Fuadah Johari

The Effect of Exchange Rate Movements on Trade Balance: A Chronological Theoretical Review

This paper evaluates the current state of the literature concerning the effects of exchange rate movements on trade balance. Thus, this paper is a review article and provides a survey of the alternative theories that focus on the effect of exchange rate changes on the trade balance. It systemizes the literature into four distinct reviews and approaches following the chronological order. The paper presents the (a) Standard Theory of International Trade, (b) Elasticity Approach, (c) Keynesian Absorption Approach, and (d) Monetary Approach. The study shows that higher attention should be given for the most plausible dynamic theory in this field, known as the J-Curve.

Halal Purchase Intention Among the Singaporean Muslim Minority

ABSTRACT Muslim consumers’ awareness toward halal foods and products has been increasing. The halal concept becomes consumers’ vital concern as it covers wide areas of consumption, though one might perceive it as only a food-related issue. Given this background, this article aims to investigate the factors that influence consumers’ intention to purchase halal-certified foods and products. By using Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior (TPB) as a theoretical framework, this research employed a quantitative survey with a sample of 332 Muslim consumers living in Singapore to examine Singaporean Muslim preferences in purchasing halal foods and products. Data gathered from the survey were then explored and analyzed. Multiple regression analysis results indicate that all TPB variables have a positive and significant influence on the intention to purchase halal-certified products among the Muslim minority in Singapore.

The Importance of National Poverty Eradication Programme ( NAPEP ) on Income Improvement and Women Empowerment : Evidence from Kwara State , Nigeria

Greater concern has been given to women as they are being considered as victim or prey of poverty by the international community as well as in Nigeria. This is partly because of what they are earning as income and its inequality around the world. However, the purpose of the paper is to examine the effects of the monthly income on the level of poverty alleviation of women under the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) in Kwara State,Nigeria. The paper employs mixed methods as the questionnaire was designed and supplemented by the personal interview. Two hundred (200) respondents were chosen as sample size though stratified sampling technique. The data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and Paired sample t-test. Findings of the study reveal positive and significant effects of the monthly income on the poverty reduction and living condition of the respondents, as there was improvement in their income after their participation in the anti- poverty programme in the State. There should be meaningful financial support to augment the income of the poor. The paper strongly recommends the government to incorporate more poor women in the rural areas in its anti-poverty programme and also curb the rate of corruption in the State.

Enhancing Active Participation of SMEs and Islamic Banks towards Economic Diversification in Oman

Abstract Over the last 40 years, Oman has achieved a remarkable economic growth with major efforts to diversify its resources of income to reduce its dependency on hydrocarbons. The key objective for the government is to boost the role of the private sector and enhance its participation as a major player in the economy through explicit support of Small and Medium Enterprises. SME compromises 90% of the total number of companies in the country. With such large domination, the government had designed and implemented strategies in this direction which involve enhancing rules and regulation as well as institutional infrastructure. Also, the government, for the first time, in 2011 has adopted the practice of Islamic banking system in order to address Shariah compliant finance requirement for businesses and projects. This paper is largely based on academic research that will shed light on aspects related to development of SMEs and Islamic banks in Oman. The study is conceptual in nature and analytical method is used based on the secondary documentation related to the government policy / programs regarding to enhancing active participation of SMEs and Islamic Banks towards economic diversification in Oman. It can be concluded that the government is keen to make such cooperation with the private sector succeed because it will bring about future active participation and subsequently diversification of the national economy.

Identifying the Potential of Continuity in Cash Waqf Contribution : A Descriptive Analysis

The awareness on cash waqf and the willingness to endow are imperative for the sustainability of the awqaf mechanism. In fact, waqf institutions have taken serious effort to promote waqf financing instrument in order to enhance the awareness and participation of the society. The awareness and the willingness to endow towards cash waqf in Malaysia is still lagging behind compared to other countries like Indonesia and Middle Eastern countries. Thus, in understanding the background of cash waqf endowers, this paper presents the demography and socio-economic profiles of frequent cash waqf cash waqf endower. Survey questionnaire have been distributed to 400 respondents using random sampling and 345 are valid. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings of this study show that 55 percent of the respondents had an intention to endow cash waqf continuity is more common among married males of 36 to 40 years old. And live in rural area. Meanwhile, the socio-economic background of respondents shows that continuous cash waqf endowers were mostly graduate professionals and management workers who received formal Islamic education in university and earned between RM 1501-RM3000 monthly. These findings provide some insights of the potential continuous cash waqf endower’s profile which might be beneficial to waqf agencies in accumulating waqf contribution in Malaysia.