Article Information

Journal: Business and Economics Research Journal
Title of Article: The Roles of Self-efficacy and Locus of Control in the Intrapreneurship
Author(s): Fatih Cetin
Volume: 2
Number: 3
Year: 2011
Page: 69-85
ISSN: 1309-2448

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to discover the role of the self efficacy and locus of control on the process of intrapreneurship. The data were collected from 211 employees working in the information sector with using the Intrepreneurship Scale, Self-efficacy Scale and Locus of Control Scale. The results of the structural model showed that there are negative relationship between locus of control and the innovativeness (β=-0,12, p<0,01), risk taking (β=-0,11, p<0,01) and expanding network (β=-0,10, p<0,01) as the dimensions of the intrapreneurship. Moreover it was revealed that there are positive relations between the self efficacy and the innovativeness (β=0,25, p<0,01), proactivity (β=0,22, p<0,01), risk taking (β=0,17, p<0,01), autonomy (β=0,19, p<0,01) and expanding network (β=0,16, p<0,01). Ultimately, these findings determined the important roles of the people in high self-efficacy and internal locus of control on the success of the intrapreneurship processes.

Keywords:Intrapreneurship, Locus of control, Self-efficacy, Personality, Survey method, Structural equation modeling

JEL Classification:M19, C830

Article Information

Journal: Business and Economics Research Journal
Title of Article: Global Economic Crisis and Career Aspirations among ‘Okada’ Riders in Nigeria: The Influence of Apprenticeship Skills Training
Author(s): Oluranti I. Ogunrinola
Volume: 2
Number: 3
Year: 2011
Page: 51-67
ISSN: 1309-2448

Abstract

In spite of their usefulness as fast movers of passengers and goods in urban traffic congestion, the motor-cycle taxis have been noted for high rate of road traffic crashes inflicting injuries to many and death in some cases. Thus, a number of operators are in the occupation for other purposes rather than making it a lifetime career. This study is therefore aimed at examining such other purposes and future career aspirations of riders. It is also aimed at testing the hypothesis of the probabilistic migration model as propounded by Todaro. The data for the study is from a survey of 777 okada riders in two states of South West Nigeria. Using binary logit regression approach, the determinants of career choice among respondents are examined. The findings of the study shows employment as okada riders are for raising start-up capital in most cases, and that education, current earnings level and apprenticeship skills training among others are statistically significant variables affecting career aspiration among the respondents. Provision of commensurate employment for the educated youths and relaxing capital constraints for those with previous skills training are some of the policy implications of findings.

Keywords:‘Okada’, Self-Employment, Unemployment, Motor-Cycle Taxi, Informal Sector

JEL Classification:J21, J24

Article Information

Journal: Business and Economics Research Journal
Title of Article: Professional Knowledge and Skills Required for Accounting Majors Who Intend to Become Auditors: Perceptions of External Auditors
Author(s): Ali Uyar, Ali Haydar Gungormus
Volume: 2
Number: 3
Year: 2011
Page: 33-49
ISSN: 1309-2448

Abstract

This research aims to ascertain the professional knowledge and the skills/attributes that are considered important by external auditors for a graduate who intends to be an auditor. For this purpose, we conducted a survey on external auditors in Turkey. The research has two dimensions: skills dimension (twenty one items) and professional knowledge dimension (twenty four items). The results indicated that all skills except “knowledge of accounting software” are perceived to be important or very important for the auditing profession. Among the most important skills that graduates are expected to possess are ethics, teamwork, and honesty. The results also demonstrated that some courses are perceived to be extremely necessary, e.g. Auditing, Microsoft Office Programs, Accounting and Financial Reporting Standards, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Accounting, Capital Market Board Regulations, Cost Accounting, and Managerial Accounting. In addition, cross analyses indicated that there are significant differences among subgroups based on gender, education, auditing firm, experience, and job title.

