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on MENA - Middle East and North Africa |
| By: | Roesmara Donna, Duddy; Widodo, Tri; Adiningsih, Sri |
| Abstract: | Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is an area with some special character, i.e. not easy to realize the process of integration and the country with abundant natural resources have better trade performance. This study aims to analyze the effects of RTAs to the trade of countries in MENA regions. The Gravity Model used to test the effects of democracy on trade. Estimation is done with several models, i.e. FE, RE, MLE, and PPML. The effects of RTAs on trade in MENA regions are varies. AA (Agadir Agreement) affects without trade creation, but trade diversion (1.41 percent) in the block and creates exports and imports with countries outside the block. The AMU (Arab Maghreb Union) affects through trade creation (4.07 percent) in blocks and imports diversion from outside into blocks. COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) affects through trade creation (7.09 percent) in the blocks and export and import diversion from outside into blocks. The GAFTA (Greater Arab Free Trade Region) affects through trade creation (2.57 percent) in the blocks and export and imports creation outside the block. While the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) affects through export and import creation (2.59 percent). From this results can be concluded that RTAs increase bilateral trade in MENA region through several ways and various effect. |
| Keywords: | trade, export, RTA, Gravity Model, MENA |
| JEL: | F14 F17 |
| Date: | 2018–03–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:85254&r=ara |
| By: | Khobai, Hlalefang |
| 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: | C32 D04 Q01 Q42 Q47 |
| Date: | 2018–03–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:85082&r=ara |
| By: | Frédéric DOCQUIER (Université Catholique de Louvain); Aysit TANSEL (Middle East Technical University (Turkey)); Riccardo TURATI (IRES - Université Catholique de Louvain) |
| Abstract: | This paper empirically investigates whether emigrants from MENA countries self-select on cultural traits such as religiosity and gender-egalitarian attitudes. To do so, we use Gallup World Poll data on individual opinions and beliefs, migration aspirations, short-run migration plans, and preferred destination choices. We find that individuals who intend to emigrate to OECD, high-income countries exhibit significantly lower levels of religiosity than the rest of the population. They also share more gender-egalitarian views, although the effect only holds among the young (aged 15 to 30), among single women, and in countries with a Sunni minority. For countries mostly affected by Arab Spring, since 2011 the degree of cultural selection has decreased. Nevertheless, the aggregate effects of cultural selection should not be overestimated. Overall, self-selection along cultural traits has limited (albeit non negligible) effects on the average characteristics of the population left behind, and on the cultural distance between natives and immigrants in the OECD countries. |
| Keywords: | international migration, self-selection, cultural traits, gender-egalitarian attitudes, religiosity, MENA region. |
| JEL: | F22 O15 J61 Z10 |
| Date: | 2018–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fdi:wpaper:4251&r=ara |
| By: | Frédéric DOCQUIER (Université Catholique de Louvain); Aysit TANSEL (Middle East Technical University (Turkey)); Riccardo TURATI (IRES - Université Catholique de Louvain) |
| Abstract: | This paper empirically investigates whether emigrants from MENA countries self-select on cultural traits such as religiosity and gender-egalitarian attitudes. To do so, we use Gallup World Poll data on individual opinions and beliefs, migration aspirations, short-run migration plans, and preferred destination choices. We find that individuals who intend to emigrate to OECD, high-income countries exhibit significantly lower levels of religiosity than the rest of the population. They also share more gender-egalitarian views, although the effect only holds among the young (aged 15 to 30), among single women, and in countries with a Sunni minority. For countries mostly affected by Arab Spring, since 2011 the degree of cultural selection has decreased. Nevertheless, the aggregate effects of cultural selection should not be overestimated. Overall, self-selection along cultural traits has limited (albeit non negligible) effects on the average characteristics of the population left behind, and on the cultural distance between natives and immigrants in the OECD countries. |
| Keywords: | international migration, self-selection, cultural traits, gender-egalitarian attitudes, religiosity, MENA region. |
| JEL: | F22 O15 J61 Z10 |
| Date: | 2018–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fdi:wpaper:4254&r=ara |
| By: | Suliman A. El Talla; Samy S. Abu Naser (Department of Information Technology - Al-Azhar University); Mazen J. Al Shobaki (Department of Information Technology - Al-Azhar University); Youssef M. Abu Amuna |
