International Journal of Contemporary Economics and Administrative Sciences

Equity in Education Financing: The Case of Turkey

Elene Murvanidze — 2024-12-31

This study investigates the burden of out-of-pocket education expenditures on households in Turkey. To measure equity in education financing we follow a conceptual framework outlined by UNESCO (2018) and utilize approaches previously used in assessing health equity. Following Wagstaff et al.’s (2008) approach, we first calculate education expenditure as a share of Ability-to-Pay (ATP), and then utilize the Lorenz dominance analysis to compare the distribution of these education expenditures with the distribution of income. Lastly, we calculate Kakwani indices and measure the magnitude of progressivity. The results indicate that from 2004 to 2012, education expenditures as a share of three different proxies of the standard of living (disposable income, market income, and total expenditure) increased for every income quintile. Based on the Lorenz dominance analyses, the low-income group’s share of income is often lower than its share of education expenditures – suggesting regressive education financing. Comparing expenditures by levels of education shows that primary education financing is progressive, whereas tertiary education financing is regressive. The results indicate that the provision of education policies in and of itself is not sufficient for attaining a more equitable education system.

Turkey’s Global Standing in the Issuance of Green Sukuk for the Advancement of Islamic Green Finance

Yusuf TEPELİ — 2024-12-31

This study offers a comprehensive examination of the green sukuk concept and assesses Turkey’s role and potential within the Islamic green finance sector. Green sukuk, an instrument aligned with Islamic finance principles, is utilized to finance projects aimed at achieving environmental sustainability objectives. This financial instrument has emerged as a critical tool in addressing global environmental policy requirements and has secured a significant position within the Islamic finance domain. The literature review underscores the increasing prominence of green sukuk in global financial markets and provides an extensive discussion of its economic and environmental impacts. Although Turkey’s engagement with the green sukuk market is still in its nascent stages, it is recognized for its considerable growth potential. The study indicates that despite the relatively few green sukuk issuances in Turkey, there is a rising global interest and a discernible trend of market expansion in this area. The findings advocate for the enhancement of green sukuk as an effective instrument for financing green projects within Turkey. Furthermore, the study explores how green sukuk issuances can contribute to Turkey’s economic development objectives and environmental sustainability strategies. In conclusion, this study serves as a guide for identifying the strategic measures necessary for Turkey to establish itself as a competitive player in the global green sukuk market and makes a significant contribution to the existing academic literature on this topic.

The Primary Sources of Entrepreneurial Passion Beyond Traditional Typologies

Özge Özgen — 2024-12-31

The objective of this study is to explore how entrepreneurs personally experience and interpret their passion throughout their entrepreneurial journey, identify the primary sources of entrepreneurial passion, uncover additional domains of entrepreneurial passion beyond traditional typologies, and examine the influence of culture on entrepreneurial passion. This qualitative study of 23 entrepreneurs and content analysis of the interviews indicate that entrepreneurial passion is multi-faceted, with autonomy, innovation, and relationship with stakeholders emerging as key sources of entrepreneurial passion. Passion for autonomy and self-development are also unexplored concepts in entrepreneurial passion literature by extending the traditional typologies. Finally, this study associated the dimensions of culture with sources of entrepreneurial passion.

The Relationship Between Heavy Workload, Job Satisfaction, Employee Performance and Job Stress: An Application for Professional Accountants

Selami Güney — 2025-01-07

The high number of legal regulations, intense competition and rapid developments in business life create a heavy workload and serious stress on Certified Public Accountants. In this study, it is to determine the relationships between heavy workload, job satisfaction, poor performance and job stress experienced by Certified Public Accountants. According to the results of the structural equation model, reveals that the model's compliance values are at acceptable levels and that stress is significantly and favorably impacted by the perception of a heavy workload. On the other hand, stress was significantly and adversely impacted by perceptions of job satisfaction. Additionally, performance was significantly and favorably impacted by perceptions of a heavy workload and job satisfaction. On the other hand, work-related stress had little impact on how well employees perform. In addition that it has been concluded that the stress loads of the professionals increase depending on the workload and the stress increases with the new obligations that will occur in the workloads during the professional process.

