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A Comparative Study on Service Quality Dimensions and Overall Service Quality in the Context of Standard Chartered Bank’s Excel Customers
(Eastern University, 2008-07) Rahim, Shake Ahdur
The service quality leads to customers' satisfaction, which in turn leads to customer loyalty. Considerable practitioner interest has been focused on programs to improve service quality. Customer perception is a very important factor to measure service quality. This paper is an attempt to assess Excel customers' perception of different dimensions of the service quality such as tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy and the overall service quality of Standard Chartered Bank, the top banking service provider in Bangladesh. The paper also aims to identify the gap between customers' expectations on the one hand and perception on the other about the bank's service quality. Finally, some suggestions have been offered for improving the Standard Chartered Bank's service quality.
Non-Performing Loan and Management Guidelines for Remedies: An Empirical View of Bank Employees
(Eastern University, 2008-07) Afroze, Nahid; Uddin, Gazi Munir
Non Performing Loan (NPL) is the most important indicator to identify problems with asset quality in the loan portfolio. In Bangladesh, the empirical view about the ratio of NPL to total loans of all the scheduled banks have been in sliding trend, although the aggregate ratio is still soaring higher than the desired perimeter. The very high NPL ratio, as ascertained from Nationalized Commercial Banks (NCBs) and Development Financial Institutions (DFls), especially for term lending, agricultural and micro lending, necessitates re-examining these activities and establishing a viable rationale for their continuation. From the views of Bank employees, it is clear that steps taken to prevent loan classification and provisioning requirements are not sufficient; and due to lack of persuasion, the rate of willful defaulters is high. Efficient usage of the CIB report, implementation of appropriate legal frameworks and improvement of corporate governance of banking operations have been denoted as management guidelines for enhancing banking sector reform while retaining NPLs within recommendation
Impact of shifting food grain production system on agricultural economy of Bangladesh
(Eastern University, 2008-07) Rahman, M. Sayedur
Climate variability is a powerful physical feature of Bangladesh. It has large impacts both positive and negative on agriculture. This study aims at understanding and analyzing the role, impact and issues related to demand of food grain production system in Bangladesh. It seeks to examine both positive and negative aspects of the food grain production system and its requirements. The spatial distribution of food grain data have come from 64 districts of the year 2000. They have been collected from Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and Food Planning Monitoring Unit, Ministry of Food. The data have been reduced in different form and finally used in the multiple regression models. The statistical software (SPSS) has been used in the analysis. Bangladesh's economy depends on agriculture. Production and marketing together contribute about 50 percent share of the GDP. Poverty is the major determinant of food insecurity. The fitter regression model shows that Aus, Aman, Boro and Wheat production has positive impact on surplus-deficit whereas food grain requirement has negative impact on surplus-deficit. This study will help identify the policies needed for the development of competitive and efficient agricultural markets that could contribute towards reducing rural poverty and promoting agricultural economic growth in the country.
An Integrated Protection Framework to Preserve Consumers' Rights and Responsibilities in Bangladesh
(Eastern University, 2008-07) Akter, Shahriar; Ghosh, Suntu Kumar; Islam, Mohammad Thoufiqul
Consumers are the nucleus of all marketing activities as they dictate the market mechanism. However the consumers in developing countries are deprived of their basic rights because of unawareness of their fundamental responsibilities. In this paper we have considereal the rights and responsibilities of the consumers as per some established guidelines and discussed them in the context of Bangladesh, and then recommended an integrated protection framework to preserve consumers' rights and responsibilities.
Measuring External Sector Openness and Integration Status Of Bangladesh Economy
(Eastern University, 2008-07) Shah, Pinkl
There have been notable changes in external trade and financial controls in the developing countries since mid 1980s. Many developing economies have experienced tremendous increase in the volume of global international trade and international financial transactions after mid 1990s in response to the removal of external sector restrictions and other policy reforms undertaken in the developing countries. In line with global development strategy, a substantial openness measures have been undertaken in external sector of Bangladesh since early 1990s with the objectives of achieving positive benefits from global financial integration. The paper is an attempt to find the external sector openness and integration status of Bangladesh relative to a set of developing economies. It is evident that Bangladesh has become more open over the period; nonetheless it has remained less open among the sample economies. And though the volume of foreign capital flows has increased in Bangladesh, it has remained the least integrated economy of all the selected economies of Southeast Asia, and South Asia.
