The Islamic Microfinance System And Its Ultimate Impact On The Poor In Bauchi Metropolis In The Context Of Socio-Economic Challenges

One of the conditions for providing social services to the population, reducing the differentiation of their incomes, as well as reducing poverty is to provide equal access to financial services for all segments of the population. Despite high unemployment and a significant number of poor people, only about a few thousand Nigerians today use Islamic microfinance services. The main purpose of this study is to study the impact of the Islamic microfinance system on the financial situation of the population. The study is based on the principles of the theory of positivism. Methods of deduction, statistical analysis, and survey served as methodological tools. The authors of the article developed a structured questionnaire, the analysis of which allowed to analyze the attitude of citizens to Islamic microfinance services. A representative sample of citizens of the metropolis Bauchi with different levels of wealth, age and gender was selected for the study. According to the results of the survey, the development of special microcredit programs for low-income people allowed to finance the start of their own business, thus providing their own and household members’ employment. The main factors hindering the development of microfinance in Muslim countries are the high level of non-repayment of borrowed funds, imperfect infrastructure, the presence of Sharia bans on certain types of financial transactions. The results of the study showed the need for an active information campaign aimed at explaining the benefits of using macro-financial services and their accessibility for low-income citizens, as well as expanding the network of microfinance institutions throughout the metropolis. These measures will create conditions for the development of small business in the country, and as a consequence reduce poverty and reduce the number of unemployed in the country.

Bibliometric Analysis And Visualization Of Funding Social Housing: Connection Of Sociological And Economic Research

This paper deals with bibliometric analysis and visualization of theory development of funding social housing considering connection of sociological and economic research. The main purpose of the research is to identify dominant trends in cross-sectoral research related to the development of the theory of funding social housing considering connection of sociological and economic research. Systematization literary sources and approaches for solving the problem of funding social housing indicates that the bibliometric analysis of scientific papers indexed in the Scopus database based on using VOSViewer software package and the Scopus scientometric database analysis were not applied enough in the scientific area of this research. Investigation of the topic about research activity in funding social, affordable, and public housing emphasizing the connection of sociological and economic patterns is carried out in the following logical sequence: introduction and proving the relevance of research problem; literature revue with generalization and analysis of scholars experience of bibliometric analysis and visualization in general and in funding social, public, and affordable housing in particular; the main part of investigation related directly to the Scopus scientometric database analysis and the bibliometric analysis of scientific papers indexed in the Scopus database based on using VOSViewer; conclusion of research. Methodological tools of the research methods were logical generalization and scientific abstraction, statistical and structural analysis, comparative, and graphical analysis using Excel 2010 software, Scopus database tools and VOSViewer software package v.1.6.16. The object of the Scopus database analysis was a sample of 5 385 scientific articles indexed in the Scopus scientometric database for the period from 1948 to 2020, and generated by the following keywords for search request: ‘funding social housing’, ‘financing social housing’, ‘social housing finance’, ‘funding affordable housing’, ‘financing affordable housing’, ‘affordable housing finance’, ‘funding public housing’, ‘financing public housing’, and ‘public housing finance’ (limit in 2020 is due to the availability of information on open portal of Scopus database and incomplete data for 2021). The top trends of theory development of funding social, affordable, and public housing were identified. The Scopus scientometric database analysis showed that the theory of funding social, affordable, and public housing is at the stage of formation and rapid development – about 60–70 % of the total number of publications for the period from 1948 to 2020 (for more than 70 years) were published in the last 10 years (and about 30–40 % – in the last 5 years). The total trend of number of articles dynamics about funding social, affordable, and public housing indexed in Scopus database in 1990-2020 was built. The accent was put on some significant increase peaks of publishing activity during investigated period connected with the economic and financial crisis in 2007, currency fluctuations, the COVID-19 crisis, etc. The structural and functional clustering of the development of the theory of funding social housing was carried out considering connection of sociological and economic research. The received conclusions can be useful for scholars in socioeconomics, public and private investors in social and affordable housing.

