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Software cost estimation is a critical task in software projects development. It assists project managers and software engineers to plan and manage their resources. However, developing an accurate cost estimation model for a software project is a challenging process. The aim of such a process is to have a better future sight of the project progress and its phases. Another main objective is to have clear project details and specifications to assist stakeholders in managing the project in terms of human resources, assets, software, data and even in the feasibility study. Accurate estimation results with definitely helps the project manager to do better estimation for the project cost, the time required for various project phases and resources or assets. This paper builds a software cost estimation model using machine learning approach. Different machine learning algorithms are applied to two public datasets to predict the software cost in the early stages. Results show that machine learning methods can be used to predict software cost with a high accuracy rate. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature by enhancing the results of thirteen Machine Learning algorithms on two datasets. The evaluation criteria used in this work are R², MAE, RMAE, RAE, and RRSE. The aim of the proposed model is to predict the effort using dataset attributes and compare them with the actual effort in order to measure the error using different criteria. Computer Sciences » Review of Computer Engineering Research » Month: 06-2019 Issue: 2
Rethinking Port Role as Transport Corridor under Symbiosis Theory-Case Study of China-Europe Trade Transportation
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy
As a modern port, its roles have been endowed with many new functions. Extant literatures in transportation industry view port as an individual economic entity to improve its competition or evaluate its performance. By focusing on port original concept as node in transportation, its critical role as providing service to related industry shouldn't be largely change or forget. Under this perspective, port is not as commercial organization, is transport corridor to contribute to public welfare. Hence, creating synergistic effects in a research system which can be regard as symbiotic. Our case study on the China-Railway Express (CR Express) hub-port construction in the background of China-Europe trade transportation address research question as how to construct China-Europe transport corridor. In order to achieve a complete and comprehensive understanding of the under-explored topic, we use a mixed methods, including semi-structured interview and establish symbiotic model as symbiotic transport capacity growth model and clock model. Generally, we conclude that trade and each transportation pattern can be regard as a symbiotic system and more importantly, port as public infrastructure, its service providing and transport corridor are significant contribute to the symbiotic system. Contributions and managerial implications are provided at the final section of our research which not only have guidance value on China, but also the ports whose located country is one of ‘One Belt and One Road’ countries. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature by using new estimation methodology as symbiont transport growth model and clock model to provide appropriate estimation when an innovation implication in transport, especially a new pattern in practice. Also, as an interdiscipline subject, the symbiosis theory that mention in the study can be apply in transportation and provide theoretical guidance. Economics » International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1
Determinants of Exchange Rate in Nigeria: A Comparison of the Official and Parallel Market Rates
The need to understand what drives exchange rates is now very crucial, an understanding of its determinants particularly in a developing nation like Nigeria would indeed aid in policy decisions of the sovereign monetary authorities. The study examines the determinants of exchange rate in Nigeria comparing the official exchange rates and the parallel market rates from the post SAP era of 1986 to 2017 using quarterly time series data. The potential determinants of the exchange rate was identified resting on existing literature viz ; GDP, inflation, interest rates, imports, oil exports, non-oil exports, and reserves. The time series properties were tested utilizing the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit roots test of stationarity, the variables were tested for co-integration and the Auto-regressive Distributed Lag Model (ARDL) was applied. The result suggests that GDP, inflation, interest rates non- oil exports, oil exports and reserves are the major determinants of official exchange rates in Nigeria, while inflation, Non-oil exports and GDP are the major determinants of alternate or parallel exchange rates. Contribution/ Originality
The study contributes to the literature by examining the determinants of exchange rate in Nigeria comparing the official exchange rates and the parallel market rates from the post SAP era of 1986 to 2017 using quarterly time series data. Economics » The Economics and Finance Letters » Month: 06-2019 Issue: 2
After Sales Service Quality on Customer Satisfaction and Retention among Game Store Customer's in Kano State, Nigeria
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Business Strategy and Social Sciences
