European Journal of Social Sciences

 Volume 43 No 3
May, 2014
Factors Affecting Customer Satisfaction in Health Insurance Sector of India: A Regression Model Analysis
202-208
Sujit Kumar Patra and Shamita Mohanty
 
Abstract:
This study deals with the customer satisfaction aspects of health insurance customers with respect to various factors like Transparency, Product feature, service feature, Network Hospitals, Brand image and Price of the health Insurance products. Customer satisfaction is taken as the dependent variable and rest all factors which are extracted from exploratory factor analysis are taken as Independent variables. 30 variables are considered to run exploratory factor analysis and six components are identified on the basis of their Eigen values and variance explained. Multiple regression analysis is done with customer satisfaction as Dependent Variable and Resultant factors as Independent Variable.
Keywords: Customer satisfaction, Transparency, Product feature, service feature, Network Hospitals, Brand image and Price
 
 
Exchange Rate Movement in Nigeria: Does IT Follow a Markovian Process?
209-215
Ifeoma C , Emmanuel I , Jonathan E. Ogbuabor and Gladys C. Aneke
 
Abstract:
In this paper , we looked at the null hypothesis that exchange rate in Nigeria follows a markovian process versus the alternative hypothesis that it doesn’t follow a markovian process. It was discovered that the Nigerian exchange rate follows a markovian process. The transition probability matrices for the Nigerian Naira versus the US Dollar were also obtained considering only two states (appreciation and depreciation states) and the results from the pooled transition probabilities showed that 0.53 is the pooled probability transition value for appreciation to appreciation from the year 1999 to the year 2011, 0.47 for exchange rate appreciation state to exchange rate depreciation state, 0.37 for depreciation to appreciation and 0.63 for depreciation to depreciation states. It simply implies that it takes 53% for naira to move from an appreciation state to another state of appreciation and 63% for it to move from a depreciation state to a state of depreciation. 47% from an appreciation state to a depreciation state and 37% from depreciation state to an appreciation state. The markov parameters were also estimated and it can be seen from the results that there were differences in the second and first regimes in terms of its variances and means which implies that the exchange rate in the second regime converges more, that is, the variations are lower in the second regime with 199.383 than in the first regime with 388.505 showing that there is a more steady and stable economy unlike in the first regime with a high variation indicating that there isn’t a stable economic condition in the first regime. This was achieved before testing if the Nigerian exchange rate follows a markovian process or not. It is important that before one uses the markov methodology for exchange rate prediction that the property of memoryless should be tested which is what this paper achieved
Keywords: Exchange Rate, Markovian Process, Null Hypothesis, States, Transition Probability Matrices
 
 
The Relationship between the Quality of Domestically Produced Goods and Customer Confidence (A Case of Shiraz Citizens)
216-222
Mohammad Hakkak , Masoud Ghodsi and Eshagh Hosseini
 
Abstract:
The present study examines the relationship between the quality of domestically produced goods and customer confidence through a descriptive-survey research method. The data were collected through questionnaires. The population under study includes all Shiraz citizens who consume domestically produced goods. Given the infinite population, 151 citizens were selected randomly as the participants in the research sample. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS and Amos Software (Version 21). The findings of the study suggested that the average quality of goods and consumer confidence are lower than average. Furthermore, research results indicate that there is positive and meaningful relationship between the quality of domestically produced goods and customer confidence. Finally, the results from the measurements model indicate that the model is very well fitted.
Keywords: Quality of goods, consumer confidence, domestically produced goods
 
 
Guarantees as to Administrative Judge Independency
223-243
Osama Al-Naimat
 
Abstract:
Applying separation principles among powers, by pursuing the most accurate method, could not be ever completed, unless realizing the Judicial power independency. This is considered the real guarantee of law dominion, and pursuing the actual control on the executive power conduct, including its related administrative entities. The Judiciary independence could not be realized accurately, except under presence of constitutional, legal and actual guarantees that is available therein, to ensure the real independency which is vital issue as to judiciary. Taking the Jordanian Law as an example, the constitution confirmed the judiciary independency that is seconded by the current law No. 15 of 2001, which, even though it is better than the previous laws; (No. 19 of 1955, and 49 of 1972, as amended. However, and upon thorough outlook and comparison of the new law in turn, reveal that it is still organizing the judiciary independency as a supreme office title enjoying suitable immunities and guarantees which grant it tangible worth of independency. While, what we expect in that regard is a complete application of powers separation principles, in which the judiciary shall represent, therein, an equal power and authority compared with other powers. Herein a special role of the Administrative Judiciary comes out in terms of judicial control over the administration tasks. In order to demonstrate the accuracy extent of this assessment, as to judiciary independency new law, in substantive and basic mode, is based on comparative study, we present this paper that handles three Themes; as follows:
 
