|
on MENA - Middle East and North Africa |
| By: | Yassine Hilmi (UCD - Université Chouaib Doukkali); Fatima Ezzahra Fatine (UCD - Université Chouaib Doukkali) |
| Abstract: | In Morocco, new advertising investments and a reorganization of this market have taken place in recent years. To keep pace with this new trend, technological innovations are closely following the evolution of media consumption to offer Moroccan companies more and more solutions that will enable them to be close to their targets; social networks, geolocation ... The objective of this article is to establish an inventory of the policy of media coverage used by Moroccan companies at the moment. We chose a case study of the audit firm KPMG Morocco, focusing on various aspects of recruitment, firm news, events ... during 2015 and 2016. |
| Abstract: | Au Maroc, on assiste ces dernières années à de nouveaux investissements publicitaires et à une réorganisation de ce marché. Pour suivre cette nouvelle tendance, les innovations technologiques suivent de près l'évolution de la consommation des medias pour offrir aux entreprises marocaines toujours plus de solutions qui leur permettront d'être proche de leurs cibles ; réseaux sociaux, géolocalisation… L'objectif de cet article est d'établir un état des lieux de la politique de médiatisation utilisée par les entreprises marocaines à l'heure actuelle. Nous avons choisi une étude de cas du cabinet d'audit KPMG Maroc en s'intéressant à différents volets notamment au recrutement, actualité du cabinet, évènement… durant 2015 et 2016. |
| Date: | 2022–02–15 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04422283&r=ara |
| By: | Abdellah Echaoui (Faculté des sciences juridiques, économiques et sociales de Rabat Souissi); Chaimae Rachid (FSJES-Souissi, UM5 - Faculty of Law, Economic and Social Sciences of Souissi, Mohammed V University of Rabat) |
| Abstract: | This article provides an in-depth analysis of the impact of the global pandemic on the passenger rail sector in Morocco, highlighting the measures and initiatives put in place to ensure passenger safety and confidence. The study examines the impact of the national measures on the Moroccan economy and the various modes of transport, including rail transport. In addition, the article explores strategies deployed to reassure travelers, including health protocols to curb the spread of the virus. The final objective is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the health crisis situation on passenger rail in Morocco. To address this issue, a quantitative questionnaire study was conducted with 246 participants. This study helps us better understand the real impact of the pandemic, in particular on the behavior of travelers, and the measures taken by the ONCF to deal with this unprecedented situation. The results highlight the mixed impact of the health crisis on the ONCF. On the one hand, security concerns have led to a decrease in travel demand, and anti-virus measures have impacted the traveler experience. Nonetheless, the pandemic has also acted as a catalyst for the ONCF's digital transition, leading to notable improvements in online safety and accessibility. These developments underscore the need for the ONCF to continue to innovate and adapt to new realities in order to respond effectively to the changing expectations of travelers. |
| Abstract: | Cet article propose une analyse approfondie de l'impact de la pandémie mondiale sur le secteur du transport ferroviaire des voyageurs au Maroc, en mettant en lumière les mesures et initiatives mises en place pour garantir la sécurité et la confiance des voyageurs. Il examine les répercussions des mesures prises à l'échelle nationale sur l'économie marocaine et les différents modes de transport, notamment le transport ferroviaire. De plus, l'article explore les stratégies déployées pour rassurer les voyageurs, notamment les protocoles sanitaires pour freiner la propagation du virus. L'objectif final est de fournir une analyse complète de la situation de la crise sanitaire sur le transport ferroviaire des voyageurs au Maroc. Pour répondre à cette problématique, une étude quantitative sous forme de questionnaire a été menée auprès de 246 participants. Cette étude permet de mieux comprendre l'impact réel de la pandémie notamment sur le comportement des voyageurs ainsi que les mesures prises par l'ONCF pour faire face à cette situation inédite. Les résultats mettent en évidence les répercussions mitigées de la crise sanitaire sur l'ONCF. D'une part, des préoccupations liées à la sécurité ont engendré une diminution de la demande de voyages, et les mesures anti-virus ont impacté l'expérience des voyageurs. Néanmoins, la pandémie a également agi comme un catalyseur pour la transition numérique de l'ONCF, entraînant des améliorations notables en matière de sécurité et d'accessibilité en ligne. Ces évolutions soulignent la nécessité pour l'ONCF de continuer à innover et à s'adapter aux nouvelles réalités pour répondre efficacement aux attentes changeantes des voyageurs. |
