Business Commons^™

Falling Labor Income Inequality In Korea’S Economic Growth: Patterns And Underlying Causes, Gyeongjoon Yoo, Gary S. Fields

Gary S Fields

Over the last twenty-five years, the economy of the Republic of Korea achieved a remarkable growth rate of 7 percent per year in real per capita income, causing it to be labeled, justifiably, as a “miracle economy.” This exceptional economic growth has been accompanied by an even more exceptional fall in labor income inequality. Using a newly-developed methodology, we use data from Korea’s Occupational Wage Surveys to quantify the importance of various factors that have contributed to the fall in labor income inequality in Korea. We find the most important factors explaining the level of income inequality are job tenure, …

"My Friends, They Are People To Rely On": The Social Foundation Of Business In Ghana, Patrick D. Shulist

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The management and entrepreneurship literatures increasingly engage in poverty alleviation research in the developing world. However, there is a marked tendency to overlook how the Western World, from where most theory comes, differs from the developing world. Such a fallacy has potential deleterious effects on the research itself, but more importantly on the practical applications of that research.

With this in mind, my dissertation uses an inductive qualitative methodology to explore the nature of self-employment in the developing world as it is; that is, not coloured by theoretical priors. In doing this, I lay the groundwork for understanding the …

The Impact Of Mobile Technology On Micro And Small Enterprises In Zimbabwe In The Post-Hyperinflation Economic Era, Gamuchirai B. Perekwa, Tania Prinsloo, Jp Van Deventer

The African Journal of Information Systems

This paper investigates the impact of mobile technology on Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in the developing world in the post-hyperinflation era. Data was collected from a multi-staged sample of 114 MSE owners within the capital province of Zimbabwe, namely Harare. The data was collected and analysed using descriptive quantitative survey methods, which comprised of hard-copy questionnaires, structured interviews and online questionnaires.

The findings suggest that mobile technology has incremental, transformational and production influence on MSEs in Zimbabwe. The findings show that mobile technology amplifies communication and relations with customers, MSE’s productivity and MSE’s revenues. Mobile technology is also spurring …

Exploring The Impact Of Information And Communication Technology (Ict) On Intermediation Market Structure In The Microfinance Industry, Frederick Riggins, David Weber

The African Journal of Information Systems

The microfinance industry provides financial services to the world’s poor in hopes of moving individuals and families out of poverty. In 2013 there were 4.7 million active microfinance borrowers in Africa. This represents a smaller percentage of the population compared to other regions of the world, indicating the potential for rapid growth of microfinance in Africa. However, microfinance is maturing, in part due to the adoption of information and communication technologies (ICTs). This research examines how ICTs are changing the microfinance industry given recent advancements in mobile banking, Internet usage, and connectivity. By examining the microfinance market structure, we determine …

Central Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report - First Quarter 2016, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

Central Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

Economic conditions in the Central Minnesota planning area are expected to improve over the next several months according to predictions of the Central Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). The leading index surged in the most recent period, with four components producing positive readings. Weakness in national new orders for durable goods was the only index component that registered a negative number. Improvements in a general measure of statewide business conditions and a decrease in initial jobless claims in Central Minnesota helped drive the LEI higher in the first quarter. Also contributing to the improved outlook was a rise …

Northeast Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report - First Quarter 2016, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

Northeast Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

Northeast Minnesota economic performance is expected to improve over the next several months according to the predictions of the Northeast Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). Four of the five components of the LEI increased in the first quarter as the overall index followed up a negative reading in the fourth quarter with a positive move in the first three months of 2016. A decline in initial jobless claims in the region and a recent increase in filings for new business incorporation contributed favorably to the first quarter LEI. In addition, an improvement in a general measure of state …

Northwest Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report - First Quarter 2016, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

Northwest Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

An increased pace of economic activity is expected in Northwest Minnesota over the next several months according to the predictions of the St. Cloud State University (SCSU) Northwest Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). While two of the five components of the leading index were lower in the first quarter, the LEI still increased by 5.49 points. A rise in the Rural Mainstreet Index (which signals a less challenging macroeconomic environment for rural America), lower initial jobless claims in the region, and a slight increase in Fargo/Moorhead and Grand Forks/East Grand Forks residential building permits helped drive the index …

Southeast Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report - First Quarter 2016, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

