Comparing formal and informal social protection: a case study exploring the usefulness of informal social protection in Pakistan

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-30
Author(s):  
Zahid Mumtaz ◽  
Peter Whiteford
Keyword(s):  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Global South ◽  
Religious Institutions ◽  
Lower Income ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Household Level ◽  
The Poor

Abstract In most global south countries, various informal institutions provide welfare to a large segment of the neglected, poor and vulnerable populations through informal social protection. Despite being a major source of welfare in the global south, the usefulness of informal social protection at the household level remains an under-researched area. In this exploratory study, we have determined the usefulness of informal social protection provided through religious institutions, such as madrassas and compared it with formal social protection at the household level utilising the case study of a lower-income country such as Pakistan. A mixed methodology of data collection comprising a survey and semi-structured interviews in 14 different cities of Pakistan of the poor and eligible households for receiving formal social protection was conducted for the research. The results suggest the coverage of informal social protection provided by madrassas is greater than formal social protection. The poor and vulnerable population value and considers it more useful than formal social protection. We conclude that integrating informal and formal social protection would help improve the effectiveness of social policies in developing and less developed countries.

scholarly journals Evaluating the operational resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises to flooding using a computational modelling and simulation approach: a case study of the 2007 flood in Tewkesbury

2020 ◽  
Vol 378 (2168) ◽  
pp. 20190210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham Coates ◽  
Meshal Alharbi ◽  
Chunhui Li ◽  
Sangaralingam Ahilan ◽  
Nigel Wright
Keyword(s):  
Relative Effectiveness ◽  
Computational Modelling ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Modelling And Simulation ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Simulation Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Urban Flood ◽  
Geographical Environment

The resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to disruptive events is significant as this highly prevalent category of business forms the economic backbone in developed countries. This article provides an overview of the application of a computational modelling and simulation approach to evaluate SMEs' operational resilience to flooding based on combinations of structural and procedural mitigation measures that may be implemented to improve their premises' resistance to flooding and safeguard their business continuity. The approach integrates flood modelling and simulation with agent-based modelling and simulation (ABMS) within a modelled geographical environment. SMEs are modelled as agents based on findings of semi-structured interviews with SMEs that have experienced flooding or are at risk of flooding. In this paper, the ABMS has been applied to a new case study of the major flood event of 2007 in Tewkesbury. Furthermore, to enable an evaluation of the operational resilience of manufacturing SMEs in terms of the relative effectiveness of flood mitigation measures, a new coefficient based on production loss is introduced. Results indicate structural mitigation measures are more effective than procedural measures. While this result is intuitive, the approach provides a means of evaluating the relative effectiveness of combinations of mitigation measures that SMEs may implement to enhance their operational resilience to flooding. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Urban flood resilience’.

“Spectacles of the Poor”: Conventions of Alternative News

1998 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 177-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Blanks Hindman
Keyword(s):  
Inner City ◽  
Lower Income ◽  
Ethnographic Case Study ◽  
The Poor ◽  
The World ◽  
Story Construction ◽  
Alternative Journalism

This is an ethnographic case study of an inner-city neighborhood newspaper caught between two worlds: that of mainstream journalism, with its traditional routines and expectations, and that of alternative journalism, which emphasizes advocacy for lower-income people and presenting the world from the neighborhood's, not the outside world's, perspective. The study focuses on how the newspaper deals with the conflict between those worlds and their interpretations of the conventions of objectivity, newsgathering, and story construction.

scholarly journals Regions for Servicing Old People: Case study of Slovenia

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 19-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samo Drobne ◽  
Marija Bogataj
Keyword(s):  
Social Protection ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
State Governments ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Old People ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Functional Regions ◽  
Functional Areas ◽  
Social Protection Systems

Abstract Background: Aging is one of the most serious problems that most developed countries are facing in the 21st century. In the European Union, Member States are responsible for the planning, funding and administration of health care and social protection systems. Local authorities and state governments should undertake research toward developing an appropriate array of community-based care services for old people. Objectives: This study analyses the regions of Slovenia for servicing old people in the 2000-2010 time horizon. Methods/Approach: Sets of functional regions were modelled for each year in the analysed period using the Intramax method. Functional regions were evaluated based on the attractiveness of central places for labour commuters and the propensity to commute between regions. Results: The results show that in addition to the nominally declared regional centres of Slovenia, there are also some other local centres that should be potentially included in the functional areas for servicing old people. Conclusions: The results suggest that the regionalization into seven functional regions is the most convenient for servicing old people in the region. Furthermore, some additional functional regions at a lower level are suggested.