This research examines the effect of after sales service quality (ASSQ) on customer satisfaction (CS) and customer retention (CR) among Game store customers in Kano State, Nigeria. The population was 870 Game store after-sales service (ASS) customers who received after-sales service (ASS) multiple times. Simple random technique was used that allow the researchers to assess their studys centered participants, and the main tools used for this study were questionnaires. The questionnaire was intended to a Likert scale of 10 points, with the assistance of 3 ASS technician and 3 foremen at Game Store Kano, the information were gathered from 255 ASS customers. The studys hypothesized model was tested using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The research outcomes show that ASSQ has a substantial and positive effect on CS and CR. The outcome also shows that CS has substantial and positive effect on CR. It is suggested that businesses or organizations should explore the most significant dimensions of ASSQ to match the preferences of their customers with that the organizations will pays a lot of attention to their esteem customers, and it will assist businesses achieve their mission and vision. Contribution/ Originality
This research is one of the very few studies that have studied how the quality of after-sales service that resulted in customer retention has pleased the consumer, and this study filled the exiting gap and contributes to the established body of knowledge as well. Social Sciences » International Journal of Business Strategy and Social Sciences » Month: 06-2019 Issue: 1
Exchange Rate Pass-through to Prices: VAR Evidence for Albania
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Business, Economics and Management
This study estimates exchange rate pass-through to prices in Albania using a Vector Autoregressive model from 2000Q1 to 2017 Q1 following Cholesky decomposition. We perform an Augmented Dickey-Fuller test and Phillips-Pherron test to ensure the stationarity of the variables and we estimate the impulse-response functions and the variance decomposition of import, producer, consumer prices and interest rate to oil price /exchange rate shocks. Impulse-response functions indicate an incomplete pass-through of exchange rate to prices and the highest response is of consumer prices and interest rates. Variance decomposition indicates that the variance of import prices is explained by growth rate, its shocks and oil prices shocks. The variance of producer prices is explained by its own shocks, real GDP rate and interest rate whilst consumer prices are explained by its innovations, GDP rate and exchange rate. In order to confirm our results, we order the interest rate before the exchange rate and the findings do not change from the previous results. We perform diagnostic tests for the presence of autocorrelation and the stability of our model and the results show that we fail to reject the null hypothesis for serial autocorrelation and all the roots lie within the companion matrix. However, there is evidence on non-normality in our VAR residuals, but this does not violate our analysis. Contribution/ Originality
We estimate the pass-through using recent data and we add producer prices in our VAR model, which to our best knowledge has not been captured in the existing pass-through literature for Albania. Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 06-2019 Issue: 5
Determinant Factors and Spatial Distribution of Visceral Leishmaniasis in North Gondar in Selected Hospitals
Introduction: Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease caused by Leishmaniasis protozoa, and transmitted by a sand fly vector. Leishmaniasis is distributed in worldwide and affects millions of peoples. Objective: The objective was to assess the prevalence and spatial distribution of VL in North Gondar. Methodology: 369 patients were selected from records or medical charts retrospectively using stratified and systematic sampling techniques. The study used spatial autocorrelation measures and auto logistic regression model. Result: From 369 patients, 313 (84.8%) were infected by VL. The proportion of VL incidence for those who traveled to endemic areas was (70.2%). Male patients accounted a larger proportion (93.2%) compared to female patients (6.8%). Moran’s scatter plot test revealed there is regional clustering on the VL incidence. Local Moron’s Index value of Gondar Zuria, Dembeya, Quara, Metemma, Tach Armachiho, Gondar Town, West Belesa and Adarakay was positive, this showed places that shared boundaries have similar VL incidence (i.e high-high or low-low). From result of local Getis and Ord statistic, positive standardized Z-values of Adarkay, Gondar Town, Metema, Quara, West Belesa and Dembiya showed the places were hot spot. Similarly negative standardized Z values of Gondar Zuria and Tach Armachiho revealed that places were cold spot. The spatial auto logistic regression result revealed that sex, travel history, BMI, rainfall and elevation were the significant factors of VL at 95% confidence level. Conclusion: The prevalence of VL is still very high (84.8%) in North Gondar Zone. VL clustered on endemic districts that shared common boundaries. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature, spatial distribution and determinant factors of visceral leishmaniasis in North Gondar. Spatial auto logistic regression model is the new approach which helps to determine the prevalence and correlates of visceral leishmaniasis on the study area. VL is clustered on shared boundaries. Medical Sciences » Journal of Diseases » Month: 06-2019 Issue: 2
Can Small-Cap Active Funds Substantially Outperform the Market Over Time?
The Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMF) persist that active management is useless and that investors should rather adopt a passive investment strategy that is less expensive and less risky. However, several previous pieces of literature in the small-cap industry contrast this point of view. This paper investigates the risk and performance of small-cap equity funds in the USA markets over a ten-year period of 2009-2018. The study period is segmented into sub-investment horizons and the funds sampled are split by group of investment style. Our findings are twofold. Firstly, in contrary to the Efficiency Market Hypothesis (EMF) the size effect in small-stock markets could indeed be a proxy of outperformance for active managers. Given that, top performers are observed among active growth funds. Secondly, surprisingly the great majority of funds selected have managed to gradually generate a positive alpha meaning that active management is not always pointless. Therefore, 56.67% of the whole sample has delivered consecutive excess returns over the three investment horizons and each fund within each investment style has outperformed the market at least once. The two last observations support partially the Efficiency Market Hypothesis (EMF) in the way that not all active funds were able to generate a persistent abnormal return over the long term and that some active portfolio managers could be just lucky in picking up stocks. Contribution/ Originality
The existing study explores the performance of small-cap funds either against their benchmark or between them but this study uses different investment horizons. This study contributes to the existing literature in the sense of findings that Long-term investors should prioritize value/growth funds, while short-investors should invest in value funds. Economics » The Economics and Finance Letters » Month: 06-2019 Issue: 2
Assessment of the Nutritional Qualities of a Locally-Produced Weaning Blend of Sorghum Ogi Flour Fortified with Bambara Groundnut Flour
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: The International Journal of Biotechnology
This study investigated the nutritional quality of a locally-produced weaning blend of sorghum ogi flour fortified with Bambara groundnut (BGN) flours and the role of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as starter in the reduction of anti-nutrients in the pre-treated BGN flours. LAB were isolated from fermented sorghum ogi, processed into flour. BGN were processed into flours using three pre-treatment methods and used to fortify the sorghum ogi flour in ratio 60:40. Proximate composition and the breakdown of anti-nutritional factors by LAB were monitored in the pre-treated BGN flours using standard procedures. Sensory, organoleptic attributes and shelf-life of the weaning blends were determined. Sorghum ogi flour fortified with roasted BGN flour had improved nutritional value; protein, ether extract, ascorbic acid, riboflavin, ?-carotene, calcium, and phosphate (mg/100g) 20.16, 6.43, 21.00, 0.13, 90.00, 145.00 and 280.00 respectively compared to boiled and soaked BGN flours. There was a reduction in the anti-nutritional factors of the pre-treated BGN flours when fermented with selected starter. Tannin, phytate, protease and trypsin inhibitors reduced significantly (p< 0.05) from 0.074 - 0.048; 5.901- 5.001; 0.052 - 0.043 and 0.137 -0.110 respectively. The shelf-life monitoring and organoleptic assessment showed that sorghum Ogi flour fortified with roasted BGN flour had a prolonged shelf life and was generally accepted when compared to other weaning blends. The study concluded that the weaning blend had improved nutritional composition required for a growing infant. LAB could be used as starters to reduce anti-nutritional factors and extend the shelf-life of pre-treated Bambara groundnut-sorghum ogi blends. Contribution/ Originality
The paper’s primary contribution is finding that adequate weaning food can be prepared locally with minimal funds. The blend is able to meet the daily nutritional requirement of a growing infant. It also advances the contribution of women especially in low economic groups in reducing malnutrition and infant mortality rate. Biological Sciences » The International Journal of Biotechnology » Month: 02-2019 Issue: 2
Response of Intraspecific Crosses in F1 and their Deterioration in F2 Generation of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research
The experimental trail was conducted at Wheat and barley Research Institute, Tandojam. The seed of nine parents along with their six F1 and F2 generations were sown in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The varieties used in the experiment were Sassui, Abadgar, Maxipak, Soghat, Marvi, Noori, Moomal, Anmol-91 and Mehran. The mean squares regarding the grains spike-1, grain yield plant-1, and seed index exhibited that parents, crosses, F1 and F2 hybrids were highly significant at 0.01 level of probability. Among the parents, Mehran gave highest value for grain yield plant-1, while F1 hybrid Moomal × Anmol-91 displayed maximum grain yield plant-1. The results for grain yield plant-1, displayed that highest heterosis (87.22%) and heterobeltiosis (86.80%) was exhibited by the cross Maxipak × Soghat. The maximum inbreeding depression (16.23%) for the said trait was shown by the cross Sassui × Abadgar. The cross Maxipak × Soghat could be selected for further evaluation in advanced segregating generations. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature regarding the plant breeding especially in the field of hybrid vigour in bread wheat. The material selected observed for performance in F1 and its percentage of deterioration in F2 generation. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 12-2019 Issue: 4
