10.18639/MERJ.2019.902800
Review Article
Aug 30, 2019
Special Issue S4: “Global Trade Wars - A Case of Sino-US Trade War”
Japan is the country with the most Section 301 investigations initiated by the United States. Meanwhile, the ongoing Section 301 investigation case against China is the most complicated and tough case until now. The different responses of Japan and China will be the core theme of this paper. Originally, Japan, little by little, accepted all the demands of the United States under American pressure in the semiconductor conflict and then began to resist its unreasonable demands; eventually, Japan forced the United States to withdraw its excessive requirement in auto parts conflict. In the case of China, previous Section 301 investigations were resolved by bilateral or multilateral agreements although it was difficult. In this time, the Chinese government has taken a countermeasure against the United States’ bullying, evident from the very beginning. The situation is that China and the United States conducted bilateral negotiations on the stretch. Meanwhile, the United States continued to extend the scope of tariff goods and escalate the tariff rate against China, and the Chinese government immediately published the same amount and tariff rate for imported products from the United States. China and other countries are jointly suffering the sanction from the United States and are trying to restrain the trade hegemony of the United States.
10.18639/MERJ.2019.879180
Review Article
Aug 19, 2019
Special Issue S4: “Global Trade Wars - A Case of Sino-US Trade War”
Trade has been one of the most primary reasons behind economic association. Cross-border trade not only makes the markets cost-efficient but rather also brings up a higher degree of specialization to the respective nations. Bilateral trades have proven to be quintessential to both sides of the deal. However, on a parallel front, every economy has a self-interest toward the domestic produce, and they also try to defend their local manufacturers from cross-border competition. The United States has an “America-first” policy. Whenever the United States imposes tariffs and duties, similar responses have been observed by China. These moves are an area of great concern for global trade. The impact is often visible on the rest of the world. A trade-off exists between domestic economic growth and favored imports. This study is an attempt to discuss the trade relations between the United States and China and how this has led to a trade war. The trade tensions between the United States and China may continue for a few more years. There is a battle for economic supremacy and global leadership. This study explains why the United States is increasing tariffs on Chinese goods and how China is retaliating. This US–China trade war has affected not only the two economies but also the world economy. This study elucidates the repercussions of trade war on the international supply chain and the countries of the European Union. This study has also endeavored to discuss the impact of this trade war on the Indian economy. It is a golden opportunity for India to increase exports to China, the United States, and Europe.
10.18639/MERJ.2019.895478
Review Article
Aug 13, 2019
Special Issue S4: “Global Trade Wars - A Case of Sino-US Trade War”
The US–China trade relationship has expanded immensely after China’s reformation of its economy and liberalization in 1979. A very huge amount of trade takes place between the United States and China in terms of monetary value and quantity. China benefits the United States in several forms other than just trade, such as US firms seeking investment opportunities in China for their assembly units. Subsequently, China holds a huge amount of US treasury securities, and purchases US debt securities, which helps them to keep their interest rates low. However, even after the development of such a trade relationship, the United States has certain concerns relating to China’s intentions. From the United States’ point of view, China is not involved in a fair practice of trade. China has imposed state-directed policies that bend the flow of trade and investment opportunities. Furthermore, the United States has allegations against China pertaining to the issue of intellectual property rights along with mixed records on implementation of WTO obligations, establishment of procedures for impacting the value of its currency and restrictions on FDI. The United States claims that such policies from China’s side make a great impact on the US economy and thus is the concern of the Congress. The current president, Mr. Donald J. Trump, has pledged to promote the free and fair trade policy. So his administration has taken some severe steps to reduce the US bilateral trade deficit. The president first announced the imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum at 25% and 15%, respectively. To this action of the United States, China retaliated by raising the tariffs on various goods that are imported from the United States. Furthermore, the United States claimed that it would take actions against Chinese intellectual property rights policies that could be a hindrance to the US stakeholders. Later, the United States released a two-stage plan to impose tariffs on Chinese imports that would directly affect Chinese industrial policies for which again there was retaliation by China by releasing their own two-stage plan for American imports that would adversely affect American industries. This paper is an attempt to analyze the effect of the trade war between the United States and China and briefly discusses about the impact of this war on China and the probable measures implemented by the country.
