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Abstract

Details

Challenges of the Muslim World
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-444-53243-5

Article
Publication date: 7 August 2007

Enoch K. Beraho

The purpose of this paper is to explain the causes of political and economic problems faced by Sub‐Saharan countries.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the causes of political and economic problems faced by Sub‐Saharan countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were compiled from current statistical data from various countries in the region. Also library sources were used to study the historical developments relating to the countries’ past and current political and economic situations.

Findings

This paper finds that the Sub‐Saharan countries misruled themselves and ruined their economies soon after they gained independence. They were then forced to seek help from their past colonial masters whom they had fought and got rid of to be independent.

Practical implications

The implications are that these former colonies have had to face reality and work with some western countries (including their past colonial foes) in order to foster economic development. In so doing, they have had to compromise and be accommodate donor and invest conditions

Originality/value

This paper provides explanation as to why the countries in this region have had economic and political problems. Furthermore, it lists comprehensive strategies these countries have devised to get out of their problems.

Details

Cross Cultural Management: An International Journal, vol. 14 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1352-7606

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 14 March 2023

S. A. Mthuli, N. Singh and P. S. Reddy

The performance of public sector institutions has always been contentious – this is as old as the system of government itself and its provision of collective goods, irrespective…

Abstract

The performance of public sector institutions has always been contentious – this is as old as the system of government itself and its provision of collective goods, irrespective of whether they are tangible or intangible. In the context of South Africa, with its ever-increasing political competitiveness, this chapter assesses political leadership and the African philosophy of Ubuntu or humanism in improving public sector performance management in the country. It does so by addressing certain distinct questions: What is the state of public sector performance and leadership in South Africa? What have scholars contributed in linking public sector performance, and the politics and public administration dichotomy? Are the Batho Pele principles, underpinned by Ubuntu, a worthy notion on which to pillar African political leadership? By adopting an interpretivist, qualitative research design, the study reflects on the essence of a public administration that is effective in delivering political goods and managing the performance of bureaucracies and the political leadership therein. This chapter argues that the performance of public administrations remains a “wicked” problem in South Africa as political populism is on the rise in the country. However, the argument is made that with “good” political leadership – which naturally and effectively encompasses the philosophy of Ubuntu and which understands and mobilizes statecraft – great strides can be made beyond the current rhetoric.

Details

African Leadership: Powerful Paradigms for the 21st Century
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80117-046-8

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Challenges of the Muslim World
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-444-53243-5

Article
Publication date: 13 April 2020

David Asamoah, Benjamin Agyei-Owusu and Elizabeth Ashun

While the concept of supply chain resilience has received lots of scholarly and policy interest over the past few years, empirical research examining its sources and outcomes…

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Abstract

Purpose

While the concept of supply chain resilience has received lots of scholarly and policy interest over the past few years, empirical research examining its sources and outcomes remains inadequate, particularly, in the context of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Grounded in the resource-based view and social capital frameworks, the study examines the relationship between social network relationship, supply chain resilience and customer oriented performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study develops and empirically tests a research model that proposes social network relationships and customer-oriented performance as the antecedent and outcome respectively of supply chain resilience. Data was obtained from a survey of 110 SMEs in Ghana.

Findings

The findings of the study suggest that a firm's external and internal social networks can be leveraged to enhance its supply chain resilience and customer-oriented performance. Supply chain resilience was also found to enhance customer-oriented performance. Additionally, supply chain resilience was found to significantly mediate the effect of social network relationships on customer-oriented performance.

Originality/value

This is the first study that empirically explores and establishes the relationship between social network relationships, supply chain resilience and customer-oriented performance to the best of the authors’ knowledge.

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1999

The following paper has been recognised by the referees as an excellent and systematic piece of market research which we believe will be of great interest to our readers. It is…

Abstract

The following paper has been recognised by the referees as an excellent and systematic piece of market research which we believe will be of great interest to our readers. It is included in this section of the Journal because we believe it will be of more immediate interest and more relevant to current consumer behaviour than might have been implied by presenting it in the academic papers section.

Details

Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management: An International Journal, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-2026

Article
Publication date: 12 December 2016

Desmond Tutu Ayentimi, John Burgess and Kerry Brown

The authors propose a strategic-balance approach to local content laws in which less developed economies in sub-Sahara Africa can develop investment incentive policies for…

Abstract

Purpose

The authors propose a strategic-balance approach to local content laws in which less developed economies in sub-Sahara Africa can develop investment incentive policies for attracting multinationals and direct foreign investment but, at the same time, have a structured and operational framework for the enforcement of local content laws. The purpose of the paper is to identify the elements involved in the equation: the incentives, the potential spillovers and the criteria for evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach involves a review of the literature and the operational details and limitations of local content laws in sub-Sahara Africa.

Findings

The paper develops a conceptual model for a holistic understanding and management of this dilemma by policymakers and development practitioners to maximize the benefits of natural resources to less developed countries in sub-Sahara Africa towards the fight against poverty and underdevelopment.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides the opportunity to influence policy direction in relation to the adoption of investment incentive policies and programs and the enforcement of local content policy guidelines and regulations in sub-Sahara Africa.

Practical implications

Multinational companies (MNCs) operating in less developed and emerging economies in sub-Sahara Africa should consider how their economic and corporate social responsibility activities can help develop the capabilities of the local workforce through training and development activities; develop domestic firms’ capabilities via enterprise development programs; and develop local firm’s absorptive capacities through knowledge transfers and innovation systems to support development activities.

