IOSR-JBM   Volume-15 ~ Issue-2 ~ Nov-Dec-2013

Abstract: An organization is made up of four resources- men, material, money and machinery. Of all these, it is the living human/people that are the significant resources who make all the difference in the organization. Man, of all the resources available to man, can grow and develop provided given the right and proper way, which gives rise to the concept of HRM in business organizations. Change has become euphemeral everywhere-be it economy, politics, business environment and everywhere. Economy has changed from closed to open, business has expanded from regional to national to global and business organizations have altered from brick and mortar to knowledge to virtual organizations. Changes require HRM to play an even more crucial role in organizations. Change in HR strategy has become sine quo non-with change in the environment. The knowledge of changing environment becomes a prerequisite to formulate an appropriate business and HR strategy. The changing HR strategy includes work force diversity, economic and technological change, globalization, organizational restructuring, changes in the nature of jobs and work….The new HR strategies comprises using multi-skills in dealing with building of flatter organizations, employee empowerment, team work, ethical issues…which ultimately culminate into Talent Management.

Keywords: Ethics, Empowerment, HR Strategy, Multi-skills, Talent Management.

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Abstract: The aim of the study was to determine opportunities available to organized youth groups in accessing government funding to ensure equity in facing life challenges. Many youths after leaving school find themselves jobless due to shrinking economic activities. While this phenomenon is not unique in third world countries alone, it is a global concern in the 21st century. The study objectives were to: determine mechanisms functional youth groups had instituted to access government funding; assess the level of agribusiness management skills possessed by youth groups in running their agribusinesses and find out the major hindrances youth groups experienced in accessing credit facilities from the government.

Keywords: Economic growth, Agribusiness management, Credit facilities and Functional groups.

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Abstract: Small and medium enterprises (hereinafter referred to as SMEs) are the backbone of developing economies. SMEs represent over 90% of enterprises in these economies. The driving force behind these SMEs is the large number of innovations which has led to the growth of the national economy through employment creation, productive investments and value-added exports. Since this growth is innovation based therefore intellectual property rights (hereinafter referred to as IPRs) have assumed an unprecedented significance. In the knowledge-based society of our times IPRs have a profound influence on the social, economic and technological progress .New products, brands and creative designs appear almost daily on the market that are the result of continuous innovation and creativity in SMEs. Thus In order to improve the business environment and encourage innovation in this sector it is necessary to provide robust policy framework and formidable legal protection to the IPRs of SMEs especially against unauthorized exploitation. The researcher wants to examine the role supporting Institutions create awareness about strategic benefits and enable to protect Innovative &creative capacity of SME.s through Intellectual property rights in India

[1]. Yumiko Hamano, IP Policy and Key Issues, WIPO University Initiative, Innovation and Technology Transfer Section, Patent Division, WIPO
[2]. Shriya Damani, Special Feature: Globalization of Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer: Emerging Concepts and Trends
[3]. Shahnawaz Mahmood, Corporate Governance and Business Ethics for SMEs in Developing Countries: Challenges and Way Forward (Islamabad, Pakistan)
[4]. Betty Byrne, Patent Information Needs of SMEs, World Patent Information, Vol. 19 (1997), pages 27-30.
[5]. The Importance of Intellectual Property (IP) for Enhancing the Competitiveness of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) By Dr. Guriqbal Singh Jaiya, Director Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Division, WIPO
[6]. R&D and Innovation in SMEs, A joint Japan – EU seminar
[7]. Annual reports of MSMEs in India
[8]. Trips Agreement, Articles 41 to 61.

Abstract: International Joint Ventures "IJVs" have certainly emerged as a compelling strategic option for companies because it has the best offset of return/risk. Unfortunately, IJV performance & survival remains highly variable. Researchers have suggested that motives of establishing IJVs, performance assessment methods, and partner selection influence IJVs performance & survival. However, we understand little about how these factors relate to one another to affect IJVs performance & survival. Thus, this article takes an early step toward filling this gap by analyzing the potential IJV between Algeria & China in car manufacturing. The study findings revealed that there are disparities in the motives of establishing the venture. Nonetheless, it would be able to achieve each partner motives. Concerning choosing the suitable partner, there is somewhat complementary-resources between the two partners. Moreover, the study revealed a discrepancy in performance assessment methods, in which the Algerian partner focuses on financial return, and the Chinese partner on the achievement of the venture motives.