| Abstract: | The study aimed to identify the reality of technical education in Palestine. The analytical descriptive method was used in the study. A questionnaire which consisted of 41 paragraphs was distributed randomly to the technical colleges in Gaza Strip. Random sample of (275) employees of these colleges were used, and the response rate was (74.5%). The results showed a high degree of approval for the dimensions of technical education with a relative weight of 76.07%. The ranking and relative weight was as follows: Technical education institutions: 79.51%, graduates of technical education 75.75%, Labor market and local community 72.96%. The researchers propose a number of recommendations, the most important of which is: the need to pay attention to technical education in line with the National Strategic Plan for Higher Education by moving towards technical education. The importance of offering special courses in all technical education programs in these colleges. The researchers urged more future studies that address the same variables as the current study and apply them to other sectors. |
| Keywords: | Technical education institutions,graduates of technical education,labor market and community,technical colleges |
| Date: | 2017–12–15 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01695445&r=ara |
| By: | Bakari, Sayef; Mabrouki, Mohamed |
| Abstract: | The contribution of this paper is investigating the influence of agricultural exports and agricultural imports on economic growth in North Africa Countries since it’s never been processed before. To endeavor this purpose annual data was collected for the period 1982 – 2016 and was tested by using correlation analysis and the static gravity model. Empirical analyses show that agricultural trade has a positive correlation with gross domestic product, but it appears that agricultural exports and gross domestic product have a weak correlation. The static gravity model estimation shows that agricultural exports have a positive on economic growth. However, agricultural imports have not any effect on economic growth. These results appear that agricultural exports are a fountain of economic growth in North Africa Countries. For this reason, it is very important to refine agricultural investment, and create more dynamic agricultural trade openness policies. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural Exports, Agricultural Imports, Economic Growth, Correlation Analysis, Static Gravity Model, North Africa. |
| JEL: | F11 F14 O44 O55 Q17 Q18 |
| Date: | 2018–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:85116&r=ara |
| By: | Hicham Sadok (Mohamed V University Rabat, Morocco) |
| Abstract: | Objective – This paper aims to examine the relationship between exchange rates and trade balance in Morocco, to investigate whether the Marshall-Lerner condition and J-curve exist. Methodology/Technique – This paper attempts to identify the relationship between the real exchange rate and trade balance in Morocco between 2000 to 2015. Findings – Historically, exchange rates have had a strong impact on foreign trade in Morocco. Novelty – This study concludes that the fluctuation of exchange rates has no notable impact on the rate of foreign trade. |
| JEL: | D51 D59 |
| Date: | 2018–02–13 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gtr:gatrjs:jber151&r=ara |
| By: | Amr Radwan (Academy of Scientific Research & Technology); Mahmoud Sakr (Academy of Scientific Research & Technology) |
| Abstract: | In this review, we conduct an exploratory study to assess Egypt Science and Technology System by the utilization of the Delphi survey combined with " Electronic Town Meeting " protocol following a preliminary evaluation of research and innovation performance at the national level. The application of this protocol was directed toward a realization of national science and technology SWOT analysis. Within this analytical framework, we examined different components of Egypt Science and Technology System in addition to competencies, bottlenecks and opportunities with the aim of providing a concrete assessment view and draw useful directions that could be rapidly utilized in different settings. We recommend using this combined protocol in the different strategic planning settings and actions. Reference to this paper Radwan, A.; Sakr, M. 2017. Review of Egypt Science and Technology System Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues 5(2): 204-211. http://doi.org/10.9770/jesi.2017.5.2(3) JEL Classifications: O1; O3 |
| Keywords: | sociology,innovation system Additional disciplines: political sciences,research assessment,Science and Technology,SWOT analysis |
| Date: | 2017–12–31 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01703302&r=ara |
| By: | Lamia Benhabib (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); 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) |
| Abstract: | We present the results of a correspondence testing, designed to measure the effect of gender on the probability of obtaining a job interview in the region of Oran (Algeria). The experimental protocol consists in responding to job offers in the accounting profession with 300 fictitious applications from identical profiles of distinct gender. Against conventional wisdom, the analysis of gross and conditional discrimination reveals a marked favouritism towards female candidates applying for various job positions in the accounting profession, which is experiencing some shortage. Beyond this paradox of positive discrimination favouring women, the explanation may be found in the presumed acceptance of lower wages by female applicants, driving to entrenchment in low-skilled jobs. |
