Qatar University UK vs China Policy and Strategy Questions Response

Question Description

I’m trying to learn for my Political Science class and I’m stuck. Can you help?

 

IntroductionFILLER TEXT

The Policy and Strategy (PolStrat) assessment package comprises two elements: a formatively assessed presentation which should assist to preparation of the summative assessment and a 3,900-word essay.

Aim

The aim of the PolStrat essays and presentations is to allow to demonstrate the ability to identify and analyse critically the principal issues, constraints and challenges associated with the formulation of strategy in the 21st Century.

Scope

The PolStrat essay and presentation requires to exploit the different theories and approaches to which they have been introduced to during this module, and to analyse and critically reflect on some of the theories, key challenges and issues in formulating and implementing Policy and Strategy. They aim to’ understanding of the some of the core debates and their ability to utilise different approaches and theoretical frameworks when applying them to specific issues and case studies.

Questions: (UK vs China)

Theme 1: Policy and Strategy.  (What are policy and strategy; how are they made and what is the relationship between them?)

Does either the political system of a state or the nature of its civil-military relations determines the effectiveness of its armed forces?  Answer with reference to a case study comparing UK and China.

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*** Words count = 3900 words.

*** In-Text Citations and References using Harvard style.

 
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IMPACT OF MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS ON AFRICAN COUNTRIES

 

 

A DISSERTATION ABOUT IMPACT OF MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS ON AFRICAN COUNTRIES

 

 

Student’s Name

Existing Degrees

 

Supervisor’s Name

 

Submitted in [partial] fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

 

University’s Name

Year

 

Keywords

The research paper uses various standard terms throughout the document. They include developing nations, developed countries, foreign direct investment, and multinational corporations.

Abstract

The research focuses on multinational corporations and their impacts on developing African countries. MNCs are businesses, which maintain direct investments in foreign countries and have subsidiaries in over one nation. The study was vital in analyzing the positive and negative impacts of these MNCs on African countries, concerning job creation, economic development, payment of tax, environmental pollution, and profit expatriation, among other factors. The study employed secondary research, such as journals, scholar articles, and publications, and other credible and relevant materials to the topic. Theories, such as the dependency theory, unequal exchange theory, the structural theory of imperialism, and new trade theory, were used to show the relationship between developing African countries and MNC’s desire to operate and venture in these countries. The study objectives were designed to explore the impact of the MNCs on emerging African economies to make analysis and provide recommendations. The study concluded that MNCs have both positives and adverse effects on developing African countries, such as job creation, economic development, enabling developing enterprises to access international markets, and FDI increase. Adverse effects include cultural degradation, tax evasion, environmental pollution, and expatriating the profits.

Table of Contents

Keywords. i

Abstract ii

List of Figures. v

List of Tables. vi

List of Abbreviations. vii

Statement of Original Authorship. viii

Acknowledgment ix

Chapter 1: Introduction. 1

1.1 Background. 1

1.2 Context 2

1.2.1 Problem Statement 2

1.3 Purposes. 3

1.3.1 Specific Aim.. 3

1.3.2 Objectives. 3

1.3.3. Research question. 3

1.4 Significance, Scope, and Definitions. 3

1.4 1 Significance of the study. 3

1.4.2 Scope of the study. 4

1.4.3 Definitions. 4

1.5 Thesis Outline. 4

Chapter 2: Literature Review.. 6

2.1 Historical Background. 6

2.2. Conceptual Framework. 7

2.3 Theoretical Framework. 8

2.4 Why Developing Nations are Attractive to Multinational Corporations. 11

2.5 Positive Impacts of MNCs in African Nations. 13

2.6 Negative Impacts of MNCs in African Nations. 17

2.7 Summary and Implications. 20

Chapter 3: Research Design. 21

3.1 Introduction. 21

3.2 Methodology and Research Design. 21

3.2.1 Methodology. 21

3.2.2 Research Design. 21

3.3 Instrument 22

3.4 Procedure and Timeline. 23

3.3.1 Procedures. 23

3.3.2 Timeline. 23

3.5 Analysis. 24

3.6 Ethics and Limitations. 24

3.6.1 Ethics. 24

3.6.2 Limitation. 24

3.7 Conclusion. 25

Chapter 4: Results. 26

4.1 Introduction. 26

4.2 Findings. 26

4.3 Case Studies. 29

Case 1: Tax Evasion. 29

Case 2: Environmental Pollution. 32

Chapter 5: Analysis. 34

5.1 Introduction. 34

5.2 Findings. 34

Chapter 6: Conclusion. 36

6.1 Introduction. 36

6.2 Conclusion. 36

6.3 Recommendations. 37

Bibliography. 39

 

