Muhammad Ehsanul Hoque

The purpose of the cross-sectional study was to determine the leadership practices in a retail bank in South Africa. A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was used to collect the data, using an online survey tool (QuestionPro). A total of 60 managers completed the questionnaire. Results showed that there was a significant relationship between leadership practices and leadership style in the organization. Transformational, transactional and laissez-faire leadership styles were the important predictors, which influenced the leadership practices of the managerial bank employees. Therefore, managers should adopt different leadership behavior, depending on several other situational factors that come to hand.

Keywords: leadership practices, retail banking, manager, factor, South Africa.
JEL Classification: G20, G21, M10, M12, L21

Rapid growth of incomes in Nigeria has resulted in increased consumer spending which allowed the emergence of the new market segments, including luxury cosmetic products. Emergence of middle class along with increasing disposable income, increasing urbanization, more females entering the workplace justifies the demand for luxury cosmetics. It is a dream of any women whatever the age group to look and feel beautiful and this is why the cosmetic industry is so large, as cosmetic consumptions by its customers are growing every day. The purpose of the study is to understand the purchasing patterns of the Nigerian consumer who were luxury cosmetic users who frequented the Estee Lauder companies stores in Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 100 consumers who were selected using systematic sampling techniques. A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was used to gather data from respondents. Results indicated that two thirds (66%) of the luxury cosmetic users were within the 18-35 age group. Most of the respondents in the study had a full time job and 31% of the respondents earned between 132,001 – 379,000 naira, which equates to $660 – $1897. Respondents revealed that their top three luxury cosmetic brands were MAC, Estee Lauder and Bobbie Brown. Consumers are aware of the benefits associated with luxury products, therefore, this market segment must be exploited, as it has untapped potential and opportunity.

Keywords: cosmetics, luxury cosmetic market, purchasing patterns, Nigerian consumer.
JEL Classification: D11, D12, L66

Given the rapid and sustained growth of Aspen over the past decade, the main aim of this study is to identify and analyze the growth strategies, adopted by Aspen over the period from 2004 to 2014. The research method used was a descriptive study through a single case study of Aspen by analyzing secondary data in the form of publicly available company reports and presentations, as well as financial results, issued between 2004 and 2014. The study finds that, guided by strategic and visionary leadership, Aspen adopted a number of growth strategies including (i) organic growth, as a key factor in creating incremental value for Aspen and its stakeholders, (ii) inorganic growth, in the form of carefully planned and well executed acquisitions, aligned to the Group strategy, (iii) extending territorial coverage through global expansion, particularly into emerging pharmaceutical countries, and (iv) ongoing investment in production capabilities as a means of achieving a strategic advantage. Despite the challenges of intense competition, restrictive legislation, pressure on medicine prices, currency volatility and market specific risks, Aspen has delivered double-digit earnings growth to its shareholders for 16 consecutive years.

The objective of this study is to determine the perception and awareness of Islamic banking by a conventional banks sales force. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 100 sales staff randomly selected to take part in the study. A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was used to collect the data using online system called QuestionPro. Results revealed that whilst the respondents did feel there was a need for Islamic banking, they also did feel that Islamic banking was more complicated than conventional banking. The study also revealed that there was an overall negative perception of Islamic banking which was primarily based on a lack of knowledge, awareness, and understanding. It is recommended that banks provide sufficient and effective training to their staff on all products and services so that any negative perception can be eliminated. This study can benefit organizations that are in the Islamic banking industry or looking at getting into the Islamic banking industry.

Keywords: Islamic banking, conventional banking, knowledge, perception, training.
JEL Classification: G21, D83