Liquidity and Profitability Analysis in the Palestinian Banking Sector

This study aims to examine the relation between liquidity and profitability in the Palestinian banking sector to contribute to the development of the financial sector. The relation between liquidity and profitability between the years 2010-2016 was examined by using normal distribution test, ANOVA, T test and F test. Regression was performed with SPSS 24.0 program. As a result, there is the existence of a positive and meaningful relation between return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) and monetary liquidity ratio, there is a negative and significant relation between return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) and loan to deposit ratio (LTD).

Palaeowind estimation of cross-bedding within the aeolian Kurkar layers of the Gaza Formation, Gaza Strip, Palestine

Coastal plain deposits of the Gaza Strip have been distinguished in the Gaza Formation (Pleistocene) of the Kurkar Group. The Kurkar layers (medium to coarse-grained calcareous sandstone) are characterized by abundant crossbedding that has two sets of cross-beds. These Kurkar layers form the ridges along the Mediterranean coast. The dip, and dip direction of the cross-beds, were measured at five sites to determine the palaeowind direction. The palaeowind directions were measured for the first time in the study area. The Kurkar layers are interpreted as having been deposited in an aeolian environment. Results at Sheikh Ejlin Ridge show that the lower set is dipping eastward (19/099), while the upper set dips northeast (23/051). At the Al Montar Ridge however, the lower set dips southeast (18/146), while the upper set dips north (19/001). These ridges are not coeval, but the precise age relationship between them is as yet unknown. However, the results indicate that there was a change in the palaeowind direction during deposition of the Kurkar layers, from westerly to southwesterly at the Sheikh Ejlin Ridge and from northwesterly to southerly at Al Montar Ridge

Assessment of International Students’ Satisfaction with Regard to the Information Systems at the Overseas Educational College (OEC) of Jiangsu University, China

This study explored factors that influence user satisfaction of information portal of higher education institutions. Data for the study was obtained from some selected undergraduate and postgraduate overseas students of Jiangu University, China. A sample of 500 students was selected using proportional stratified sampling technique. A self structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the study respondents. The data was analysed using the PLS-SEM technique and a detailed analysis of basic factors impacting the user satisfaction. The result shows that all the information system characteristics (system quality, information quality and service quality) positively influence user satisfaction. The system quality had the highest influence among the factors affecting user satisfaction (β = 0.391). This study further revealed that sustaining information quality eventually leads to user satisfaction with information quality (β = 0. 352) and influence students' satisfaction of the web portal.  However, among the the three user satisfaction influencing factors, the service quality factor was observed to cast a minimal direct impact on the user satisfaction service quality (β = 0.200). This study contributes to the literature on higher education institution management. Keywords: Student Satisfaction, Information Quality, Service Quality and System Quality. DOI: 10.7176/IKM/9-10-05 Publication date: November 30th 201

Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) Among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Côte d’Ivoire

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are regarded as the engine of economic growth in all economies of the world including developed and developing countries. This study explores the entrepreneurial orientation of SMEs in Côte d’Ivoire. Data for the study was obtained using survey questionnaire obtained from 150 SMEs in various sectors in Côte d’Ivoire.  The data was anaylsed using structural equation model (SEM) with the help of SmartPls vs 3.2.7 for PC. Findings from the study indicate that proactiveness and risk taking influence entrepreneurial orientation positively. Additionally, findings from this study revealed a strong and positive relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and SME performance. Based on the research findings, the research concluded that SMEs in Côte d’Ivoire are entrepreneurial but lack innovation. The study recommended that SME firms in Côte d’Ivoire should pay attention to the innovativeness dimension of entrepreneurial orientation as a way of differentiation strategy to achieve sustained competitive advantage as well as profitability and growth. This paper adds to the literature on entrepreneurial orientation and firm performance among small and medium enterprises from a developing country perspective. Keywords: Entrepreneurial Orientation, SME, firme Performance, Côte d’Ivoire DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/11-33-10 Publication date: November 30th 201

Service Quality Dimensions, Students’ Satisfaction and the Link Between Them: A Study of Student Information System at Jiangsu Province’ Universities China

The Chinese educational system's reputation is remarkable in the region. Graduates from universities in China have played a great role in the development of their countries. The increasing number of students is the most significant challenge facing the higher education sector in China. This study sought to examine the impact of students information system’s service quality on students satisfaction among universities in Jiangsu Province in China. Data for the study was obtained from 400 international students sampled across the region of Jiangsu province in China. Findings from this study shows that a rise of 0.485 in empathy will result in increased satisfaction of students in universities. Likewise,  an while 0.174 tangibles increase will result in an increase directly in satisfaction of student in universities. Moreover, the satisfaction of students in universities in China will be influenced by Reliability when a 0.165 reliability increase will result in increased directly to satisfaction of student within universities. Keywords: Chinese education , service quality dimentions , student satisfaction . DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/12-9-04 Publication date:March 31st 202