Naser |
| Abstract: | The study aimed to identify the relationship between correcting the deviations in the measurement of performance and achieving the objectives of control and the performance of the job at the Islamic University in the Gaza Strip. To achieve the objectives of the research, the researchers used the descriptive analytical approach to collect information. The questionnaire consisted of (20) statements distributed to three categories of employees of the Islamic University (senior management, faculty members, their assistants and members of the administrative board). A random sample of 314 employees was selected and 276 responses were retrieved with a recovery rate of 88.1%. The Statistical Analysis Program (SPSS) was used to enter, process, and analyze the data. The results of the study showed a positive relationship between correcting deviations in performance measurement and achieving the control objectives represented by the functional performance in the Islamic University from the point of view of the members (senior management, faculty and their assistants, and the administrative board), where the relative weight of all the paragraphs was (74.25%). The study recommended the need to ensure that the actual performance of the planned performance is matched and decisions are taken to correct the serious deviations and take the necessary measures in terms of retraining and change in regulations, wages and bonuses and punishment of the culprit, neglect and negligence by mistake. |
| Keywords: | Job Performance,Correcting Deviations,Performance Measurement,Islamic University,Supervision,Performance Standards |
| Date: | 2018–01–29 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01695427&r=ara |
| By: | Stefano Farolfi (UMR G-EAU - Gestion de l'Eau, Acteurs, Usages - Montpellier SupAgro - Institut national d’études supérieures agronomiques de Montpellier - CIHEAM - Centre International des Hautes Études Agronomiques Méditerranéennes - AgroParisTech - IRSTEA - Institut national de recherche en sciences et technologies pour l'environnement et l'agriculture - CIRAD - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, CIRAD - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, UM - Université de Montpellier); Dimitri Dubois (LAMETA - Laboratoire Montpelliérain d'Économie Théorique et Appliquée - UM1 - Université Montpellier 1 - UM3 - Université Paul-Valéry - Montpellier 3 - Montpellier SupAgro - Centre international d'études supérieures en sciences agronomiques - INRA Montpellier - Institut national de la recherche agronomique [Montpellier] - UM - Université de Montpellier - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - Montpellier SupAgro - Institut national d’études supérieures agronomiques de Montpellier, UM - Université de Montpellier); Sylvie Morardet (UMR G-EAU - Gestion de l'Eau, Acteurs, Usages - Montpellier SupAgro - Institut national d’études supérieures agronomiques de Montpellier - CIHEAM - Centre International des Hautes Études Agronomiques Méditerranéennes - AgroParisTech - IRSTEA - Institut national de recherche en sciences et technologies pour l'environnement et l'agriculture - CIRAD - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, IRSTEA - Institut national de recherche en sciences et technologies pour l'environnement et l'agriculture, UM - Université de Montpellier); Imen Nouichi (UMR G-EAU - Gestion de l'Eau, Acteurs, Usages - Montpellier SupAgro - Institut national d’études supérieures agronomiques de Montpellier - CIHEAM - Centre International des Hautes Études Agronomiques Méditerranéennes - AgroParisTech - IRSTEA - Institut national de recherche en sciences et technologies pour l'environnement et l'agriculture - CIRAD - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement); Serge Marlet (UMR G-EAU - Gestion de l'Eau, Acteurs, Usages - Montpellier SupAgro - Institut national d’études supérieures agronomiques de Montpellier - CIHEAM - Centre International des Hautes Études Agronomiques Méditerranéennes - AgroParisTech - IRSTEA - Institut national de recherche en sciences et technologies pour l'environnement et l'agriculture - CIRAD - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, CIRAD - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, UM - Université de Montpellier) |
| Abstract: | L'eau d'irrigation est une ressource cruciale pour le développement économique et social en Tunisie. Dans un contexte de décentralisation et de dévolution du rôle de l'Etat, une part importante de la gestion de cette eau d'irrigation a été confiée aux Groupements de Développement Agricole (GDA). Ces groupements souffrent cependant d'un manque de reconnaissance de la part des usagers, qui se manifeste essentiellement par un faible consentement de leur part à payer les redevances. Dans cet article nous nous demandons dans quelle mesure l'information fournie aux usagers sur le fonctionnement du système (information « institutionnelle ») et/ou sur les décisions prises par les autres usagers (information « sociale ») peut impacter leur consentement à payer. Notre analyse s'est faite en deux temps. Nous avons commencé par une enquête sur le terrain, laquelle révèle effectivement une demande des irrigants en matière de diffusion d'informations. Nous avons ensuite élaboré une expérience permettant d'isoler l'impact de différents types d'information sur les décisions prises par les individus dans le cadre d'un jeu qui a des propriétés proches de la situation de terrain. Les données collectées en laboratoire confirment l'existence d'une relation de causalité entre l'information fournie aux usagers et leur consentement à payer pour une ressource commune comme l'eau d'irrigation. Abstract Irrigation water is a crucial resource for economic and social development in Tunisia. In a context of decentralization and State devolution, the local associations for agricultural development or 'Groupements de Développement Agricole (GDA)' manage today a large share of irrigation water in the country. However, these institutions are experiencing a lack of acknowledgment by water users, resulting in a low willingness to pay (WTP) for water. In this article we study to what extent information provided to users on the functioning of the system (« institutional » information) and/or on the decisions taken by other users (« social » information) can affect their WTP. Our analysis is twofold. A field survey first revealed the farmers' demand for better information provision. A laboratory experiment allowed then to isolate the impact of the two types of information on subjects' decisions through a game with similar properties to those observed in the field. Data collected in the lab confirm the existence of a causality relation between information provided to users and their WTP for a common resource such as irrigation water. |