| Keywords: | Health crisis, Rail transportation, Passengers, Pandemic, Preventive measures, Health protocols, Crisis management, Crise sanitaire, Transport ferroviaire, Voyageurs, Pandémie, Mesures préventives, Protocoles sanitaires, Gestion de la crise |
| Date: | 2024–01–26 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04420407&r=ara |
| By: | Khadija El Moutaouakil (UMI - Université Moulay Ismail, ULB - Université libre de Bruxelles); Abdelilah BAGUARE (UMI - Université Moulay Ismail) |
| Abstract: | Morocco increasingly emphasizes improving living conditions and human well-being by implementing numerous social programs covering key areas such as education, health, and employment. However, the impact of these programs remains largely unknown. This is why the Moroccan government has prioritized the evaluation of public policies, aligning with the international trend to integrate evaluation as an essential component of any public intervention process. This article examines the evolution of impact evaluation practice in Morocco from 1999 to 2021. We consulted various databases and websites to identify impact evaluations conducted in Morocco. Our research identified 40 impact assessment studies using experimental and quasi-experimental methods. We have observed a remarkable evolution over the years. However, the growth in the number of publications in this field has not yet taken on a regular rhythm. Moreover, the trend is not uniform across different sectors, with impact assessments predominating in the health and social protection sectors. We also note a prevalence of quasi-experimental approaches in conducting these evaluations. Finally, it should be noted that more than half of these studies are carried out by foreign researchers. |
| Abstract: | Le Maroc accorde de plus en plus d'importance à l'amélioration des conditions de vie et au bien-être humain, en mettant en place de nombreux programmes sociaux couvrant des domaines clés tels que l'éducation, la santé et l'emploi. Cependant, l'impact de ces programmes demeure largement méconnu. C'est pourquoi le gouvernement marocain a fait de l'évaluation des politiques publiques une priorité, s'inscrivant ainsi dans la tendance internationale visant à intégrer l'évaluation en tant que composante essentielle de tout processus d'intervention publique. Cet article examine l'évolution de la pratique de l'évaluation d'impact au Maroc de 1999 à 2021. Pour identifier les évaluations d'impact réalisées au Maroc, nous avons consulté diverses bases de données et sites web. Notre recherche a permis d'identifier 40 études d'évaluation d'impact utilisant des méthodes expérimentales et quasi-expérimentales. Nous observons une évolution remarquable au fil des années, cependant, la croissance du nombre de publications dans ce domaine n'a pas encore pris un rythme régulier. De plus, cette évolution n'est pas homogène entre les différents secteurs, marquée par une prédominance des évaluations d'impact dans les secteurs de la santé et de la protection sociale. Nous constatons également une prévalence des approches quasi-expérimentales dans la réalisation de ces évaluations. Enfin, il convient de noter que plus de la moitié de ces études sont menées par des chercheurs étrangers. |
| Keywords: | Evaluation d'impact, politique fondée sur des preuves, base de données probantes, Maroc |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04425726&r=ara |
| By: | Mnahel Babgi (CERGAM - Centre d'Études et de Recherche en Gestion d'Aix-Marseille - AMU - Aix Marseille Université - UTLN - Université de Toulon) |
| Abstract: | Digitalization and internationalization have an important role in the growth of enterprises, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In recent years, Borndigital SMEs have increased and internationalized faster than brick-and-mortar companies across the world. Notably, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the largest economy in the Middle East and North Africa region, recognizes the significance of digitalization in SMEs development, as these firms are contributing greatly to the country's GDP. Despite the increasing influx, there is a paucity of research that examines the factors affecting the digitization and internationalization processes of born-digital SMEs. Therefore, this doctoral research aims to develop a deeper understanding of this phenomenon to provide useful insights to the practitioners and policymakers. This research flows in three stages. In the first stage, a bibliometric analysis is conducted on 246 research papers in International Business and a subsequent front analysis is conducted to supplement the findings. To surge further, a quantitative survey is developed to investigate internationalization strategies and the role of digitalized value chain activities with the data collected from born digital SMEs. Finally, a case study analysis will be developed on the successful SMEs to examine the interplay of digitization and internationalization among SMEs in Saudi Arabia to enhance SMEs' global competitiveness and bridge the knowledge gap to contribute to the body of literature in this research area. |
