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Census exercise is designed upon the conviction that clear-cut population data, lies in its heart the roadmap that enables good planning, precise execution and defined sustainable development of any nation. Having not been able to fulfill these purposes, most of the past studies on census in Nigeria have been dedicated to prospects, challenges, housing units and politics behind the falsification of census figures. Shockingly, none have really espoused how census could be imperative for trivet of peace, security and development of the nation. However, as a point of divergent departure from the recurrent focus on census and contentious debate enveloping the population of the nation, the paper examines the indices census has on the peace, security and development of the country. The cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study using the proportionate stratified sampling techniques in the selection of 270 respondents that cut across three towns: Ado, Ikere and Ikole representing each senatorial district of Ekiti State. A structured questionnaire served as the instrument for data collection. Content analysis was used for the qualitative data. Findings revealed that there are mixed perceptions about the functionality of census cum panacea for tackling security challenges and planning for development in the country. The study recommends strict adherence to the standard decennial census exercise to ensure enhanced peace, security and development of the nation.
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The effectiveness of the monetary policy in leading African economies categorized as inflation-targeting markets (SA and Ghana) and non-targeting markets (Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt) in the post-Global financial crisis era is compared in this study. The sampling period stretched from 2007Q1 to 2020Q4. The study estimated the augmented Taylor rule for a small open economy using the autoregressive distributed lags (ARDL) model necessitated by the mixed integration of variables. The results indicate that there is heterogeneity among the inflation-targeting economies because only the South African monetary system could be explained using the Augmented Taylor rule. Contrarily, Ghana’s results move with the motion that inflation targeting is not for the lower income countries. Secondly, the policy rates react to exchange rates directly in the short-run for all economies, except South Africa. This indication shows that most emerging markets in Africa show fear of float when it comes to exchange rates system which denotes a lack of a vibrant monetary policy system. Selected emerging market economies regarded as non-inflation targeting markets are fit to adopt inflation targeting but still require a sophisticated financial system. Again they (including Ghana) should move away from the fear of floating phenomena to avoid issues of conflict of interest.
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In recent years, progress in digitalisation and foreign direct investment has caused many structural changes, reorganisation in economics, rising productivity, globalisation, and increasing trade or international investment flows, which have led to increased capital flows and information availability. Therefore, this research investigated the impact of digitalisation and foreign direct investment on economic growth in developed countries. Panel data analysis was applied to data of 16 developed countries, from 2006 until 2019. The findings show that digitalisation - presented by mobile cellular and internet users - and foreign direct investment positively impacted economic growth, thus they strongly contribute to advancing the economy and increasing welfare. Therefore, developed countries have been learning about the critical role of technology and capital, as stated by economists over several decades, and developing countries can copy their policies into their own economic strategies.
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This insight paper examines the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic development in developing countries. The paper begins with an introduction that provides a brief overview of the research topic. The research methodology is then discussed, followed by an exploration of the theoretical approaches to FDI and economic development. Case studies of FDI in developing countries are presented and analyzed, providing into the impact of FDI on economic development. The analysis section of the paper examines the data collected from the case studies and discusses the findings. Singapore is taken as a case study to measure for better understanding of the impact of FDI on economic development in developing countries. Foreign direct investment and gross domestic product variables were used to measure this relationship. Gross domestic product is dependent and foreign direct investment is independent variable in the study. In conclusion, the paper provides a summary of the key points. The references section provides a list of sources used in the paper.
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Globally, travel and tourism opportunities are highly sought-after by most nations, but very few developing nations, including Nigeria, play good supporting roles to benefit from the profitable and lucrative industry. The reasons for this are not unconnected to the poor investment in tourism infrastructure, especially transport, to support tourism activities and sustain tourism performance. It is against this background that this study modeled the economic influence of the transport system on tourism performance using Nigeria’s Lagos State experience. This study is anchored on an ex-post facto research design and relies on quantitative data from the relevant ministries of the Lagos State Government. Both descriptive (charts and graphs) and inferential (multiple linear regression analysis) statistics were methods of data analysis. Major findings revealed that only the annual revenue from transport system services out of the nine (9) evaluated performance indicators showed internal consistency and a positively increasing growth pattern.