International Migration As A Driver Of Country Development

The expression of the country’s sustainable socio-political development is its achievement of macroeconomic stability, which, first of all, depends on the ability of the national economy to ensure the growth of macroeconomic indicators. It raises many questions about identifying and evaluating factors that directly and indirectly impact growth. In recent decades, more and more attention is paid to the problems of developed countries’ human capital security and their importance for macroeconomic processes. Human resources can be interpreted as explicit (labor resources) and implicit (ethnic, age, language, qualification distribution, etc.) factor influencing macroeconomic indicators. Since most economically advanced states belong to the category of old nations, they have faced another global problem in the last half-century – the population’s rapid ageing. Their gradual degeneration leads to the inhibition of positive macroeconomic processes. Therefore there is a need to attract new human resources, and migration is one of the most effective levers to solve this problem. However, migration can pose several threats to both the destination country and the donor country. In the economic context for the destination country, the most serious of these is the lack of the desired improvement in human potential due to the influx of low-skilled workers. In contrast, for the country of origin, there is a brain drain. It creates the problem of determining the factors that affect population migration between the donor country and the destination country, and their correlation with macroeconomic indicators. The purpose of this work is to conduct a generalized analysis of methodologies for assessing the interconnectedness of macroeconomic and migration determinants and identifying commonalities. According to the work results, it was found that most of the analyzed scientists use simple estimation models, filling them with related indirect migration factors and macroeconomic indicators, which are formed depending on the primary goal of the work. Thus, this study allows us to create a list of migration determinants commonly used in typical results, to form an updated methodological framework.

The Determinants Of Primary Employment In U.S. States

We examine the relationship between `primary employment` and `business friendliness` of U.S. states. Do states with a low score in `business friendliness` worry small business owners too much and hence force them to run their business as their primary job? We look at several main components of `business friendliness` including `Ease of start`, `Ease of hire`, `Overall regulations`, and `Training and networking`. We also look at subcomponents including the different types of regulations and technology use. How does each of these factors affect a business owner’s decision to focus mainly on his/her business? We use the `United States Small Business Friendliness Survey` done by Kauffman Foundation and Thumptack.com in 2013 and converted the letter scores ranging from A+ to F in the survey to numerical scores ranging from 12 to 1 (i.e. 1 being the lowest score which corresponds to F). Therefore, after the conversion, each state has a numerical score on each business-friendliness category. The survey also asks business owners if they use the internet when starting a business, when paying their taxes, or when licensing. For each state, we compute the percentage of owners in each state using the internet when starting a business, when paying their taxes, or when licensing. We call these three percentage numbers for each state their `Internetstart`, `Internettax`, and `Internetlicensing` scores. Then, using the mean score for all states for each type of regulation or internet score, we divide the states into two groups: the `high-score states` and the `low-score states`. In our analysis, we use non-parametric tests to compare the `high-score states` to the `low-score states`. Our non-parametric tests show that although none of the main components (i.e. `Ease of start`, `Ease of hire`, `Overall regulations`, and `Training and networking`) seem to affect `primary employment`, the overall business friendliness score of a state significantly affects `primary employment`. When we examine the different types of regulations, we find that `Health and safety regulations`, `Licensing regulations`, and `Zoning regulations` affect `primary employment`. `Employment regulations`, `Tax code`, or `Environmental regulations` does not have a significant impact. These findings may indicate that business owners are more worried with regard to Health and safety regulations, Licensing regulations, and Zoning regulations, therefore more of them choose to take matters into their own hands. Another possible explanation may be the relative complexity of the tasks associated with these regulations. Finally, our results show that technology use in the entrepreneurial process does not affect `Primary employment`.

Cash Transfers and Child Nutrition: Evidence from sub-Saharan Africa

This paper summarises the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on cash transfers and child nutrition. The main purpose of the research is to assess the effectiveness of cash transfers in improving nutritional outcomes in vulnerable children in sub-Saharan Africa. Systematisation of the literary sources indicates that studies have justified cash transfer as social-income support that addresses a vital social determinant of health (income) for children in low-and-middle-income countries. The methodological basis of this study is a systematic review that searched a wide range of academic and grey literature databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. This study included cluster-randomised controlled trials (R.C.T.s), randomised controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, mixed-methods studies, and non-randomised cluster trials. Studies included in this systematic review were screened for their eligibility. The systematic review uses the Cochrane data collection form to extract data from the included studies. It was not feasible to statistically combine the results of the studies due to the heterogeneity of most of the studies. Preferably, the review employs a narrative synthesis to present the estimated effects of cash transfers on children’s nutritional outcomes. The systematic review presents the results of data synthesis, of which eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the evidence from the systematic review indicates that cash transfer programmes targeted at children effectively improve anthropometric and nutritional outcomes. Further research is needed to spell out the multiple pathways to how cash transfers improve children’s nutritional outcomes. Moreover, this systematic review shows the importance of cash transfers in improving child nutrition. Policymakers should continue to employ institutional mechanisms to strengthen the nutritional status of children, especially the vulnerable ones since cash transfer intervention is a temporary measure.