Employee Evaluation and Motivation: A Comparison of Practices in Bangladeshi and Multinational Companies
(Eastern University, 2009-01) Ahmed, Neaz
This research seeks to compare the Employee Evaluation and Motivation Practices between Bangladeshi and Multinational Companies (MNCs) operating in Bangladesh. Thirty companies, 15 Bangladeshi and J5 MNCs from five different' sectors were studied through in-depth discussion with HR Directors/Managers of respective organizations. Major findings indicate that' Bangladeshi companies are logging behind the multinationals in exercising standard employee evaluation and motivational practices. In general, Bangladeshi companies tend to follow a minimum standard rule while MNCs, in line with their organizational tradition and organizational cultural excellence, follow a more employee oriented process which in the long run motivates employees for increased productivity resulting in ever-increasing profitability and sustainability of MNCs.
Mathematical Catastrophe Revisited
(Eastern Univeristy, 2009-01-01) Rahman, M. Mostafizur; Ferdousi, Amena; Parvez, M. Salek
Different models of mathematical catastrophes of single variable have been Studied and finally from the substance we have found a mathematical analysis Of mathematical catastrophe. Two mathematical catastrophes viz, fold catastrophe and cusp catastrophe are broadly discussed in order to find some results newly in both the cases.
Second language teaching: Teachers' Beliefs and Realities
(Eastern Univeristy, 2009-01-01) Majid', Iffat Ara Nasreen
This article looks at the views of English language teachers regarding issues related to English language learning and teaching from the primary to the tertiary level in Bangladesh and tries to evaluate their views in the light of second language teaching theory and research. It is important that teachers should know the implications of their beliefs and their impact on classroom teaching and learning. It was found that some of their views conform to the conclusions drawn from second language teaching and learning research while others need to be modified.
Staging the Stage: the Expressionist Manifestation of Spatial Discourse and Colour in Strindberg'S Ett Dromspel (A Dream Ploy)
(Eastern University, 2009-01-01) Rabbani, Golam
This study shows the use of different expressionist devices in August Strindberg's play Ett dromspel (A Dream Ploy). To evaluate Strindberg's expressionism this study envisages two phases of Strindberg's art in the play under discussion. In the first phase, there is expressionist spatial discourse Where he juxtaposes multiple perspectives, such as pictorial style, abstract spatial and cyclical imagery. He not only accepts cross-fertilization between diverse forms of art and thought but also assists himself to dramatize frequent concerns with cognition, acuity, and reflection. Strindberg signifies that he would have favored a creation in the pictorial style, in which the nonfigurative Cyclical image of the plays accomplishment would be for grounded. In the second phase, this study manifests the expression’s' use of color in the play. Strindberg presents the chromatic style and the expressionist bird-eye view to establish the interaction of colors. His multicolored idiom breaks with Mimetic impressions of time and space and endeavors the recreation of ever-changing "chaos of color". His strongly painted and cautiously shaped pictures are just as lively for our imagination as the canvases we see in the Swedish environment with our own painterly eyes.
Islamic law and the Rights of Married Women
(Eastern University, 2009-01-01) Haque, Erfan
This paper is concerned with Islamic Laws regarding the Rights of married Women. There has been biased and incomplete interpretation of this aspect of Islamic Law resulting in the view that Islamic Laws are unfair to women. It is a universal fact that men are given more privileges in Islamic law compared to Women, but there are many rights that are given only to Muslim women and no Other religions have such types of specific laws made only for women. The four main areas that are discussed in this paper in respect of the rights of Married Muslim women are women's right to custody of their children, their Right to dower, their right to maintenance and the law and legal procedures in regard to divorce. Issues such as hadanna, types of divorce, the role of dower and the changes that were made in many Muslim countries in regard to Islamic Law are the maior focus of this paper.The different schools and their thoughts in Islamic Law make it dfficult for anyone to reach particular decision in relation to married women's right under Islamic Law . An analysis of the law and the interpretation of Islamic Law in this male dominated society would allow us to understands the unique nature of Islamic Law for married women and also Clarify to us that indeed Islamic Low is not absolutely unfair and biased towards women.It is a commonly held view that Islamic law is worded in such a way that it views women as inferior to men and subjects them to continuous suffering ond problems. Although there might be some credits to such type of statements, Thorough understanding of the Islamic Law would allow us to broaden our Perspectives and make us understand that Islamic Law is not derived in a way with an intention to make women suffer. Indeed, under Islamic Law women are given many rights which are not recognized in many religious systems. Although it is very true that men are privileged with lot more facilities and Power in Islam compared to women, women are also given some exclusive rights that belong to them only. The Koranic verses have been interpreted in Many ways and in most of the cases these interpretations have been Conducted by men allowing themselves to have unfair advantages over women. It is very true that the rights of women are very limited compared to men in Islamic law, and this article aims to give a better understanding of the power and rights of married women under Islamic Law.