Review Article
May 24, 2019
The aim of this paper is to examine the economic costs of the years of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) invasion to Iraqi governorates by assessing the Iraqi economy before and after the encroachment and to provide an overall view of the challenges and opportunities facing the Iraqi economy after the conflict. It uses a simple descriptive method of data analysis using analytical tools such as percentages, tables, and figures to achieve the objectives of the inquiry. Data for the study were generated from national and international references. The results show that the conflict, along with falling international oil prices, resulted in a weakened financial system, lower levels of gross domestic product, and higher poverty. A substantial increase in the unemployment rate, debilitated education, and large damages to infrastructure were also experienced. The study is one of the first studies to clarify and calculate the losses of the Iraqi economy in all its aspects because of the occupation of ISIS.
Case Study
May 21, 2019
This case study examines Beats by Dr. Dre on how to infuse the entrepreneurial spirit in today’s college students, given the backdrop of hip-hop culture. In more than 10 years, the legendary music record producer Jimmy Iovine and hip-hop icon Dr. Dre has turned a small subculture success into a multibillion-dollar business. With that growth of Beats by Dre, there are opportunities for universities to learn from this company. Through the lens of hip-hop, readers can observe the characteristics of effective entrepreneurship, which is essential for success in the business world. The result of this investigation is significant because the results can better assist scholars and practitioners on how to inject the entrepreneurial mind-set in young business professionals.
Original Research Article
Apr 26, 2019
Access to employment is a standout among the most troublesome issues confronted by disabled people in Cyprus, as more than 10,000 who have appropriate qualifications remain unemployed. Worldwide estimations indicate that disabled people are either unemployed or underemployed at a much higher rate when compared to individuals with no disability. This study aimed at examining the association of the unemployment and underemployment status of disabled people with their demographic characteristics as it appears in other countries with similar cultural and legal environments. This correlational and regression study encompassed collecting primary data using 117 online questionnaire responses gathered from the 6,000 registered members with physical disabilities in related organizations in Cyprus. The study used cross-sectional survey utilizing judgment (purposive) sampling to simultaneously measure demographic variables and type of disability, toward the unemployment and/or underemployment status of disabled individuals in Cyprus, to identify possible relationships between them hence to identify if demographic variables and type of disability significantly relate to unemployment and underemployment. Results indicate that people with certain disability types have higher probabilities of being employed than others with different types of disability. People with paraplegia, quadriplegia, dystrophy, and neurological disabilities hold lower employment rates than other types of disability. People with visual disability and people with absent limb/reduced limb function rank high in both unemployment and employment rates at an equal rate. There is a significant association between the type of disability and the employment status of disabled people. The study findings relating to the employment status of disabled people in Cyprus differ to the literature findings, as it is unexpectedly much lower to what it is reported in the literature.
Review Article
Apr 05, 2019
Marketing has evolved and emerged as a distinctive field of professional endeavor. Although there has been a considerable growth in its thoughts and theories, it still suffers from a lack of theoretical maturity. Scholars argue that as a young discipline there is still room for future exploration between its theory and practice. In an effort to expand the works of previous theorists and historians, this paper sets out to deepen the epistemology of marketing genealogy. Specifically, the paper offers clearer insights on the multidisciplinary nature of marketing, assesses whether this approach strengthens or weakens the influence of marketing as a field of knowledge, and finally explores the affiliate disciplines that dominate in marketing research studies at the moment. Using a broad review of the literature in the form of a historical survey, we traced cross-disciplinary exchanges of principles, concepts, and theories. The paper argues that the body of knowledge known as marketing evolved and emerged from different but interrelated fields. And it is this eclecticism approach that strengthens the foundation of marketing as a social, behavioral, and managerial field. This paper, therefore, offers strong educational values to inform teaching, enrich, acquaint, and/or update marketing students, theorists, and historians, and serve as a springboard for future debate.