Motivational Factors in Organisational Change

The presented paper gives an overview of the most important and most common theories and concepts from the economic field of organisational change and is also enriched with quantitative publication data, which underlines the relevance of the topic. In particular, the topic presented is interwoven in an interdisciplinary way with economic psychological models, which are underpinned within the models with content from leading scholars in the field. The pace of change in companies is accelerating, as is technological change in our society. Adaptations of the corporate structure, but also of management techniques and tasks, are therefore indispensable. This includes not only the right approaches to employee motivation, but also the correct use of intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors. Based on the hypothesis put forward by the scientist and researcher Rollinson in his book “Organisational behaviour and analysis” that managers believe motivational resources are available at all times, socio-economic and economic psychological theories are contrasted here in order to critically examine this statement. In addition, a fictitious company was created as a model for this work in order to illustrate the effects of motivational deficits in practice. In this context, the theories presented are applied to concrete problems within the model and conclusions are drawn about their influence and applicability. This led to the conclusion that motivation is a very individual challenge for each employee, which requires adapted and personalised approaches. On the other hand, the recommendations for action for supervisors in the case of motivation deficits also cannot be answered in a blanket manner, but can only be solved with the help of professional, expert-supported processing due to the economic-psychological realities of motivation. Identifying, analysing and remedying individual employee motivation deficits is, according to the authors, a problem and a challenge of great importance, especially in the context of rapidly changing ecosystems in modern companies, as motivation also influences other factors such as individual productivity. The authors therefore conclude that good motivation through the individual and customised promotion and further training of employees is an important point for achieving important corporate goals in order to remain competitive on the one hand and to create a productive and pleasant working environment on the other.

The USA Federal Debt-to-GDP Ratio and The Unified Budget Act’s Lack of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

Here in the beginning of 2021, two of the truly relevant federal public finance issues are presented in this article. One is the Debt-to GDP Ratio. The second topic is the true nature of deficits, surpluses and future liabilities treated in budgets constructed via the Unified Budget Act. Two graphs on these issues are included. This article shows that the present Debt-to-GDP ratio is relatively high, as if the nation similar to when the United States was in a period of a major war. This graph is shown in this article’s Figure 1. There has been evidence in the macroeconomic literature that indicates a high Debt-to-GDP ratio can possibly result in some degree of slowed economic growth. Though the literature is varied on that point. The reason for the possible crowding out effect has to do with the competition for loanable funds. There is competition from both the public and private demanders of those loanable funds. Furthermore, there is the reality that all federal trust fund balances of the United States must be used to hold U.S. Treasury bonds. For figure 2, two categories on U.S trust funds are shown. One category is the combined total of Social Security. Medicare, Disability and related funds. This is shown in a red line. All the other federal trust funds are indicated in a blue line. There is a graph that shows these two lines. The graph is of the percentage share between the two categories. As a result, the red and blue lines are inverse functions of each other. Over the eighty-year period (1940-2020), there has been variation if both the red and blue lines. The goal of this articles is for leaders and government analysts to be more aware of the issues of the USA Federal Debt to GDP Ratio and the Unified Budget Act’s lack of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

Human Capital in Azerbaijan: Building Competitive Workforce Capacity for Industry 4.0

