Vol 3, No 1

Table of Contents

  1. Research Article
    Impact of the Prevailing Internet on International Trade in Asia PDF
    Yutaka Kurihara, Akio Fukushima
    This article provides empirical evidence for the relationship (1) between the prevailing Internet and international trade and (2) between the prevailing Internet and economic growth in Asian countries. The empirical results show that Internet promotes international trade both in developed countries and developing Asian countries; however, the effect is larger in Asian countries. The Internet can increase economic international trade; on the other hand, it has not necessarily been linked to economic growth. If countries seek to enhance international trade and economic growth, they need to implement specific policies that facilitate investment in information and communications technologies (ICT) to encourage efficient and effective economic growth. A digital revolution can form the foundation of a sustainable global economy. It is important to respond to this opportunity.

  2. Research Article
    Exploring Sustainable Healthcare Service and Sustainable Healthcare Performance: Based on Malaysian Healthcare Industry PDF
    Noor Hidayah Jamaludin, Nurul Fadly Habidin, Nurul Aifaa Shazali, Naimah Ali, Nur Afni Khaidir
    Sustainable practice is increasingly implemented in the healthcare industry. Recent studies continue to discover the relationship between health and environment. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship of Sustainable Healthcare Service (SHS) and Sustainable Healthcare Performance (SHP) in Malaysian healthcare industry. A conceptual model using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) has been proposed. This model will be used to study the relationship between SHS and SHP for Malaysian healthcare industry. The paper culminates with suggested future research work.

  3. Research Article
    Comparing Operational Dynamics of Community-based Organisations in Geographically Contrasting Areas of Ondo State, Nigeria PDF
    Adebayo Adewunmi EMMANUEL
    Community-Driven Development (CDD) is a development approach which gives control of development decisions and resources to community groups. Community-based Organisations (CBOs) are the driving force of this development approach. This paper compares the mode of operation of CBOs in two geographically contrasting areas of Ondo State, Nigeria. Akure South Local Government Area (LGA), an urban hinterland, was compared with Ilaje LGA, a rural coastland. Stratified sampling was employed to gather data from 46 CBOs in the study areas with the aid of a questionnaire which was administered to elicit information from executive members of the CBOs. Data processing involved uni-variate analysis resulting in tables and charts to arrive at various conclusions. Findings revealed among others that there was a high level of dependence by CBOs in the rural coastland on the government for external funding while in contrast there was greater diversification in fund sourcing in the urban hinterland. Recommendations include evolving strategies such as operation of multipurpose cooperative stores by CBOs in the rural coastland to improve financial base in order to meet the needs of members and facility needs of host communities.

  4. Research Article
    The Status of African Agriculture and Capacity Development Challenges for Sustainable Resilience from Global Economic Shocks PDF
    Mmaduabuchukwu Mkpado

    Agriculture is one of the natural blessings and beauty as well as livelihood of Africa despite a number of worrisome agricultural characteristics and trends. The paper examines the status of production, yield, and hectarage allocation of major agricultural crops. Secondary data were used. Statistical analysis involved use of descriptive statistics. The paper shows that agriculture has contributed to food security and African export among other uses of its produce despite inadequate resource allocation. Adequate transformation is a prerequisite for agriculture to contribute to achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and objectives of other initiatives to ensure African resilience from global shocks. Capacity development challenges for African agriculture to resist shocks discussed included: providing sustainable and profitable market access to small holder producers, improvement in agricultural research and efficient technology dissemination,  extension of areas under sustainable land management, irrigation and efficient water control options, re-capitalization with improved microfinance and access to agro inputs. It opined that development partners and African government should supply more fund and technical assistance for the transformation. Improvements in agricultural policy and   use of political will to mobilize social energies towards the target are recommended.

  5. Research Article
    Promoting Wealth and Job Creation in Nigeria "“ Review of the Role of Entrepreneurship PDF
    Igwe C.N., Adebayo M.S., Olakanmi, O.A., Ogbonna I.G., Aina O.S.

    Despite Nigeria's abundant natural resources, demographic figuresaccording to the recent HDI ranking put the country as very poor because of underdeveloped human and economic resources. In order to create favourable investment climate and wealth generating enterprises necessary for economic development, there is the urgent need to develop skilled entrepreneurial workforce in areas where the country has competitive and comparative advantage. Poor funding, inadequate infrastructure, corruption, policy discontinuity, among others, receive the blame for the sorry state of the economy. We recommend good management, need-based adequate funding, policy continuity, MSMEs friendly policies, and promotion of entrepreneurship and professionalism among others, as potential solutions.