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on Economics of Strategic Management |
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Issue of 2018‒03‒26
eight papers chosen by João José de Matos Ferreira Universidade da Beira Interior |
| By: | Karunanidhi Reddy (Durban University of Technology, South Africa) |
| Abstract: | Many health problems are related to food and diet patterns. Socio-economic development in South Africa has meant a change in diet patterns, with poorer communities moving away from traditional foods to convenience and processed foods. These foods have been associated with obesity and could greatly increase the risk of developing food-related non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. In addition, apartheid resulted in inequality among consumers in terms of education levels, literacy and understanding of the language used in labelling and product information, as well as in terms of access to good quality commodities that are arguably healthier. It also resulted in inequality in terms of knowledge of consumer rights and the ability to enforce them, and a lack of information and knowledge as to food related health challenges. Particular sectors in the food industry have been less concerned about the consumer health risks associated with their products or communicating such information to their consumers. Hence, recently there have been initiatives by government to protect consumers against food related non communicable diseases by proposing legislation to curb consumption of specific food products. The proposed ?sugar tax? on sugar sweetened beverages is one example. The Consumer Protection Act (CPA), passed in 2008, aims at protection of consumers by prohibiting or regulating a range of marketing and business practices and affording the consumer a range of legal rights and remedies. This paper investigates the implications of the CPA and related legislation, for the food industry and consumers of food products. The approach adopted for this paper is a descriptive critique engaging in a review of related literature, and pertinent legislation, particularly the CPA. It is envisaged that this paper will highlight the implications of the CPA in terms of the rights of consumers and the concomitant obligations of suppliers of food products, to re-examine the health risks related to their products, food labelling, disclosure of information particularly about associated health risks, and consumer education about products, in plain and understandable language. It will also identify possible gaps in the law requiring specific regulation. |
| Keywords: | Consumer; consumer protection; non-communicable diseases; food products; food industry ; social justice; South Africa |
| JEL: | K29 L66 |
| Date: | 2017–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908142&r=cse |
| By: | Takaaki Morimoto (Graduate School of Economics, Osaka University); Ken Tabata (School of Economics, Kwansei Gakuin University) |
| Abstract: | Employing a two-period overlapping generations model of R&D-based growth with both product development and process innovation, this paper examines how a subsidy policy for encouraging more individuals to receive higher education affects the per capita GDP growth rate of the economy. We show that when the market structure adjusts partially in the short run, the effect of an education subsidy on economic growth is ambiguous and depends on the values of the parameters. However, when the market structure adjusts fully in the long run, the education subsidy expands the number of firms but reduces economic growth. These unfavorable predictions for the education subsidy on economic growth are partly consistent with empirical findings that mass higher education does not necessarily lead to higher economic growth. A higher education subsidy policy is perhaps inappropriate for the purpose of stimulating long-run economic growth. |
| Keywords: | Higher Education, Occupational Choice, R&D, Product Development, Process Innovation |
| Date: | 2018–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:kgu:wpaper:178&r=cse |
| By: | BEN YOUSSEF, Adel; Boubaker, Sabri; Omri, Anis |
| Abstract: | The role of innovation and institutional quality for achieving sustainability are important issues tackled by current sustainable development debates, particularly in developing countries. Using a modified environmental Kuznets curve model, the present study improves our understanding of the critical roles of innovation, institutional quality, and entrepreneurship in structural change toward a sustainable future for Africa. Our empirical results show that formal and informal entrepreneurship are conducive to reduced environmental quality and sustainability in 17 African countries however informal entrepreneurship contributes more than formal entrepreneurship to this environmental degradation. The relationship between entrepreneurship and sustainable development turns strongly positive in the presence of high levels of innovation and institutional quality. This study contributes to this emerging research strand by clarifying the conditions that allow African countries to move toward more sustainable economies. Our results highlight the important roles played by innovation and institutions for achieving sustainability in Africa. |
| Keywords: | Entrepreneurship; Sustainability; Innovation; Institutional quality. |
| JEL: | M21 O31 Q56 |
| Date: | 2017–12–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:84503&r=cse |
| By: | Annah Chiloane (Southern Business School); Nicolene Barkhuizen (GIFT Research Niche Area North-West University) |