Keywords: Algeria Car Market, Chinese Car Manufacturers, IJV Formation Motives, IJV Partner Selection, IJV Performance Assessment.

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[6] Harrigan, K.R.1988a. Joint ventures and competitive strategy. Strategic Management Journal, 9(2): 141-148.

[7] Bleeke, J. & Ernst, D. 1991. The way to win in cross-border alliances. Harvard Business Review, 69(6): 127-135.

[8] Child, J. & Faulkner, D. 1998. Strategies of Cooperation: Managing Alliances, Networks, and Joint Ventures. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

[9] Geringer, J.M. 1988. Joint Venture Partner Selection: Strategies for Developed Countries. Westport, CT: Quorum Books.

[10] Yan, A. and B. Gray (1996), "Linking management control and inter-partner relationships with performance in US–Chinese joint ventures‟, in J. Child and Y. Lu (eds), Management Issues in China: International Enterprises, London: Rutledge, pp. 106–27.

Abstract: This study appraise in depth the pursuance of self image, societal expectations and media (celebrity endorsement and advertisements) on the consumption pattern of urban male towards male cosmetics in Delhi. Also, this study endeavours to find out the reasonable impact of perception on the association of various variables and consumption pattern. The primary data was collected through administration of questionnaire which was circulated to the men who fall in the category of age between 15-45 years living in Delhi. The sample consists of 162 respondents. The study reveals the sizeable variables that affect urban male consumption pattern and attitude towards male cosmetics. The result of the study reinforced an existence of the relationship between self image, media (celebrity endorsement and advertisements) and societal expectation and consumption pattern. Apart from this, the study also provides valuable insight towards the understanding on how perception balanced the relationships between the variables studied and its influence on the consumption pattern of urban male toward male cosmetics products.

Keywords: Consumption pattern, Male cosmetics, Media self image, Societal expectation Urban male.

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Abstract: Research aim: To analyze and describe the effect of perceived benefit perception, perceived easy for use and attitude of use IT on IT acceptance in supporting and facilitating employees to do their jobs. Research method: Using survey method and subjects are 86 employees out of 638 employees in SITARO Regency. Data collecting technique is questionnaire and data analysis is path analysis. Findings: perceived benefit perception, perceived easy for use and attitude for use IT have direct positive effect on IT acceptance, Implication: Employees' perception that IT are useful and easy to be applied in supporting and facilitating their job have to be owned by all employees so that they have positive attitude and accept it as well as apply IT for supporting and facilitating their job as a form of e-goverment.
Key Words: Information Technology (IT), Perceived benefit perception, perceived easy for use, attitude for use, Information technology acceptance.

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Abstract: Service quality is essential for turnover and profitability of SMEs. The characteristics that improve service quality of SMEs are education, experience and interest in business of entrepreneurs operating SMEs. The objectives of the study were to identify whether education, experience and interest in business of entrepreneurs affect the service quality of SMEs in Nigeria. The study was conducted in Zaria metropolis of Kaduna state. Random samples of 100 entrepreneurs that are involved in services oriented SMEs were selected and distributed questionnaire. Eighty two (82) completed and returned questionnaires were presented in tables of descriptive statistic and analyzed with the aid of chi-square statistical tool. The results indicate that education and experience of entrepreneurs significantly affect service quality of SMEs. But, interest of entrepreneurs in business significantly does not affect service quality of SMEs in Nigeria. The paper recommends that entrepreneurs should be formally educated and acquired minimum of OND/NCE qualification before engaging in any form of business. This is because entrepreneurs' educational qualification affects service quality of SMEs. Secondly, they should acquire experience in any entrepreneurship skills they are involved. The reason is that entrepreneurs' experience affects service quality of SMEs. Thirdly, in spite entrepreneurs' interest in business does not affect service quality of SMEs; there is a need to develop interest in entrepreneurship skills because it initiates changes in the activities of SMEs in Nigeria.

