jrge

Abstract - Modelling the Dynamic Impact of Fertilizer Subsidy on Paddy Production: Empirical Evidence from Sri Lanka

Journal of Reviews on Global Economics

Modelling the Dynamic Impact of Fertilizer Subsidy on Paddy Production: Empirical Evidence from Sri Lanka  - Pages 293-307

Senaka Ramyanath Ginige and N.S. Cooray


DOI: https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-7092.2020.09.29

Published: 03 September 2020

Abstract: Rice is the main staple food in Sri Lanka. There will be a potential increase in demand for rice due to the high population growth in the years to come. As the cultivable area is limited, the only way to increase required supply is to improve the yield level. However, there are a limited number of district level studies, which examined the factors that influence the paddy production in Sri Lanka. Hence, this study aims to identify the factors, which increase the paddy production in Sri Lanka with particular reference to fertilizer usage, guaranteed paddy price, temperature and rainfall. District-wise data were collected over the period from 1979 to 2019. An autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model was used to examine the short-run and long-run relationships between the paddy production and explanatory variables. According to the estimated model, the temperature has both significant positive and negative long-run relationships with paddy production in several districts. Furthermore, results reveal that paddy production in many districts had positive long-run relationships with the usage of the mixture of organic and chemical fertilizer. Hence, the findings of this study provide valuable policy insight for decision makers to redesign the chemical fertilizer subsidy in Sri Lanka. Our results also reveal that the use of organic fertilizer contributes to an increase in paddy production in both short-run and long-run. Hence, it is our opinion that sustainable agricultural practices combined with the removal of market distortions will lead to establishing an economically efficient paddy production system in Sri Lanka.

Keywords: Cointegration, Fertilizer usage, Guaranteed paddy price, Long-run relationship.

Download

Abstract - Sources of Output Growth of the ICT Sector in Vietnam

Journal of Reviews on Global Economics

Sources of Output Growth of the ICT Sector in Vietnam  - Pages 308-320

Dang Thi Viet Duc and Dang Huyen Linh


DOI: https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-7092.2020.09.30

Published: 25 September 2020

Abstract: Vietnam has early set the strategy to develop ICT as the enabler for social-economic development and the Vietnamese ICT sector has grown significantly over the past 20 years. This paper analyses the development of the ICT sector by examining the sources of output growth and the structural changes in two periods of 2007-2012 and 2012-2016. The decomposition results show that the growth of the ICT manufacturing sector is attributed to export in both periods. However, the ICT manufacturing export was mainly based on components import; the sector neither could make any technological progress nor could manufacture products for import substitution. The ICT media and content sector’s growth was primarily due to technology advancement in 2007-2012 which led to the household demand-based development in the period 2012-2016. The ICT services sector shifted from primarily served government to household demand while technology was also significantly improved. The results of decomposition analysis are consistent with the macroeconomic situation as well as the ICT policies that the Vietnamese government has implemented over the past years. The paper points out the achievements and limitations in the ICT development policies and suggests directions for ICT policymakers in Vietnam in the coming period.

Keywords: ICT, sources of growth, structure decomposition analysis, IO, Vietnam.

Download

Abstract - Personality Traits and Performance of Immigrant-Owned Small Businesses

Journal of Reviews on Global Economics

Personality Traits and Performance of Immigrant-Owned Small Businesses  - Pages 321-330

Olawale Fatoki


DOI: https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-7092.2020.09.31

Published: 25 September 2020

Abstract: Motivation: Immigrant entrepreneurs contribute to employment and the sustainable growth of host countries and both native and immigrant-owned enterprises should be included in the growth and employment strategy of a country. However, immigrant-owned small businesses face many challenges which impact on their performance and survival. The personality traits of immigrant entrepreneurs can influence the strategy adopted and implemented to improve business performance.

Novelty: The aim of the study is to examine the effect of owners’ personality traits on the performance of immigrant-owned small businesses using the Five-Factor model. Empirical studies that specifically focus on the effect of personality traits on the performance of immigrant-owned small businesses are scarce.

Methodology and Methods: The cross sectional survey method was used for data collection in a quantitative study. Data was collected from one hundred and ninety-six immigrant entrepreneurs and the participants in the survey were conveniently sampled. The participants of this study were in the retail and service businesses and were immigrants with legal residency in South Africa.

Data and Empirical Analysis: The Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS SEM) was used for analysis. The results indicated significant positive relationships between three personality traits (openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion) and the performance of immigrant-owned small businesses. The influence of agreeableness is insignificant while the effect of neuroticism is significantly negative.

Policy Considerations: The findings this study can help individuals, businesses and government agencies that support small businesses to understand the personality traits that can help to improve the performance of immigrant-owned businesses. The design of training programme to improve the performance of immigrant-owned businesses should include how to enhance the personality traits of immigrant entrepreneurs especially openness to experience, conscientiousness and extraversion. The employment strategy of immigrant-owned small businesses should focus on individuals with these performance-enhancing personality traits.

Keywords: Personality traits, five-factor theory, small and medium enterprises, immigrants, performance.

Download

Abstract - The Influence of Utilitarian and Hedonic Consumption Values on Consumer Attitude Towards Online Shopping and Purchasing Intentions

Journal of Reviews on Global Economics

The Influence of Utilitarian and Hedonic Consumption Values on Consumer Attitude Towards Online Shopping and Purchasing Intentions  - Pages 331-342

E.H. Redda


DOI: https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-7092.2020.09.32

Published: 25 September 2020

Abstract: Motivation: Online shopping is increasingly becoming a global phenomenon. In marketing literature, utilitarian and hedonic values are well-known consumption values that explain consumer behaviour and consumer decision-making. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of utilitarian and hedonic consumption values on consumer attitude towards online shopping that, in turn, influences online purchasing intentions. In doing so, the study aims to deepen the understanding of consumer behaviour in an online environment, which marketing practitioners may find useful as the phenomenon of online shopping gains momentum in the 4th industrial revolution.

Methodology and Methods: This study followed a descriptive research design, and a quantitative research method. Data (sample, n = 215) was collected using a self-administrated questionnaire from consumers with diverse socio-economic backgrounds through Survey Monkey. The well-known utilitarian and hedonic scales were adapted to suit the online shopping context, and utilised to collect empirical data for the study. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and structural equation modelling were applied to address the research objectives, and to test the hypothesised research model.

Data and Empirical Analysis: The study found that four attributes/values, namely wider selection, efficiency, convenience and cost saving are determinants of consumers’ utilitarian motivation towards online shopping, while another set of four attributes/values, viz. adventure/explore, gratification, social and idea constituted consumers’ hedonic motivation towards online shopping were found. Furthermore, the study found that utilitarian and hedonic motivations are determinants of consumer attitude towards online shopping, while, in turn, consumer attitude was found to be a predictor of online purchasing intentions.

Novelty: The study contributes to the literature on the contemporary online shopping phenomenon. Conducted in an emerging economy (South Africa), it provides a deeper understanding of, and an insight into how consumers behave and make decisions in an online environment.

Policy Consideration: At a practical level, the paper has devised a tool (framework) for marketing practitioners to utilise in influencing consumer attitude towards online shopping and purchasing intentions, and ultimately conclude a sale through online transaction.

Keywords: Online shopping, utilitarian motivation, hedonic motivation, consumer behaviour, consumer attitude.

Download