Socioeconomic Impact of Bagging Technology for Value Addition in Mango in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research
The study was conducted in eight selected villages in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh aiming to perceive the socio-economic impact of bagging technology on farmer’s income and livelihood and to know the factors affecting adaption of pre-harvest mango bagging technology. Findings of the study revealed that a few varieties in particular BARI Mango 4, BARI Mango 8, BARI Mango 3, Mallika and Arshina were reported to be the most preferred varieties for bagging because of less pest attacks, attractive color and higher market prices. The average market price received from bagged mango was 74% higher than non-bagged mango. The difference of average gross margin of bagged and non-bagged mango was recorded Tk.22790 per ton which implies that bagged mango was more profitable than non-bagged mango. According to the survey report on an average 15.7% of the annual gross income was increased due to adoption of bagging technology whereas this technology contributed 25.13% increment in income from mango selling. About 96% of the respondents admitted that they were able to control fruit flies and 92% of them confirmed that they were able to produce safe and toxicity free fruits utilizing pre-harvest bagging technology. The price of bagged mangos, training, research contacts, extension contacts, risk taking behavior and willingness of farmers influenced the adoption process significantly. This technology should be disseminated for the welfare of the hilly areas with maintaining proper time and methods. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the socioeconomic impact of pre-harvest bagging technology on livelihoods of CHT mango growers of Bangladesh through value addition and the factors influencing the rate of adoption of bagging. As a new concept in the CHT, this study is original. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 12-2019 Issue: 4
Do Demographic Variables Affect the Organizational Cynicism Levels in Tourism?
This study aimed to determine whether organizational cynicism levels of Generation X and Generation Y employees in tourism sector differed. In this context, the effects of demographic variables on organizational cynicism levels of generation X and generation Y employees were investigated. Quantitative research methods were employed in the study. The population of the study consists of 192 employees of 5-star hotel enterprises that are located and in business in Belek, Antalya region. A significant difference was found between the responses of Generation Y employees and those of Generation X employees. The cognitive, affective and behavioural sub-dimensional and overall organizational cynicism scores of Generation Y employees were determined to be higher than those of Generation X. Generation X employees who want to be part of the organization they work for, and who are strictly committed to their jobs, hardworking, more traditionalist, respectful to authority, diligent and obedient can generally accept the policies of the organization without questioning, employees of Generation Y who do not like bureaucracy and seriousness, who want to manage themselves and take responsibility for themselves, and see the organization as a means and question everything, and who are more individualist can criticise them easily when they are not satisfied, and reflect this on their attitude and behaviour. It is seen that studies that examine the relationship between personal characteristics and organizational cynicism are limited in the relevant literature. Contribution/ Originality
It is seen that studies that examine the relationship between personal characteristics and organizational cynicism are limited in the relevant literature. The population of the study consists of 192 employees of 5-star hotel enterprises that are located and in business in Belek, Antalya region. Business & Management » Journal of Tourism Management Research » Month: 06-2019 Issue: 2
Ecological Treatment of Urban Organic Waste in the Context of Climate Change- A Chinese Perspective
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Management and Sustainability
Climate change is a common challenge for human society. On December 12, 2015, as the Paris Agreement adopted, China’s carbon emission reduction actions have been more determined to become a fundamental force in promoting global climate governance. China has to carry on the corresponding reform in terms of the policy, technology, market of climate control, and innovate the way of low carbon development and energy transformation with Chinese characteristics. It will indicate that urban organic waste is closely related to the emission of greenhouse gas, which resources and ecological treatment will be faced with a profound change. Based on the analysis of the present situation and the development direction of China’s urban organic waste treatment, this paper will provide a way for the construction of the ecological treatment mechanism of urban organic waste in the context of climate change. To this end, this study adopts qualitative means of investigation, and takes a Beijing-based energy company as case study and draw lessons from its implications concerning the ecological treatment of urban organic wastes, for future considerations by various stakeholders including government agencies. Contribution/ Originality
