Emerald | Humanomics

A comparative study of the returns on Mudharabah deposit and on equity in Islamic banks

Abdou Diaw, Abdoulaye Mbow — 2011-11-01 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The paper aims to compare the return on Mudharabah deposits (ROMD) to the return on equity (ROE) in Islamic banks. Design/methodology/approach – The summary statistics of the ROMD and the ROE is used to make a comparison between them with a sample of nine Islamic banks, from seven countries, over the last five years. Regression analysis is also undertaken to unveil the variables affecting the behaviour of ROMD and ROE at Kuwait Finance House. Findings – The results show that the ROE tend to be at least two times higher than the ROMD. In most of the investigated cases the ROMD are more correlated to the corresponding conventional interest rate than to ROE. The regression analysis suggests that the return on assets affects more significantly the ROE than the ROMD. Originality/value – The originality of the paper resides in the size of the sample and in the design and the findings.

The feasibility of effectual ethics on the foundations of micro and macro issues of economics

Abolghasem Tohidinia — 2011-11-01 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show the feasibility of effectual ethics on foundations of micro and macro issues of economics. Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, the library research method has been used to reflect some ideas about the necessity of changing the concept of economic rationality and modifying it from some famous economists. Findings – The entrance of ethics in economic discussions may affect them and suggests the new solutions or make considerable quantitative or qualitative changes to them. Research limitations/implications – If research is reported on in the paper this section must be completed and should include suggestions for future research and any identified limitations in the research process. Practical implications – It may be possible to objectify the extended rationality presumption by revising public culture and correcting it in such a way that ethical values and norm are institutionalized in society. Social implications – This research shows that if ethical values and norms beyond economic benefits are institutionalized in a society, economic outcomes seen in economic books may be otherwise. Originality/value – Comparative analysis of different effects of the two concepts of rationality – economic rationality and extended rationality – on life-cycle hypothesis and efficiency of pollution tax shows new solutions or makes considerable quantitative or qualitative changes to them because of ethics.

WAQF accounting and management in Indonesian WAQF institutions: The cases of two WAQF foundations

Hidayatul Ihsan, Shahul Hameed Hj. Mohamed Ibrahim — 2011-11-01 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine accounting and management practices in two Indonesian awqaf institutions. It intends to seek evidence with regard to how mutawallis discharge their accountability. Design/methodology/approach – Two case studies were undertaken on two awqaf institutions in Indonesia, i.e. ABC and XYZ waqf foundations. Data were collected through various methods, i.e. interviews, document reviews and direct observations. Findings – The findings show that ABC shows more efficient management and greater transparency and accountability than XYZ due to the presence of Islamically committed professionals in the former, despite the better accounting information system and more “academically” qualified personnel in the latter. Research limitations/implications – This study only concentrates on two Indonesian awqaf institutions. Practical implications – This study is expected to contribute to the improvement of waqf administration. Originality/value – The paper is the first attempt to address accounting issues in awqaf institutions, particularly in Indonesia.

Evaluation of the economics (cost and benefits) of National Youth Service Corps for sustainable development in Nigeria

L. Raimi, O. Alao — 2011-11-01 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the economic cost and social benefits of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) set up some years back by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – The paper combined qualitative and quantitative information to substantiate the clarion calls by some scholars and concerned social commentators for a review of the NYSC. Based on the objective stated above, a sample size of 200 respondents was selected and administered copies of structured questionnaires in order to elicit information from a cross-section of Nigerians. At the end, out of the 200 respondents, only 150 respondents returned their questionnaires on the basis of which recommendations and conclusions were based. Findings – The main policy thrust of the scheme is to serve as a catalyst for sustainable development in Nigeria after the Nigerian civil war. However, on the strength of the survey, the authors found that the scheme has failed in many respects in accelerating the socio-economic development of Nigeria, when the relevance of the scheme is measured by Eight-Scale Perception Index developed by the authors. Practical implications – The paper cautions that despite the setback of the NYSC, it would be absurd to advocate that the scheme be scrapped completely. What is rational is for the policymaker to initiate a process for the reform of NYSC scheme in order for it to meet the contemporary expectations and challenges. Originality/value – The results of this paper support the structural-agency framework in sociology. The relationship between structure and agency is seen as a dialectical one because society forms the individuals, who in turn create better society by forming a continuous loop. NYSC was laudable at inception, but humans made it crooked; it is therefore expedient that the scheme be revitalized by humans in order to meet contemporary challenges.

Do health care professionals find the use of age-based rationing to reduce health care costs ethical?

Hengameh Hosseini — 2011-11-01 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – As a result of the aging of American society, health care costs have been and will continue to rise, to the extent that they are not sustainable. Obviously, this trend will continue in spite of the 2010 health care reform. As a result of this uncontrollable problem, writers such as Daniel Callahan have proposed age-based rationing of health care while utilizing the utilitarian notions of ethics and justice. However, other writers, utilizing more egalitarian notions of justice, have opposed this. This suggests an ethical dilemma, which has to be debated in the future. The author believes professors teaching health care related courses will be instrumental in this debate, explaining why she decided to seek the opinion of a sample of 18 professors regarding this issue. The purpose of this paper is to report on the results of this research. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative methodology, specially grounded theory, was used in this study that sought to explore the views of 18 full-time professors who teach health care policy and administration in Northeast Pennsylvania about age-based rationing of health care. Qualitative research is very useful uncovering the views of individuals as they relate to their experiences. In the study, professors were asked 14 questions by the author, four of these being demographic. The remaining ten questions, open ended ones, sought the opinions of these professors about their support or opposition to age-based rationing. Findings – The author's interviews of those 18 professors and the analysis of the responses, which revealed the complexity and multidimensional nature of the issue, led to the emergence of eight different themes. Originality/value – The author used a qualitative method of research, interviewing 18 professors, to uncover personal views not previously published.

Editorial

2011-11-01 00:00:00.0