Sofien Tiba, Waleed Omri and Muhammad Zubair Chishti
This study rigorously examines the complex interplay between entrepreneurial risk-taking and the achievement of sustainable development goals 1 and 2, which focus on eradicating…
Abstract
Purpose
This study rigorously examines the complex interplay between entrepreneurial risk-taking and the achievement of sustainable development goals 1 and 2, which focus on eradicating poverty and hunger, respectively. By conducting a comprehensive review of existing literature and empirical data, the research aims to unravel the direct impact of risk-oriented entrepreneurial activities on poverty and hunger alleviation. Moreover, it seeks to investigate the moderating role of democratic governance in shaping these effects within the context of African economies.
Design/methodology/approach
By employing a Panel Smooth Transition Regression (PSTR) model and using annual and balanced panel data for 20 African countries over 21 years, we examine a potential regime switching as an original framework in the analysis of the curvilinear relationship between risk-driven entrepreneurial actions and sustainable development goals 1 and 2.
Findings
Our empirical results confirm the presence of a specific threshold above which risk-oriented entrepreneurial actions proactively tackle poverty and hunger issues. The results also show that entrepreneurship associated with a good level of democracy is the fair tradeoff toward eradicating extreme poverty and hunger by the 2030th United Nations (UN) deadline.
Originality/value
This study offers novel insights into the role of entrepreneurial risk-taking at the country level in achieving sustainable development goals 1 and 2. It advances research on entrepreneurship and sustainable development by demonstrating how a strong risk culture among entrepreneurs might make regions more developed while building on suitable institutional quality.
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Nismen Lathif, Muhammad Chishty and Emily Phipps
Diagnosis of Huntington's disease (HD) is with genetic tests and predictive testing for HD has been available for almost two decades. In the age of advancing genetic techniques…
Abstract
Purpose
Diagnosis of Huntington's disease (HD) is with genetic tests and predictive testing for HD has been available for almost two decades. In the age of advancing genetic techniques, the question arises as to how the predictive tests can affect a person, his or her family and relatives, life choices and future. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study is presented demonstrating the complex issues surrounding genetic testing in HD. Relevant literature was then reviewed to further explore ethical issues linked to predictive testing for HD and also looked into findings on resolving this complex issue.
Findings
Predictive testing in HD gives rise to ethical issues in social, legal, economical and imperatively personal aspects of an individual and society. Education and dispersion of knowledge to general society, regarding the test, its impact and also the illness would be a starting point in an attempt to resolve these issues. Need for counselling and support for patients in this context is vital and hence the imperative need to ensure provisions for standardised training and supply of professionals in this setting. Universal and enforceable framework along the lines of International Huntington Association recommendation should be adopted nationally.
Originality/value
This paper presents a case study with significant value in demonstrating the challenges faced by genetic testing in HD, and provides insight in to this issue significant for all clinicians.
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Monzurul Hoque, Muhammad Chishty and Rashid Halloway
The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of commercialization on capital structure, mission and performance of microfinance institutions (MFIs).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of commercialization on capital structure, mission and performance of microfinance institutions (MFIs).
Design/methodology/approach
Robust estimation techniques ranging from simple OLS to fixed and random effects, Tobit and two‐stage least‐squares regression were applied using panel data for six‐year period 2003‐2008.
Findings
The authors' results are generally robust and indicate that leverage decreases the relative level of outreach to the very poor. This is expected as increases in cost of capital leads to higher cost of borrowing, higher default rate and increased risk. Increased use of commercial debt and equity financing lowers productivity for client‐maximizing MFIs through lower conversion of savers to borrowers or the yield rate.
Research limitations/implications
Analysis was done with six years of data as some of the disclosures by MFIs were missing. As comprehensive disclosures become available, a similar study can be performed to see whether degrees of freedom affected the result. However, the research results support the expected outcome and the expectations of leading practitioners.
Practical implications
The study suggests that MFIs can adopt a non‐commercial approach to financing as an alternative to commercialization. Such models are available in practice.
Social implications
Findings suggest that mission drift experienced by MFIs due to commercialization is a wrong turn for the industry.
Originality/value
The paper describes the first study of its kind in the microfinance sector that used comprehensive estimation techniques with traditional and new performance variables.
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Syed Jalaluddin Haider and Khalid Mahmood
The aim of this study is to provide an insight to international readers into the perspective of doctoral level research in Pakistan. The factors which led to the start of this…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to provide an insight to international readers into the perspective of doctoral level research in Pakistan. The factors which led to the start of this program and difficulties encountered in this regard at different universities are discussed.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is mainly based on review of the literature. Research theses approved at MPhil and PhD level are evaluated. Some information collected from Library and Information Science (LIS) schools through personal communication is also provided.