Keywords: Education, entrepreneurs, experience, interest and service- SMEs.

[1] Kurfi, A.K.. and Kurye, U.L. (2007). Globalization and Sustainable Development: Implications for Nigerian Entrepreneur. Journal of Business Administration, Vol. No. 1 & 2, pp. 1– 14. Printed by Ahmadu Bello University Press.
[2] Scott, J. (2007). How SME owners' characteristics influences external advice and access to finance. National Conference Held on November 2007 at Institute for Small Business & Entrepreneurship studies. Retrieved November 24, 2013 from http://irwingrayson.com/dloads/isbe07accessFinance.pdf.

[3] Mawoli, M. A. (2007). Owner-manager Characteristics and Small Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) Growth: An empirical Review Study. Journal of Business Administration, Vol. No. 1 & 2 , pp. 110 – 121. Printed by Ahmadu Bello University Press.
[4] Vos, E. and Roulston, C. (2008).SME owner involvement and business performance: Financial security rather than growth.Small. Enterprise Research Journal, Vol. 16, No. 1, pp: 70–85, June 2008. Retrieved November 24, 2013 from ser.e-contentmanagement.com › archives › 16/1.

[5] Chittithaworn,C.; Aminul, I.; Keawchana, T. and Yusuf, D.H.M. (2011). Factors Affecting Business Success of Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand. Asian Social Science Journal, Vol. 7, No. 5, pp: 180-190, May 2011. Retrieved November 24, 2013 from www.researchgate.net/...Business... (SMEs).../32bfe50d7d58b1eaea.pdf
[6] Shehu, A. M.; Aminu, I.B.; Kamariah, N.; Mat, N. and Nasiru, A. (2013).The Mediating Effect between Some Determinants of SME Performance in Nigeria. Journal of Management, Vol. 3, No. 4, pp: 237-242. Retrieved November 23, 2013 from http://article.sapub.org/pdf/10.5923.j.mm.20130304.07.pdf
[7] Ojukwu, D. (2006). Achieving Sustainable Growth through the Adoption of Integrated Business and Information Solutions: A Case Study of Nigerian Small & Medium Sized Enterprises. Journal of Information Technology Impact Vol. 6, No. 1, pp: 47-60, http://www.jiti.com/v06/jiti.v6n1.047-060.pdf
[8] Apulu, I. and Latham, A. (2011). Drivers for Information and Communication Technology Adoption: A Case Study of Nigerian Small and Medium Sized Enterprises. International Journal of Business and Management Vol. 6, No. 5, pp: 51-60, May 2011. Retrieved November 21, 2013 from www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ijbm/article/download/10428/7445.

[9] Oyeniyi, (2009). Oyeniyi, O. (2009). Measurement Service Quality in Nigerian Telecommunication Industry. Lapai International Journal of Management and Social Sciences (IJOMASS), Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 143-152.
[10] Susman,G.; Warren, A. and Ding,M. (2006). Product and Service Innovation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises. Sponsored Research Prepared for United States Department of Commerce, the National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership. Retrieved November 24, 2013 from http://www.smeal.psu.edu/cmtoc/cmtoc/research/nistnpd.pdf.

Abstract: This study assesses student engagement in the ODL Higher education sector in Zimbabwe. Student engagement has become an important indicator of the probability of a higher level of student retention through satisfaction. The study employed the qualitative research methodology but also used some quantitative research techniques. The case study research design was used with the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) being the case in point. Respondents were chosen using the stratified random sampling technique. The study revealed that there was a relatively high level of student engagement among the ZOU student population. Student engagement in ODL is driven by communication between the University and students, interactions and relationships among students and other in class factors which motivate students such as class presentations and group work. The study revealed considerable interest among the student community to have an in-depth relationship with the ODL University and among students themselves for mutual beneficiation. To enhance student engagement at the University and take advantage of the already highly motivated student community, the study recommends that the ODL University facilitate more student-student interactions through University-facilitated study groups per programme. There is also need to improve the frequency of communication between the University and students, the communication should be upgraded from mass media to personal communication through technologies such as emails and other IT- driven technologies.
Key words: Open and Distance education, Student engagement, Relationships

