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Article
Publication date: 14 November 2016

Thomas Assefa, Girum Abebe, Indra Lamoot and Bart Minten

Despite the large interest in urban food markets, there are, however still relatively few good studies that have empirically documented the functioning of retail markets in…

658

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the large interest in urban food markets, there are, however still relatively few good studies that have empirically documented the functioning of retail markets in developing countries, especially in Africa. The purpose of this paper is to look in particular at the case of Addis Ababa, a city of more than four million people and the capital of Ethiopia, one of the most populous countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. To better understand urban food retail, the authors rely on a large primary survey.

Design/methodology/approach

To better understand urban food retail, the authors rely on a large primary survey. Based on a stratified sampling scheme representative for the city as a whole, 1,226 urban food retail outlets were interviewed in March and April 2012.

Findings

The authors find increasing differentiation in food retail markets in recent years. Despite the prohibition of foreign direct investment in food retail, a domestic modern private retail sector is quickly emerging. However, its share is still very small and, in contrast to roll-outs of modern retail in other countries, it has not yet entered the cereal sector, which remains in the hands of local flour mills, cereal shops, and cooperative retail outlets. The importance of cooperative retail is growing even more rapidly. It is especially important for those products where supply chains are controlled by the government. On the high-end, domestic private modern retail outlets deliver high-quality products at significantly higher prices, ceteris paribus. At the other side, the authors see cooperative retail that delivers food at significantly lower – and subsidized – prices. However, the latter shops are characterized by typical price control problems, reflected in regular lack of supplies and queuing.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the city of Addis Ababa and it seems useful if similar studies could be conducted in other cities in Africa.

Originality/value

Despite the large interest in urban food markets, there are still relatively few good studies that have empirically documented the functioning of retail markets in developing countries, especially in Africa. The paper therefore contributes to fill this lacuna by studying urban food retail markets using new and unique data for Africa.

Details

Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-0839

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Article
Publication date: 21 May 2024

Rabe Yahaya, Thomas Daum, Ephrem Tadesse, Walter Mupangwa, Albert Barro, Dorcas Matangi, Michael Misiko, Frédéric Baudron, Bisrat Getnet Awoke, Sylvanus Odjo, Daouda Sanogo, Rahel Assefa and Abrham Kassa

African agricultural mechanization could lead to a mechanization divide, where only large farms have access to machines. Technological solutions such as scale-appropriate machines…

89

Abstract

Purpose

African agricultural mechanization could lead to a mechanization divide, where only large farms have access to machines. Technological solutions such as scale-appropriate machines and institutional solutions like service markets offer hope for more inclusive mechanization. Two-wheel tractor-based service markets combine both technological and institutional elements, but there is limited research on their economic viability and challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

We analyze the economic viability of two-wheel tractor-based service provision based on data from service providers in Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, and Zimbabwe. We also examine the institutional framework conditions for such service providers based on qualitative interviews with these service providers and stakeholders such as machinery dealers, spare parts providers, and banks.

Findings

Two-wheel tractor-based service provision is economically highly viable, largely due to multifunctionality. Post-production services such as threshing and transportation are particularly lucrative. However, the emergence and economic sustainability of service providers can be undermined by bottlenecks such as access to finance, knowledge and skills development, access to fuel and spare parts, and infrastructure problems.

Originality/value

This is the first study on the economics of two-wheel tractor-based service provider models. Past studies have focused on large four-wheel tractors, but two-wheel tractors are different in many aspects, including regarding investment costs, repair and maintenance costs, capacity, and multifunctionality.

Details

Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-0839

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Article
Publication date: 4 April 2016

Abraham Assefa Tsehayae and Aminah Robinson Fayek

Despite long-term, sustained research and industry practice, predicting construction labour productivity (CLP) using existing factor and activity modelling approaches remains a…

1347

Abstract

Purpose

Despite long-term, sustained research and industry practice, predicting construction labour productivity (CLP) using existing factor and activity modelling approaches remains a challenge. The purpose of this paper is to first demonstrate the limited usefulness of activity models and then to propose a system model approach that integrates factor and activity models for better prediction of CLP.

