Research Article
Determinants of Institutional Ownership in the MENA Region
Amel Belanes*,
Khouloud Said
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, March 2024
Pages:
1-14
Received:
18 October 2023
Accepted:
20 November 2023
Published:
21 February 2024
Abstract: This study explores the main determinants of institutional ownership in the MENA region. Using a large sample of 262 listed companies across MENA countries, this study focuses on company and country characteristics that might explain institutional behavior. We attempt to answer the following questions: First, what are the main categories of institutional investors operating in MENA countries? Secondly, what factors drive institutional ownership? Results reveal a weak presence of institutional investors in the MENA region. Unlike foreign and passive investors, domestic and active institutional investors dominate the companies’ ownership. Such findings raise serious issues about how to attract foreign institutional investors. Results also suggest that value stocks appeal to institutional investors, whatever their origin (foreign or domestic) and kind (active or passive). Institutional investors look for large, profitable, and liquid companies that pay high dividends. They prefer investing in highly indebted companies as they consider debt an efficient mechanism to mitigate agency problems. Corporate governance and information disclosure are also crucial determinants of institutional ownership. However, foreign-domestic and active-passive institutional investors have different investment preferences. Our study would contribute to a better understanding of ownership endogeneity within an emerging context. Results would help professionals, managers, and policymakers to adopt appropriate reforms to offer an appealing business climate and attract a large base of institutional investors, not only foreign and active investors.
Abstract: This study explores the main determinants of institutional ownership in the MENA region. Using a large sample of 262 listed companies across MENA countries, this study focuses on company and country characteristics that might explain institutional behavior. We attempt to answer the following questions: First, what are the main categories of institu...
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Research Article
Effect of Media Exposure and Related Factors on Antenatal Care Visits Among Pregnant Women in Bangladesh: A Study Based on BDHS 2017-18 Data
Arzo Ahmed*
,
Rupali Sultana,
Mohammad Mizanur Rahman,
Mohammad Rashedul Islam
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, March 2024
Pages:
15-24
Received:
6 March 2024
Accepted:
1 April 2024
Published:
10 May 2024
Abstract: Providing antenatal care (ANC) to expectant mothers is the primary method of reducing maternal morbidity and death. The objectives of ANC are to monitor and preserve the health and safety of both the mother and the fetus, identify any pregnancy issues and take appropriate action, address the concerns of the mother, get her ready for delivery, and encourage mothers to adopt healthy habits. The goal of this research is to investigate the determinants associated with Bangladeshi women's ANC. Data were obtained from the BDHS for the 2017–18 year, and 4,920 married women of reproductive age (15–49 years) were selected as participants from 18,895 married women. The data was analyzed using multinomial logistic regression as well as descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The main outcome of this study found that 48.4% of respondents received 4 or more ANC visits. The ANC contacts were correlated with factors such as media exposure, division, maternal age, women's education, husband's education, and wealth index. The primary educated women were 0.312 times (p<0.002) less likely to receive 4 or more ANC, compared to higher educated women, and women who don’t access to media, 0.464 times (p<0.000) less likely to engage in 4 or more ANC visits compared to media access. The results of this investigation demonstrate a substantial correlation between media exposure and ANC visits, as well as a noteworthy rise in appropriate ANC visits among expectant mothers with increased media exposure.
Abstract: Providing antenatal care (ANC) to expectant mothers is the primary method of reducing maternal morbidity and death. The objectives of ANC are to monitor and preserve the health and safety of both the mother and the fetus, identify any pregnancy issues and take appropriate action, address the concerns of the mother, get her ready for delivery, and e...
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