The Symmetric and Asymmetric Relationship between the Ratio of Non-Performing loans and the Return on Equity: Evidence from Borsa Istanbul

Mehmet Apan — 2024-12-31

The ratio of non-performing loans is an important indicator that reveals banks' success in credit management. With the increase in this ratio, the profitability of banks is adversely affected. This study investigates the short and long-term asymmetric relationship between non-performing loans and the return on equity of banks enlisted on the Borsa Istanbul (BIST) using quarterly data from 2008Q1-2017Q4. We have formulated four different models for each bank with ARDL and NARDL methods to test the relationship between selected variables. Empirical results show a long-term asymmetric relationship between ROE and NPLs for most banks in BIST.

Consumer Involvement for QR Code Applications, the Digital DNA of Brands

Murat Çakırkaya — 2024-12-31

The purpose of the research is to determine the relationship between consumer involvement in QR code applications, and purchasing decision involvement and the effect level of this relationship. Generation Z consumers constitute the population of the research. Since it was not possible to reach the entire generation Z within the scope of the research, the research was carried out using the purposeful sampling method, which is one of the non-probability sampling types. The research was conducted online, and the relationships between variables were tested over the data of 394 people participating in the study, and the accuracy of the hypotheses formed was tested. In the analysis of the data, descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed using the statistical package program. As a result of the research, it was determined that there is a moderate and significant (p<0,001) relationship between the variables of “hedonic value” (r=,575; p=,000) and “perception towards the brand” (r=,643; p=,000), and the “purchase decision involvement” variable, which are sub-dimensions of consumer involvement towards QR code applications. At the same time, it is another result of the research that the variables of “hedonic value” and “brand perception”, have a statistically significant effect on the purchasing decision.

Determinants of the Artificial Intelligence Capabilities of Accountants in Indonesia

Lindrianasari — 2025-01-07

This study aims to determine some of the determinations that affect the ability to work with information technology (artificial intelligence) in accountants in Indonesia. The determinations used in this study consist of gender, age (millennials), education level, years of service, and university origin. The number of final respondents that can be observed is 594. The statistical tool used to test the hypothesis is multiple regression. The results of this study found that age and education level had an influence on the AI ability of accountants in Indonesia. Millennial accountants are found to be more adaptable to changes in information technology and have better AI skills than senior accountants. Meanwhile, accountants with postgraduate education have AI capabilities more than accountants with undergraduate education.

Examining the Relationship between Online Store Atmosphere, Perceived Interactivity, Flow Experience and Purchase Intention in Electronic Commerce: A Research within the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) Paradigm

Utku Tevfik Güleç — 2024-12-31

The upward trend towards e-commerce is perceived through the booming e-commerce volume worldwide. At this point, it is crucial to know the factors affecting consumers' intentions to purchase. This research aims to determine the role of online store atmosphere, perceived interactivity, and flow experience on purchase intention using the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) theory. For this purpose, empirical data were obtained through an online questionnaire from 437 consumers who had priorly shopped from e-commerce sites. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to validate the relationships proposed in the research model. The results have revealed that visual cues positively affect purchase intention through the flow experience; perceived personalization positively influences purchase intention through the flow experience. These results provide a better understanding of purchase intention. Thus, it contributes to online store managers and e-commerce researchers.

Determinants of Farm Households’ Participation in Microfinance Program and Its Impact on Their Livelihoods: The Case of Boneya Boshe Woreda of East Wollega Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Tolera Mekonen — 2024-12-31

Microfinance is the institution that provides access to various financial services such as credit, savings, leasing to low-income clients including consumers and the self-employed, who traditionally lack access to banking and related services. The objective of this study was to identify factors that affect farm households’ participation in microfinance program and evaluate its impact on their livelihoods (Income, Saving and Asset). In order to achieve these objectives, both primary and secondary data were collected. Primary data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire and interview. While, secondary data was collected from different published and unpublished documents. Multi-stage stratified sampling technique and systematic random sampling technique were followed to reach 364 sample respondents out of 4,045 total farm households’ of the selected kebeles. Descriptive, inferential and econometric methods were used to analyze the data. Binary Logit regression model and Propensity Score matching technique were applied by using stata software version 15. Logistic regression result indicates that program participation was significantly and positively affected by family size, education level, farm size, risk perception, extension visit and training access of household head whereas distance of household home from microfinance office have negative effect. The result of sensitivity test using of rosenbaum bounds also implies that the estimated impact result was insensitive to unobserved characteristics. Furthermore, PSM result indicates that microfinance program has a significant and positive impact on income, saving and asset of participant households. Finally, the study recommends that microfinance institutions and other concerned stakeholders should broaden their outreach and expand its access to rural areas in enhancement of rural farm households’ livelihoods.