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Purpose – this study investigates alternative a small-scale social business model that potentially generate sustainable income for households at the base of the pyramid. A comparison of two low-cost housings that have a different geographical condition and local characteristics is examined. Research methodology – this research adopted two-stage approach to address the research objective. A pairwise comparison was employed to evaluate alternatives based on selected criteria for decision-making. In the second stage, the proposed business model was assessed by taking into account investment, processing cost, and revenue. Findings – the findings of this research suggest suitable business model that combine profit orientation and facilitates social mission in urban settings. The business model offers attractive financial feasibility from the investor viewpoint and simultaneously engages low-income households to improve their prosperity level leaving the base of the pyramid (BOP) status. Research limitations – this paper is not involving division of responsibility between stakeholders in low-cost housing and BOP sector. This study also not discussed how social entrepreneurs play a role in the social business model. There is a need to further investigate how the impact of social entrepreneurs on this model and engage collaboration with interest parties to engage community development. Practical implications – the findings recommend strategies that can be used by policy-makers and other related stakeholders to scale-up the business model, empower more low-income households, and create new job opportunities for urban poor. The findings of this research also indicate social business model that enables households at the BOP to earn sustainable income and release their current poverty status. Originality/Value – the research is one of the few studies that explored alternatives to social business models available for urban poor by taking into account project feasibility. No previous research has been attempted to consider both pairwise comparison and life cycle cost approach in the development of social business models. This research can be found useful for those with similar issues not only in emerging economies but also in developed countries.
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This study is an essay expressing the author’s opinions on the formation of Poland’s re-gional policy over the last three decades. As any essay, it presents subjective views, not taking intoaccount very complex circumstances and sometimes different standpoints. Consequently, it givesneither a full account of all the facts nor does it complete all the sources, limiting them only to theanalysed acts of law and debate with other authors. The reader’s attention is focused on the author’ssubjective arguments, opinions and conclusions, as well as recommendations, important from hisperspective to the present and future functioning of Poland’s regional policy.
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The study investigated the effects of interest rate volatility and changes in money supply policy on the financial sector of selected African countries. The dynamic panel model and GARCH model were used for estimation. A secondary data collection instrument was used. A sample of ten countries in the African Union was used for analysis. In terms of policy findings, the results revealed that interest volatility and money supply were stationary, and co-integrated with long-run equilibrium relationships among African Union member countries within the study periods. Interest rate volatility negatively impacted the financial sector stability in African Union countries. A percentage increase in the volatility in interest rate accounted for 0.19 percent instability in the financial system of the African Union economies while a similar proportion of variation in money growth stabilized the financial sector by 0.18 percent. Negative spikes or trends of interest rate variability in the financial sector were found for all the African Union member states considered in this study. Specifically, the financial sectors of developing nations are at risk in the presence of volatility in the interest rate. With the fixed effect model, financial sector stability had its impact at lag 1 and it was extensively significant. The originality of the research derives from the fact that the methodologies of the dynamic panel model and GARCH model were deployed in evaluating the effects of variations in interest rate and money growth on the financial sectors of African countries. Interest rate volatility had a Granger causality effect on the financial sector stability of African Union member states in the short run. The study accordingly recommends the need for the governments of the countries covered by the study to intensify efforts to enhance robust financial sector stability by implementing a friendly interest rate policy. Policymakers of the African Union should be guided by the sensitivity of the financial sector of the AU economies to variations in interest rates. Taken together, a stable monetary system is a considerable tool for sustaining the stability of the financial system.
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Measuring the stance of monetary policy is of importance for the analysis and implementation of monetary policy. In emerging economies, the popular use of multiple instrument framework as well as the significance of interest rate channel and exchange rate channel implies that monetary condition index (MCI) can play an important role in evaluating the timing of tightening or loosing monetary policy. In this paper, we aim to evaluate the role of MCI as an overall measure of monetary policy in emerging economy that follow inflation targeting by using the VAR model. The weight of MCI components, exchange rate and interest rate, is derived from the inflation equation in the VAR model. It shows that exchange rate plays a significant role but its weight is less than that of interest rate in most emerging economies. Furthermore, the empirical results show that inflation shows a reduction after a contractionary shock of monetary policy in most emerging economies. The finding implies that MCI is a useful indicator that can predict changes in the stance of monetary policy and the trend in inflation.
