International Journal of Development Issues

The political economy of the global pharmaceutical industry: Why the poor lack access to medicine and what might be done about it : Table of Contents

Anil Hira — Sat Oct 24 08:00:20 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The majority of the world's population has limited access to needed medicines. The purpose of this paper is to explain why certain characteristics of the global pharmaceutical market have not served a large majority of potential consumers in the developing world. Design/methodology/approach – Through a political economy analysis of evolutionary and regulatory aspects of both supply and demand conditions for global pharmaceuticals, it can be understood why most of the world's poor have limited access to basic medicines. The paper then turns to what avenues are available for improving access to medicines. An analysis of the chief proposed solutions, namely: pooled demand and relaxation of intellectual property rights, reveals their inadequacies. A third emerging avenue, the growing production of pharmaceuticals in the south, is examined through case studies of leading producers including India, China, and South America. Findings – While each of the three options offers potential benefits, none is adequate to solve the problem – a new, perhaps combinatorial, approach will be needed to ensure that a wider global market for pharmaceuticals can be created. Originality/value – The paper offers insights into the political economy of the global pharmaceutical industry.

Determinants of institutional quality and their impact on economic growth in the MENA region : Table of Contents

Magda Kandil — Sat Oct 24 08:00:20 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze determinants of institutional quality based on six separate indicators of governance: voice and accountability, political stability, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, rule of law, and control of corruption. Design/methodology/approach – The determinants under consideration include measures of economic freedom by the Cato Institute and the Heritage Foundation, indicators of policy quality, real per capita gross domestic product (GDP), risk rating, and the degree of openness. Findings – Five measures of institutional quality increase real GDP growth significantly across Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries. In contrast, institutional quality has a negative impact on the growth of private credit and private investment. Further, the combined evidence does not suggest that improvement in institutional quality is a major factor in attracting foreign direct investment flows to MENA countries. Research limitations/implications – The research provides startling evidence that illustrates how institutions have impacted macroeconomic performance and the underlying roots of institutional quality. Addressing shortcomings in institutions should top the policy agenda in an effort to drive the growth process. Practical implications – Improving institutional quality will distribute the benefits of growth and enhance macroeconomic performance in the MENA region, which is rich in endowed resources. Nonetheless, the region lacks fundamentals of economic management and quality governance to utilize resources in the most efficient and productive fashion in order to maximize the welfare for a growing population that is constantly seeking productive opportunities to secure employment and a higher real standard of living. Originality/value – The MENA region is understudied and worthy of much more empirical work. Many cross-country studies of the determinants of growth omit oil-producing nations. Focusing on this oil-rich region is an attempt to fill this void. Unlike previous literature on the relationship between institutions and growth, the paper's approach to the issue analyzes micro foundations in the transmission channel between institutions and economic growth.

Sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa: Issues of knowledge development and agenda setting : Table of Contents

Sonny Nwankwo, Kazem Chaharbaghi, Derick Boyd — Sat Oct 24 08:00:20 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore different prisms through which sustainable development (SD) is considered and to situate the discourse in African contexts by highlighting the contestations in which the conventional knowledge of SD is embedded as well as an agenda for improving the institutional framework for productive engagement of Africa nations. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on desk research and synthesis drawn from the extant literature. Findings – The orthodox knowledge of SD reflects axioms that are inextricably liked to the idiosyncrasies of the developed world; framed in opinions, languages and meanings that are poorly communicated to and understood by rural Africa. As a result, many African countries have remained bystanders in this important global discourse. Practical implications – To engage Africa proactively, a more broadened perspective is required in promoting the global agenda for SD, taking more account of the continent's contextual subjectivities than is presently the case. Originality/value – The treatment offered indicates a need for more context-bound education (not prescriptions) that is sufficiently sensitive and respectful of the complex trajectories characterising Africa's development (or lack of it). It is from this knowledge base that a useful SD agenda for the region might emerge.

Relative gender differentials and Islam in non-Arabic nations: a regional analysis : Table of Contents

Sharmistha Self, Richard Grabowski — Sat Oct 24 08:00:20 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to seek to empirically analyze whether the impact of Islam on relative gender performance varies by regions of the non-Arabic world's economy. In addition, if in some regions Islam is found to have a negative impact on relative gender performance, an attempt is made to determine what aspect of Islamic practice (not doctrine) might account for this impact. Design/methodology/approach – The empirical estimations are carried out in a cross-country framework. Findings – The results indicate that the impact of Islam varies by region, for the most part being associated with a worsening in relative gender performance. However, once it accounts for differences in birth rates, the negative impact of Islam on gender inequality disappears for all regions. Research limitations/implications – Fewer variations in the data limit the estimation procedures one can use for the purpose of the analysis. Practical implications – Contrary to the consensus in the literature, the paper finds that it is not Islam that worsens gender inequality but rather the high fertility rates generally found among followers of Islam. Originality/value – The paper is unique in its focusing exclusively on non-Arab countries.

Globalisation and labour market flexibility: a study of contractual employment in India : Table of Contents

Meenakshi Rajeev — Sat Oct 24 08:00:20 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the status of a class of non-permanent labour in the globalised era in India. Design/methodology/approach – To understand this the paper uses both secondary level information and primary data collected through a survey. Secondary level data are analysed using a panel data model. Here, the hypothesis is: contribution of contract labour to production is greater than that of the regular employees. The primary level survey is conducted to know whether they are exploited due to their non-permanent stature. Findings – It is observed from secondary data analysis that the hypothesis is not rejected. Contract labour makes a significant contribution to production, while the regular employees do not. Primary survey also shows that they are exploited in many ways including through non-payment of minimum wages. Practical implications – The paper indicates that, while regulations are in place, they are abused and hence it is the implementation part on which government needs to focus. Originality/value – Analysis shows how rationalization of employment does not take place due to labour regulations for the regular employees. It also brings to light through primary survey various lacunae in the implementation of the Contract Labour Act. Since survey of such labour class is difficult there are limited studies in this field.