It is suggested that from the legal level, the purpose of the Law on Prevention and Control of Environmental Pollution Caused by Solid Wastes should be re-defined, and the provisions about urban organic wastes treatment in the Law of Promotion of Circular Economy should be further detailed; from the technical level, attention should be paid to research and development of ecological treatment technology, and the construction and application of China’s ecological treatment information database should be intensified; from the social consciousness level, efforts should be made to emphasize the consciousness of organic wastes classification and intensify the cultivation of the values of the public for organic wastes classification to cope with the oncoming risks of climate change with active actions. Business & Management » International Journal of Management and Sustainability » Month: 04-2019 Issue: 4
Analyzing the Financial Soundness of Kuwaiti Banks Using CAMELS Framework
Evaluating the financial performance of banks has always been in the center of attention among both academics and practitioners. In that matter, CAMELS framework has always been one of the most widely used model in evaluating the financial soundness of banks and exploring the weakness areas a bank has. The model is used to distinguish good banks from bad ones. This study aims to evaluate the financial soundness of Kuwaiti banks that are listed at Kuwait stock exchange over the period 2011-2016 using CAMELS framework. Results obtained from this study showed that Ahli united bank was the top performing bank in Kuwait during the study period despite showing weakness in terms of capital adequacy and liquidity while the worst performing bank was Kuwait finance house. Kuwait finance house showed very poor performance in capital adequacy and management efficiency. The results from this research would be useful for the Kuwaiti banks to address their weak areas and try to improve on them. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the financial soundness of Kuwaiti banks using CAMELS framework. The results highlighted the weak areas in every bank listed at Kuwait stock exchange which must be addressed by the bank to improve its performance. Economics » Financial Risk and Management Reviews » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1
Growing and Building: Collaboration of Urban Poverty Reduction Strategy
This research aims to examine the collaboration strategy for poverty alleviation in Indonesia. The shifting of government program from PNPM-MP to No-Slum City (Kotaku) to alleviate poverty need another strategy to harmonize in-time between both programs. Previous experience found that PNPM-MP has been able to reduce urban poverty, even though it has not yet reached the realization of community welfare. Therefore PNPM-MP is feasible to continue, especially considering that there are still revolving funds managed by the community self-help group (KSM) to meet economic needs and increase productive economic activities. The end of PNPM-PM to the No-Slum City program (Kotaku) requires a reorientation of the strategy to continue reducing poverty and improving people's welfare. This research using qualitative data to examine the program. Documentation, interview, and survey conducted to collect all the data. Finally, this research using SWOT analysis, an alternative strategy for collaborating the two programs is the grow and build strategy. This research found that using internal and external matrix strategy, in this harmonization program, grow and build strategy needed to minimize the clash between two programs. Further, we need to identify the details strategy that needed to be applied in this shifting program. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the very few studies which have investigated the poverty alleviation program from the Indonesian Government called PNPM-MP to No-Slum-City. This study found the potential problem at the grassroots level and found the strategy to minimize the problem that potentially exists when the program applied. Economics » Journal of Social Economics Research » Month: 06-2019 Issue: 2
Morphometrical Traits and Structural Indices of Malle Cattle Reared in the South Omo Zone of Southwest Ethiopia
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Veterinary Sciences Research
The aim of this study was to morphometrically and morphologically characterized Malle cattle using some predefined qualitative and quantitative parameters. Data were collected through field observations and linear measurements. Sample data were collected from 360 cattle of different ages and sexes for morphometrical measurements. Qualitative traits were evaluated using non parametric tests. Quantitative traits were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The observed coat color patterns of cattle were predominantly plain. Red and white colored animals predominated across both the sexes. The morphometrical measurements of Bulls with young age group (4 year age) exert strong significant effect (p<0.01) on heart girth (HG), height at rump (HR), height at withers(HW), neck circumference (NC), muzzle circumference (MC) and chest depth(CD) while in cows with age group 4 