JOURNAL OF SMART ECONOMIC GROWTH

THE BEHAVIORS OF CHINESE STUDENTS IN CHOOSING ABROAD STUDIES

Chen Zongsheng — 2024-06-11

In the context of a high development of economic globalization, international education is becoming increasingly popular. A large number of Chinese students are choosing every year to study abroad, making China one of the largest countries that provide international outgoing students. The research on the behaviors of Chinese university students studying abroad helps to uncover the underlying rules and mechanisms of international education, as well as reveal effective strategies to attract more Chinese outgoing students. Additionally, marketing strategies for Chinese university students studying abroad are proposed in the conclusion.

THE INFLUENCE OF LONELINESS ON THE CHOICES MADE BY CONSUMERS OF ENTERTAINMENT

Codrin Gheorghe Banu — 2024-10-19

This study explores the complex relationship between loneliness and digital entertainment consumption, shedding light on how solitary individuals often turn to digital media for solace. Drawing upon quantitative marketing research findings and insightful analysis, the study proposes actionable strategies to alleviate loneliness among entertainment enthusiasts, particularly singles. By elucidating these dynamics, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of loneliness within the context of entertainment consumption.

FINTECH REGULATION IN KENYA: GLOBAL PRACTISES AND LESSONS LEARNT

Rodgers Musamali — 2024-12-06

This paper purposed to review the regulatory regime guiding fintech in Kenya and document lessons from countries that have made considerable strides in fintech regulation at global and regional levels. Rapid innovations in fintech is a cause to remain alert and requires an agile regulatory framework to keep up with the ever-evolving products and services, harness the opportunities, and mitigate against threats that arise. Considering the rapid growth in fintech across the world, some regimes have made milestones in regulation. Documenting and drawing evidence-based lessons from such will be useful in strengthening the current regulatory framework in Kenya and for peer learning purposes. The study employs a qualitative method and establishes the need for multi-sectoral approach to regulation. The case studies offer regulatory lessons in form of regulatory led sandboxes; creation of fintech hub/office; establishment of specific fintech regulatory units (departments) within the ranks of the regulator; coordinated approach to policy making through state and private sector collaboration; regulatory support of new fintech entrants or startups; supportive fintech policy regime; other forms of sandboxes at state or private level. The study also emphasizes on the need for regulatory balance between innovation, integrity of financial markets and consumer protection. The role of research institutions and universities is appreciated in conducting research on fintech.

THRESHOLD EFFECTS OF BANKING DEVELOPMENT ON ECONOMIC VOLATILITY: A VIEW FROM DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Meriem Sebai — 2024-12-06

This study investigates the link between banking development and economic growth volatility in developing countries over the period 2004-2019, employing a panel smooth transition regression approach. By examining various dimensions of banking development, our findings suggest a nonlinear relationship between banking development and economic volatility, characterized by abrupt shifts. Our research provides valuable insights to financial regulators, emphasizing that strengthening oversight of the banking sector and monitoring banking activities are crucial for ensuring adequate levels of financing to mitigate economic fluctuations.

THE ASYMMETRIC IMPACT OF TRADE OPENNESS ON RENEWABLE ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN SOUTH AFRICA

Glenda Maluleke — 2024-12-06

The present study examines the asymmetric impact of trade openness on renewable energy consumption in South Africa. The study used a nonlinear ARDL model and three proxies of trade openness: total trade (imports plus exports), imports, and exports from 1990 to 2020. The positive shocks in total trade and exports are found to be negative and statistically significant in the long run, while the negative shocks are not significant. The negative and positive shocks in imports were found not crucial in the long run. In the short run, the positive shocks in all three proxies of trade openness were found not to be significant. The negative shocks for total trade and imports lead to decreased renewable energy consumption. The negative shocks in exports from the previous period were found to have negative and statistically significant effects on renewable energy consumption in the short run. The findings from the study suggest that renewable energy consumption in South Africa is not mainly influenced by the openness of the economy. Therefore, there is a need to initiate policies promoting renewable energy consumption and moving production activities from being heavily dependent on non-renewable energy.

The Effect of Exchange Rate Shocks on Economic Growth in the Common Monetary Area in Southern Africa

Teboho Mashao — 2024-12-09

The Common Monetary Area (CMA) presents an interesting case study because its economies employ two types of exchange rates: flexible (as in South Africa) and fixed (as in Lesotho, Eswatini, and Namibia). South Africa’s flexible rate is plagued by an unstable exchange rate, which affects other CMA member countries and significantly impacts economic growth. Therefore, this study explores the asymmetric effects of exchange rate shocks on economic growth by employing the panel non-linear autoregressive distributed lag (PNARDL) technique. The research utilizes panel annual data ranging from 1992 to 2022. The PNARDL estimates reveal that both negative and positive changes in the exchange rate significantly impede economic growth in the CMA in both the short and long run. Moreover, it is noted that there is an asymmetric impact of the exchange rate in the long run. The implication of this study is that the significant impact of exchange rate asymmetry is notable in the CMA region. This study suggests that policymakers should implement policies that actively support exports, such as offering export incentives or reducing trade barriers. The findings of the research also reveal that appreciation hurts economic growth. Therefore, this study further recommends that policymakers may explore enacting policies to expand the economy by reducing import dependence and addressing structural factors that impede export competitiveness.