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Official development assistance (ODA) has shown strong results in economic development in many least-developed countries. It strengthens growth along with FDI and private investments. However, the significance of ODA depends on the host country and donors. The effectiveness of ODA in Laos has not yet been examined. This investigation deeply explores the relationship between Japanese ODA and the economic growth in Laos by using variables such as ODA funds, industrial investment, and exports of Laos in association with growth effectiveness. In the analysis, the data on ODA from Japan was used as a key factor for the growth in Laos – it is a vital component of this study. The analysis was conducted for 30 years of data (1990-2020) and utilized a vector error correction model with a unit root test and Johansen approach. In the long run, the ODA, as the main independent variable, had a positive effect on growth and industrial investment in Laos, but exports exhibited a negative effect on growth. Furthermore, in the short term, there was no sign of a positive relationship between ODA from Japan and the growth of Laos; exports also had a negative relationship to growth. Conversely, the variable of industrial investment had a positive effect on growth in the short term. However, the empirical results demonstrated growth effectiveness from the involvement of Japanese ODA funds in Laos in the long run.
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The development of circular economy entails systemic changes at various levels involving all stakeholders. Stakeholders play a crucial role in creating and ensuring the necessary conditions for the establishment and thriving of the circular economy. They set the primary direction for and act as the driving force behind sustainable development. In this regard, this study aimed to determine the readiness of stakeholders for the formation and development of the circular economy in Kazakhstan. An expert survey was conducted among representatives of business, academia and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The survey involved 54 experts, and the data were analyzed using the SPSS 25 software. The analytical findings underscore that the sector of science and education manifests the highest state of readiness among stakeholder segments. Conversely, sectors encompassing society, consumers, governmental bodies, and financial institutions demonstrate relatively modest levels of preparedness. Furthermore, this study delved into distinct statistical variances across stakeholder readiness levels and proffered targeted recommendations aimed at mitigating challenges hampering the establishment of a circular economy framework within Kazakhstan.
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In what the East-West European concept is concerned, it must be very clear that the division of the continent between the two blocs was arbitrary in several respects. In addition to the physical factors, the political factors were of vital importance in determining the division between a Western and a Eastern Europe. Located between East and West and with a heart divided between Slavic and Latin origin, passed through the French sieve, Romania is the country surrounded by a whirlwind of uncertainty and chiaroscuro, the servility of a grotesque dictatorship that characterizes us for decades. Synthesizing the most remarkable features of Romania's systematic change in the new European geopolitical context, I will try, based on a new interpretation and vision of international relations, to highlight with the help of various materials studied, Romania's foreign policy objectives. One of Romania's priority objectives was to integrate the country into the broad process of globalization, in this case, joining the Euro-Atlantic structures. In order to achieve the main objective, I considered it would be proper to structure the analysis in three directions, taking into account the current problems of the Romanian foreign policy: NATO Alliance; Romania's integration into the European Union; Regional cooperation with the countries in the area and Romania's participation in international organizations.
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The existence of vibrant, effective, and functional institutions is the backbone for the realization of development aspirations and prosperity of societies. Nevertheless, most developing countries institutions lack the required capacity to effectively discharge their vested responsibilities. This ultimately hinders the nations development. This article is aimed at pinpointing the major challenges affecting the capacity of institutions and deterring effective service delivery and thereby suggesting the way forward. To this end, different theoretical and empirical works conducted on the Ethiopian context were reviewed. The review results illustrate employees’ incompetence and imbalance at different levels of government agencies in budgetary allocation and distribution which in turn is affecting the degree of transparency, accountability, and responsiveness. Besides, the review also identified the existence of serious gap in making public institutions responsive to the demands of the citizenry. Aimed at establishing vibrant and effective institutions, the authors among others, suggested building linkage, good relationship, and synergy among different public and private organizations. Furthermore, considering human capital development as a cornerstone for institutional capacity building, it requires providing demand-driven and quality-oriented practical training for land sector employees and stakeholders to bridge the existing capacity deficit.
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The proliferation of slums always questions the process of inclusive urbanisation in developing countries. Given this perspective, the study aims to see the changing pattern of urbanisation in India comparing the level, concentration and growth of slum and urban populations over time. Furthermore, it intends to see the relationships of different economic indicators with the level and concentration of urban and slum population in order to determine the inclusiveness of Indian cities. The study incorporated descriptive and inferential statistical analysis using Indian state-level data on urban and slum population and different economic indicators for 2001 and 2011. The study finds an increasing level of slum population compared to the urban population in most Indian states, while shifting the concentration of slum population from high-income to newly growing states. We also evidence the positive impact of economic inequality on the expansion of slum population. The study concludes that the process of economic growth with exclusionary urbanisation generates urban inequality, which helps to persist the slums.