| Keywords: | testing,Algeria,discrimination,gender,labour market,inequalities |
| Date: | 2017–06–29 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01683421&r=ara |
| By: | Sahbi Sidhom (LORIA - Laboratoire Lorrain de Recherche en Informatique et ses Applications - Inria - Institut National de Recherche en Informatique et en Automatique - UL - Université de Lorraine - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique); Anass El Haddadi (ENSAH - ENSA Al-Hoceima); Abdelkrim Meziane (CERIST - Centre de recherche sur l'Information Scientifique et Technique - M.E.N.E.S.R. - Ministère de l'Éducation nationale, de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche); Mohamed Addam (ENSAH - ENSA Al-Hoceima); Jaber El Bouhdidi (ENSAT - ENSA Tétouan) |
| Abstract: | The governance of knowledge seems to be the Scientific Policy most able to creating value with regard of human and its evolution in cultures and civilizations. The duty of good governance is a consideration of the transfer of knowledge related to scientific and technological progress. Intrinsically, this process requires a system of knowledge organization and its management by implementing knowledge production and its influence in society. In the present case, rely across all paradigms, know-how and specific knowledge to scientific disciplines and especially those in Humanities and Social Sciences, allows finding a dynamic of Knowledge Organization for dissemination, sharing and enhancement of knowledge. This new transdisciplinary orientation allows including concepts, tools and singular perspectives in the digital field and information technology. With this new focus on the Knowledge Organization from the perspective of "Digital Humanities", the objective of the ISKO-Maghreb Chapter is to contribute in understanding the factors that organize knowledge and phenomena that affect the information society. Actions to be undertaken by the ISKO society must take into account socio-cultural, cognitive and economic in the strategic management of knowledge. Towards the knowledge society in line with the Digital Humanities, it should be seen in its dynamic, its content and its interaction with science, technology and transdisciplinary associated to universities, companies and politics. In this new context "Digital Humanities" related to aspects of the "Knowledge Organization” and modalities of its management", a first orientation is pedagogical trying to answer the question "What is known about the knowledge and its organization in the context of Digital Humanities? ". Then the question is evolving towards societal issues of knowledge, researches and applications, to provide clarifications towards the convergence of approaches and practices for the common use of digital platforms. Education, science, culture, communication and technology remain the major themes covered by ISKO Maghreb, for the development of the knowledge organization, collective intelligence and the perspective of the Digital Humanities. In a friendly atmosphere, hospitality and open to exchange, the international symposium ISKO-Maghreb was thought to enhance the Scientific Society "ISKO" with the universities, the practitioners in the Maghreb countries and the world. The international Symposium ISKO-Maghreb is organized in its sixth (6th.) edition in Morocco (Al-Hoceima) in May 11 – 13, 2017, after the five successful editions. This edition is organized by ENSAH (National School of Applied Sciences of Al Hoceima) - Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, FSTH (Faculty of sciences - Al-Hoceima), and sponsored by the Universities of Maghreb and Europe countries. |
| Keywords: | Mathématiques et outils de modélisation,Bibliothèque virtuelle,Management des connaissances KM,Organisation de la connaissance,Humanités numériques,Analyse du document,Indexation Conceptuelle,Web sémantique WS |
| Date: | 2017–05–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01714154&r=ara |
| By: | Hassan B. Ghassan; Hassan R. Al-Hajhoj; Faruk Balli |
| Abstract: | The paper aims to explore the impacts of bi-demographic structure on the current account and growth. We use a Structural VAR modeling to track the dynamic impacts between the underlying variables of Saudi economy. New insights are developed in studying the relation between population growth, current account and economic growth inside the neoclassical theory of population. The long-run net impact on economic growth of the bi-source of population growth is negative due to lower skills of the immigrant labor endowment. This empirical outcome also confirmed in some previous papers. Besides, the negative long-run contribution of immigrant workers to the current account growth largely exceeds that of the native population because of the increasing levels of remittance outflows. We find that a positive shock in the migration flows leads to a negative impact on native active age ratio. Thus, the immigrants appear to be more substitutes than complements for native workers. |
| Date: | 2018–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:1803.11161&r=ara |
| By: | Fahim Akhter (King Saud University) |