Effect of Consular Service in The Relationship Between Remittances, Skills & Knowledge, Technology, Investment and National Development – A Case of Kenya

Kiprop Cyrus Kipkazi — 2024-12-31

The diaspora is widely recognized globally as a key contributor to economic growth. The Kenyan government's economic development plan, Kenya Vision 2030, acknowledges the significant role of the diaspora in the country's economic growth and national development. As a result, policymakers are increasingly focusing on the Kenyan diaspora. They have been instrumental in promoting skills, knowledge, and technology transfer to Kenya. This study analyzes how consular services facilitate the relationship between remittances, skills, technology, investment, and national development. This study used a questionnaire survey to gather data from the Foreign Service cadre staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kenya. 80 out of 100 questionnaires were returned and found usable. The study showed that there are 800 staff members in this cadre. Non-probability convenience sampling was employed. The data was analyzed using SPSS and Smart PLS. The study revealed the significant roles played by network theory and institutional theory in contributing to national development by the Kenyan diaspora. After testing eleven hypotheses, five were accepted (p-values 0.0000 to 0.0400), while six were not supported (p-values 0.196 to 0.646). It was due to the limited understanding and lack of acceptance of the need to improve the quality of consular services among the respondents. The study empirically confirms the pivotal role played by consular services in increasing dialogue between diplomatic missions and the diaspora and tapping into the underutilized potential of the diaspora in national development by developing investment-friendly policies targeting remittances and creating a platform for the transfer of skills, knowledge, and technology back to Kenya.

An Empirical Study of Religion and Marketing Professionals: Buddhism and Marketing Ethics

Hediye Gamze Türkmen — 2025-01-07

Religion and marketing ethics are an area of significant interest in literature that both play influential roles in shaping marketing professional’s ethical and moral standards. This study aims to examine the impact of marketing professionals' religiousness in the context of Buddhism on ethical intentions and moral approaches and, while exploring the relationship between marketing ethics and Buddhism in a broader context. For this research, a face-to-face survey was conducted with the marketing professionals in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The data obtained from these surveys were analyzed using SPSS, applying quantitative methods such as factor analysis, correlation, and mediation analysis. The findings reveal significant positive correlations between religious emotional involvement and ethical behavior, as well as between guidance from Buddhist teachings and ethical behavior. Furthermore, demographic factors like job position and income were found to partially mediate the relationship between religious involvement and ethical behavior. These results highlight the important role that Buddhist principles play in shaping ethical decision-making in marketing, offering new insights into the intersection of religion and business ethics.

Relationship Between Digital Marketing Communication And Consumer Purchase Decision Process, A Research On Smart Devices

Sibel Erzurumlu — 2024-12-31

Abstract

Digital marketing has changed people's habits of accessing information, determined their interactions, and provided the birth of various new marketing technologies. Along with these changes in the digital environment, there have also been some changes in consumer purchasing behaviors. Now consumers also use technology very effectively when making purchasing decisions. Understanding how consumers behave in these purchasing decision processes and what affects these processes has become important in the field of marketing. In addition, in recent years, marketers have increasingly included studies on how different generations use technology.

This research aims to show how marketing activities carried out in the digital environment in the smart device sector affect the consumer purchasing decision process and the differences between genders and generations. A survey study was conducted on 281 social media users over the age of 18 living in Istanbul using the convenience sampling method, and the data were analyzed. The research reveals that digital marketing activities are effective in consumer purchasing decision processes, and that this effect exists regardless of gender and generation.

