Sima Siami-Namini and Darren Hudson
The purpose of this paper is to investigate both linear and/or nonlinear effects of inflation on income inequality and to test the Kuznets hypothesis using panel data of 24…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate both linear and/or nonlinear effects of inflation on income inequality and to test the Kuznets hypothesis using panel data of 24 developed countries (DCs) and 66 developing countries (LDCs) observed over the period of 1990–2014.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper explores the short- and long-run Granger causality relationship between inflation and income inequality using the Toda and Yamamoto (1995) procedure and a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) approach. The existence of a nonlinear relationship between inflation and income inequality is confirmed implying as inflation rises income inequality decreases. Income inequality then reaches a minimum and then starts rising again. The findings of this paper show the existence of Kuznets “U-shaped” hypothesis between income inequality and real GDP per capita in DCs group, and the existence of Kuznets’ inverted “U-shaped” hypothesis for LDCs group.
Findings
The results indicate that there is no bi-directional Granger causality between inflation and income inequality in the short-run, but, there is bi-directional Granger causality in the long-run for both the DCs and LDCs group. The results help us to assess the effectiveness of monetary policy in reducing income inequality in both the DCs and LDCs group. As a policy implication, monetary policy is often aimed at controlling the annual rate of inflation in the long-run with a short-run focus on reducing output gaps and creating employment. However, managing inflation may have implications for income inequality.
Originality/value
This is original research paper which analyzes the “U-shaped” and inverted “U-shaped” paths of income inequality and real GDP per capita for large sample of two group countries including developed and developing countries, respectively. Also, this paper analyzes the nonlinear relationship between inflation and income inequality in two groups. Furthermore, this paper investigates the short- and long-run relationship between variables. The results are important for policy makers.
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Sima Siami-Namini and Darren Hudson
The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of growth in different sectors of the economy of developing countries on income inequality and analyze how inflation, as a proxy…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of growth in different sectors of the economy of developing countries on income inequality and analyze how inflation, as a proxy for monetary policy, makes a proportionate contribution for setting a binding national target for reducing income inequality. The paper examines the existence of a linear or nonlinear effect of inflation and sectoral economic growth on income inequality using a balanced panel data of 92 developing countries for the period of 1990–2014.
Design/methodology/approach
Methods section includes several steps as below: first, the functional form of the model using panel data for investigating the contribution of economic sectors in income inequality; second, to estimate the relationship between income inequality and sector growth: testing the Kuznets hypothesis; third, to estimate the relationship between inflation and income inequality base on general functional form of the model proposed by Amornthum (2004); fourth, a panel Granger causality analysis based on a VECM approach.
Findings
The statistically significant finding shows that first agricultural growth and then industrial growth have a dominate impact in reducing income inequality in our sample. But, the service sector growth has positive effects. The results confirm the existence of Kuznets inverted “U” hypothesis for industry growth and Kuznets “U” hypothesis for service sector growth. The findings show that sector growth and inflation affect income inequality in the long-run.
Originality/value
This research is an original paper which analyzes the effect of growth in different sectors of the economy of developing countries (agriculture, manufacturing and services sectors) on income inequality and test the Kuznets hypothesis in terms of sector growth and at the same time, examine the existence of a linear/nonlinear effect of inflation and sectoral economic growth on income inequality and test Granger causality relationship between income inequality and sector growth and inflation.
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Barbara Summers, Christine Ironfield-Smith, Darren Duxbury, Robert Hudson and Kevin Keasey
Abstract
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Stephen MacDonald, Suwen Pan, Darren Hudson and Francis Tuan
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of distribution channels on demand for apparel, home textiles, and other textiles (including shoes) in urban China.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of distribution channels on demand for apparel, home textiles, and other textiles (including shoes) in urban China.
Design/methodology/approach
The estimation procedure used in this study is implemented in three steps: first, the price/unit value information is estimated; second, the parameters for a set of demand systems are estimated; and third, the J‐test and likelihood ratio testing are used to determine the most suitable model for the data set.
Findings
The results indicate that households spend more on apparel than home textiles and other textile products if they purchase textile products from small stores. It also indicates that they would spend more on home textiles and other textiles if they purchase from chain stores and supermarkets.
Originality/value
The estimation of Chinese textile consumption presents a significant challenge to both academic researchers and industry, due to China's large population, income inequality, different consumption channels, and other related issues. First, the results presented in the paper provide a clear indication for textile producers, exporters, and others to choose their distribution channels to target specific customers; second, the disaggregated textile expenditure and price elasticity estimates from this article can be used in various analytical procedures (i.e. simulation models) to evaluate the welfare effects of domestic policies and international trade policies. Quantification of the welfare impacts of domestic policies and international trade policies would be more meaningful if disaggregate textile elasticity estimates are used in simulation models.
