South Asian Journal of Social Studies and Economics

The Causes of the Social Transformation of Nomads in Algeria

Benslimane Abdennour — 2024-03-29

Our research aims to analyze the dynamics of the conceptions and practices of the space of nomadic tribes in Algeria. The starting hypothesis favored the a priori distinction of a nomadic spatiality, marked by an ephemeral habitat made up of tents with seasonal mobility, linked to pastoralism and caravan activity and without fixed territorial ties - opposing a semi- nomadic or sedentary marked by permanent permanent housing, linked to irrigated gardening and access to services. As well as the brutal transformation of a nomadic way of life towards a sedentary way of life offers the example of a relationship to space and a complex, plural and moving territorial dynamic, prohibiting sharp distinctions. However, there is certainly a progressive trend towards sedentarization.

Fragile State Index Assessment of Economic, Defence and Administrative Conflicts Endangering States in Indonesia: An Econometric Study

Ilyasin Aditya Rahman — 2024-03-22

Indonesia's vast territory is a challenge to maintaining its territorial sovereignty. Conflict is difficult to predict so it is necessary to anticipate risks. According to the results of research conducted by the Fragile States Index in 2019, Indonesia is ranked in the third country in the worrying category. A need for a strategy in the event of risk of conflict or probability of war occurring so that the Indonesian economy can be properly recovered considering a conflict is an uncertainty that is difficult to predict in the future. The purpose of this study is to determine in terms of the risk of conflict in ASEAN (Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Timor Leste, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam), ANZUS (Australia and New Zealand), United States of America and China which has an impact on Indonesia's economic stability. A need to make a conflict risk assessment in mitigating the occurrence of conflict in Indonesia. The analysis tool used is quantitative descriptive using Cross Tab analysis and Heat Map Risk. This study used secondary data for comparison of military and economic strength. The interesting findings in this study of Indonesia's population turned out to have a high influence on the country's vulnerability considering that Indonesia has ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity. Therefore, Indonesia needs to mitigate risks in the event of conflict so that in realizing the projection of Indonesia becoming the 5th largest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) country in the world in 2045 can be realized properly. The conclusion of this study Population, GDP, Official Exchange Rate, and Real Interest Rate against the Fragile States Index in Indonesia are included in High condition which means that serious conditions must be given immediate attention to minimize conflict.

The Interplay of Historical Foundations, Resource Dynamics, and Ideological Frameworks in the Shaping of Tanzania's Foreign Policy Landscape: Practicability of the Dependency Theory

Adam Michael Mnyavanu — 2024-03-27

This article analyzes three key variables - ideology, history, and resources - to get a deeper insight into the intricate dynamics shaping Tanzania's foreign policy. The research examines how the country's diplomatic environment is influenced by resource considerations, historical legacies, and ideological shifts within the framework of dependence theory.

The findings from the survey show various perspectives on the influence of history, which is consistent with the emphasis of dependence theory on historical variables shaping foreign policy. The examination of resource contributions emphasizes the pressing necessity for policy reform, endorsing the suggestion of dependence theory for strategic resource utilization to reduce external constraints. Tanzania's strategic focus on developing economic partnerships outside of Western markets is evident in its ideological aspect. This is in line with the suggestion of dependency theory to reduce reliance on a certain set of trading partners in order to enhance the country's ability to navigate changing global economic trends.

Key Informant Interviews support the study's theoretical framework and demonstrate the ongoing influence of historical personalities such as Julius Nyerere on Tanzania's foreign policy. The study's findings resulted in three significant recommendations. To establish diplomatic partnerships that honour past legacies while adapting to current geopolitical circumstances, it is advisable to take a sophisticated approach to historical connections. Implementing thorough policy change is recommended to strategically protect and utilize national resources in global contexts. Finally, it is recommended to take a proactive approach to diverse economic relationships in alignment with the broader pan-African objective of reducing dependence on specific trade partners. valuable guidance for decision-makers navigating the complex process of developing foreign policy.

Contribution of Job Design and Ergonomics Considerations on Employee Performance in Service Sectors in Tanzania: A Qualitative Study

Begarving Arthur — 2024-03-29

Aim: This study aimed to focus on discussing involvement of several techniques that used in job design which are job rotation, job enlargement, job enrichment, employee’s empowerment, and autonomy toward performance of manufacturing sectors as well focusing on discussing job design and ergonomic effect on employee performances in Tanzania

Methodology: The study adopted investigative philosophy (Antipositivism) that advocate qualitative data methods; the cross-sectional survey design was used to measure variables relationship through reviewed of published literatures as well as asking collect information from key informants. The study focus was company’s operating on services sector that located in Dar es Salaam and Mbeya Cities. 20 past literatures were reviewed together with 9 key informant employees from services offered companies in study areas. The study adopted content analysis for analyzing data collected using interview technique integrated with Preferred Reporting for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-Scr) to analyses previous literatures.