Design/methodology/approach

The system model parameters – comprising factors and practices – and work sampling proportions (WSPs) were identified from literature. Field data were collected from 11 projects over a span of 29 months. Activity models based on the relationship between CLP and WSPs were created, and their validity was tested using regression analysis for eight activities in the concreting, electrical and shutdown categories. The proposed system model was developed for concreting activity using the key influencing parameters in conjunction with WSPs.

Findings

The results of the regression analysis indicate that WSPs, like direct work, are not significantly correlated to CLP and fail to explain its variance. Evaluation of the system model approach for the concreting activity showed improved CLP prediction as compared to existing approaches.

Research limitations/implications

The system model was tested for concreting activity using data collected from six projects; however, further investigation into the model’s accuracy and efficacy using data collected from other labour-intensive activities is suggested.

Originality/value

This research establishes the role of WSPs in CLP modelling, and develops a system modelling approach to assist researchers and practitioners in the analysis of productivity-influencing parameters together with WSPs.

Details

Construction Innovation, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

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Article
Publication date: 4 September 2017

Adare Assefa Mitiku, Annie Hondeghem and Steve Troupin

The purpose of this paper is to examine the leadership roles the Ethiopian civil service managers preferably embody in their setting. As such, contextually preferred roles were…

653

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the leadership roles the Ethiopian civil service managers preferably embody in their setting. As such, contextually preferred roles were identified and briefly contrasted with the leadership literature. It also outlined the directions for the future research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

Q-methodology, an approach reasonably like “grounded-theory” was used. It is suited to embrace life as lived by the actors themselves. In this specific case, Q-methodology allows the managers to conceptualize their definitions or preferences of leadership roles. The data were obtained from 51 managers working in the federal civil service organizations covering a broad range of public policy and service fields.

Findings

Based on the Q-sorts of 51 managers, the authors found three distinct yet interrelated archetypes of role preferences, which the authors labeled as the change agents, affective leaders and result-oriented realists. The study, however, demonstrates that although the ostensible echoes of each of these perspectives were professed, there were overlooked functions that are needed to be performed for full practice of each.

Practical implications

Understanding the contextually preferred leadership roles, if considered in designing the management training and development programs, could prove productive. It also informs the staff recruitment and promotion activities of the civil service organizations.

Originality/value

Conceptualizations of public leadership roles are abound in the literature. As they mostly emerged in a Western context, their applicability to other settings is questionable. Studying the subject in the context of Ethiopia, this paper contributes to the growing body of African literature on administrative leadership and informs the practice as well as the scholarship in this area.

Details

African Journal of Economic and Management Studies, vol. 8 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-0705

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 8 November 2021

Thomas Toma Tora, Degefa Tolossa Degaga and Abera Uncha Utallo

The conceptual root of vulnerability dates back to the 1970s in the social science spheres. Vulnerability is a multi-dimensional and determinant precondition for disaster…

1295

Abstract

Purpose

The conceptual root of vulnerability dates back to the 1970s in the social science spheres. Vulnerability is a multi-dimensional and determinant precondition for disaster occurrence. The Gamo lowlands are exposed to a wide range of vulnerabilities. Therefore, this study aims to schematize community perceptions and understanding of vulnerability in drought-affected rural Gamo lowlands.

Design/methodology/approach

A community-based cross-sectional survey design and the mixed-methods research approach were executed. A four-staged multistage sampling was used to identify the respondent households. Into the four study sites, sample households were allocated proportionally by the lottery method. The survey data were gathered from 285 lowland households. The structured survey questionnaire, key informant interview, focus group discussion, and field observations, and transect walks were the tools used to collect the primary data. Data were analyzed deploying both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The Likert scale is used to analyze households’ vulnerability perceptions in which the item analysis approach was used for detailed analysis of the Likert-type items.