| Abstract: | The main objective of this research was to determine the relationship between talent management and service quality of police officials. A Talent Management Measure and adapted version of the SERVQUAL were administered among police officials (N=140). The results showed that more than half of the respondents were in agreement that talent retention practices need substantial improvement. The results further showed inadequate compensation, a lack of strategic talent management policies and talent development practices. About two-thirds of the participants were in agreement that performance management systems and talent attraction practices are somewhat adequate. The results showed a significant relationship between strategic talent management, performance management, talent retention, talent attraction, compensation and rewards, talent development and the assurance and reliability dimensions of service quality. Recommendations are made. |
| Keywords: | Police Officials, Talent Attraction, Talent Management, Talent Retention, Service Delivery |
| JEL: | J24 |
| Date: | 2017–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908284&r=cse |
| By: | López-Morell, Miguel Angel; Bernabé Pérez, María Mercedes |
| Abstract: | Three decades ago, and with very few precedents, Spain's two principal banking corporations began an intense process of expansion throughout Latin America. Not only did they compete with one other in this new market, but they also faced competition from domestic Latin American banks and other foreign banks. This paper analyses the key elements that encouraged these two banks to enter the Latin American market. It assesses their success or failure in each country they entered, and in the subcontinent as a whole. Finally, it examines the different strategies they used to achieve their aims. |
| Keywords: | Retailing Banks,Latin America,FDI,Global Banks,Bank Profitability |
| JEL: | F3 F21 G21 N2 N26 |
| Date: | 2018 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:eabhps:1802&r=cse |
| By: | Giovanni Marin (Università di Urbino 'Carlo Bo', Italy); Antonello Zanfei (Università di Urbino 'Carlo Bo', Italy) |
| Abstract: | This paper evaluates the effect of host-country environmental policy stringency on the offshoring of environmental patents for 2000 top world R&D performers. It is shown that a more stringent environmental regulation triggers both the extensive and intensive margin of patent offshoring in the field of environmental technologies. Results are robust to various different specifications, alternative definitions of regulation restrictions and to the consideration of possible endogeneity of regulation. It is suggested inter alia that R&D subsidies and non-market based instrument are more important than market-based instruments as drivers of cross-border environmental innovation. |
| Keywords: | MNE, environmental policy, patent data |
| Date: | 2018–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:srt:wpaper:0518&r=cse |
| By: | Irena Slavova-Georgieva (University of National and World Economy, department: Marketing and Strategic Planning); Yovka Bankova (University of National and World Economy, department: Marketing and Strategic Planning) |
| Abstract: | The concept of sustainable development as a global and long-term philosophy of development is directed towards achieving a balance and interconnectedness between economic activities, social aspects and the environment and offers an overall approach to solving the growing and complex global problems.This paper examines the possibilities that clusters? main characteristics ? spatial proximity, strategic collaboration and competition; interaction between stakeholders (businesses, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations) - can provide for the implementation of responsible business practices and joint corporate socially responsible activities which contribute to sustainable development.Based on publications in academic literature regarding the relationship between clusters and corporate social responsibility (CSR), known as the ?cluster? approach to CSR, as well as the results from a practical study of an industrial cluster in Bulgaria, we outline the potential of clusters to bring about not only economic benefits but also social and environmental improvements. The conditions for successful implementation of CSR actions in the cluster are studied, which for some industrial clusters can be prerequisites for improvement of their actual capacity for contribution to sustainable development and for others, they can turn into significant limitations. The results of the practical study show that in order for industrial clusters to use their potential for contribution to sustainable development, based on the main cluster characteristics (according to cluster theory), in addition to cluster activity, the social-economic and environmental context and the state of development of CSR and clusters in the respective country are also of defining importance. |
| Keywords: | sustainable development, cluster, corporate social responsibility, mining industry, industrial cluster Srednogorie (Bulgaria) |
| JEL: | M14 Q01 L72 |
| Date: | 2017–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908307&r=cse |
| By: | Dhahri, Sabrine; Omri, Anis |
| Abstract: | Compared to the prior discussion of the emerging research on entrepreneurship and sustainable development, the purpose of this study is to investigate the ability of the entrepreneurial activity to simultaneously enhance economic growth, advance environmental objectives, and improve social conditions in developing countries. We mainly found that entrepreneurship in these countries positively contributes to the economic and social dimensions of sustainable development, while its contribution to the environmental dimension is negative. The results of causality test confirm the interactions among entrepreneurship and these three dimensions in both short and long-run. Limitations and future research directions, some managerial and policy implications for entrepreneurial action in sustainable development are also discussed. |
| Keywords: | Entrepreneurship; Pillars of sustainable development; Developing countries. |
| JEL: | M21 O10 Q5 |
| Date: | 2018–01–17 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:84504&r=cse |