significant effect (p<0.01) on heart girth (HG) and muzzle circumference (MC) whereas (p<0.05) height at withers (HW) were observed. Similarly, in age group 5 significance effect (p<0.01) on heart girth (HG), neck circumference (NC) and chest width (CW) whereas (p<0.05) height at rump (HR) and height at wither (HW) were also observed. The weight of the bulls and cows were best assessed using skeletal measurements viz. body length, height at withers and rump, besides chest depth and width. The structural indices indicated that the cattle were well balanced and body length and height were more or less proportional. It was conclude that, along with other managerial improvement, the productive aptitude of the cattle through morphometry can provides relevant information to guide and enhance their productive performance. Contribution/ Originality
The study contributes base line information for further scientific study in the study region. Some particular breeds have particular morphological and morphometrical traits. The assessment of such skeletal traits helps in understanding the adaptability of the animals to their agro climate. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Veterinary Sciences Research » Month: 06-2019 Issue: 2
Traditional Technologies and Probiotic Properties of Bacillus Strains Isolated from Kawal -A Chad Traditional Fermented Food Condiment
Kawal is a condiment produced by the traditional fermentation of Sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia) leaves. Many people from the different part of Chad use it for flavoring as well as a substitute of meat. The fermentation techniques used in kawal production are often applied on a small scale and still mainly at the household level, characterized by the use of simple and rudiment equipment. This study was conducted firstly to investigate the Kawal traditional methods production. Secondly, to evaluate probiotic potential of Bacillus species isolated in order to develop starter cultures for kawal production. Protease, amylase and phytase activities of Bacillus strains were screened. The candidate were screened in vitro for antimicrobial activity against, Micococcus luteus LMG3293, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and Salmonella spp. Biofilm synthesis, Antibiotics sensitivity, tolerance to simulated gastric and intestinal juice were also evaluated. The majority of selected strains formed bio?lms, produced amylase and protease, some of the strain produced phytase by forming clearing zones around the growth of the colonies. For biochemical conditions for simulated gastric and intestinal juice, among the selected strains tested, some had the highest survival in simulated gastric juice and better viability in simulated intestinal juice. The selected strains showed sensitive to a panel of antibiotics and they presented resistance to penicillin G, oxacycline and bacitracin. Some strains showed an inhibitory effect on all of the indicator bacteria tested. Overall, some of these selected strains could be used as potential microbial starters for the controlled fermentation of kawal. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the very few studies, which have investigated the traditionnel technologies, and probiotic properties of Bacillus strains isolated from kawal, towards use as a starter culture for fermenting Sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia) leaves. Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Food Technology Research » Month: 12-2019 Issue: 2
Short-Term Benefits of Grain Legume Fallow Systems on Soil Fertility and Farmers Livelihood in the Humid Forest Zone of Cameroon
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research
Soil fertility management of smallholder farms in the humid tropics is a major issue as a result of inherently low fertility with nitrogen being the most limiting plant nutrient. Use of grain legume fallows could improve soil quality through nitrogen fixation and ensure food and nutritional security in developing countries. This field trial was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) to evaluate the short-term benefits of grain legume fallows (common bean, groundnut, cowpea, and soybean) on soil fertility improvement and income generation in relation to a natural weed fallow system. The results showed that total soil nitrogen content ranged from 0.19–0.24%, and differed (P < 0.001) significantly with the highest in common bean plots as compared to the others. The soil organic carbon (SOC) content was highest in cowpea plots (3.36 %) and lowest in the natural weed fallow (2.77 %). However, the SOC were not significantly different among the fallow systems but were higher than the SOC of the soil before sowing (2.41 %). Grain yield ranged from 1.0–1.9 t/ha and differed (P < 0.001) significantly. The highest profitability of integrating grain legumes in farming systems was recorded in the groundnut fallow, followed by soybean, and bean. Cowpea generated a negative return, while the natural fallow system had no effect. Integrating grain legumes fallow into agricultural systems in the humid tropics enhance the value of the fallow lands and may serve as viable short-term economic incentives for smallholder farmers. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature that reports the benefits of grain legumes on soil fertility improvement and also showed that the integration of grain legume fallows into agricultural systems in the humid tropics generate income for smallholder farmers and could serve as motivation for their adoption. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 12-2019 Issue: 4