Findings

Locally, people perceive and understand vulnerability as exposure to drought hazard, rainfall inconsistency, the prevalence of human and animal diseases, livelihood insecurity, food shortfalls, poor income, lack of access to market, landholding and livestock ownership which are schematized by vulnerability perception pathways that delineate its extent. The findings also showed that the Gamo lowland inhabitants are unequally vulnerable as 96.5% of the studied households stated the differential idiosyncrasy of vulnerability. Old-aged, small-sized and female-headed households with no supportive force were found to be more vulnerable.

Practical implications

For better resilience, enhancing communities’ perceptions and understanding of vulnerability via continuous awareness creation by all the concerned stakeholders is recommended as the majority was lowly educated. It also yields input for policy debates and decision-making in the drought-prone lowland setup for building a resilient community.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is an original work pursued by using a household survey with empirical data sourced from drought-prone rural lowland communities.

Details

International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, vol. 13 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-8692

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Article
Publication date: 25 December 2024

Kedir Assefa Tessema and Sue Reilly

This study examines how executive directors of family business centers deploy sensemaking to create psychologically safe environments while engaging members in peer group…

13

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines how executive directors of family business centers deploy sensemaking to create psychologically safe environments while engaging members in peer group activities.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with five executive directors from four different family business centers in the USA. The study also draws on document analysis.

Findings

The findings reveal that these directors navigate a complex and uncertain environment where the need for member engagement and the need for a safe environment sometimes contradict each other. Their sensemaking draws on both cognitive and social processes to accomplish meaning-making, often involving a cyclical process of noticing, discernment and enactment. This effort is, at times, constrained by the directors’ inability to gather cues due to their commitment to maintaining confidentiality and privacy within peer groups, limiting their ability to directly observe discussions. Despite this constraint, sensemaking enhances the directors’ capability to foster safe and engaging environments, though the challenge of balancing members’ needs for confidentiality with a safe and productive engagement environment remains a continuous reality.

Practical implications

This study highlights the crucial role of sensemaking leadership in family business networks, requiring directors to balance individual and group needs. Leadership development should focus on enhancing this sensemaking ability. Family business centers must be designed with flexibility and adaptability to accommodate evolving needs. This involves attentive observation, balanced programs, psychological safety and continuous learning. These findings extend to any peer group requiring high trust, emphasizing the leader’s role in creating a safe and engaging environment that balances individual needs with collective goals.

Originality/value

This study makes several original contributions to the literature. First, it extends existing knowledge on sensemaking by exploring its application in a previously under-researched context: how executive directors navigate complexity and uncertainty within family business networks. Second, it examines how sensemaking informs the ongoing challenge of balancing peer groups’ need for a safe engagement environment with the need for productive engagement, an area that has not been explicitly addressed in prior research. By shedding light on these under-explored aspects of sensemaking, this study offers valuable insights for both researchers and practitioners involved in family business networks and peer group management.

Details

Journal of Family Business Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-6238

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Article
Publication date: 15 August 2019

Scholastica Chizoma Ukwoma, Ngozi E. Osadebe and Chibuzor Livina Dim

The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the management of institutional repository (IR) in Nigerian universities.

531

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the management of institutional repository (IR) in Nigerian universities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study took the form of a descriptive survey, gathering data from academics and repository mangers from 15 universities that have their IR captured on OpenDOAR.

Findings

The results showed that most academics submit their work for archiving in IR, and the types of materials submitted are mostly journal articles and conference proceedings. Contents are archived, using self-archiving and mediated submission. Some universities do not provide support and motivation towards the research works of their staff.

Practical implications

The implication of the study lies in the adoption and implementation of the framework presented in this work to ensure the growth and sustainability of IR.

Originality/value

The study is based on the findings presented a framework to guide repository managers to ensure effective management of IR.

Details

Library Management, vol. 40 no. 8/9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

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Article
Publication date: 2 June 2021

Shambel Kifle Alemu

The aim of the study was to develop a practical construction time model for public building projects in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

568

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the study was to develop a practical construction time model for public building projects in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Design/methodology/approach

This research work used regression analysis and also exploratory scatter and residual plot techniques. Simple and multiple regressions were used for the investigation of the best fit time model. The analyses were carried out using IBM SPSS statistical software, version 20.