Human capital is one of the country’s most significant economic metrics. Today, of course, the advancement of technology, the production of inventions, is a result of the human brain. It, in effect, naturally happens in countries with highly evolved human capital. This paper summarizes the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on the issue priorities of human capital development in Azerbaijan during the industrial revolution. The main purpose of the research is to identify and encourage the improvements in Industry 4.0 in Azerbaijan that would be essential for human capital, as well as to suggest a sustainable workplace outlook for current manufacturing businesses during the modern industrial revolution. The relevance of this scientific problem decision is that given the formation of new mechanisms of development on the eve of the 4th Industrial Revolution, these factors also have an impact on the development of human capital. Because the emergence of new professions during the 4th industrial revolution makes it necessary to form human capital in accordance with these professions. Investigation of the topic in the paper is carried out in the following logical sequence: introducton, literature review, research methodology, empirical findings and conclusions. We used some indicators expressed in the 2008-2017 Global Competitiveness Report of the Azerbaijan World Economic Forum to assess the findings. The object of research is the chosen country is Azerbaijan, because namely here, the development of human capital is one of the main goals of public policy. The paper presents the results of an empirical analysis regression, which showed that regression outcomes show that independent variables can explain 63.2 percent of the heterogeneity in higher education and training in Azerbaijan. Calculations of parameters indicate that any change of 1 percent in the independent variable will increase by 0.341 percent. The results of the study suggest that progressive reforms in Azerbaijan’s higher education and training have had a major effect. To meet the requirements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, spending on human capital must be increased. The results of the research can be useful for in the direction of formation of competitive human capital and creation of modern innovation space in the coming years.

Wage Differentials And Educational Attainment In Germany. How Do Job Profiles Affect Earnings?

This paper presents the results of an empirical analysis on the issue of wage differentials occurring within education levels. The main purpose of the research is to investigate the extent to which job profiles, classified as routine and non-routine tasks can explain wage differentials within educational levels in Germany. Systematization of the literary sources and approaches for solving the problem of wage differentials indicates that in line with technological advancement witnessed over the past decades, earnings are largely determined by the nature of tasks carried out within the workplace. The relevance of this scientific problem decision is that educational systems have to keep up with advancing digitization and the rapidly changing labour market requirements. Investigation of the impact job profiles have on earnings, in the paper is carried out in the following logical sequence: firstly, a brief overview on previous research in the field is given, followed by an outline of the dataset analysed, proposed hypotheses, applied methodology and results concluding with a discussion. Methodological tools of the research methods were descriptive statistics along with OLS regression techniques. Based on German cross-sectional employee survey data from 2018 two hypotheses are tested by classifying 23 selected work activities into routine and non-routine tasks linked to the highest education level attained. In accordance with the German education system four educational levels are specified: no occupational degree, in-company or school-based vocational training, advanced vocational training degree and university degree. The results indicate that non-routine activities are on average remunerated at a higher rate compared to routine activities and non-routine analytical work is paid at a higher rate than non-routine craftmanship. Additionally, higher wages for computer assisted work activities is found. The OLS regression model results confirm both hypotheses implying increasing returns to educational attainments resulting in larger hourly pay and higher pay for those performing non-routine tasks. Pursuant to the traditional Mincer human capital approach on returns to schooling the research empirically confirms higher wages for employees completing advanced vocational training and those holding a university degree. The results of the research can be useful for policymakers in the education sector, fostering and improving analytical, data literacy and organizational skills.

Analysis Of Key Indicators Of The Insurance Market Of Western Europe

This paper summarizes the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on the key indicators of the insurance market. The research’s primary purpose is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the main indicators of the insurance market of Western Europe with the visualization of the results. Insurance markets are adapting to a single trade regime in insurance services. It is formed under the influence of national and regional economic development strategies. The experience of integration in the insurance markets of the European Union shows that not all countries benefit equally from integration processes. The relevance of the decision of this scientific problem is caused by сomparative analysis of the share of European countries in the world market by volume insurance premiums. It showed a broad scope, reflecting the high-level asymmetries in the development of the insurance market, as the most developed to less developed countries of Europe. Investigation of the topic of theoretical principles of insurance in the paper is carried out in the following logical sequence: selection of input indicators; analysis of the dynamics and structure of indicators of the insurance market of Western Europe; research of insurance market indicators using correlation and regression analysis; visualization of the results. The research methods’ methodological tools were basic descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis. The period of research is 2009-2019. Given the results obtained, we can say that the dynamics of change in the studied indicators are abrupt. Some indicators have a clear trend to change, in particular, the share of life insurance. Given the structural analysis, the following results were obtained. The largest share of the country’s insurance market share among OECD countries is observed in the following countries: Germany and France. The Czech Republic and Latvia occupy the smallest share in this indicator. Correlation-regression analysis shows an increase in the total number of insurance premiums (fees for the insurance company’s services) shows an increase in the general interest of the population in insurance services, which will contribute to the growth of all areas of insurance.