Social implications

Policymakers in less developed and emerging economies in sub-Sahara Africa need to strike a balance in adopting investment incentives policies towards attracting foreign investments and the enforcement of local content regulations to make sure they derive the maximum benefits from their strategic resources. It is important for policymakers to understand that the mere attraction of MNCs into an economy does not explicitly guarantee domestic job creation; rather, it depends on how MNCs respond to local content policy regulations through their business strategies. Linking investment incentives with local content policy regulations at a critical point could potentially support and strengthen industrial development in sub-Sahara Africa.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first to examine the challenges of both attracting foreign direct investment and enforcing local content laws and regulations in sub-Sahara Africa. This paper contributes to the understanding of this dilemma and how less developed economies can manage such a crucial and important issue using our proposed strategic-balance approach. The contribution of local content laws and the design and adoption of investment incentives policies and programs to attract foreign investment to promoting sustainable domestic growth and development must depend on the balance between the enforcement of local content policy guidelines and the provision of such investment incentive packages to attracting foreign investment.

Details

Multinational Business Review, vol. 24 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1525-383X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 July 2007

Obrey Alexis and Vasso Vydelingum

The purpose of the study is to explore, describe and develop a greater understanding of overseas Black and minority ethnic nurses' experiences of, as well as the impact of, their…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to explore, describe and develop a greater understanding of overseas Black and minority ethnic nurses' experiences of, as well as the impact of, their experiences on the quality and service delivery in the UK's NHS.

Design/methodology/approach

Phenomenology was adopted to explore overseas nurses' experiences. Twelve face‐to‐face interviews were completed and all participants involved were interviewed in their homes. Participants originated from Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.

Findings

Findings revealed five themes such as building ties, reflecting on experience, moving on, reduced confidence and lack of support.

Practical implications

Despite negative experiences, participants indicated that time working in the NHS was useful and contributed towards their development. In recruiting and retaining overseas nurses in the UK NHS, it is important to address their needs – demonstrating NHS commitment to a diverse workforce with ultimate effects on patients' care.

Originality/value

This article shows that some overseas nurses are unhappy in the clinical environment and as a consequence they decide to seek alternative workplaces where they feel that they may be valued.

Details

International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, vol. 20 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0952-6862

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 May 2021

Alistair Anderson and Funmi Ojediran

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on women’s entrepreneurship in emerging economies. This is a thematic review to identify patterns and trends to better…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on women’s entrepreneurship in emerging economies. This is a thematic review to identify patterns and trends to better understand this literature. From the analysis, this study offers ideas for useful and theoretically informed research. In addition, this paper proposes the concept of restricted agency that helps to explain the practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This study identifies the nature, what is interesting, what it sees as important and considers what is neglected in this literature. The analysis sought important issues, interesting directions and the potential for useful future work. Thematic analysis is ideal for messy and unstructured material such as the literature used in this study as the data set. The process is qualitative, iterative and inductive but ontologically appropriate for the socially produced knowledge of the literature.

Findings

This paper finds the literature tends towards descriptive papers. Few papers make substantial contributions to theory. Many papers reported the barriers women to encounter, reporting general and typical processes of responding to obstacles and the implications for practice. Interestingly this study perceives overcoming and sometimes using, the cultural and physical restraints of gendered entrepreneurship. This paper proposes the concept of restricted agency explaining the gendering of entrepreneurs and explains what they can do. Moreover, the concept helps explain why and what. Most promising theoretically, is how the application of this agency is slowly and contextually differently changing the rules of the game.

Research limitations/implications

This study covers a large and extensive literature, so might have missed themes.

Originality/value

This paper starts with the notion of the “otherness” of women’s entrepreneurship. The literature is good at explaining both how and why women’s entrepreneurship is different and in effect, marginalised. This study conceptualises this gendering process as a restricted agency. Moreover, the concept helps explain why and what. Most promising theoretically, is how the application of this agency is slowly and contextually differently changing the rules of the game. It may be the mechanism for emancipation.

Details

Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4604

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 22 June 2015

Melodena Stephens Balakrishnan

Aramex PJSC: carving a competitive advantage in the global logistics and express transportation service industry.

Abstract

Title

Aramex PJSC: carving a competitive advantage in the global logistics and express transportation service industry.

Subject area

Entrepreneurship, International Business, Strategy.

Study level/applicability

Post-graduates, Practitioners.

Case overview

This case chronicles the Aramex PJSC story of entrepreneur Fadi Gandhour. The case looks at the new start-up, its growth and financing plans for expansion and how it got a competitive advantage in an industry dominated by big players. Aramex, as of 2012, was the only Arab company to have successfully listed on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange. After 30 years at the helm of the company, Fadi Ghandour, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), was stepping down and was being succeeded by regional head, Hussein Hachem, the CEO of Middle East and Africa. Aramex had a competitive edge in emerging markets, and Fadi and Hussein knew that the route to sustainable growth was to capitalize on this opportunity using organic growth, acquisitions and strategic alliances.

Expected learning outcomes

Strategy included looking at gaining a competitive advantage in the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and other emerging markets. Lessons are provided on capitalization of opportunity, funding and creating an organization culture that is sustainable and reflects the Founder's ideal.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Details

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, vol. 5 no. 3
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2045-0621

Keywords

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