The Use of New Technologies by Companies: What Threshold?

Authors : Martin Njocke

DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjef.44.149.156

Abstract:
New information and communication technologies represent a major tool for companies which are involved in a competition by quantities. Their effect is diversely appreciated following the nature of the information (symmetrical or asymmetrical). This work allows us to highlight the Solow paradox which stipulates substantially that: « you can see the computer age everywhere except in the productivity statistics ». that can be understood as: « new information and communication technologies can be seen everywhere except in the productivity statistics ».  The main result of this paper clearly shows that beyond a given threshold, the use of technology by companies are no longer profitable because market shares remain stable.

Prospects for Partner-Agent Model Practice to Enhance Microinsurance Appropriateness in Tanzania

Authors : Isidore Minani

DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjef.44.136.148

Abstract:
This paper examines the prospects of the Partner-Agent Model (PAM) practice in enhancing micro-insurance appropriateness among microfinance institutions (MFIs)’ clients, in Tanzania.  The study adopts a quantitative technique based on primary and secondary data sampled randomly from 229 MFIs selected from ten regions, the most prone to disaster risks, in Tanzania. The Hierarchical Regression Analysis was used for the empirical investigation. The results indicate that the collaboration between the agent and the partner during microinsurance product design, sharing business information between the agent and the partner, integration of parties’ respective core competencies, transfer of specialized knowledge and parties’ compliance to contractual obligations have a positive and significant effect on microinsurance appropriateness. PAM practice and microinsurance appropriateness are nascent phenomenon in Tanzania. Thus, these areas have not yet attracted the attention of many researchers. This foundational study is, therefore, original and most relevant to MFI managers and insurance regulators to enhance microinsurance appropriateness. The Tanzania Cooperative Development Commission (TCDC), Tanzania Association of Microfinance Institutions (TAMFI) and the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA) are recommended to coordinate and regulate the PAM practice to enhance the provision of appropriate microinsurance services.

Identifying and Evaluating the Mechanisms and Modes of Governance of Ecosystem Services – The Case of Bulgarian Agriculture

Authors : Hrabrin Bachev

DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjef.44.117.135

Abstract:
This article presents the results of a large-scale study on the mechanisms and modes of governance of diverse ecosystem services in Bulgarian agriculture. Firstly, it identifies the type, amount, and importance of various ecosystem services maintained and “produced” by the Bulgarian farms. The study has found out that country’s farms provide a great number of essential ecosystem services among which provisioning food and feed, and conservation of elements of the natural environment prevail. Secondly, it identifies and assesses the efficiency and complementarities of specific modes and mechanisms of governance of ecosystem services used by agricultural holdings. The study had found out that a great variety of private, market, collective, public and hybrid modes of governance of farm activity related to agroecosystem services are applied. There is significant differentiation of employed managerial forms depending on the type of ecosystem services and the specialization of agricultural farms. Furthermore, the management of agroecosystem services is associated with a considerable increase in the production and transaction costs of participating farms as well as big socio-economic and environmental effects for agricultural holdings and other parties. The factors that mostly stimulate the activity of agricultural producers in Bulgaria for protection of (agro)ecosystems services are participation in public support programs, access to farmers’ advice, professional training, available information, and innovation, received direct subsidies from EU and national government, personal conviction and satisfaction, positive experience of others, long-term and immediate benefits for the farm, and integration with suppliers, buyers, and processors.