Findings: From the study results, there were significant relationship between job design techniques and employee motivation that lead to performance of services sector companies. This means there necessary to construct job design that promote employee performances. Also, in adaptation of job design the organization should consider improvement of workplace environment and office design overall to facilitate safety and health workplace relationship. Recommendations: The study recommendations to the companies are to reconsidered human factors when developing job structure to ensure physical, cognitive ergonomics, and organizational ergonomics are incorporated within job framework and reduce mental and physical problem related to working environment.

Productivity Improvement of Assembly Line-by-Line Balancing Technique: Case Study Textile Manufacturing Company Karachi Pakistan

Atam Kumar — 2024-03-29

The study on assembly line balancing theory and concept, focusing on the textile sector in Karachi, Pakistan, specifically the stitching department of a company, aimed to enhance efficiency through meticulous analysis and optimization. By employing time and motion analysis techniques, the research sought to identify and eliminate redundant activities, ensuring a seamless workflow with minimal idle time. The methodology employed involved a comprehensive observation of the entire production process, starting from stitching through to packing. This involved using a stopwatch to meticulously analyze each step of the process, thus gaining insight into the current operational dynamics of the assembly line. Line balancing was ensured by calculating Standard Allowed Minutes (SAM), assessing capacity, and determining the required manpower and machine resources. To further refine the efficiency of the stitching line, data collection was conducted using stopwatch techniques, to devise an improved layout. By reducing processing time and minimizing unproductive intervals, the study aimed to establish a foundation for enhanced productivity and streamlined work orders. Various tools were utilized to scrutinize the procedures involved in the production process, encompassing activities, operator proficiency, equipment efficiency, and material usage. This comprehensive approach aimed to optimize the workflow, making it more ergonomic and conducive to efficient operations while ensuring worker satisfaction. The study's analysis specifically targeted the stitching operations related to sheet sets, with a focus on minimizing the number of machines and achieving optimal line capacity. Significant reductions in machine requirements were achieved, with the number of machines for both sheet sets and fitted sheets being reduced substantially. Capacity calculations based on SAM and machine numbers demonstrated the achievement of production targets. Moreover, manpower requirements were reassessed and optimized, resulting in a reduction in the number of workers required for packing operations, thereby further enhancing efficiency.

Understanding Barriers to Development and Growth in Women, Ethnic, and Minority Entrepreneurship

Haji Musa Mnasi — 2024-03-30

Aim: The study aimed to investigate factors contributing to the success of specific ethnic entrepreneurs over others and to identify challenges hindering the growth of businesses owned by women, ethnic groups, and minorities.

Methodology: The study employed a mix of positivism and interpretivism philosophy and utilized a descriptive survey design employing a cross-sectional method to gather and analyze data. The objectives and purpose of the study influence the decision toward the selection of research design, it is necessary to select a research design that matches the problem studied. Data were collected from sample comprised 30 respondents selected randomly from three distinct groups: women entrepreneurs, ethnic entrepreneurs, and minority entrepreneurs within Dar es salaam, using simple randomly sampling technique. The study employed in-depth interview to collect information from entrepreneurs’ women entrepreneurs, ethnic entrepreneurs, and minority entrepreneurs situated in various locations in Dar-es-Salaam. Data analysis was conducted using the content analysis method, where gathered data were coded, aligned according to discernible patterns, quantified and transformed into numerical values.

Findings: The study found various factors contributing to the success of confident ethnic entrepreneurs, including motivations, opportunity structure, group characteristics, predisposing factors, and customer relationships. Challenges hindering women and minority-owned businesses included social-cultural barriers, financial constraints, and market accessibility challenges. Based on the study's findings, recommendations were made, including launching a nationwide campaign to address negative mindsets about women in business, developing specialized financial schemes for small businesses, and advocating for support groups and entrepreneurship clubs to tackle market challenges collectively.

Islam, Islamic Banking and Entrepreneurship: Evidence from OIC Member Countries

Célestin Kamdjo — 2024-04-02

There is a view that Islam hinders entrepreneurship in Muslim societies in general. Unfortunately, there is little empirical work testing the negative effect of Islam as a religion on entrepreneurship. In an attempt to fill this gap, this study aims to reassess this effect in OIC member countries. Specifically, the aim is to assess whether Islam is an impediment to entrepreneurship in these countries and whether the presence of Islamic banking institutions in these countries strengthens or moderates such a relationship. Using multivariate regression analysis, the results indicate that there is indeed a negative relationship between Islam and entrepreneurship in OIC countries where Islamic banking is absent. But, this relationship does not hold where Islamic banking exists. Indeed, the presence of Islamic banks in countries where Islam is the state religion cancels out any negative effect of Islam and has a positive effect on entrepreneurship in the country concerned. The results of this study thus reopen the debate on whether Islam as a religion discourages competition, innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development compared to other religions.

