Does Faith Matter in Mutual Funds Investing? Evidence from Saudi Arabia

This article investigates one of the most vital issues in the Islamic mutual fund literature: Are there any costs associated with investing in Islamic mutual funds? We used a unique sample of 143 Saudi mutual funds and grouped them into portfolios based on their geographical focus, Shariah compliance, and the Saudi market trend (overall, bull, bear, and the crisis period). Findings suggest there is a benefit from adhering to Shariah law in locally-focused Saudi mutual funds. However, there is a cost of this adherence in internationally-focused Saudi mutual funds. Finally, in Arab-focused Saudi mutual funds, there is neither a cost nor a benefit.     

The appraisal of ordinary shares by Saudi investors

This paper reports on a questionnaire survey about share valuation practices among investors and their intermediaries in Saudi Arabia. The findings suggest that fundamental analysis is used most by investor respondents where a P/E multiple is applied to an earnings forecast to generate a prediction of future price. However, technical analysis is also used to a much greater extent than in developed markets. Finally, the results indicate that quarterly and annual reports as well as newspapers are widely consulted by investors when forming their expectations about share valuations.     

Therapy conversion to biphasic insulin aspart 30 improves long-term outcomes and reduces the costs of type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia

Objective: An observational study in Saudi Arabia indicated that conversion to biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp 30) from human insulin (HI) was associated with improvement of glycaemic control.

Methods: A validated computer simulation model of diabetes was used to project long-term outcomes (such as quality-adjusted life expectancy and direct medical costs) based on patient characteristics and treatment effects observed in the Saudi Arabian PRESENT subgroup (n=598). Baseline prevalence of comorbidities was obtained from published sources. Primary research was performed in Riyadh and Jeddah to derive diabetes-related complication costs and patient management practices.

Results: Conversion to BIAsp 30 from HI was projected to increase life expectancy by 0.62 years (11.77 ± 0.20 vs. 11.15 ± 0.19 years) and quality-adjusted life expectancy by 0.96 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) (7.03 ± 0.12 vs. 6.07 ± 0.11 QALYs). Direct medical cost savings of Saudi Arabian Riyals (SAR) 53,879 per patient were projected for conversion to BIAsp 30 therapy (SAR 84,761 ± 3102 vs. SAR 138,640 ± 4102 per patient). Cost savings were driven by lower costs of hypoglycaemia (SAR 286 vs. SAR 57,437 per patient), and lower costs of renal complications (SAR 18,848 vs. SAR 31,228) over patient lifetimes.

Conclusion: Conversion to BIAsp 30 from HI was projected to improve life expectancy and quality-adjusted life expectancy while reducing lifetime direct medical costs.     

沙特阿拉伯的石油工业及其对外经贸合作

文章介绍了沙特阿拉伯的石油资源的分布、开发及近年的储量和产量情况，并分析了沙特的石油加工能力和石化工业的现状。在此基础上介绍了其石油政策特别是对外开放政策，分析了沙特石油工业的对外经贸合作历史及现状，包括和中国的经贸联系，认为中沙在石油领域有着广泛的合作前景，中国政府和企业应该抓住此次沙特重新开放石油领域的机遇，努力开拓沙特和中东石油市场，满足国内对石油的巨大需求。     

The Implementation of Saudization in the Hotel Industry

Saudi Arabia's localization policy, “Saudization,” aims to decrease reliance on expatriate workers, but it has been more successful in the public sector than in the private sector. This study explores the issues involved in effectively implementing the policy in the hotel industry in Saudi Arabia, specifically four- and five-star hotels. Tourism professionals, HR professionals, and hotel managers were interviewed and hotel managers and employees surveyed. The research specifies criteria for the effective implementation of Saudization and identifies the issues involved in implementing this policy in four- and five-star hotels. It makes recommendations, which could assist in implementing the policy effectively in the hotel industry.     

Saudi women entrepreneurs: A growing economic segment

The purpose of this study is to explore the sources of knowledge and support for Saudi Arabian women entrepreneurs when starting or operating a new venture. The study examines factors relevant to knowledge base, family support, and external support from outside sources that may influence venture creation. The findings reveal that women are the principal in the majority (55%) of women-owned businesses. A total of 70% of the women own more than 51% of the business and 42% started the business by themselves. Saudi Arabian businesswomen are highly educated, receive strong support from family and friends, and rate themselves as excellent in people skills and innovation. Further research should focus on qualities that contribute to successful women-owned firms in Saudi Arabia. The current study contributes to the literature by focusing on Saudi women entrepreneurs. The understanding of entrepreneurship around the world grows through these findings from a Saudi Arabian context. The results show that Chang, Memili, Chrisman, Kellermanns, and Chua's (2009) model of venture creation is applicable to the broader entrepreneurial and family business population. A discussion of the implications relevant to the business environment, challenges, and opportunities in Saudi Arabian women's entrepreneurship brings this paper to a close.     

The relationship between export market orientation and export performance: an empirical study

This article investigates the relationship between export market orientation and export performance in Saudi export firms. Questionnaire method was used to collect the data from managers of export firms with the mediating role of export strategy. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) implemented using AMOS software. Results of SEM analysis showed that export market orientation has impact on export performance. The mediator variable export strategy was found to have partial mediation role in the relationship. This article joins the literature of international trade by adding the perspective of Saudi export firms. Managers of export firms can employ the study to support their firm towards the effect of market orientation on their performance.