Keywords:Accounting education, Auditing, Skills, Professional knowledge, External auditors

JEL Classification:M41, M42

Article Information

Journal: Business and Economics Research Journal
Title of Article: The Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure: A Study of Listed Companies in Bangladesh
Author(s): Md. Abdur Rouf
Volume: 2
Number: 3
Year: 2011
Page: 19-32
ISSN: 1309-2448

Abstract

This is an exploratory study designed to investigate the extant and nature of corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD) in corporate annual reports (CAR) of listed companies in Bangladesh. Specifically, the report examines the relationship between corporate attributes and firm-specific factors and corporate social responsibility disclosures. Data are taken from annual reports of 2007 of the listed companies of Dhaka Stock Exchanges. The study uses ordinary least squares regression model to examine the relationship between explanatory variables and corporate social responsibility disclosure and un-weighted relative disclosure index to measure voluntary disclosure. The extent of CSRD level is measured using 39 items of information. The result shows a positive association between proportion of Independent Directors (INDs) and Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure (CSRD). But, size of the firm does not affect the level of corporate social responsibility disclosure. Control variables suggest that Board Leadership Structure (BLS), Board Audit Committee (BAC) and Percentage Return on Equity (PROE) are positively associated with company’s corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD). The result shows that a higher proportion of independent non-executive directors on a board is positively related to the level of corporate social responsibility disclosure but the extent of corporate social responsibility disclosure is negatively related for firm’s size.

Keywords:Corporate Social Responsibility, Disclosure, Voluntary disclosure, Corporate Governance, Annual Report

JEL Classification:M14, M40

Article Information

Journal: Business and Economics Research Journal
Title of Article: The Comparison of Volatility Forecasting Models in VaR Calculations and Backtesting according to Basel II: An Application on ISE 100 Index
Author(s): Turhan Korkmaz, Ahmet Bostanci
Volume: 2
Number: 3
Year: 2011
Page: 1-17
ISSN: 1309-2448

Abstract

For determining the Value-at-Risk number with statistical models volatility must be the primary calculation. There are different volatility estimation methods on VaR calculation. The traditional volatility estimation methods are inadequate for modeling “stylized facts” which are often observed on the financial price series. In this study, different volatility models are introduced and the differences are illustrated among each other. In the empirical application 14.5 years of daily closing values of ISE 100 Index are being used for estimating the different volatility models. Estimated volatility numbers are being used for calculating the VaR numbers and the results are tested by backtesting method based on Basel II. Among all calculations “Rolling window” method is used for updating parameters daily; specifically to determine the success of modeling special characteristics of financial price series and four different time periods are being used. According to the findings obtained, volatility clustering on financial price series, changing variance, leverage effect, peakedness is preferable to be modeled by advanced models such as EWMA and GARCH.

Keywords:Volatility, Basel II, Backtesting, Value-at-Risk

JEL Classification:C13, C52, G17

Article Information

Journal: Business and Economics Research Journal
Title of Article: Hisse Senedi Fiyatları ve Fiyat/Kazanç Oranı İlişkisi: Panel Verilerle Sektörel Bir Analiz
[Stock Prices and Price/Earning Ratio Relationship: A Sectoral Analysis with Panel Data]
Author(s): Mehmet Nargelecekenler
Volume: 2
Number: 2
Year: 2011
Page: 165 – 184
ISSN: 1309-2448

Abstract

In this study, we investigate with two different models that whether a meaningful relationship between price/earnings ratio and stock prices or not in the sectoral basis for the 2000-2008 period. We use one-way fixed effects models and test for low price/earnings ratio effect. According to the results, there is not relationship price/earnings ratio all sectors in ISE. Six months in certain sectors, certain sectors for the three-month period may be talking about such a relationship. Therefore, when we investing for relevance sector should be decided according to the model is valid. The estimated parameters show that there is low price/earnings ratio relationship is valid for all sectors, except the metal goods industry in a three-month period.

Keywords: Stock prices, Prices/earnings ratio, Panel data, Fixed effect, PCSE

JEL Classification: C23, C33, D33

Article Information

Journal: Business and Economics Research Journal
Title of Article: Girişimciler, Melek Yatırımcılar ve Risk Sermayesi Firmaları Arasında Kurulacak Bir Ağ, Bu Ağın Yapısı ve Önemi
[Establishing a Network among Entrepreneurs, Angle Investors and Venture Capital Firms, Structure and Importance of This Network]
Author(s): Suleyman Gokhan Gunay, Ahmet Basalp
Volume: 2
Number: 2
Year: 2011
Page: 153 – 164
ISSN: 1309-2448

Abstract

SMEs that operate in information technology (IT) sector need venture capital besides conventional financial techniques (capital, loans, etc.). Venture capitalists can be categorized into two groups as personal and institutional venture capitalists. Those who are individual venture capitalists are called angel investors. Institutional ones are called venture capital firms. When we look at the world, we come across to networks that gather angel investors and venture capital firms with entrepreneurs. Development of IT sector, which is very important in the development of our country, is closely related with the establishment of similar networks. In this study, in-depth interviews are conducted with the managers and/or owners of thirty SMEs in Erciyes Technopark. This descriptive research determines how these networks can be established the role of technoparks in these networks, contribution of angle investors and venture capital firms to this type of network, and shows how entrepreneurs perceive these types of networks. Establishing a network is expected to provide cooperative behaviors, innovation and information flows. Corporations, technoparks and universities are considered to act as an intermediary in a virtual environment in order to establish this type of network.