The Impact of China’s Belt and Road Initiative on Farmer’s Income: Evidence from Sverdlovsk Region

Daria Klevakina — 2024-04-06

The purpose of this study is to Economic impact of the Belt and Road initiative on agricultural business and the role of the Russian government, in the case of the Sverdlovsk region, Russia. This study is based on quantitative research methods where primary data was collected through questionnaires while secondary data was obtained through verified data from a related project. The study was conducted for 6 months in the Sverdlovsk region, Russia, and included 120 participants. The researcher had previously compiled and considered 60 key questions in Russian in Sverdlovsk region. Demographic analysis of agro-entrepreneurs in the Sverdlovsk region shows that the majority are experienced people, mainly women and married, which indicates a family-oriented approach to agriculture. The outcomes also showed the region's attraction to foreign investors which shows Chinese investments in various economic sectors of the Sverdlovsk region, particularly in the machinery and equipment sector, which may have further boosted agricultural growth. BRI has played a crucial role in boosting the agricultural economy in the Sverdlovsk region and Russia as a whole by facilitating productivity, market access, and technological advancement, thereby driving the sector's growth and competitiveness.

Determinants of Access to Financial Services among Adults in Tanzania: The Evidence from FinScope Tanzania Survey (2017)

Jacob Kilamlya — 2024-04-13

There is low financial inclusion across developing countries, especially those in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) including Tanzania. Almost three quarter of the SSA citizens don’t hold any form of account with a formal financial institution. East African countries have poor access to financial services especially the highly populated rural areas. The study examined the determinants of access to financial inclusion among adults in Tanzania. The study used a longitudinal research design to access data collected from 9459 respondents who were selected from the FinScope Tanzania 2017 which were weighted by NBS. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and Binary Logistic Model as inferential statistics with aid of STATA version 16. The study was able to find out that individual savings as a key determinant to financial inclusion was relatively low this being due to income gap, education and access to technology. Most of the respondents were willing to save but many-faced constraints to save. finally, the determinants of access to financial services in Tanzania among adults was identified to be age, education level and income. The study concluded that financial inclusion (access to financial services) among adults in Tanzania was mainly determined by age, education and income. Therefore, the effort should be made by the government to stimulate technological adoption so as to enhance variety of service delivery mechanism and provide financial knowledge to the society to inform people to make proper decisions regarding their financial well-being.

The Relationship between Employee Roles and Service Quality

Acman,Kent Joshua — 2024-04-16

The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between employees` roles and service quality. Descriptive method design and stratified random sampling techniques were used to select 15 restaurant establishments into three categories, which are snack bar/café, canteen/cafeteria style, and catering cuisine restaurants in Bislig City during the school year 2022-2023. Two questionnaires were used to collect data through the face-to-face survey. Mean, standard deviation, and Pearson product-moment correlation analysis were also used to analyze the data collected. Results revealed that the canteen/café restaurant had the highest mean in job satisfaction in terms of employee benefits, while empathy had the highest mean in service quality. Employee benefits represent job satisfaction/recreation leaves, health protection benefits, and flexible working hours, while quality represents reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy, Empathy and tangibles. The results proved that the relationship between employment benefits and service quality among restaurant staff indicates a moderately positive correlation.

Typology Study of Human Development Index of Selected Cities in Bali, Indonesia during 2010-2021

Elisabeth Gaisca Nesta Romanisti — 2024-04-17

According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Human Development Index (HDI) is a process of empowerment that enhances the basic capabilities of individuals to participate in the development process. As a tourist city, Bali has the potential to develop this area. The HDI can be used to evaluate the success of improving the community's quality of life. According to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Bali ranks among Indonesia's top 5 provinces with the highest HDI. This study aims to identify the typology of the HDI of districts/cities in Bali from 2010 to 2021 and analyze the influence of credit distribution growth, tourism sector gross regional domestic product (GRDP), minimum wage, and economic development on the HDI of districts/cities in Bali from 2010 to 2021. BPS and the Financial Services Authority (OJK) data were analyzed using panel data regression methods. The study results show one district/city with a high HDI and credit distribution growth and four districts/cities with a high HDI and minimum wage. The study also found that credit distribution growth and economic growth had no significant effect on the HDI of districts/cities in Bali from 2010 to 2021, while the tourism sector GRDP and minimum wage had a significant effect on the HDI of districts/cities in Bali from 2010 to 2021.