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Scholars over the years have delved into the discourse of states’ foreign publics engagements in their foreign policy objectives. This analysis is done generally with the western perspective of public diplomacy with recent Asian scholarship evolving. As a result, this study aims to reflect on public diplomacy from an African perspective. Therefore, it analyses how African governments have been engaging their foreign publics (foreign governments and their citizens) to attract foreign aid, tourism, and investments in their nation-building and development trajectory. The article explores African public diplomacy mechanisms such as diasporas, nation branding, cultural diplomacy, and many others. It also digests some of the challenges confronting African governments in their public diplomacy campaigns, like lack of research, human and financial resources, and lack of coherent foreign policy documents. The article’s findings demonstrate that although Africa generally has rich public diplomacy resources, these are not adequately harnessed in most African states’ foreign policy. This situation has led to poor foreign policy implementation by most African governments. The study contributes to the public diplomacy scholarship in general and African public diplomacy in particular, which scholars have underexplored. It concludes that scholars should delve into the exegesis of the rich African public diplomacy currencies.
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The coexistence of inflation and unemployment rates especially in developing economies has been generating a lot of debate among researchers concerning the validity of Phillip’s curve. The current study examines the validity of Phillip’s curve in the context of the BRICS countries comprises of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa using data from the World Bank database (2020) and analyzed using a random effect static panel regression analysis. We find that the unemployment rate and output negatively and significantly influenced the inflation rate in the BRICS countries, which validates Phillip’s curve. This implies that raising unemployment and output level may likely reduce inflation rate in the BRICS countries. We, therefore, recommend the need for policymakers to choose to either stabilize prices or reduce unemployment. Also, the need for government to reduce inflation by increasing output thereby generating employment for the people. The BRICS countries should focus more on the labor-intensive technique of production to reduce the cost of production, create jobs and reduce prices.
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This article strives to reveal the reasons hindering smooth implementation of Lithuania’s development cooperation policy. Although Lithuania is less than 8 years away from the target of official development assistance at least 0.33% of Gross National Income (GNI) per year, it is currently contributing only about one-third of this amount, which naturally raises the question “Why?”. Theoretical framework of the motivations behind development cooperation enforcement, specifically, Europeanisation theory, is chosen to support the research. Bearing in mind the scarcity of the academic body of work for this topic, the main instrument, questionnaire for the in-depth interviews with the main decision makers of Lithuania’s development cooperation was created. 17 semi-structured interviews with experts from various backgrounds provided the valuable material for this analysis and helped to provide possible answers to the matter in question.
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After gaining independence from Egypt and the United Kingdom in 1956, many turmoils have occurred in Sudan such as military regimes, civil wars followed by ethnic, religious and economic conflicts between the Northern and Southern Sudan, coup d'état in 1989, USA attacks on Sudan and a new Constitution in 1989, uprising in Darfur, and the independence for Southern Sudan in 2011. The second civil war, which lasted over two decades, resulted in more than four million displaced persons and more than two million deaths in Sudan. Besides, during the conflict in the Darfur region, nearly two million people were displaced and more than 300,000 deaths were caused. Constant conflicts and turmoils in Sudan since the mid-20th century have affected all neighboring states, and many of them have provided shelter for over a half million of Sudanese refugees. Additionally, Sudan is a source and transit country for men, women, and children who are subjected to forced labor, forced begging or sex trafficking in Europe, Middle East countries, and others. On the other hand, after establishing the European Union, with constant institutional reforms, the EU has nowadays developed the Common Foreign and Security Policy. Since 2011, it has officially launched the European External Action Service – EEAS, which represents the European Union's diplomatic corps. The key issues for the EU External Action Service towards Sudan are providing aid for recovery across the war-affected areas, maintaining the dialogue with the governments of the Republic of Sudan and the Republic of South Sudan, and providing humanitarian aid.
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In this paper, the author presents the EU reaction to the crises in Libya and Syria that developed within the broader frame of “Arab Spring“ in 2011. Noticing similarities and differences in the EU external action concerning these two cases, in his final remarks the author considers the reasons for such actions as well as the conclusions on the functioning of institutional novelties of the Lisbon Treaty in the field of external action. The main data source of the paper is official documents of the European institutions and the presentation is predominantly chronological.
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