Linkages between income inequality,international remittances and economic growth in Pakistan

This paper explores the dynamic linkages between income inequality, international remittances and economic growth using time series data over the period of 1976–2006 in case of Pakistan. The cointegration analysis based on the bounds test confirms the existence of a long-run relationship between income inequality, international remittances and economic growth. Our results reveal that income inequality and international remittances enhance economic growth. The causality analysis based on innovative accounting approach shows bidirectional causal relationship between income inequality and economic growth and same is true for international remittances and income inequality. International remittances are cause of economic growth but not vice versa. Although we find support for Kuznets hypothesis but Pakistan is yet to benefit, in terms of reducing the gaps of income inequality, from the international flow of remittances and economic growth. The paper argues that, from a policy perspective, there is an urgent need for policy makers in Pakistan to reduce the widening gap of income inequality by focusing on income redistribution policies and to go beyond the traditional factors in balancing income inequality.     

An Internet Access Solution: MANET Routing and a Gateway Selection Approach for Disaster Scenarios

After natural and man-made disasters, the telecommunication infrastructure is usually severely damaged, thus hampering communication and rescue services. It is impossible for disaster victims to make use of communication devices such as cellular phones, iPads, or their laptops to make a connection with the outside world (Internet). With infrastructure less and decentralized features, the mobile ad hoc network (MANET) can play an important role in improving communication in post-disaster affected areas. Therefore, the important functionalities of a MANET that allow users to create dynamically configurable wireless networks without fixed infrastructure using common devices such as mobile phones is necessary. This paper reports on the development of new techniques for routing selection and gateway load balancing in MANETs. Network fairness, throughput, and packet delays are measured empirically. The proposed mechanisms can reduce network congestion and consequently improve communication in affected areas.     

Identity Drift: The Multivocality of Ethical Identity in Islamic Financial Institution

Journal of Business Ethics - In today’s neo-liberalist world, Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) face many difficulties combining contemporary financial thinking with Islamic, faith-based...     

What is the impact of corruption on audit fees?

This study examines the impact of country-level corruption on audit fees. Using a sample of 102,934 companies from 48 countries over the period 1998–2014, the authors find that audit fees are positively associated with higher levels of corruption. They also discovered that corruption adds a significant margin to the premium paid to Big 4 (Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young and KPMG) auditors. The study opens up a new line of research and adds significantly to the academic literature on the Big 4 audit premium.

IMPACT

The study has several important implications for academics and policy-makers. These include discussion of the factors driving corruption and the role of auditing. Knowledge of the factors driving corruption should guide policy-makers to adoption of polices that could reduce corruption. The finding that audit fees are positively associated with corruption, as well as with audit quality, points to the potential for auditing as a tool for corruption control beyond its traditional role as an assurance service.