The Practice of CSR: A Study on Telecommunication Industry In Bangladesh
(Eastern University, 2009-01-01) Huq, Eliza; Salam, Monalisa
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a concept whereby organizations consider the interests of society by taking responsibility for the impact of their activities on customers, employees, shareholders, communities and the environment in all aspects of their operations. This is a research paper aimed at Gaining insights about the practice of CSR by mobile phone operators in Bangladesh. Data were collected from 4 operators through in-depth interview With selected personnel. Non probability sampling method, namely ;judgmental Sampling was used for the study, The main findings of the study indicate that all the companies hold similar views regarding CSR and it is found that all the sampled companies think CSR is linked with protection of human rights, Protection of environment and community involvements. Although theoretically CSR is linked with protection of employee rights, maintaining relations with Suppliers and having proper monitoring system, companies are nof certain about the linkage.
“News from poems”: the Significance of Small Things in the Poetry of William Carlos Williams
(Eastern University, 2009-01-01) Hassain, Mashrur Shahid
One of the most prominent poets of the Imagist and Objectivist tradition, William Carlos Williams consistently attempted to present the thing itself' as accurately and vividly as possible. In his poetics, he tried to address the subject/object, imagination/reality dichotomies: the function of imagination is Not to tamper with reality but to successfully transform it into something – not necessarily sublime - different. And it is by letting imagination dance over a commonplace thing, he believed, that one may experience a new significance in the thing in particular and/or a fresh perception of life in general. The Present paper reviews Williams' poetics and reads in it on active, optimistic attitude to life: understanding his poetry demands readers' going through experiencing similar invocation of sensation and imagination, discovery and invention that the poet had gone through. The readers are invited to explore significance in every particular object and incident, which may render the world of objects we five in fresher; more alive, and more meaningful. in this age of media hegemony and digitized communication, the academic vision of Williams' Poetry has the potential to provide people space to explore the power of sensitivity and imagination.
A Conceptual Review of Corporate Governance and its Effect on Firm's Performance: Bangladesh Perspective
(Eastern University, 2009-01-01) Ahmed, Homayara Lotifa.
Corporate governance.A concept referring to the ideal mode of ensuring Firm’s accountability to its stakeholders, has ascended to its current level of Importance owing to corporate level scandals in the large economies of the World; experience gained from which has brought some positive changes in The less developed economies - changes that are pro active and are aimed Of enhancing corporate responsibility and performance. The objective of This study is to review this concept as is being practiced, the problems being faced, the schools of thought, its implication in firm valuation and Performance and lastly, to see its relevance in the context of Bangladesh, Where the listed firms are mostly owned and managed by family members. Suggestions to improve corporate governance and accountability, in line with SEC guidelines have been to indicate an active board with well Proportioned executive vis-vis non-executive members, and also with Representatives from 01/ groups of shareholders; separation of the role of CEO and the chairperson; existence of board committees; changing audit firms periodically, etc. to name a few.
Sources and Patterns of Education Sector Financing: Options and Challenges in Bangladesh
(Eastern University, 2009-07-01) Islam, Nazmul
Bangladesh’s education system depends heavily on public financing both for recurrent and development expenditures. One major exception is secondary education where there is significant private financing. Though education is by far the largest recipient of Budgetary funds in combined Annual Development Program (ADP) and recurrent budgets, the total government expenditure on education is currently about only 2.5 percent of GDP and 14.2 percent of total government spending (BANBEIS 2008 and Human Development Report 2007/2008).The expansion of primary education took place both within and outside the public sector, while the rapid expansion of secondary education occurred mainly through partnerships with private providers. The large expansion in primary enrollment eventually resulted in increased demand for continuing into the secondary level. To achieve rapid expansion of secondary enrollment, the Government should opt more seriously for even wider partnership with the private sector, which will allow lower per-pupil costs. A high share of government education expenditure at all levels is directed to teachers' salaries and salary-related subsidies to non-government institutions. Salaries and salary-related subsidies accounted for 97 percent of recurrent expenditure at the primary level and 80 percent at the secondary level. Thus little funding is available for other inputs such as teaching materials supplies, in-service training, and maintenance. Construction is another large item in education budgets. In tertiary level the allocation for research is really disappointing. The Government should increase substantially the non salary budget for education sector.
An Evaluation of English Language Teaching at the Beginner's Level in Bangladesh from the Psycholinguistic Point of View
(Eastern University, 2009-07-01) Majid, Iffat A.N.
This paper looks at the teaching methods currently practiced in Bangladesh in both Bengali-medium and English-medium primary schools in order to ascertain how conducive it is for second language learning in the light of theories of second language acquisition. Opinions of parents/guardians and primary school teachers have been sought in this regard about the necessity and quality of teaching at this level.