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Donna Mitchell, Darren Hudson, Riley Post, Patrick Bell and Ryan B. Williams
The objective of this chapter is to discuss the pathways between climate, water, food, and conflict. Areas that are exhibiting food insecurity or have the potential to be food…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this chapter is to discuss the pathways between climate, water, food, and conflict. Areas that are exhibiting food insecurity or have the potential to be food insecure are typically located in areas that experience poverty and government corruption. Higher rates of conflict occur in areas with lower caloric intake and poor nutrition.
Methodology/approach
We identify key pathways between these variables and discuss intervening factors and compound effects.
Findings
The pathways between water, food security, and conflict are complicated and are influenced by many intervening factors. A critical examination of the literature and an in-depth analysis of the reasons for conflict suggest that food insecurity is a multiplier, or facilitator, of the opportunities for and benefits from conflict.
Practical implications
To most effectively reduce the risks of conflict, policies must adequately and simultaneously address each of the four dimensions of food security – availability, stability, utilization, and access. Careful attention to alleviating food insecurity will help alleviate some of the underlying rationale for conflict.
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Labaran Isiaku, Abubakar Sadiq Muhammad, Hyelda Ibrahim Kefas and Fitzgerald Chidozie Ukaegbu
This study aims to investigate the evolving role and impact of ChatGPT in higher education. It seeks to understand the applications, benefits and challenges associated with…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the evolving role and impact of ChatGPT in higher education. It seeks to understand the applications, benefits and challenges associated with ChatGPT, focusing on its potential to enhance teaching, learning and assessment while addressing ethical considerations in the educational context.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a comprehensive literature review approach, this study systematically examined 29 existing studies and scholarly works related to ChatGPT in higher education. Synthesizing these findings offers a multifaceted view of the subject, encompassing applications, advantages, limitations and ethical implications.
Findings
The study indicates that ChatGPT can have a significant impact on personalized learning, lesson planning, providing feedback, creating study materials, generating quizzes and exam questions, supporting language learning, offering virtual teaching assistance, tutoring and fostering critical thinking. However, it also sheds light on the ethical issues and challenges associated with its use, including privacy and data protection, transparency and alignment with educational principles.
Practical implications
This study underscores the practical applications of ChatGPT in higher education, offering insights that can significantly enhance teaching, learning and assessment practices. By leveraging ChatGPT, institutions can personalize learning experiences and provide tailored feedback and streamlined assessment processes, thereby improving student engagement and understanding. In addition, the integration of ChatGPT as a virtual teaching assistant can enhance teaching effectiveness and efficiency by supporting classroom activities, providing additional resources and answering students’ questions in real-time.
Originality/value
The originality of this study lies in its comprehensive exploration of ChatGPT’s applications in higher education, offering a balanced perspective on opportunities and ethical considerations. By providing valuable insights, it equips educators and institutions with a deeper understanding of the ChatGPT’s potential and challenges in the educational landscape.
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Christine Ironfield‐Smith, Kevin Keasey, Barbara Summers, Darren Duxbury and Robert Hudson
Some sections of society have expressed concerns that consumer debt has risen to a dangerous level. However, there is little evidence regarding how consumers themselves feel about…
Abstract
Some sections of society have expressed concerns that consumer debt has risen to a dangerous level. However, there is little evidence regarding how consumers themselves feel about debt. This paper reports up‐to‐date findings from the International Institute of Banking and Financial Services’ Financial Well‐being Survey about consumers’ attitudes towards debt in general and their current levels of borrowing. The implications for the financial services industry and its regulation are discussed.
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Darren Wishart, Bevan Rowland and Klaire Somoray
Driving for work has been identified as potentially one of the riskiest activities performed by workers within the course of their working day. Jurisdictions around the world have…
Abstract
Driving for work has been identified as potentially one of the riskiest activities performed by workers within the course of their working day. Jurisdictions around the world have passed legislation and adopted policy and procedures to improve the safety of workers. However, particularly within the work driving setting, complying with legislation and the minimum safety standards and procedures is not sufficient to improve work driving safety. This chapter outlines the manner in which safety citizenship behavior can offer further improvement to work-related driving safety by acting as a complementary paradigm to improve risk management and current models and applications of safety culture.
Research on concepts associated with risk management and theoretical frameworks associated with safety culture and safety citizenship behavior are reviewed, along with their practical application within the work driving safety setting. A model incorporating safety citizenship behavior as a complementary paradigm to safety culture is proposed. It is suggested that this model provides a theoretical framework to inform future research directions aimed at improving safety within the work driving setting.