Selecting the Most Economical Ship Type for the Marine Business Investor: A Hybrid Approach with PSI-PIPRECIA-COCOSO Methods

Ozan Hikmet Arıcan — 2024-12-31

The demand for maritime transportation is rapidly increasing with the increase in trade between countries. Turkey's increasing import and export figures enable the country to buy and send more products. This increase has caused a significant increase in the number of ship purchases by maritime companies operating in Turkey. However, this situation indicates that there are deficiencies in choosing the most appropriate ship type for the investments to be made by ship operator investors. The ship selection process is of critical importance for investors to minimize their costs and increase the profitability of their investments. In this study, a hybrid approach was developed using F.PSI-PIPRECIA-CoCoSo methods in choosing the most economical ship type for maritime companies operating in maritime transportation. The research analyzes this data by collecting data through surveys on different ship types and the criteria effective in their selection. The findings show that criteria such as operating costs, environmental impact, income potential and efficiency are at the forefront among ship types. Within the framework of the findings obtained, ships used for energy purposes were determined as the best ship type to invest in. LPG tankers came in second and oil tankers came in third. As a result, this study presents a methodology that will assist maritime transportation investors in selecting the most economically suitable ship type and shows similarities and differences with studies in literature. The developed hybrid method draws attention with its applicability and effectiveness in decision-making processes and functions as a tool to support investors' strategic decisions.

The Ugly Truth Behind Shell PLC: Reaping Record Profit by Greenwashing

Gökçe Sinem ERBUĞA — 2024-12-31

British oil giant Shell plc is often associated with scandals. The company's bad reputation began in 2004 by inflating its existing reserves. While the previous scandal hasn’t been forgotten yet, it caused an unprecedented environmental disaster in Nigeria. Shell, which attaches great importance to environmental concerns on paper, cannot give a good test in practice. This research examines the concept of greenwashing examined with a special emphasis on Shell. In this study, evidence regarding the greenwashing activities carried out by the Shell was presented and it was aimed to determine the effect of greenwashing activities behind the company's record profit.

Human Resources Management’s Impact on Harassment Reduction: A Study of The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs in Erbil Governorate

Nawroz Zrar Assad — 2024-12-31

Harassment, bullying, and moral harassment in the workplace remain as important part of working life despite the advancement of awareness and legislation. Workplace harassment is offensive behaviour based on race, colour, national origin, sex, religion, disability, age, or genetic information. The objective of this study is to determine how the Human Resources Management Department plays a vital role in dealing with harassment in the workplace. By implementing its practices, creating new policies in the workplace, safeguarding a healthy and safe environment, preventing harassment, and fostering a culture of respect and value. This research was conducted on a sample of employees working in the ministry of Labour and social affairs in Erbil, Northern Iraq. Questionnaire method was used as data collection tool that filled by 400 out of 500 employees. Besides to that, a standard questionnaire was used in the current study that includes five parts to show the role of HR Management in reducing harassment. As a result of the analysis of the data obtained in the research; it has been revealed that there is a significant relationship between Human resource management practices, and reducing harassment in workplace.

Investigation of the Effect of Covid-19 on the New Normal Behavior of Individuals in Respect to Online Shopping

Murat Bayat — 2024-12-31

This study examines the determinants of online shopping behavior during the Covid-19 pandemic, with an emphasis on the sustainability of these behavioral shifts and the product categories most significantly impacted. The research employed a convenience sampling approach, utilizing an online survey administered to 463 consumers via Google Forms. Data analysis involved the application of factor analysis, descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations), and participation level assessments to measure Covid-19 purchasing behaviors. Regression analysis and t-tests were further conducted to explore variations across demographic variables. The findings indicate that the pandemic has substantially altered consumer behavior, with approximately 39% of purchases being conducted online. The most frequently purchased items comprised protective equipment, cleaning supplies, and food products. Compared to pre-pandemic consumption patterns, respondents reported increased budgets for cleaning products, enhanced efforts to locate cost-effective options, and elevated expenditures on clothing and personal care. Conversely, spending levels for food, electronics, and small household appliances remained largely unchanged. Moreover, the analysis identified significant variations in purchasing behaviors based on age and income, whereas no significant differences were observed across gender. These results underscore the enduring impact of the pandemic on online shopping practices. This study contributes to existing literature by providing a nuanced understanding of the transformations in consumer behavior prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic, offering critical insights for businesses and policymakers adapting to the evolving digital marketplace.