Case Study
Mar 29, 2019
In today’s hypercompetitive world, electronics manufacturing companies experience challenges to respond to increasing consumer electronics demand while combatting disruptive change in their industries. The revolution in manufacturing via Industry 4.0 has transformed the way that companies approach supply chain process to gain a stronger understanding of data efficiencies. This case study examines OptimalPlus to demonstrate how its services while tapping into today’s technologies keep pace with competitors during disruptive change in the consumer electronics industry. OptimalPlus is a leader in providing the software solutions necessary for electronics manufacturers to get the most out of its supply chain process. This study explores the concept of Industry 4.0 and the benefits that manufacturers can gain from utilizing technologies. By understanding the benefits of using Industry 4.0, scholars and practitioners can better understand the way to innovate under the lens of disruptive change in the marketplace.
10.18639/MERJ.2019.eS3BadarIqbal
Editorial Note
Mar 29, 2019
Special Issue S3: “Global Warming and Climate Change: Part 2”
I am really very happy and more than satisfied in writing the second editorial on Special Issue on “Global Warming and Climate Change: Part-2” (GWCC: Part-2). This is because of the enormous interest the contributors had shown on this critical issue that the globe has been confronting. Initially, as a Guest Editor, I had planned to publish this Special Issue in one volume only. However, due to a large number of contributions received from across the World, I had to go for Volume II (Part-2). This all speaks out the immense significance of the topic.
Review Article
Mar 28, 2019
The study is in line with Oates (1951), where fiscal decentralization is explained as the delegation of income and consumption powers from the central government to the devolved units, both local and national levels within the framework of decentralization. Fiscal decentralization is considered to be the panacea in eradicating poverty, particularly in developing countries. This review entails the assessment of the influence of fiscal asymmetric decentralization on household effects. Specifically, the review looks at the interaction between budget efficacy, fiscal policy, and county treasury management and household effects. Despite the fact that scholarly work has been conducted on all the concepts, arguably inadequate attention has been given to the influence of fiscal asymmetric decentralization on household effects. Furthermore, scanty information was found on revenue disparity or financial planning attributes. In addition, not much has been done on fiscal control by subnational governments and self-fiscal reliance as counties continue to rely on funding from the national governments although counties have considerable potential to generate their own revenue. The challenges of comprehensive results are observed, and the study concludes that it appears critical to focus more on analysis that will establish the link of control theory and practice, which will need more firm and integrative study process.
10.18639/MERJ.2019.836535
Original Research Article
Mar 14, 2019
Special Issue S3: “Global Warming and Climate Change: Part 2”
Climate change is one of the concepts in Namibian languages that does not have any meaning or cannot be easily translated into the native dialects. It is very alien to many Namibians but yet growing in popularity, as it has become a problem that is affecting the economy, natural resources, and tradition and culture of the native people. Climate change is probably going to worsen the dry circumstances that are currently experienced in Southern Africa or Namibia to be specific. If it happens that rainfall does come in good amounts regularly, it will probably erupt in greater power. This will eventually lead to floods and erosion damages in some parts of the country, though these expectations have had very little influence on Namibian policy. Reid et al. (2008) stated that over the past 20 years there has been annual decrease in the Namibian economy of up to 5%, which has been a result of the climate change mostly impacting natural resources in the country. The result was reported using the computable general equilibrium (CGE) model simulations for Namibia. However, this result has negatively impacted the poorest people the most, which is a consequence of decline in wages and employment opportunities, especially for uneducated or unskilled labor in rural areas. It is of utmost importance for Namibia to take initiatives to ensure that most of its policies and activities are environmentally proofed. Namibia should have a unique approach to deal with displaced farmers and farm workers and citizens of such nature by looking into its issues of colonialism. In addition, there is a clear need to mainstream climate change into policies of developing countries like Namibia, because it is the responsibility of these countries to muddle through with climate change impacts and plan for a climate-constrained future.