Baudelaire’s “Tableaux Parisiens”: Metropolis Multitude, and Modernity
(Eastern University, 2009-07-01) Mohamad Noman, Abu Syeed
The section titled ‘Tableaux Parisiens,’ in the second edition of Charles Baudelaire’s the Flowers of Evil highlights a remarkable transition from the poet’s initial romantic preoccupation to an outstandingly different kind of poetry which shocked the contemporary readers and led the later critics and poets alike to regard him as the first modern poet. Modern poetry, as this paper aims to show, has been the product of the lone poet’s painful effort to adapt himself to the unpredictable city and his subsequent failure, alienation and ennui. This failure is the fate of everyman, and the failed self, the fallen self With all its secrets, finds in the city a market and incarnates at times as a prostitute looking for customers to sell herself and at other times as a poet in search of a publisher to sell himself. Baudelaire, unlike his predecessors, does not shun this lost tribe of people from his poetry but makes them and their city the very subject therein. Thus, a study of the city, which supplied the poet the inspiration and the materials for his work, would be a key to Baudelaire’s modernity. With this perception this paper seeks to make a critical reading of ‘Tableaux Parisiens’ and show that Baudelaire’s modernity was born in the metropolis with his discovery of isolation in the multitude.
The Impact of Foreign Aid on Economic Growth in Bangladesh: An Modern Time Series Econometric Approach
(Eastern University, 2009-07-01) Islam, Zahirul; Shimul, Shafiun Nahin
This study examined the long run relationship between foreign aid (FAID) and economic growth in Bangladesh using the two modern time series econometric approaches- bound testing Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Models or Unrestricted Error Correction Model (UECM) and Engel Granger two step procedures during the period of 1973-2007 and found that FAID and GDP are not co-integrated. However, using Granger Causality test, it was shown that the FAID was not significantly causing the GDP per capita both in the short and long run and for other control variables - openness and FDI- the result was almost same but for capital formation the result was positive. The study suggested taking proper steps so that these variables can be used as contributors to the economic development.
Sensitivity Analysis of Physiographic Parameters By Kinematic Wave Equation
(Eastern University, 2009-07-01) Abu Salek, Mr. Md.; Kalam Azad1, Muhammad Abul; Nayeem, Jannatun
Sensitivity analysis of physiographic parameters describes the system behavior in terms Of mathematical equations representing the relationships between system state, input And output. The channel flow routing and overland flow routing are depending on Different kind of flow parameters. In this paper, the channel flow routing and overland flow routing for different kind of channel and overland flow parameters are discussed. The computer program for flow routing is developed in Lahey ED Developer. The results showed that the sensitivity of physiographic parameters through lumped kinematics wave models and found that the overland roughness and overland slope are more sensitive than other physiographic parameters of overland and channel flows.
Forecasting Estimated Gram Crops in Rainfed Agriculture of Bangladesh
(Eastern University, 2009-07-01) Rahman, M. Sayedur; Farhana, Shila
Sustainability of the cereal based cropping systems has become a critical issue for agriculture in Bangladesh. Pulses play an important role for sustainability of cereal Based cropping systems through biological nitrogen fixation in the soil. They are also important for the nutritional security of the people, especially the children and the lactating women. Pulses are important sources of protein to the diet in Bangladesh and also improve soil quality. Pulses are the best supplements for cereals. Results in this study are derived from pulses (gram) production in ten districts namely Faridpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Barisal, Jessore, Khulna, Kushtia, Dinajpur, Pabna and Rajshahi district. The overall growth of gram in the ten districts over time was not uniform. On Average of entire period, gram supply has been declining at sharply. Thus, there is a considerable lag between the introduction of advanced technology and the time when it is in general use and generally has been adapted to the peculiarities of the local environment. The declining rate increases, which indicates that the main cause is adequate environmental resources, although in some areas specific agricultural policies and practices may also, contribute. Pulses or legumes in general must be incorporated, only to complement these systems and not considered as competing crops to any of the components of these systems. This policy will just invigorate the exhausted soil and ensure national food security of the poor people of Bangladesh at least for protein.
Competitive Factor Analysis of Global Readymade Garment Business In Bangladesh
(Eastern University, 2009-07-01) Azad, Md. Rafique
At present Readymade Garment (RMG) is the leading industry and one of the leading exporters in Bangladesh. It needs limited financial investment and relative simple technology compared to other high-tech industries. In this study, the author has identified the competitive factors in the global market of RMG business. For finding the most influential competitive factors, the author has collected primary data and used semi-structured questionnaire for the purpose of interview to the respondents. 120 respondents have been selected with probably proportion to size (PPS) for interview. Factor analysis technique has been used in this study. The complexity of intercorrelations among the responses led to the use analysis techniques to probe the relation ship among the responses. Principal factor analysis seeks to explain the intercorrelations between variables with as small number of common factors as possible and extracts the maximum amount of variance due to each factor at each stage. Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) package has been used for the data analysis of the study. The findings of this study indicated that price; quality and lead-time are the very influential factors in the global RMG business