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[2]. Markwell, D. (2007) The Challenge of Student Engagement. Keynote address at the Teaching and Learning Forum. University of Western Australia, 30–31 January.
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[7]. Stovall, I. (2003). Engagement and Online Learning. UIS Community of Practice for E-Learning. http://otel.uis.edu/copel/EngagementandOnlineLearning.ppt
[8]. Bulger, M. E., Mayer, R. E., Almeroth, K. C., & Blau, S. D. (2008). Measuring Learner Engagement in Computer-Equipped College Classrooms. Journal of Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia, 17(2), 129-143.
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Abstract: This study focuses on the relationship between the corporate governance and the institutional stock ownership with the divided in Tehran stock exchange, which the corporate governance consist of variables such as: the board size, the board independence and the duality. The study uses the descriptive and analytical method based on a combined data analysis. It is applied the data of 81 accepted companies at Tehran Stock Exchange as a sample covering data from 2005 to 2011. Multi variables regression model is used to analysis the data. The results indicate the meaningful relationship between the corporate governance variable and the dividend. In other words, the companies with the lower rate of the corporate governance pay more dividends to the shareholders. In addition, there is not meaningful relationship between the institutional stock ownership and the dividend variables because the most of Iranian companies ownership structure owned by government institution. The results of this paper will be useful who want to involve in the capital market based on the company dividend decision makers the stock market in Iran.
Keywords: Corporate governance, Dividend policy, Institutional Stock ownership, Board Combination.

[1] Moaradzadeh, Mahdi; Nazemi Ardakani, Mahdi; Gholami, Reza, Farzani, hojjatollah, (2009), Investigating the relationship between institutional stock ownership and earnings management at accepted companies in Tehran stock exchange, Study of Accounting and Auditing 55, 85-98
[2] Mansour Jahangiri, (2009), Commercial Code,Tehran Didar publication
[3] Islamic Republic of Iran's securities market law, passed by Islamic consultative assembly (The Parliament), (2007)
[4] Raymon kivi and luke van kempenhood, translated by abdul Hossain Nik gohar, (1385), Research methods in Social Sciences, Tootiya publication
[5] Dr. karim Mansourfar, (2006), Statistical methods, Tehran university publications
[6] Hassass Yeganeh, Yahya (2005), Concepts of corporation governance, Hessabdar Magazine 167, January
[7] Ebrahimi Kurdlor, Ali, (2007)," Corporate Governance and the role of institutional shareholders in companies", Journal of Accounting Knowledge and research, Iranian Accounting Association 8, spring, 20-25
[8] Mohammad Namazi, Ehsan Kermani, (2008)," The effect of ownership structure on the performance of accepted companies in Tehran Stock Exchange", Study of Accounting and Auditing 53, fall, 100-83
[9] Jahankhani, Ali, and, Ghorbani, Saeid (2005). Identifying and explanation of determining factors of dividend policy in accepted companies in Tehran Stock Exchange. Journal of Financial Research 20, 27-48
[10] Tehran Stock Exchange, (2006), Draft Regulations on Corporate Governance of accepted companies in Tehran Stock Exchange.

Abstract: This study evaluated the level of supplier engagement at the Distance Learning University. Supplier engagement has been defined by Benton, et al., (2005) and Fram, (1995) as the discipline of strategically planning for, and managing all interactions with organizations that supply goods and services to an organization in order to maximize the value of those interactions. Supplier engagement is of paramount importance in an Open and Distance Learning context as it results in the creation of sustainable relationships with suppliers which assists in timely and economical availing of goods and services to the University. Generally it improves the institution's overall efficiency. The qualitative research methodology was adopted in the study where questionnaires were administered to a sample of 30 suppliers selected using the convenience sampling technique. Findings of the study revealed that there was a relatively high level of supplier engagement at the university. The suppliers acknowledged that they understood the university's procurement policy but not wholesomely, they were also receiving necessary feedback from the University. However more concern was raised on the issue of payments. Suppliers highlighted that they were not being paid on time hence there was need to address the issue. It is recommended that the university design a supplier guide for the suppliers to obtain necessary information for the university and also the procurement personnel must take advantage of technology and actively participate on social networks to improve its engagement with the university.
Key words: Supplier engagement, Open and Distance Learning.