| Keywords: | Information ,experimental economics ,water,irrigation,Tunisia,économie expérimentale,eau,Tunisie |
| Date: | 2018–01–16 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-01685347&r=ara |
| By: | Isabelle Bensidoun (LEDa - Laboratoire d'Economie de Dauphine - Université Paris-Dauphine); Aude Sztulman (LEDa - Laboratoire d'Economie de Dauphine - Université Paris-Dauphine) |
| Abstract: | Over the last two decades the Egyptian labor market has undergone major changes that the social claims of the January 2011 revolution brought to light. Among them, lack of job security and associated weak social protection have been particularly criticized. Therefore the aim of this article is to present an overview of employment in Egypt, with a specific focus on the evolution of informal employment. To this end we use individual data from nationally representative household surveys carried out in 1998, 2006 and 2012. The descriptive and econometric analysis illustrates that over the period studied the withdrawal of the state as a provider of employment was very marked. Simultaneously, the state’s lack of commitment to enforce labor laws in the private sector has led to a significant increase in informal employment. Informal jobs concern specifically men, young people and the less qualified workers. Though, over time, age and education provide less effective protection against informal employment. The majority of private sector jobs not only lack social protection but are also becoming more and more insecure. |
| Abstract: | Le marché du travail égyptien a connu, au cours des deux dernières décennies, des mutations importantes que les revendications sociales de la révolution de janvier 2011 ont mises au jour. Parmi elles, le manque de sécurité des emplois et la faible couverture sociale qui leur est associée ont été particulièrement dénoncés. Aussi l’objectif de ce travail est-il de présenter un panorama de l’emploi en Égypte, en s’intéressant en particulier à l’évolution de l’emploi informel. À cette fin, les données individuelles issues d’enquêtes sur les ménages représentatives au niveau national et disponibles pour trois années (1998, 2006 et 2012) seront mobilisées. Les analyses descriptive et économétrique montrent que le désengagement de l’État en tant que pourvoyeur d’emplois a été particulièrement marqué sur cette période. Dans le même temps, son absence d’engagement à faire respecter la législation du travail dans le secteur privé s’est traduit par une progression significative de l’emploi informel. Ce dernier touche particulièrement les hommes, les jeunes et les moins éduqués, bien que l’âge et l’éducation assurent, avec le temps, une protection de moins en moins efficace face à l’emploi informel. À cette absence de protection sociale de la plupart des emplois privés s’ajoute la précarité qui caractérise nombre d’entre eux. |
| Keywords: | Labor market,informal employment,Egypt,marché du travail,emploi informel,Égypte |
| Date: | 2018–01–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-01681501&r=ara |
| By: | Menna, Khaled; Mehibel, Samer |
| Abstract: | According to the latest UNCTAD report on foreign direct investment (Unctad, 2017) Global FDI flows are expected to reach nearly $ 1.8 trillion in 2017, then $ 1.85 trillion in 2018 - still well below the record of 2007. North Africa received $ 14.5 billion as inward FDI flows, accounting for 3.4% of global flows. This rate was 3.5% in 2014 and 5.4% in 2013. The growth despite the decline in the share growth of about 11%. This increase is mainly due to the reforms introduced to FDI regulations and new gas discoveries in Egypt. Empirical works on FDI suggest many explanatory variables of attractiveness, but ultimately, no consensus emerges1. It is about several industrial factors (transport costs, implementation costs, salary costs, technological advantages, activity agglomerations … etc.), commercial (market size, proximity to demand, barriers to trade, membership in an integration zone) than institutional (tax or commercial policy, legislative provisions on capital repatriation or capital movement, country risk, business climate) (Alaya and al, 2009). This work looks at the comparison of North African countries with other countries. Ten countries were chosen, chosen because they have common problematics, and spread throughout the world. Then, based on the work of Unctad2, an " attractiveness contextualized index" is built, simple but robust, which makes it possible to locate, for each country of the sample, the aspects on which it is strong or weak. The comparison between the countries of North Africa can lead to economic policy proposals regarding FDI. The results show that the countries of North Africa had similar results except Tunisia, which ranked sixth among the countries in the sample. The other countries, Morocco, Egypt and Algeria obtained positions 7, 8 and 10 respectively. These results confirm the results obtained in terms of FDI inward flows. The attractiveness policies already practiced have shown their limits. A renewal of these policies based on research and development could turn the tables and highlight the assets available to the countries of North Africa. |
| Keywords: | FDI, Algeria, Attractiveness |
| JEL: | F21 F4 O5 |
| Date: | 2018–03–15 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:85559&r=ara |
| By: | Mohammed Bijou (LEAD - Laboratoire d'Économie Appliquée au Développement - UTLN - Université de Toulon); Narjis Bennouna (Université Paris-Dauphine) |
| Date: | 2018–01–20 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-01689120&r=ara |