Southeast Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

Southeast Minnesota economic performance is expected to remain steady over the next several months according to the most recent prediction of the Southeast Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). After a quarter in which the LEI experienced a small gain, the Southeast Minnesota leading index once again tallied a small increase by rising 0.6 points in the first quarter of 2016. Three of the five index components were positive in the most recent quarter. Improvement in the Minnesota Business Conditions Index (which serves as a general measure of state business conditions), falling quarterly claims for unemployment benefits, and an …

Twin Cities Area Economic And Business Conditions Report - First Quarter 2016, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

Twin Cities Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

Twin Cities economic performance is expected to improve over the next several months according to the prediction of the St. Cloud State University Twin Cities Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). The Twin Cities LEI rose by 11.19 points in the first quarter, as all five index components increased. Among the factors accounting for the improved outlook is an increase in new filings for LLC and incorporation in the first quarter as well as an improvement in a general measure of statewide business conditions. Lower initial claims for unemployment insurance, an increase in the number of residential building permits in …

Southwest Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report - First Quarter 2016, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

Southwest Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

Economic conditions are expected to improve in Southwest Minnesota over the next several months according to the predictions of the St. Cloud State University (SCSU) Southwest Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). A strengthening rural outlook, a recent increase in new business filings, and fewer initial jobless claims in the first quarter helped drive the leading index higher. A small reduction in residential building permits in Mankato served as a drag on the leading index in the first quarter.

There were 665 new business filings with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State in Southwest Minnesota in the …

Corporate Responsibility In Peace Building, Conflict Prevention And Development: The Role Of The Mining Sector In Ghana, Abdul Karim Issifu

Journal of Interdisciplinary Conflict Science

This article seeks to explore the role of the mining sector in peace building, conflict prevention and community development in Ghana. After thoroughly reviewing secondary data, including articles, books, journals, newspapers, etc., via critical document review and qualitative research approaches the research found that, there is no legal document on CSR in Ghana, yet mining companies in a free will, have executed CSR programs laying down for peace, security and development in the country. More so, this article provides a theoretical support for the Integrative theory of CSR on the basis that, the socio-economic, political, cultural and environmental needs of …

The Economic Impact Of The 2015 Conference Usa Baseball Tournament In Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Kyle A. Stoner

Honors Theses

This study aims to measure the economic impact of the 2015 Conference USA Baseball Tournament hosted by The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Attendees of the event were selected at random to participate in an intercept survey to gauge financial data spent within the Forrest and Lamar County, Mississippi area. An Economic Modeling Systems International Input-Output analysis was used to process the data. This processed data was analyzed and results were determined based on the estimated multiplier and tax effect at the local and state level. These multiplier figures yielded a change in earnings in the local area …

A Complement, Not A Competitor: How Public Markets Can Support Business Districts In Worcester, Ron M. Barron

International Development, Community and Environment (IDCE)

The purpose of this paper is to examine the possible economic and community development impacts of entry-level public markets (e.g. fixed location markets, farmers markets, etc.) on the communities in which they operate. While there is extensive literature around their benefits to vendors, community health and public space, there is comparative little on the interplay between these markets and more traditional brick and mortar businesses. The background and definition of these markets, the basic common characteristics that define them, and some of the benefits they can offer for economic and community development are each explored. It then examines two different …

The Microfinance Industry In Bolivia, Jorge J. Eguino

Economics Undergraduate Honors Theses

In the international context, and particularly in Bolivia, microfinance and microcredit have been the subject of innumerable analyses. The arguments rely on the attributions of these two ways of intervention in financial services, as well as their impact with respect to poverty, their input, and their incidence on economic growth. Bolivia has contributed to the debate in these fields due to its experience with the microfinance system and its relevance to the country’s economy.

The purpose of this project is to describe the process of development and consolidation of the microfinance system in Bolivia. From a description to an analysis …

From Creativity To Team Innovation: Building The Bridge In Organizations, Jonathan Brown

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

The outcome of this project is a new model for team innovation. It was created as a result of the need for teams to be better prepared to innovate. The approach of this project was to investigate, clarify, combine, synthesize and finally propose useful ways to accelerate team innovation in organizations. It started with a diagram and evolved into an articulation of each step of the model. This prototype model is called Model for Purposeful Team Innovation. The model is divided in seven steps that include identity, mission, quality, targets for improvement, roadmap, execution, monitoring to assess the maturity and …

United In Diversity? The Political Implications Of Intra- Eu Migration, Isabel Monteleone

Senior Theses and Projects

Intra-EU migration is a phenomenon innate to the structure of the European Union. A politico-economic union of twenty-eight countries, the EU does what no other alliance of countries has endeavored before, serving as a unique product of globalization and integration, in every sense of the word. Bound almost entirely by a common currency, the European Union is established in the belief that economic cooperation in Europe can be achieved through the principle of free movement, despite each member states’ individual way of life, language, and political, religious, and cultural ideology.