| Abstract: | The objective of this study is to explore the level of reliance of business processes on technologies for growth and sustainability of Saudi entrepreneurship. The technological business environment has pressed the entrepreneurs to adopt the information systems to overcome operating deficiencies, including high costs, small production cycles, dormant business process and scare financial resources. The future growth and sustainability of the Saudi entrepreneurship are depending on the adoption and integration of information systems allowing to facilitate the trade processes across functional units, use of a standatized database and information sahring. Obtained data support the technological reform that claims that business technology will enable the decision-making process to be timely, consistent and reliable across organizational units and geographical locations. The data collected through online surveys with thirty-one Saudi entrepreneurs revealed the barriers faced by the entrepreneurship, and allowed to summarize provided recommendations. The analysis indicated that the growth and sustainability of the enterprise are subject to adoption of technology oriented business process lead by information systems in the organizations. The outcome of the study is further recommendation to educate and spread the awareness about the implementation of information systems to address the electronic business process. The study will help to organize, assess and improve business processes in order to meet the new requirements set by competition among entrepreneurial companies. |
| Keywords: | electronic commerce,information systems,sustainability,entrepreneurship |
| Date: | 2017–09–29 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01724064&r=ara |
| By: | Natalia T. Tamirisa; Christoph Duenwald |
| Abstract: | Analysis of policies for managing public sector wage bills in the Middle East and Central Asia region. While some work has been done recently at the Fund on issues related to government employment and compensation, to our knowledge, this is the first study to systematically examine, with a focus on the Middle East and Central Asia region, the recent trends and drivers of public wage bills in the region and to identify key policy implications. |
| Keywords: | Public sector;Public sector wages;Public employment;Public expenditure management;Public expenditures reform;Public services;Public employment systems;Public sector; Public sector wages; Public employment; Public expenditure management; Public expenditures reform; Public services; Public employment systems |
| Date: | 2018–01–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfdep:18/01&r=ara |
| By: | Hanedar, Avni Önder; Yaldız Hanedar, Elmas |
| Abstract: | In this paper, based on cliometric methodology we use new historical data on the most popular stocks traded at the İstanbul bourse between 1910 and 1914, to examine the effect of wars on stock market prices. During this period, the Ottoman Empire was involved in the Turco-Italian and the Balkan wars, leading to massive land losses and risks for the companies before the First World War. The data are manually collected from the available volumes of a daily Ottoman newspaper, Tanin. Our findings are surprising, as we observe only a temporary and small drop in stock prices, indicating little perceived risk by stock investors of the İstanbul bourse. |
| Keywords: | Cliometrics; The İstanbul stock exchange; stocks; the Turco-Italian war; the Balkan wars; Structural breaks |
| JEL: | E44 G1 N25 |
| Date: | 2017–02–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:85600&r=ara |
| By: | Pandow, Bilal |
| Abstract: | A significant amount of work is being undertaken globally on the measurements of public sector debt to enhance its sustainability. Although adoption of standards is likely to take time, a few applications are gradually being accepted internationally. In this chapter an attempt has been made to measure the sustainability of Oman’s public debt and provide a framework based on international practices, to review and propose policy options for the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) and Ministry of Finance (MOF). The Financial Affairs Council (FAC) and the MOF are the two apex authorities responsible for all financial matters in Oman. The FAC is composed of the MOF and representatives from the CBO and the Capital Market Authority (CMA). The MOF proposes financial policies to the FAC related to regulations for adoption and also monitors their implementation. Also, the MOF has authority to borrow on behalf of the Government and keep records of the government’s financial transactions. Specifications such as the purpose and limits of borrowing and objectives of debt management strategy are not spelled out clearly and the reporting of debt management activities is not mandated. In addition, there is no Public Debt Act in Oman. The main objective of this paper is to analyze the global scenario of and solutions for public debt management, current challenges and debt market development in order to identify relevant policy options for the authorities in the Sultanate of Oman. |
| Keywords: | Public debt management, Central Bank of Oman, Primary market, Debt to GDP ratio |
| JEL: | G2 P0 P1 |
| Date: | 2018–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:85651&r=ara |