| Keywords: | Digitalization Internationalization Born-digital companies, digitalized value chain, SMEs, Digitalization, Internationalization, Born-digital companies |
| Date: | 2023–05–29 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04401322&r=ara |
| By: | Serap Sagir (Middle East Technical University, Department of Economics, Ankara, Türkiye); Çağaçan Değer (Ege University, Department of Economics, İzmir, Türkiye); Durdane Sirin Saracoglu (Middle East Technical University, Department of Economics, Ankara, Türkiye) |
| Abstract: | In this paper we investigate the relationship between mother’s education level and the development of young children in Turkey using representative microdata from the 2018 Turkey Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS). The data include detailed information about the developmental status of young children of 36-to-59 months old. We find that only when the mother has at least a high school level education, there is a positive impact on the child’s developmental status as summarized the Early Childhood Development (ECD) index, which is an index constructed based on the child’s four developmental domains. We also show that the household’s wealth is also positively associated with the child’s developmental status, particularly in the socio-emotional and the learning readiness domains. |
| Keywords: | early childhood development, human capital accumulation, overlapping generations modeling, general equilibrium, economic growth, policy simulation |
| JEL: | C61 J24 O11 |
| Date: | 2023–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:met:wpaper:2304&r=ara |
| By: | Akgündüz, Yusuf Emre (Sabanci University); Aydemir, Abdurrahman B. (Sabanci University); Cilasun, Seyit Mümin (TED University); Kirdar, Murat Güray (Bogazici University) |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the degree to which immigration shock to a region propagates through supply chains. Using the unexpected arrival of Syrian refugees densely concentrated in border regions of Turkey, we estimate how firms throughout the country are affected in terms of their sales, employment, and wages. We also estimate the effect of the shock on interprovincial trade, focusing on trade volume and network formation. The results point to positive spillover effects of immigration for firms with pre-existing links to Syrian refugee-hosting regions through upstream and downstream linkages. We further find evidence for increased trade volume and network expansion through new trade linkages. |
| Keywords: | immigration, propagation, firm-to-firm trade, employment, production networks |
| JEL: | D22 J61 L14 |
| Date: | 2024–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp16770&r=ara |
| By: | Ragui Assaad (University of Minnesota, Humphrey School of Public Affairs); Thomas Ginn (Center for Global Development); Mohamed Saleh (London School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | While labor market impacts of refugees in low- and middle-income countries are commonly studied, public services like education could also be affected by mass arrivals. This paper examines the impact of Syrian refugees on the educational outcomes of Jordanians. Combining detailed household surveys with school-level records on the density of Syrians, we study both the quantity and quality of education using a difference-in-differences design across refugee prevalence and schooling cohort. We find no evidence that Syrians significantly affected the educational outcomes of Jordanians. We show that the government's response of establishing second shifts in existing public schools and opening new schools in camps mitigated potential overcrowding. |
| Keywords: | Education; Refugees; Forced Migration; Middle East |
| JEL: | I21 J61 N35 R23 |
| Date: | 2024–02–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cgd:wpaper:679&r=ara |
| By: | Seven Ağır (Department of Economics, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey) |
| Abstract: | The small and medium-sized enterprises might play an essential role in the economy of a developing country. Yet, in developing countries, relatively fewer firms have been able to transition from micro enterprises focusing on survival to small and medium enterprises with higher capacity for innovation and job creation. This problem of the ‘missing middle’ has been identified as one of the barriers to increasing economic prosperity and therefore the ‘reasons’ underlying it have been examined in studies on various parts of the developing world. This study examines the ‘missing middle’ problem from a historical-institutional perspective by focusing on the underutilization of a novel form of business organization, i.e., PLLC in Turkey. Based upon a novel dataset of firm creation and desk research on legal changes in Turkey during 1957-1994, the study demonstrates the ‘missing’ PLLCs and discuss the potential factors underlying legal stagnation. |
| Date: | 2023–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:met:wpaper:2305&r=ara |