Since intra-EU migration allows for the possibility of EU integration …

Perspectivas Locales Sobre El Litio En El Salar De Uyuni: Niveles De Conocimiento Y Opiniones Regionales Sobre El Proyecto Que Puede Determinar El Futuro Del Litio En El Mundo, Gillian Greenberg

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

La combinación del aumento en la urgencia por hacer algo sobre el cambio climático y la popularidad creciente de los vehículos eléctricos sitúan al litio como un material clave en la transición de hidrocarburos en los próximos años. A causa de que la reserva más grande del litio en el mundo está ubicada en el Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia tiene la oportunidad de influir en esta evolución. El proyecto estatal para industrializar el litio en el Salar de Uyuni comenzó en 2008 y continúa trabajando hacia el objetivo de la producción de baterías de litio. Para las comunidades alrededor del …

The Impact Of Geopolitical Factors On The Future Economic Integration Of Asean +3, Michael Corrigan

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

East and Southeast Asia have benefited greatly from China’s growth and are gaining significantly more economic and political power in comparison to the West. The growing interdependence in this region has led to the continuing economic integration of the ASEAN Plus Three countries. The research paper analyzes the geopolitical factors that impact this integration, such as historical tension, regional security conflicts, social, cultural and economic differences, as well as economic rivalries. In addition, the strategic agendas of the main actors, including the U.S., are analyzed to provide a comprehensive argument concerning the impact these geopolitical factors will have on future …

Essays On Household Health Expenditures, National Health Insurance And Universal Access To Health Care In Ghana, Evelyn Kwakye

Doctoral Dissertations

Access to quality health services is essential for maintaining a healthy population and economic development hence the growing global consensus that universal health coverage is necessary. Ghana attempts to expand access by making basic health services free at the point of delivery through its National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Prior studies indicate NHIS increases demand for health services, but questions remain about its impact on out of pocket payments, quality of services, and the financial viability of the program. Hence, this dissertation analyzes the financial risk in health care seeking, the effect of NHIS on out of pocket payments and …

Central Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report - Fourth Quarter 2015, Richard A. Macdonald, King Banaian

Central Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

Slower economic growth in the Central Minnesota planning area is expected to persist over the next several months according to predictions of the Central Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). For the second consecutive quarter, the leading index fell in the most recent period, with three components becoming negative. Weakness in a general measure of statewide business conditions and an increase in seasonally adjusted initial jobless claims in Central Minnesota helped drag the LEI lower in the fourth quarter. Also contributing to slower growth was a fall in the number of St. Cloud area residential building permits.

Increased new …

Northeast Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report - Fourth Quarter 2015, Richard A. Macdonald, King Banaian

Northeast Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

Northeast Minnesota economic performance is expected to weaken over the next several months according to the predictions of the Northeast Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). Four of the five components of the LEI decreased in the fourth quarter as the overall index followed up a slight negative reading in the third quarter with a more significant decline in the final three months of 2015. A jump in initial jobless claims in the region and a large decline in filings for new business incorporation weighed on the fourth quarter LEI. In addition, weakness in a general measure of state …

Northwest Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report - Fourth Quarter 2015, Richard A. Macdonald, King Banaian

Northwest Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

A steady pace of economic activity is expected in Northwest Minnesota over the next several months according to the predictions of the St. Cloud State University (SCSU) Northwest Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). Two of the five components of the leading index were lower in the fourth quarter and the LEI was essentially unchanged at -0.24 points. A fall in the Rural Mainstreet Index (which signals a more challenging macroeconomic environment for rural America) and a rise in initial jobless claims were the two components that helped drag down the LEI. Increased new filings for incorporation and limited …

Southeast Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report - Fourth Quarter 2015, Richard A. Macdonald, King Banaian