scholarly journals Expatriate Management of Emerging Market Multinational Enterprises: A Multiple Case Study Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 252
Author(s):  
Yifan Zhong ◽  
Jiuhua Cherrie Zhu ◽  
Mingqiong Mike Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Global Economy ◽  
Multinational Enterprises ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Cultural Adjustment ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Expatriate Management ◽  
Multiple Case

Expatriate management has evolved through the practices of developed economy multinational enterprises (DMNEs), with the aim of improving expatriate adaptability, cross-cultural adjustment, and performance. However, most of these studies focus on expatriates from developed countries and try to help DMNEs instead of emerging market MNEs (EMNEs). In a turbulent global economy, how EMNEs manage their expatriates when conducting business through their outward foreign direct investment (FDI) is understudied. This empirical study aims to address this research gap by utilising a qualitative approach and a multiple case study. It has conducted semi-structured interviews with expatriates, executives, and middle managers of Chinese MNEs in 2014. It contributes as one of the few to systematically examine expatriate related issues in the context of EMNEs with first-hand empirical evidence. The findings show that EMNEs are leapfrogging with their internationalisation and hence their expatriate policies are often ad hoc without systematic planning. Moreover, this study has contributed to practice, especially to EMNEs, regarding the way they need to improve their expatriate policies and practices.

scholarly journals Measurements in the Early Stage Software Start-ups: A Multiple Case Study in a Nascent Ecosystem

2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 251-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace Kamulegeya ◽  
Raymond Mugwanya ◽  
Regina Hebig
Keyword(s):  
East Africa ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Software Products ◽  
Analysis Technique ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Start Ups

Abstract Context: Software measurement is crucial to stay competitive and deliver quality software products. Problem: While much research has been done on measurement in large companies in developed countries, there is limited research on measurement in start-ups. So far there are no studies on whether these results apply to nascent ecosystems, such as those in East Africa. Goal: The aim of this study is to understand the use and perceived benefits of measurement in software start-ups in East Africa. Method: We performed a multi-case study on 19 software start-ups in hubs in Uganda and Kenya, through conducting semi-structured interviews. We transcribed and analyzed them using the content analysis technique. Results: We identified that start-ups are using a number of business and product-oriented metrics. Furthermore, we found no evidence on the use of design-oriented metrics. Nonetheless, start-ups have considerable expectations on the benefits of measuring. Finally, metrics found in this study partially differ from metrics used in start-ups in developed countries. Conclusion: There is a need to create a more inclusive characterization for measurement as early start-ups in East Africa cannot yet be represented with known models.

scholarly journals The Employee Voice Behaviours in African Context: The Case of Zimbabwe

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-135
Author(s):  
Washington Machokoto ◽  
Munyaradzi. A. Dzvimbo
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Employee Voice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
African Context ◽  
Regression Correlation

This exploratory study aimed to investigate the Employee Voice Behaviours (EVB) in the African context, and Zimbabwe was chosen as a case study. A sample of 30 volunteers was used in this study and data was collected via WhatsApp social media. The structured interviews were employed to collect data. Thus, the data was collected and placed into categories as a framework. The data analysis included descriptive statistics, multiple regression, correlation and framework. The results indicated that the majority of employees in Zimbabwe present constructive voices than destructive behaviours. The findings also established that Zimbabwean workforce remains disciplined in their organisations. The study again found that the majority of people working in organisations in Zimbabwe is neither married nor have children. Also, the majority go to church and do not consume alcohol/smoke. However, besides a small sample that could have affected the outcome, this study concludes that understanding of EVB remains elusive; therefore, more studies are required in this field. Future researchers should consider qualitative methods with larger samples to establish these variations. Besides, the current research presents significant findings that could inform policy-makers in Zimbabwean organisations.   

scholarly journals Zakah Collection and Distribution Management: A Case Study of MAIDAM in Terengganu

2021 ◽  
pp. 44-50
Author(s):  
Md Habibur Rahman ◽  
Shahirah binti Mat Shaari
Keyword(s):  
Poverty Line ◽  
Standard Of Living ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Minimum Standard ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Distribution Management ◽  
Efficient Management ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Direct Payments

Zakah is one of the systems to promote wealth-sharing among the Muslims in assuring a minimum standard of living for them. The problems associated with the distribution of zakah and poverty are damaging the performance and achievement of the zakah institution itself. The statistics on the distribution of zakah shows that the poor and extreme poor in Terengganu has been increased over the last few years. In addition, there are people who pay zakah directly to the asnaf while such payments of zakah are not being recorded. Thus, an efficient management for zakah in terms of collection and distribution can contribute to the achievement of the utmost objective of zakah. This qualitative mode of study investigates the activities of zakah collection and distribution that are being practiced by MAIDAM. This study uses the semi-structured interviews to collect the primary data. The study interviews the staff from the Majlis Agama Islam Dan Adat Melayu (Islamic Religious Council and Malay Customs), known as MAIDAM, whereby several issues have been asked and discussed to achieve the objectives. MAIDAM is the only organization that collects and distributes zakah in Terengganu. The study finds that MAIDAM has been using several channels for the zakah payers to make direct payments to MAIDAM. Besides, MAIDAM has collaborations with other organizations to distribute the funds effectively. The study posits that zakah is to be distributed in sustainable modes such as in a form of small financing for needy SMEs to achieve the objective of eradicating poverty line and minimizing income inequality.

