W: SPATIAL WEIGHT MATRIX DIVERSITY AND ITS IMPACT ON SPATIAL ANALYSIS RESULTS

Spatial econometrics presents irreplaceable tool for regional analysis. Omitting additional information about geographical location of observed units could neglect some important influences. The spatial weight matrix W determining neighbourhood relations and degree of influence between observed units belongs to the main components of spatial analysis. Various specification approaches of this non-stochastic matrix could be applied. There is a commonly held belief that spatial regression models are sensitive to spatial weight structure. Some analytics consider it as a myth and points out incorrect interpretation of the model coefficients or misspecified models. Does it really matter what kind of specification is used? This contribution brings an empirical example of several approaches to neighbourhood specification and compares obtained results. According to findings of this analysis, especially spillover effects are incomparable. That confirms unequal performance of spatial structures. The W matrix should be built carefully at the beginning of each spatial analysis task.

Gender Differences in Entrepreneurial Attitude & Intentions among university Students

This empirical study aims at assessing the attitudes, perception and intention of university students towards entrepreneurship and new venture creation with a focus on gender differences in entrepreneurial perceptions and intentions to start new business in the future. Data were collected using a questionnaire-based survey of 350 students at the University of Khartoum in Sudan. The target population was the students in the final year in the University of Khartoum. The stratified sampling technique was used to select the sample size because the population consisted of a number of subgroups that differed in their characteristics. The results showed significant differences between genders in entrepreneurial intentions and its antecedents. Thus, it is important that customized approaches based on gender are needed for developing entrepreneurial intentions among college students.

Patronage behavior of Islamic bank’s consumers: the importance of Shariah compliance within total Islamic banking system

This study aims to investigate the patronage behaviour of Islamic banks customers and the importance of Shariah compliance, within a total Islamic banking system, compared to other criteria in their selection decisions. The sample consists of 395 valid and complete responses of bank customers. Factor analysis is used to classify a set of 23 items submitted to participants for their opinion. Findings revealed that within a pure Islamic banking system Shariah Abidance of the Islamic bank is the most important factor in bank patronage. The study has many implications for marketers in designing and planning their marketing strategies and plans and future investments of their organizations, especially when intense competition exist in the industry. The study adds to the existing literature on consumer bank patronage behavior a pure Islamic banking system in the context of Sudan

THE ANTECEDENTS OF WORK RELATED STRESS

This research aims to test the limits of the theory that have found certain relationships in the West relating to the antecedents of stress. This research aims to show that much of the theories and research in the West are culture-bound and do not necessarily apply to other countries such as Malaysia and especially among certain age groups such as those between 15 years and 34 years known as Generation Y. Results of regression show that role ambiguity, work intensification, working conditions are significant predictors of work-related stress but role conflict, relationship with colleagues, and bullying or harassment are not significant predictors. Possible reasons for this phenomenon are offered.

Resolution of Maritime Disputes: Ad-hoc vs Institutional Mechanisms

The maritime industry had for long, recognized the relevance and significance of arbitration as a method of dispute resolution. The industry has been utilizing quasi-ad-hoc mechanism in conducting its arbitrations. Of recent, the industry is witnessing a phenomenal shift from the traditional quasi –ad-hoc mechanism to institutional mechanisms whereby special administrative centers dedicated to the resolution maritime disputes are being established to administer the dispute resolution. Recently, the government of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, pursuant to Decree No (14) of 2016 had established Emirates Maritime Arbitration Center with the objective of settling local and international maritime disputes using alternative dispute resolution methods. The paper investigates the two approaches of ad-hoc vs institutionalism of administering dispute settlement in the maritime industry from a tailored analytical tool of ‘access to arbitration’ mirrored on the well-established legal principle of access to justice.

THEORIZING AGRICULTURE VALUE CHAINS: INTEGRATING SMALL HOLDER PRODUCERS TO OVERCOME HURDLES

Modern marketing techniques and restructured markets for agriculture products has made the small holder producers to fight against a number of consequences which they are actually not practiced or trained. As an alternative, new innovative practice like value chain approach has been identified in improving their ability to combat the restructured market conditions. This paper reviews the theoretical justifications and different viewpoints of value chains approach which can benefit the small holder producers in agriculture sector. A review on evidences from agricultural value chain experiences exposed the necessity of a tool or a business model like value chain approach to integrate the small holder producers to viable markets and to capitalize the immense opportunities in the markets, particularly for least developed and developing countries. The literature revealed that small holder producer can access international markets by establishing value chain networks and by building relationships in chain networks.

The Study of Green Human Resource Management and its effect on employees’ health in Automobile Industry

As of late, there has been an expanding mindfulness inside business networks on the essentialness of making strides toward environmental friendliness and receiving different condition management methods. As the corporate world is going worldwide, the business is encountering a move from a regular money related structure to a cutting edge limit based economy which is prepared to investigate green financial aspects of business. Today, Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) has turned into a key business methodology for the noteworthy associations where Human Resource Departments have a functioning influence in making strides toward environmental friendliness at the workplace. The main objective of this study is to review Green Human Resource Management and its effect on Employees Health in Automobile Industry. This study focuses on how and why Green Human Resource Management practices are implemented by different organizations. This study also reviews the negative and positive impacts of green-HRM practices on employee health and the employee commitment levels in organizations.

Estimating the Output GAP for Lebanon: A Production Function methodology

This paper estimates the output Gap for Lebanon to analyze the economic policy and to judge the stance of the economy. Therefore, a Cobb-Douglas production function is estimated for the period Q11998 to Q42015 and potential output calculated by substituting for potential levels of the factors in the estimated production function. The calculation of potential labor required the calculation of the NAIRU. This paper calculates therefore three types of NAIRU. The results of output gap calculations show that the Lebanese economy is working over its capacity and that it hits his limits. Furthermore, findings show that the labor market is characterized by high levels of NAIRU which restricted potential output growth. Therefore, any policy aiming to increase economic growth, while neglecting structural reforms will prove to be unsustainable.

Factors Affecting Constraints and Oppportunities for Women Entrepreneurs in UAE - An Overview.

Women entrepreneurs increasingly contribute to the economic growth and creation of job opportunities today. Despite the opportunities that are present in countries such as the UAE, some women are still unable to pursue their entrepreneurial motives, due to the constraints that they face. The aim of the paper is to provide an overview of various factors affecting the constraints and opportunities for women entrepreneurs in UAE. While existing literature describes some studies unfolding the wave of entrepreneurship among women, the ones focusing specifically on UAE cluster are even fewer. The paper acknowledges the various efforts made the governments to promote and encourage women entrepreneurship, and highlights some of the barriers for women entrepreneurship as well as giving recommendation to address those gaps. The article makes use previous research conducted on the topic and acts as a spring board for further empirical research.

THE IMPACT OF PROACTIVE-PERSONALITY ON INNOVATIVE WORK BEHAVIOR AND WORK ENGAGEMENT IN THE UAE AVIATION INDUSTRY.

The objective of this research is to examine the relationship between Proactive Personality, innovative work behavior, and work engagement. The sample consists of 220 respondent managers in the Aviation Industry in the UAE. Results of Structural Equation Modelling using SmartPLS revealed that there are significant relationships between Proactive Personality and innovative work behavior, and between Innovative Work Behavior and Work Engagement.