Findings
The problems that did not allow success in the doctoral programs in LIS were: lack of encouragement by seniors in a real sense; low esteem for indigenous PhD degree in the eyes of fellow professionals; little or no impact of early recipients of the degree on profession; and non‐availability of financial assistance to the prospective candidates. Of the findings mention is made of: no fixed criteria for admission; the research topics do not concern the problems; and absence of proper supervision/guidance resulting in poor quality of thesis in most cases. Suggestions include: formation of a high level committee comprising senior library educators under the Higher Education Commission to work out problems and streamline the process; maintenance of close links with library schools in other countries, particularly in the English speaking world, which are interested in global librarianship.
Originality/value
This paper is the only evaluation of postmaster level LIS education in Pakistan. The findings are useful for planners of LIS education at postmaster level in Pakistan as well as in other developing countries.
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Mazhar Farid Chishti, Rizwana Bashir, Tanja Mancinelli and Rana Tanveer Hussain
The primary goal of this study is to look at the behavioral factors that influence an individual's decision to invest in the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX).
Abstract
Purpose
The primary goal of this study is to look at the behavioral factors that influence an individual's decision to invest in the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX).
Design/methodology/approach
Existing behavioral finance theories serve as a foundation for hypotheses. Further hypotheses were investigated by disseminating questionnaire results from a number of individual Pakistani investors. Brokerage and asset management fund managers were also questioned in semi-structured interviews. The obtained data were analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences, and latent variables were identified using the structural equation model (SEM) and an asset management operating system (AMOS).
Findings
Individual investor investment decisions in the PSX are influenced by five behavioral factors: herding, market, prospect, overconfidence and gambler fallacy and anchoring-ability bias. The majority of the variables have a modest impact; however, the market component has a significant impact. Only three behavioral elements, herding, prospect and heuristic, are found to influence investment performance among the behavioral factors stated above. Heuristic habits have been discovered to have the greatest positive impact on investment performance.
Practical implications
This study is one of the few in Pakistan that looked at the factors that influence stock investment decisions using behavioral finance. Prior research has only considered the effects of a restricted number of behavioral characteristics on Pakistani individual investors; however, this study seeks to use a whole collection of behavioral factors to examine their impacts on Pakistani individual investors.
Research limitations
The focus of the study remains on the individual investor, whereas the impact of institutional investors on investment behavior could bring different outcomes.
Originality/value
This is among the few studies that investigated the impact of cognitive factors on investment decisions in the context of Pakistan and will help policy makers, opinion makers and individuals.
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The purpose of this paper is to give a starting point to non‐specialists to understand Sufism by introducing the essential works about this broad subject.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to give a starting point to non‐specialists to understand Sufism by introducing the essential works about this broad subject.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper identifies and lists bibliographies, indexes, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and handbooks about Sufism.
Findings
Interest in Sufism is growing, and references to books, articles, essays, and even theses and dissertations under the subject headings Sufism and Sufis are now considerable. Resources are scattered, posing challenges to students and scholars, as well as librarians. Additionally, there is a deficiency of specialized databases, bibliographies, and indexes related to Sufism.
Originality/value
To date, this is the only guide of this kind.
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The purpose of this paper is to develop understanding of the problems of classification, to discover the classification practices of libraries with rich collections on Islam cited…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop understanding of the problems of classification, to discover the classification practices of libraries with rich collections on Islam cited in the literature, to find the gaps, and to determine the point from which to start work on further development.
Design/methodology/approach
Published and unpublished literature, both print and electronic, that is relevant to the problem was reviewed objectively in the compilation of this paper.
Findings
Standard classification systems lack proper space for materials on Islam for two reasons: less awareness on the part of devisers of the depth and variety of Islamic topics; and their bias and lack of interest in Islam. Different indigenous classification systems and expansions have been developed, using either the original notation or alternative notations. Some systems have been developed without following any standards or logic. This study has revealed a need for empirical study of libraries with rich collections on Islam in order to gain a better understanding of the problem and find an optimal solution.
Research limitations/implications
No empirical field data are included in this study. This is a review of the literature.
Originality/value
The author indicates the current situation of the problem and a potential framework for its solution.
Details
Keywords
Sufism trends.
Details
DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB227773
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
Johanna Sumiala, Katja Valaskivi, Minttu Tikka and Jukka Huhtamäki