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Abstract: Selecting the right vendor from a large number of possible vendors is a non-trivial task, in which multiple criteria need to be examined carefully. The Multiple criteria decision making provides an effective framework for vendor comparison based on the evaluation of multiple conflict criteria. The decision maker's information on the conflicting criteria is imprecise due to lack of time or lack of data. Intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) is a very suitable tool to describe the imprecise decision information and deal with the uncertainty and vagueness in decision making. In this study,we propose an approach based on intuitionistic fuzzy SAW method to select an appropriate vendor. We use the simple operation of intuitionistic fuzzy arithmetic operation for calculating the aggregation score for each vendor. Finally a score function is used to rank the vendors with largest score. A numerical example illustrates our proposed approach.

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Abstract: If statistics are, indeed, the eyes of the policymakers, then some development empirical researchers, going by their superficial analyses, might have unwittingly, picked up a job that are more demanding than they are willing to pay. This could be the cause of the noise about the ambiguity of FDI-growth impact beclouding the submissions of almost every FDI-growth investigator. As a result of the complex nature of this subject, in-depth knowledge of ordinary least squares (OLS) and the associated statistical techniques are required to do any meaningful analysis. Using the simplest model, we show that running a single regression analysis is like a step out of a journey of 1000 miles. Several other regression analyses must be employed for robustness and test of economic and statistical significance in order to validate the result. Following this rigorous approach, we find that FDI impacts positively on the agricultural growth economy of Nigeria. The contribution is, however, not significant.

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Abstract: Entrepreneur has become an important thing to support the decreasing of unemployment. There are several factors that influencethe students' willingness to become an entrepreneur. The purpose of this research is to find outthe non-business student's willingness to become an entrepreneur in President University.The study observed students'individual desire, education, and family background which influencestudents' willingness to become an entrepreneur. Since education play an important role in motivating their students' willingness to become entrepreneur, therefore education institutions need to put in concern about the entrepreneurial education. This research is based on empirical data from 214 respondents. The respondents are President University students' who are in non-business major from batch 2009 until 2011 who have taken entrepreneurship subject. The data collected were analyzed by factor analysis and Cronbach's Alpha which is used to measure the reliability. The finding of this research shows the strong relation between individual desire and education to students' willingness to become an entrepreneur. While based on the research, the next factor after individual desire and education, which is family background, it only gives a little impact to their willingness to build a new job field.
Keywords: Business, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship Education, Unemployment, Willingness.

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Abstract: Employee diversity is increasingly becoming an important strategy for organisational effectiveness in the era of globalization. Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institutions, by their very nature, appeal to life-long learners in various global markets. A workforce representing various nationalities, cultures, religious affiliations, values and beliefs is increasingly being recognized as a critical strategic tool for global competitiveness. The purpose of this study, therefore, seeks to assess employee diversity at the Zimbabwe Open University. This research used a descriptive survey design. Structured interviews were carried out with the Human Resources personnel and other ZOU employees. The study concluded that the levels of diversity at ZOU are still very minimal in certain aspects such as race, religion, ethnicity and nationality but the University has complied with minimum employee diversity requirements of providing equal employment opportunities to its entire staff. The study recommends that the University should increase racial diversity among its staff in order to appeal to students from other races and nationalities. In this way, the University will be better placed to compete at global level.
Keywords: Diversity management, Employee diversity, Equal employment opportunity

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Abstract: The Local Government Administration is a process of manipulating resources at the grassroots level in order to meet up the need of local communities that form such geographical entities for both economic growth and improvement of the quality of life of the rural populace. Generally, Local Government exists in order to provide avenues for effective Local participation, efficient service delivery and effective mobilization of local resources. The paper relied on secondary data, such as journals pamphlets, annual publications and text books, the findings revealed that inherent practices in local government negate growth and development and the paper recommends good leadership practices such as accountability, transparency, effective leadership and rule of law.

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