Luang Prabang Painting: The Effects on Society before and After A.D. 1995
244-249
Wacharin Sinsiri
 
Abstract:
The study of Luang Prabang Painting: The Effects on Society before and after A.D. 1995 is a qualitative study aimed to investigate the history, conceptual content and styles of painting, and how painting impacted the education, religion, economy, and cultural belief in Luang Prabang before and after 1995. Painting in Luang Prabang in the beginning period was influenced by Lan Xang, Siam, and Burma-Tai Yai. The painting in this period was found to be painted interior and exterior building walls. The painting influenced by contemporary western arts started to be seen in 1940 during the colonization and had been continuously improved by western artists and state sector. The first school of fine art was established in 1959 while at the same time many Lao students were sent to study about painting in Vietnam. After graduated, these students returned to become art leaders, by teaching and being the artist, in painting in Luang Prabang and Laos. In 1970 art galleries started to be established as to distribute the painting to tourists in Luang Prabang, and since then painting in Luang Prabang had been traded with other countries and became well-known until present. The conceptual contents and styles of painting in Luang Prabang can be divided in three groups, including everyday life concept group, social context group, and mood and expression group. The impacts of painting in Luang Prabang was found to be that it helped lift up and develop people’s mind and imagination. Painting has also been used to disseminate Buddhism in the society.
Keywords: Painting, Luang Prabang, Social Effect, Lao Painting.
 
Vientiane-Sim: Form, Aesthetic and Symbol
250-256
Khamsouk Keovongsay
 
Abstract:
The study of Vientiane-Sim: Form, Aesthetic, and Symbol aims to find the history, current status and problems, form, aesthetic and symbol of Vientiane-Sim during 1560-1974. Vientiane-Sim was commonly constructed in the temple areas since when Buddhism first entered into the country in Lan Xang kingdom period. Mostly the sims in in Vientiane capital (Sisattanak District) and Chantabuli province were Female Sim (Woman), and those found in Sikottabong city were Male Sim (Man). In Chaiyachetthathirat city, the sims were found to be equally both female and male. These sims were consisted of three parts, including basis, body and roof. Every part was decorated with patterns and in low, high and round relief sculptural forms. The sims were created using techniques and processes of molding, casting, and carving. Some of them were painted or decorated with colored glasses as well. The form of sims made during 1560-1974 consisted of 2 forms, female sim form and male sim form. It was found that the aesthetic of Vientiane-Sim were decorated with various patterns, including natural patterns, geometric patterns and imaginary patterns. In the symbols, it was showed that the majority of symbols were hidden as morals.
Keywords: Sim, Vientiane, Form, Aesthetic, Symbol.
 
 
Review of Objective Situation in Spatial Layers in Informal Settlements through Residents` Subjective Perception (Case Study: Khezr District of Hamadan)
257-264
Adel Ganjvar , Mojtaba Khanian , Kiavash Aghili and Abdolreza Asgaripou
 
Abstract:
Due to the growing urbanization, poverty and deprivation are the pivotal issues occurring in the city. Urban poverty growth has led to deeper discrepancy in social classes resulting in the formation of low-income groups in specific geographic communities, which are kept away from the overall development process and so are marginalized. These are general categories of migrants (Marginalized) (and mostly old urban dwellers) that set out to pave this way to promote the life expectancy, and accepting the risks and unsuitable housing conditions in the informal market seek to compensate for their disabilities, ensuring their needs are formally met in the way to ensure their survival in the city.In the past, there have been presented different programs to solve the problems of these settlements which have not been successful. And these neighborhoods have been considered to face challenging issues. Therefore, it is necessary to recognize the spatial mechanisms to change the situation for these people. The present study aims to reveal the spatial layers available in Khezr district in Hamadan and present a conceptual model which is based on residents` subjective perceptions. There are found two physical and security spatial layers are the most important factors of confusion and chaos in the neighborhood followed by environmental and social factors.
Keywords: Informal settlements, spatial layer, residents` perception, Khezr district.
 
