Inward Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) and Location Choice Determinants: Empirical Evidence from India

The main purpose of this research was to determine the nature of the relationship between inward FDI flow into India and selected sets of FDI location determinants. The paper also investigates the exact impact of the individual FDI location determinants on inward FDI flow into India. Following these objectives, eight variables relating to the inward FDI locational advantage theory were selected, with data running from 1965-2018. The investigated location determinants for inward FDI include tax, market size (GDP), a measure of market potential (GDPPC), human capital (education), wage cost, Ease of Doing Business (DB), and measure of economic progress (GDP growth). The method of data analysis involved the application of OLS regression, taking note of the necessary assumptions for the use of OLS. The results of the study indicate that GDP growth is the only significant FDI location determinant in India, with a positive impact of about 0.57. This implies that the Indian government should prioritise policies that seek to boost GDP

Strategic view of internationalization process, a case study

This study aims at examining the Slovenian airdrome multinational corporation construction Company, in OLI paradigm factors, notably focusing on how the OLI paradigm can be utilized to explain the course of the company for the decision of internationalization production. The major outcome of this study demonstrates that among the OLI paradigm, ownership and location advantages can best explain the Company’s internationalization of production as the Company has the monopolistic advantage in production airdrome in Balkans, at old Soviets countries, and the Middle East and those regions present locational advantage because of their effective demand capacity, low labor costs, free entry markets.

Comparative Assessment of Vulnerability to Drought and Flood in the Lower Teesta River Basin: A SWOT Analysis

People repeatedly confronted by natural catastrophe in almost every year such as drought and flood in the lower Teesta Basin area. After the construction of two barrages in Gozaldoba and Dalia on Teesta River drought and flood occurs almost every year. Intensity and frequency of these calamities are also increasing in an alarming rate, which caused serious damage to livelihoods and economy of this area. The objective of this paper is to find out the drought and flood induced vulnerability in the study area through Strength Weakness Opportunities Threat (SWOT) analysis. By this we can summarize the current state of a space and helping to devise a plan for the future, one that employs the existing strengths, redresses existing weaknesses, exploits opportunities and defends against threats. The study is conducted in Charkharibari village of Tepakharibari union of Dimla upazilla in Nilphamary district and Jigabari village of Tepamadhupur union of Kaunia upazilla in Rangpur district, taking the locational advantage, flood and drought proneness, topographic nature and population diversity under consideration. The study population is finite and sample size was determined by using Kothari’s formula. Sample size for Charkharibari and Jigabari is 200 and 85 respectively; samples were drawn through Simple Random Sampling (SRS) procedure. The relevant data and information used in this study have been collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data has been collected through a questionnaire survey and couple of Focus Group Discussions (FGD’s) with a view to collect quantitative as well as qualitative data. Results from Strength Weakness Opportunities Threat (SWOT) analysis shows that, between the two villages severity of drought and flood is higher in Charkharibari village. After comparing the strengths Jigabari is ahead; comparing weakness, opportunities and threat Charkharibari is ahead. Based on the analysis and the findings, it is evident that in terms of vulnerability Charkharibari is more vulnerable than Jigabari. But there are more opportunities for Charkharibari than Jigabari. However, it is evident that proper dissemination of information regarding early warning and assistance from government as well as non-government organizations can significantly improve the coping capacity of people.

Drivers and Barriers for Successful Special Economic Zones (SEZs): Case of SEZs under China Pakistan Economic Corridor

Over the last three decades, special economic zones (SEZs) have given new impetus to the ever-growing export-oriented industrialization in developing countries. Where various economies have benefited from SEZs, many zones have ended up becoming enclaves with trifling advantage. The SEZs in Pakistan have experienced the same fate and have failed to contribute to exports, employment, and creating linkages with the domestic economy. Recently under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), SEZs are proposed to be set up in Pakistan, with a hope to fuel the stuttering economy. However, it is pertinent first to understand the local context and device policies considering stakeholders’ perspectives. This study aims to identify the factors for the successful implementation of SEZs derived from the regional context of Pakistan. In-depth interviews are conducted from the most relevant stakeholders, who have been involved in the development of SEZs. The results pointed towards the removal of political influence over zones and government taking the lead role in deciding the types of industry to be invited in these zones. Each zone should have a clear vision of development based on its locational advantage. The zone promotions should be based on competitiveness rather than fiscal incentives. Joint ventures and PPP should be encouraged inside the zones for sustainable operations.

City Profile: Patna, India

This profile of Patna focuses on the historical evolution of the city when the city has seen both extreme prosperity as well as destitution. After its glorious past during the Magadh Empire, Patna re-emerged as an important city during the British rule due to its locational advantage but witnessed another decline post-independence period. Being the capital city of the federal state of Bihar, Patna has experienced significant growth in population during the past four decades due to rural–urban migration and physical expansion of the city. However, there has not been a commensurate expansion in the infrastructure and services to accommodate this influx of people to the city. After the inclusion of Patna in the Smart City Mission, it is witnessing initiation of a plethora of infrastructure projects, which is expected to improve the urban service delivery in the near future. This city profile discusses the various dimensions of the city’s development and major policy initiatives undertaken during the recent period.

Rural–Urban Linkages in Ethiopia

Rural and urban areas are linked by the reciprocal exchange of unprocessed and processed products and services. The main thrust of this chapter is to quantify the extent of rural–urban linkages by demand and production-based characteristics, using a social accounting matrix (SAM) framework and temporal changes in household consumption. The scale of the links between agriculture and non-agricultural activities, especially manufacturing, appears to be weak despite rapid economic growth over the last couple of decades. The spatial aspects of rural–urban linkages indicates that small towns appear to have strong linkages with rural areas compared to big cities and towns, as small towns have locational advantage. Changes in household demand also affect rural–urban linkages. The future of rural transformation can be shaped by targeted investments in small urban areas and this has the potential to speed up rural transformation.

Street Vending and Competitive Advantage: Towards Building a Theoretical Framework

The study examines the strategies adopted by street vendors or hawkers in Ghana in a bid to gain competitive advantage. Drawing on six focus group meetings held with street vendors in two sub-metropolitan assemblies (Bantama and Tafo) in Kumasi, Ghana, the study finds that street vendors adopt ten strategies – networking, multiple undifferentiated market strategy, the sale of convenient products, “dying and resurrecting” (strategic exit and return into business), regular changing of goods and services, exploitation of flexible operating hours, cost-based pricing strategy, sales promotion, trade credit and locational advantage – to gain competitive advantage. Using these strategies, a theoretical framework for street vendors’ competitive strategies is developed.