Issues of Unemployment in Nigeria: Effect of Real Exchange Rate and Inflation Interaction
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: Quarterly Journal of Econometrics Research
The paper examines the issues regarding the effects of inflation and real exchange rate on unemployment: if change in real exchange rate and inflation reduce the level of unemployment and that inflation moderates the effect of real exchange rate on unemployment in Nigeria The author employs the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) technique which is able to control endogeneity of variables in the study. The findings show that real exchange rate depreciation and inflation have positive impact on unemployment which in turn erodes the economic growth. Besides, the positive effect of real exchange rate depreciation on unemployment was contributed by high inflation level; the marginal effect of real exchange rate depreciation on unemployment increase with the level of inflation. This signifies that the higher the rate of inflation, the more real exchange rate depreciation spurs unemployment. Based on the findings, there is a need by the economic policy makers and authorities to establish drastic measures towards curbing high inflation level to a moderate and stable level which can stimulate a certain level of real exchange rate which in turn can urge economic growth through increase in employment opportunity. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing studies by distinguishing itself identifying the simultaneous impact of these two fluctuating variables (inflation rate and real exchange rate ) on unemployment, unlike existing literatures which addressed these impacts on unemployment separately and assessing how inflation influences the impact of real exchange rate on unemployment in Nigeria. The study adopts descriptive analysis and generalized method of moment. Economics » Quarterly Journal of Econometrics Research » Month: 06-2019 Issue: 1
Examining the Effects of Perceived Organizational Support, a Fair Rewards System, Training and Development and Information Sharing on Employees Engagement in Saudi Arabia Telecom Sector
Due to multiple outcomes of employee engagement, organizations have been emphasizing different techniques to enhance employee engagement in order to gain a competitive edge in the market. Therefore, purpose of this study is to investigate and empirically validate the relationship between employee engagement and other constructs, such as perceived organizational support, a fair rewards system, training and development, and information sharing. SPSS 18 was used to analyze the data and the findings of this study suggest that a fair rewards system is the most important construct to enhance employee engagement in Saudi Arabia’s telecom sector. Findings of this study will help professionals working in the sector to appreciate these factors when formulating programs to boost employee engagement. They will also be helpful in understanding the effects of these factors on organizations going through a major reform process at both macro and micro level. Contribution/ Originality
The paper’s primary contribution is its findings on the role of perceived organizational support, a fair rewards system, training and development, and information sharing in enhancing employee engagement within the context of Saudi Arabia’s telecom sector. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 09-2019 Issue: 3
Finance-Led Growth and Growth-Led Finance: Evidence from Nigeria Economic and Financial Sector Development
This study investigates the cause-effect relationship between financial sector development and economic growth; in Nigeria through supply-led growth and demand-led growth models. Annualized time-series data extracted from the Central Bank of Nigeria Bulletin from 1999 to 2017 were used in the investigation. The supply-led growth model assumes that financial sector development granger causes economic growth. The demand-led growth model assumes that economic growth Granger causes financial sector growth. Estimating the cause-effect relationship the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL), and Pairwise Granger Causality was adopted. Findings revealed that the causal relationship is influenced by the stages and level of economic and financial sector growth through the appropriate policy mixes, of the regulators and monetary authorities. The Error Correction Model (ECM) adjusts for disequilibrium caused by the financial and economic factors of lack of economic value, chain effect of export goods, saving-investment gap, and decrease in capital productivity, back to equilibrium at 37% annually. Both the supply-led growth and demand-led growth models hold in Nigeria. The findings differ from previous studies in Nigeria and report that the causality between finance and economic growth is based on stages and the level of economic and financial sector growth and development. The study also supports the argument of Patrick (1966). Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the extant literature by investigating the cause-effect relationship between the financial sector development and economic growth, through the supply-led growth and demand-led growth models in Nigeria from 1999 to 2017. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 12-2019 Issue: 4
Abstract