scholarly journals Towards an Understanding of the Influence of National Culture on Organizational Viability: An Exploratory Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-38
Author(s):  
Bankole O. Awuzie ◽  
◽  
Peter McDermott ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
National Culture ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
The United Kingdom

Viability connotes a system’s ability to become ultra-stable through effective self-regulation of its internal processes and information processing among its subsystems. Applying this to an infrastructure delivery system (IDS) context, this study proposes that an IDS can successfully deliver on client requirements only if they attain and maintain viability. Research into the influence of National Culture (NC) on an IDS’s viability appears to be lacking; hence this study. Adopting a multi-case study, qualitative research design, this study explores three IDSs involved in the delivery of infrastructure projects in two different NC contexts; Nigeria and the United Kingdom. 25 semi-structured interviews were conducted across the cases to provide for an in-depth understanding of existing interactions between participants in these delivery systems: client/project sponsor; main contractor and sub-contractors and to understand the influence of the prevailing national culture on such interactions, if any. Findings indicate that NC in project delivery environments influence the ability of IDSs to attain viability, especially as it pertains to the sustenance of Team Quality Attributes (TWQ) within the system. Based on these findings, it is expected that in modelling IDSs for viability, adequate consideration should be given to the prevailing NC by project managers and planners.

Emerging multinationals investing in developed countries

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 124-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Selena Aureli ◽  
Massimo Ciambotti ◽  
Alessandro Dragoni
Keyword(s):  
Development Strategy ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Joint Stock Company ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Stock Company ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Evaluation Phase

Purpose The aim of this work is to investigate the key factors that lead to a successful deal in the case of acquisitions of Western companies by multinationals from emerging countries (EMNCs). Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a qualitative paradigm and uses a case study method as a tool of analysis. The case concerns Fondalmec, an Italian unlisted medium-sized joint stock company. The company was acquired in 2007 by the Indian multinational Endurance. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews and integrated with secondary data retrieved from relevant documents such as annual reports prepared before and after the acquisition. Findings Research findings show that EMNCs have some country-specific characteristics, which should be adequately assessed and realigned to the characteristics of the host country and targets’ resources during both the evaluation phase and the integration process. Research limitations/implications The research limitation is attributed to there being only one case study analysis. Practical implications The study recommends examining the country of origin of the acquirer and suggests EMNCs’ managers to prefer a “light-touch” integration of Western target companies to gain access to their intangible assets and achieve success. Originality/value This work differs from much of the existing literature on mergers and acquisitions because it focuses on EMNCs and analyses the target company together with the buyer and their post-operative development strategy. Furthermore, it is one of the few empirical research studies on non-listed companies, which are often overlooked given the greater difficulty of accessing data.

scholarly journals Building trust in a guarantee fund in a challenging institutional environment

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 90-110
Author(s):  
Luciano Quinto Lanz ◽  
Patricia Amelia Tomei
Keyword(s):  
Institutional Environment ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Emerging Countries ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Access To Credit ◽  
Building Trust ◽  
Credit Guarantees ◽  
Organizational Relations

Difficult access to credit is a major obstacle to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) survival, especially in emerging countries, affecting their competitiveness. Lack of guarantees is a main reason why banks do not lend to MSMEs. Guarantee schemes provide partial credit guarantees, but often fail to win trust of banks and enterprises. This study analyzes the process of building trust between the Fundo Garantidor para Investimentos (Investment Guarantee Fund, FGI), created in 2009, and banks in Brazil. This trust was hampered by the failure of public guarantee funds created in the 1990’s. This created a challenging institutional environment to the new fund. The methodology employed was a case study, based on a qualitative approach with document analysis, semi-structured interviews and descriptive statistics. The analysis used models for building and repairing trust in inter-organizational relations and international benchmark for governance and effectiveness of guarantee schemes. The analysis showed that the FGI used other emerging countries and developed countries experience to construct adequate governance and succeeded in establishing trust with the banks. The results show that by 2017, 26 banks contract more than 32,000 operations worth 1.9 billion dollars, with additionalities comparable to the international benchmark.

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