Findings

The result revealed that the Bromilow time-cost principle was moderately applicable. However, the cubic regression model (CUB) was found a better time-cost relationship. On the contrary, the study has shown a poor relationship between actual time and gross floor area. Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis (MLR) consists of three statistically significant variables were found a better fit time model.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to only six project scope factors. Further research is recommended to include more building projects of similar type and implications of other factors to improve the reliability of the models.

Practical implications

The developed model was not intended as a replacement for detailed construction scheduling techniques. The resulting model is applicable for front-end predictions of construction duration.

Originality/value

The main parties involved in the building projects should apply the model for benchmarking a precise construction time during the early planning phase.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 29 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 4 December 2020

Fang-Jye Shiue, Hsin-Yun Lee, Meng-Cong Zheng, Akhmad F.K. Khitam and Sintayehu Assefa

For large projects, project segmentation and planning the size of contract packages in construction bids is a complex and critical issue. Due to the nature of construction…

537

Abstract

Purpose

For large projects, project segmentation and planning the size of contract packages in construction bids is a complex and critical issue. Due to the nature of construction projects, which frequently have large budgets, long durations and many activities with complex procedures, project segmentation involves complicated decision-making. To fill this gap, this study aims to develop an integrated model for planning project segmentation.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model integrates a simulation and multiple attribute decision-making method. The simulation is used to evaluate the bidding outcome of various project segmentations. The owner can then determine the bid-price behavior of contractors in response to varying work package sizes. The multiple attribute decision-making method is used to select the optimal segmentation solution from the simulated scenarios.

Findings

The proposed model is applied to a large road preservation project in Indonesia and incorporates bid participants and market conditions. The model provides seven scenarios for segmentation. The range of scenarios captures increasing competitiveness in the construction with the average bid price becoming gradually more beneficial for the owner. The model also utilizes a multiple attribute decision-making method to select the optimum scenario for the owner.

Originality/value

This study presents an applicable model for project segmentation that is useful for both project owners and contractors. By utilizing the proposed model, a project owner can segment a large project into smaller contract packages to create improved project pricing.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 28 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 4 November 2014

Tibebe Abebe Assefa, Omar A. Esqueda and Emilios C. Galariotis

The purpose of this paper is to assess the performance of a contrarian investment strategy focusing on frequently traded large-cap US stocks. Previous criticisms that losers’…

1357

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the performance of a contrarian investment strategy focusing on frequently traded large-cap US stocks. Previous criticisms that losers’ gains are not due to overreaction but due to their tendency to be thinly traded and smaller-sized firms than winners are addressed.

Design/methodology/approach

Portfolios based on past performance are constructed and it is examined whether contrarian returns exist. The Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), Fama and French three-factor model and the Carhart’s (1997) momentum portfolio are used to test whether excess returns are feasible in a contrarian strategy.

Findings

The results show an asymmetric performance following portfolio formation. Although both, winners and losers portfolios, have gains during holding periods, losers outperform winners at all times, and with a differential of up to 29.2 per cent 36 months after portfolio formation. Furthermore, the loser and the winner portfolios’ alphas are significant, suggesting that the CAPM and the multifactor models are unable to explain return differentials between winners and losers. Our evidence supports two main conclusions. First, stock market overreaction still holds for a sample of large firms. Second, this is robust to the Fama and French’s (1993, 1996) three-factor model and Carhart’s (1997) momentum portfolio. Findings emphasize the relevance of a contrarian strategy when rebalancing investment portfolios.

Practical implications

Portfolio managers can improve stock returns by selling past winners and buying previous loser large-cap US stocks.

Originality/value

This paper is the first, to the authors’ knowledge, to examine frequently traded large-cap US stocks to avoid infrequent trading and size concerns.

Details

Review of Accounting and Finance, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1475-7702

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