Southeast Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

Southeast Minnesota economic performance is expected to remain steady over the next several months according to the most recent prediction of the Southeast Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). After a quarter in which the LEI fell by 11.23 points, the Southeast Minnesota leading index increased by 0.8 points in the fourth quarter of 2015. Three of the five index components were negative in the most recent quarter. Weakness in the Minnesota Business Conditions Index (which serves as a general measure of state business conditions), rising quarterly claims for unemployment benefits, and a decline in new business filings for …

Southwest Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report - Fourth Quarter 2015, Richard A. Macdonald, King Banaian

Southwest Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

Economic conditions are expected to improve in Southwest Minnesota over the next several months according to the predictions of the St. Cloud State University (SCSU) Southwest Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). A rise in Mankato area single family residential building permits and fewer initial jobless claims in the fourth quarter helped drive the leading index higher. A weakening in the rural outlook made a negative contribution to the LEI this quarter. Lower new filings for incorporation and limited liability company (LLC) also served as a drag on the leading index in the fourth quarter.

There were 550 new …

Twin Cities Area Economic And Business Conditions Report - Fourth Quarter 2015, Richard A. Macdonald, King Banaian

Twin Cities Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

Twin Cities economic performance is expected to be steady over the next several months according to the prediction of the Twin Cities Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). While the Twin Cities LEI fell by 2.48 points in the fourth quarter, three of the five index components increased and a neutral reading seems warranted by the preponderance of available data. Accounting for the decrease in the index are a reduction in new filings for LLC and incorporation in the fourth quarter as well as a decrease in a general measure of statewide business conditions. Three components had a favorable impact …

Antitrust And Information Technologies, Herbert J. Hovenkamp

All Faculty Scholarship

Technological change strongly affects the use of information to facilitate anticompetitive practices. The effects result mainly from digitization and the many products and processes that it enables. These technologies of information also account for a significant portion of the difficulties that antitrust law encounters when its addresses intellectual property rights. In addition, changes in the technologies of information affect the structures of certain products, in the process either increasing or decreasing the potential for competitive harm.

For example, digital technology affects the way firms exercise market power, but it also imposes serious measurement difficulties. The digital revolution has occurred in …

Exploring Economic And Social Factors That Increase Economic And Well-Being Measurements Of Developing And Developed Countries, Kofi D. Boadu

Undergraduate Economic Review

The historical growth paths of developed and developing countries reveal the challenges that developing countries face in traveling the road from poverty to prosperity. Based on economic development literature, economic theory, and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression method, this research considers whether or not, and to what extent globalization characteristics, foreign direct investment levels (FDI), secondary school enrollment rates, information communication technology (ICT) as a percentage of trade imports, and happiness levels of 103 developing and developed countries, impact their GDP per capita levels. This paper will also take a look at alternative ways of viewing and measuring economic success.

Religious Heritages As Tools For Sustainable Economic Development: The Case Of Ireland’S Ecclesiastical Settlement Glendalough, Vreny Enongene, Kevin Griffin

Conference papers

Accelerating the shift towards a more sustainable sector are the priorities for the tourism industry (UNWTO, 2015). Therefore, it is against this background, that the United Nations general assembly has approved the adoption of 2017 as the international year of sustainable tourism for development, with the unique opportunity to advance the contribution of the tourism sector to the three pillars of sustainability, while raising awareness of the true dimensions of the sector which is often undervalued (UNWTO, 2015), in which the religious tourism sector is no exception. Nonetheless, within the religious tourism scholarship, the role tourism to religious heritages might …

Central Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report - Third Quarter 2015, Richard A. Macdonald, King Banaian

Central Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

Mixed signals of the future economic health of the Central Minnesota planning area have emerged as predictions of the Central Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI) have weakened in the past quarter. After seeing gains in four of the five components of the LEI in the second quarter, the leading index has now turned down, with three components becoming negative. One negative compononet of the LEI is St. Cloud area residential building permits. Also dragging down this quarter’s index is a general measure of state business conditions and weaker new filings of incorporation in Central Minnesota. Improved initial jobless …

Northeast Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report - Third Quarter 2015, Richard A. Macdonald, King Banaian

Northeast Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

Business conditions in Northeast Minnesota are expected to be steady over the next several months according to the predictions of the Northeast Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). While three of the five components of the LEI decreased in this year’s third quarter, the overall index turned only slightly negative following a strong reading three months ago. A decline in initial jobless claims in the region and a large increase in filings for new business incorporation contributed favorably to this quarter’s LEI. Lower residential building permits in the Duluth/Superior area, weakening of a general measure of state business conditions, …