 
Evaluation of Patients’ Satisfaction in Public Hospitals of Dindigul District – A Servqual Approach
265-275
S. Manimaran and R. Sindhya
 
Abstract:
Purpose: In a hypercompetitive market among major providers of health care services by private hospitals, there is an increased pressure on the part of public hospitals to provide high quality services to patients. Thus the public hospitals take steps towards achieving greater heights in providing better services. Resolving and evaluating different service quality dimensions of public hospitals (PUBHOSSERVQUAL) in rural Tamil Nadu, particularly Dindigul District, from the patients’ perspective becomes the major objective of the study. Methods: SERVQUAL questionnaire used to collect primary data from 525 patients of both taluk and non-taluk public hospitals. This study is of cross-sectional in nature since data has been collected from the field between early August and early October, 2013. Results: Results showed that the model is fit and met out the research objectives. Conclusion: Further more research could be carried out.
Keywords: Service Quality, PUBHOSSERVQUAL, Dimensions, Public Hospitals.
 
 
The Symbol, Aesthetics, Ceremony and Belief of Hang Hode Song in the Luang Prabang Province, Vientiane Capital and Champasack Province of LaoPDR
276-283
Kanha Sikounnavong
 
Abstract:
The study of The Symbol, Aesthetics, Ceremony and Belief of Hang Hode Song in the Luang Prabang Province, Vientiane Capital and Champasack Province of Lao PDR aims to find the history, current status and problems and the symbols, aesthetics, ceremony and belief of Hang Hode Song in Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Champasack. This is a qualitative study using mainly data collected during the field study and partly from domestic and international literatures. The population and sample groups include the key informants, casual informants, and general informants selected through purposive sampling. The study reveals that Hang Hode Song had a long history and originated from the beliefs in spirits and animals that gave good and bad to humans. This came from the Brahman and Buddhsit beleifs influenced from India during the 3rd Buddhist century. Hang Hode Song now has not been regulated as strictly as it was in the past time. The styles differed depending on the imagination and knowledge of the craftsmen in certain province. The differences could be found from the parts of head, body, tail and basis. The symbols used the head of Naga, dragon or mermaid. Swans and Mythical birds were used as symbols to represent various objects. Such semiology were all hidden with implications and relations towards the beliefs among Lao people for a long time.
Keywords: Hang Hode Song, Symbols, Aesthetics, Ceremony, Belief, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Champasack, Lao PDR.
 
 
The Study of Change Management and Human Resources Management of the Enterprises in Bangkok, the Group of Northern Bangkok
284-293
Prapas Siripap , Boonma Imwised , Chalieo Vitoorapakorn , Veera Ladnongkun and Nitcharat Sangthong
 
Abstract:
The purposes of this research were 1) to study the opinion of personnel toward change management and human resources management of the enterprises in Bangkok, the group of northern Bangkok, 2) to compare the opinion of the personnel toward the change management and human resources management of the enterprises in Bangkok, the group of northern Bangkok classified by demographic profiles, and 3) to study the relationship between the factors of change management and human resources management of the enterprises in Bangkok, the group of northern Bangkok. The results show that with regard to the opinion of personnel toward change management and human resources management of the enterprises in Bangkok, the group of northern Bangkok, the aspect with the highest mean is to create reliability, followed by to create organization culture, to create cooperation, to have effective communication, and to be leader of change respectively. The samples in different gender and education level have an opinion toward change management and human resources management in the same way, while the samples in different age, work experience, level of work have an opinion toward change management and human resources management in different way with the statistical significance at the level of .05. The factors of change management have the relationship with statistical significance at the level of .01; and the relationship between to create cooperation and to have effective communication has the highest correlation.
Keywords: Change Management, Human Resources Management, Enterprise, Northern Bangkok, Correlation.