Original Research Article
Mar 07, 2019
Small enterprises represent a large proportion of enterprises in most economies and are a driving force for economic growth. Most small enterprises refrain from exporting due to a number of challenges. The aim of this study was to determine the exporting barriers perceived to constrain exporting from Lesotho-based manufacturing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design. Data were collected from 162 Lesotho-based manufacturing enterprises through a self-administered questionnaire. Factor analysis revealed three export barrier groupings, namely international, distribution, and financial constraints. The descriptive statistics showed that Lesotho-based manufacturing MSMEs perceive lack of financial resources for market research, lack of financial resources to finance export sales, and lack of excess capacity for exports, all internal to an enterprise-loading under financial barriers as constraints to exporting. The study added to the literature new classes of export barriers. The findings suggest that the government of Lesotho has to put in place mechanisms that can reduce financial constraints to enable MSMEs to contribute as expected.
10.18639/MERJ.2019.739951
Review Article
Feb 19, 2019
Special Issue S3: “Global Warming and Climate Change: Part 2”
Since ages, India has held the flagship of being prosperous, economically viable, financially sound, rich in resources, and diverse in traditional and cultural aspects, yet has never failed to cater to the needs of crores of citizens. The economic factors and flow of financial wherewithal have pushed Indian economy to the brighter side of development. However, the growth aspects led to a significant decrease in the climatic and weather conditions and therefore an urgent need to mend up the environmental issues. Greenfield investments were sought as remedial measure to sustain the issues of environment as well as economic and financial feasibility in the form of investments. Investment is a gizmo for creating wealth by employing funds with an intention of achieving additional income or growth in the value and gets rewarded by return. Foreign direct investment (FDI) is such an investment wherein foreign investors make their funds employable in the foreign-based company either through greenfield investments, brownfield investments, or through portfolio investment. In Indian context, overseas investments can be made either through automatic route or through Reserve Bank of India and Government of India. The highlight of this paper is the significance of greenfield investments in the developmental aspects of Indian economy.
10.18639/MERJ.2019.740622
Original Research Article
Feb 12, 2019
Special Issue S3: “Global Warming and Climate Change: Part 2”
To estimate the long-term effect of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission on cereal yield in Sudan, we employed an autoregressive distributed lagged (ARDL) bound test for cointegration analysis. The ARDL results reveal evidence of cointegration between the dependent variable (cereals yield) and two independent variables (CO2 emission) and agricultural GDP. The estimation results of the error correction model indicate that change in CO2 has a positive and significant impact on the cereal yield in the long and short terms, as 1% increase in CO2 leads to a cereal yield increase by 3% in the short term and by 0.7% in the long term. This result adds two important findings to the existing literature: First, the positive impact of CO2 on cereal yield in Sudan supports previous research findings in other countries of warm and arid climates. Second, the effect of CO2 on cereal yield differs from short to long term, as our finding indicates that CO2 has a greater positive effect in the short term compared to that in the long term, implying that the effect of CO2 on cereal yields is not linear, as commonly perceived, but it decreases as time duration extends to longer periods. This may be due to the CO2 effect on global warming that emanates from cumulative CO2 concentration, which leaves a disproportionate impact on crops over time.
Review Article
Feb 08, 2019
There is a growing concern of youth unemployment among tertiary graduates. Skills acquired in school provide an opportunity to grab. Unemployment sounds unusual in the preindependent colonial era when people learn the trade of the family. After independence, schooling for government jobs became a mantra. There is a shift from the culture and socioeconomic structure to governmental employment structure. This study determines how the population structure is outpacing public government business creating employment deficit and how the curriculum is defeating entrepreneurial development in Ghana. The literature is reviewed, and discussion with students as focused group addresses the unemployment problem. The study concludes that the educational curriculum that is not incorporating the traditional industries is creating unemployment.