CAPITAL STRUCTURE DETERMINANTS IN A DEVELOPING ECONOMY: EVIDENCE FROM BANGLADESH

Capital structure decisions are crucial for firms to enhance performance and maximize shareholder wealth. This study investigates the determinants of capital structure in Bangladeshi firms listed on the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) from 2018 to 2022. The research utilises regression analyses to evaluate the relationships between financial leverage and key explanatory variables. By analysing various factors, including firm size, profitability, non-debt tax shields, growth opportunities, liquidity, and tangibility of assets, this research aims to identify the optimal mix of debt and equity financing. Using quantitative analysis, the study finds that several factors significantly influence capital structure decisions. Both fixed and random effects regression models are employed to analyse the data, revealing that profitability, non-debt tax shields, growth opportunities, and liquidity negatively impact financial leverage, while firm size and asset tangibility have positive associations. The Hausman test suggests that the fixed effects model is preferable, given its χ2-value of 93.52 with a p-value of 0.0000. The study concludes that the optimal capital structure is influenced by multiple factors, with no single theory universally applicable. The findings suggest that firms should carefully consider these factors when making capital structure decisions. Excessive debt can lead to financial distress, while appropriate debt levels can enhance performance. Understanding these determinants is essential for firms to optimize their financial strategies and achieve long-term success. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into capital structure decisions in a developing economy like Bangladesh. It highlights the importance of considering specific factors and industry dynamics when making financing choices.JEL:  G32; F21; C49  Article visualizations

METACOGNITIVE ABILITY AND PERCEPTION OF THE BARRIERS TO BECOME ENTREPRENEUR: A STUDY OF THE UNDERGRADUATE-LEVEL BUSINESS STUDENTS OF THREE UNIVERSITIES IN KHULNA REGION OF BANGLADESH

Metacognitive ability refers to one’s knowledge and the mechanism how the people control the process of generating and applying such knowledge in order to maximize learning.  This paper focuses on exploration of the influence of metacognitive abilities of the university students in their perceptions of the barriers to the formation of their intentions to become entrepreneur. Based on the extant literature, two hypotheses were developed and tested using Partial Least Squares based on Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). To test the hypotheses, primary data were collected from the 3rd year students of the business administration departments of three universities from Khulna, the third largest city in the south-western part of Bangladesh. This study found that cognitive knowledge and cognitive regulation positive affects perception of barrier to be an entrepreneur. This might prove helpful to the nascent entrepreneurs by broadening their outlook.  Article visualizations

CO-INTEGRATION ANALYSIS OF REMITTANCES, EXPORTS, AND GDP IN BANGLADESH: IMPLICATIONS FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND UNEMPLOYMENT REDUCTION

Remittances and exports are significant sources of foreign exchange earnings for developing nations. This study explores the relationship between remittances, exports, and economic development in Bangladesh. Using the Johansen co-integration approach, the study finds evidence of co-integration among the variables. The results also show that remittances have a significant positive effect on the gross domestic product (GDP) of Bangladesh, while exports do not have a direct impact on GDP. Furthermore, the Granger causality test reveals that there is no significant and positive relationship between remittances and exports. The study suggests that remittances play a vital role in the economic development of Bangladesh by creating employment opportunities, increasing the level of reserves amount, making payments on imports, balancing the balance of payments, and developing other socio-economic aspects. This is especially important in a country where unemployment is a significant issue, and every day the rate of unemployment is increasing. Therefore, policymakers should take into consideration the potential risks and benefits of migration and remittances and adopt appropriate policies to mitigate any negative impacts. Overall, this study contributes to the literature on the impact of remittances and exports on economic development and provides important policy implications for reducing unemployment in Bangladesh.  JEL: F02; F14; F24  Article visualizations

ANALYZING THE HOUSE-HOLD LEVEL SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT OF COVID-19 SUFFERANCE: OUTCOMES OF A MICROSTUDY OF THE HOUSEHOLDS IN KHULNA CITY IN BANGLADESH

A tremendous transformation in the socio-economic condition of the people has been greatly observed after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the world. People from all over the world is still suffering from this pandemic which can be viewed from the lens of health sciences, socioeconomic sector and many more. This study aimed to explore the impact of COVID-19 sufferance by the people of Bangladesh on their income and quality of life. This study is descriptive in nature, where data were collected using non-probability sampling techniques from 100 patients who suffered from COVID-19. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data by employing telephone interviews to explore the impact on quality of life. This study described the effect of different costs associated with COVID-19 sufferance, such as costs incurred due to treatment and reduced income opportunities. This study found that due to the emergence of this pandemic, many people have experienced less income and lost their livelihood. Coupled with increasing costs, this phenomenon pushed them into a poverty trap.  Article visualizations

EXPLORING THE BRAND BUILDING PROCESS IN MICRO VENTURES THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE: A STUDY OF THE WOMEN-OWNED HOME-BASED COOKED FOOD DELIVERY SERVICES IN KHULNA CITY IN BANGLADESH

Investigation on the practice of social media in order to build a brand in the digital era is the purpose of this study. Identification of the impact of the usage and functionalities of social media on building a brand is the goal of this endeavour. The research explores the impact of different communication mode in brand management. The association of brand development and firm-created interaction and user-generated interaction has also been exploited. A qualitative study has been conducted for the research. Data are collected from semi-structured interviews with 8 shops owners of the online homemade food industry in Khulna city who have a strong command of social media. They practice social media for their business. They provide initial information of actions taken by firms and their enthusiasm behind engaging this industry. The outcome obtained from this effort displays the firm’s engagement of strengthening awareness and image of a brand by utilizing social media interaction initiated by firms and solidification of trust and loyalty of a brand by exploiting actions taken in social media by the users. Social media’s capacity to build the equity for a brand in a new yet convincing industry is explored in this exertion.JEL: L60; L96; M10  Article visualizations

Prevalence of peripheral arterial disease diagnosed by ankle brachial index among chronic kidney disease patients in a tertiary care unit

The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Seventy-two patients with CKD stage 3 or above were included in this study. Blood samples were taken from each patient to determine complete blood counts, serum albumin, electrolytes, lipid profile and blood sugar random/fasting. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated with the Cockcroft-Gault formula. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) was determined to identify the presence of PVD. A standardized Doppler ultrasound device was used. ABI of 0.05). However, the mean total cholesterol was significantly higher among patients with PVD. The prevalence of PVD was significantly high in patients with stage 5 CKD (P <0.05). PVD is frequent among patients with CKD based on the ABI as measured by Doppler ultrasound

Conceptual framework for measuring the acceptance of Smartwatch to check blood pressure and pulse transmission time

Innovative research and development in Information Communication and Technology have reshaped our daily life. Use of ICT tools in medicine has great impact on our daily life. Nowadays our life is at is at major risk of health diseases. Hypertension is becoming a chronic disease in our society. To avoid hypertension, use of Smartwatch is better option. Because most of the peoples are not aware of diseases which occurs due to the blood pressure. If these diseases are not diagnosed at early stage, then it is too difficult to control. So, by using Smartwatch they can get update of their health and will get proper treatment. But technology itself cannot guarantee the usage of technology so this research is to identify the motivating external factors that affect the students to use Smartwatch for check blood pressure and pulse transit time. Hyderabad and Jamshoro users of smartwatch was the target population of this research. Stratified random sampling techniques was used in this research. Technology acceptance model (TAM) was used with three external factors Self efficacy, Subjective norms and Trust. Quantitative research methodology has been used for this research. After data collection SPSS and SmartPLS was used for data analysis and hypothesis testing