| By: | Azdouh Lamiae (UMI - Université Moulay Ismail); Bouzrazi Mohamed (UH2MC - Université Hassan II [Casablanca]); Benchekara Mohammed (UMI - Université Moulay Ismail); Loulid Adil (UH2MC - Université Hassan II [Casablanca]) |
| Date: | 2022–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04418058&r=ara |
| By: | Sina Sahebi; Sahand Heshami; Mohammad Khojastehpour; Ali Rahimi; Mahyar Mollajani |
| Abstract: | Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a technology that can reduce fuel consumption and air pollution in the automotive industry. However, its availability in Iran is low compared to industrialized countries. This study examines the acceptance and willingness to pay (WTP) for ACC among Iranian drivers. Data from an online survey of 453 respondents were analyzed using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and an ordered logit model. The results show that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness affect attitudes toward using ACC, which in turn influence behavioral intentions. The logit model also shows that drivers who find ACC easy and useful, who have higher vehicle prices, and who are women with cruise control (CC) experience are more likely to pay for ACC. To increase the adoption of ACC in Iran, it is suggested to target early adopters, especially women and capitalists, who can influence others with their positive feedback. The benefits of ACC for traffic safety and environmental sustainability should also be emphasized. |
| Date: | 2024–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2401.17329&r=ara |
| By: | Elad DeMalach; Analia Schlosser |
| Abstract: | We estimate the short- and long-term effects of universal preschool education by analyzing the impact of the Israeli Preschool Law, which mandated the provision of public preschool for ages 3 and 4 starting in September 1999. We focus on the Arab population, who were the main beneficiaries of the first phase of the implementation of the Law, and exploit exogenous variation in universal preschool provision across localities due to the Law’s gradual implementation. Our difference-in-differences research design compares cohorts of children in treatment localities before and after the Law’s introduction to equivalent cohorts in comparison localities. We find that individuals benefited from the provision of universal preschool along various dimensions: their academic performance in elementary, middle school, and high school improved significantly, and their postsecondary enrollment rates increased substantially. We also find beneficial effects of universal preschool on additional outcomes, such as a reduction in juvenile delinquency among males and a decline in early marriage among females. Results are not driven by changes in maternal income or labor supply. A potential mechanism impacting long-term outcomes was the creation of a better learning environment in elementary and middle school, with a greater sense of security and better relationships with teachers and classmates. |
| Keywords: | early childhood education, preschool |
| JEL: | I24 I25 J20 |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ces:ceswps:_10904&r=ara |
| By: | Gomis, Benoît; Gallagher, Allen W. A.; Alebshehy, Raouf; Rowell, Andrew |
| Abstract: | Previous research has documented how British American Tobacco (BAT) and other transnational tobacco companies (TTCs) smuggled their own products into Iran in the 1990s in order to circumvent sanctions and other trade restrictions. In the early 2000s, BAT, along with other TTCs, signed legal agreements with Iranian authorities to sell its products legally and curb illicit tobacco trade (ITT). Our analysis of previously unreleased internal BAT documents (covering 2000–2014) suggests BAT remained potentially involved in ITT after those agreements were signed. Meanwhile, BAT engaged with government authorities to tackle ITT primarily for reputational and commercial purposes. With a business model based on a high number of contractors and distributors, extensive engagement with government authorities, and an anti-illicit trade strategy focusing more on reputation and growth than on effectively controlling its supply chain, further investigation into BAT’s activities in Iran – including potential sanctions breaching – may be warranted. This is especially relevant as, in April 2023, BAT agreed to pay penalties exceeding US$629 million to resolve charges of bank fraud and sanctions violations in North Korea, following a criminal investigation by the US Department of Justice and Office of Foreign Assets Control. Exploration of BAT’s activities in Iran would provide insight into the credibility of BAT’s response following these penalties, with the company having claimed that “Adhering to rigorous compliance and ethics standards has been, and remains, a top priority”. |
| Keywords: | tobacco; cigarettes; sanctions; illicit trade; Iran; smuggling |
| JEL: | J1 L81 |
| Date: | 2024–01–30 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:121625&r=ara |