Keywords: Venture capital, Angle investors, Network, New Economy, Technoparks

JEL Classification: M13, M21, O31

Article Information

Journal: Business and Economics Research Journal
Title of Article: Bank Specific and Macroeconomic Determinants of Commercial Bank Profitability: Empirical Evidence from Turkey
Author(s): Deger Alper, Adem Anbar
Volume: 2
Number: 2
Year: 2011
Page: 139 – 152
ISSN: 1309-2448

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the bank-specific and macroeconomic determinants of the banks profitability in Turkey over the time period from 2002 to 2010. The bank profitability is measured by return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) as a function of bank-specific and macroeconomic determinants. Using a balanced panel data set, the results show that asset size and non-interest income have a positive and significant effect on bank profitability. However, size of credit portfolio and loans under follow-up have a negative and significant impact on bank profitability. With regard to macroeconomic variables, only the real interest rate affects the performance of banks positively. These results suggest that banks can improve their profitability through increasing bank size and non-interest income, decreasing credit/asset ratio. In addition, higher real interest rate can lead to higher bank profitability.

Keywords: Bank profitability, Commercial banks, Turkish banking sector

JEL Classification: G21, M20

Article Information

Journal: Business and Economics Research Journal
Title of Article: Çevreci Bir Yaklaşım: Yeşil Tasarım
[An Environmentalist Approach: Green Design]
Author(s): Gulay Coskun Kasap, Deniz Peker
Volume: 2
Number: 2
Year: 2011
Page: 101 – 116
ISSN: 1309-2448

Abstract

A product interacts with the environment throughout the entire life cycle- from the design phase to disposal phase- and every product makes different environmental impacts in different life cycle stages. Thus, reducing the environmental impact of a product by just focusing on the waste that is produced after the production process, is not possible. For this, a holistic and proactive approach adoption is required which considers the entire life of a product from raw materials that will be used in production to wastes occurred in production process, from packages to recovery of end of life products. This will be possible by “Green Design” which integrates the product and process design with environmental issues.

Keywords: Design for life cycle, Green design, Design for environment, Eco-design

JEL Classification: L60, M11

Article Information

Journal: Business and Economics Research Journal
Title of Article: Bulanık TOPSIS ile Satış Elemanı Adaylarının Değerlemesi
[Evaluation of Salesperson Candidate’s with Fuzzy TOPSIS]
Author(s): Zehra Baskaya, Burcu Ozturk
Volume: 2
Number: 2
Year: 2011
Page: 77 – 100
ISSN: 1309-2448

Abstract

Because of the heavy competition and uncertainty in market conditions, attainment of complete and certain information flow becomes harder for businesses. In such environments, decision making with fuzzy data is rather important. Problems’ structures in practice are usually complicated and they include more than one criterias and alternatives. The aim of this study is to investigate the applicability of Fuzzy TOPSIS (Technique For Order Performance By Similarity To Ideal Solution) Algorithm for salesperson selection in fuzzy environments where linguistic uncertainty exists. In fuzzy environments, operations with imprecise data are so important in terms of decision making. Fuzzy TOPSIS Algorithm is a multiple criteria decision making tool. This method supports group decision making and evaluation of quantitative and qualitative criterias simultaneously. In the study, a firm’s salesperson selection process is analyzed. This firm has 17 sale stores with high, medium and low concept levels in Turkey’s various regions. Trapezoidal fuzzy numbers used for more sensitive decision making. This study represented that Fuzzy TOPSIS Algorithm is efficiently applicable for salesperson selection in a Fuzzy Multiple Criteria Decision Making Problem.

Keywords: Fuzzy sets, Trapezoidal fuzzy numbers, Fuzzy multiple criteria decision making, Fuzzy TOPSIS, Salesperson selection in fuzzy environment

JEL Classification: C61, M31