 

 

 

List of Figures

Figure 1: The Pie chart illustrates the percentages of employment opportunities  offered by MNC’s in Ethiopia by sector (Data Source: World Bank group) 28

Figure 2: The Bar graph demonstrates the manufacturing training offered by MNC’s to the Citizen in the developing African Countries (Data Source: World Bank Group) 29

Figure 3: The bar chart demonstrates job distribution in Rwanda offered by MNC’s (Data Source: World Bank Group) 30

 

 

List of Tables

Table 1: The chart illustrates the dissertation timeline. 25

Table 2: The table depicts the FDI Inflow in US$ Billion by Regions (Data Source: World Bank Group ) 31

 

 

List of Abbreviations

MNCs- Multinational Corporations

FDI- Foreign Direct Investment

GDP- Gross Domestic Product

R&D- Research & Development

HR- Human Resource

UNCTAD- United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

OECD- Economic Cooperation and Development

GHG- Greenhouse Gases

CO2– Carbon dioxide

AZF- Associated British Food

KRA- Kenya Revenue Authority

VAT- Value Added Tax

FEPA- Federal Environmental Protection Agency

NESREA- National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency

 

 

 

Statement of Original Authorship

The work in this dissertation has not been previously submitted to meet specification for an award at this or any other higher learning institution. To the best of my belief and insight, the dissertation does not contain any material that have been previously written by another person except for the sections cited with the sources.

 

 

 

 

Signature:          _________________________

 

Date:                  _________________________

 

 

Acknowledgment

My special acknowledgment goes to X for their assistance during my research and for nurturing me academically.

 

My gratitude and indebtedness to X, my supervisors, who have assisted me in shaping this

dissertation through his/her direction and guidance, I cannot adequately convey my gratitude in a few sentences.  Nonetheless, I express my sincere and heartfelt appreciation for his or her endless and constant encouragement, mentorship, and advice that has kept me pushing during my research period.

 

A warm thanks to my friends and family who have stood with me during the completion of this dissertation. Thank you for your encouragement and for unflagging trust in me. You have always been my source of inspiration and motivation to my vision and purpose.

 

Chapter 1: Introduction

 

This chapter describes the background of the research and context of the dissertation, including the objectives of the dissertation. Moreover, the section illustrates the significance and scope of this study and definitions of the used terms. The last part of the chapter will provide the outline of dissertation.

1.1 Background

The dissertation stems from the realization that, in the present globalized world, multinational corporations (MNCs) play a fundamental role in shaping the international economy [1]. Multinational Corporations are organizations established in one nation but which operate, manage, or control production and distribution facilities in various states. Hence, MNC’s also referred to as transnational corporations since they transact business in multiple countries and diversified businesses operations [2]. Globalization is among the factors contributing to an increased investment of multinational corporations in developing nations [3]. Globalization increases global interconnectedness and interdependence, leading to the integration of countries. Following globalization, the globe has become a single market without trade barriers, and this immense impacts on developing countries. Internationalization has led to the creation of opportunities or developing nations to open their trading zones for multinational corporations. As a result, MNCs increase private capital flows, increased employment, economic growth, FDI, and enhanced circulation of technology. It is worth noting that multinational corporations have become a key institution in developing countries. Although multinational corporations’ benefit in various ways, such as grants and lower labor costs while operating in developing nations, the developing African nations gain significantly — for instance, MNCs aids in boosting economic development, reducing poverty, and raising employment standards[4]. However, MNCs also have various disadvantages in developing nations, such as preventing autonomous development, the outflow of capital, exploiting employees, polluting the environment, and evading taxes.

1.2 Context

1.2.1 Problem Statement

The impacts of multinational corporations on developing African countries cannot be ignored. Multinational corporations have economic and social effects at the international level, particularly in African nations in which the companies invest. These corporations gain significant benefits by operating in emerging African countries, such as the lower cost of labour and the accessibility of raw materials. On the other hand, developing African countries gain through job creation, boosting the economy, and increased FDI. However, while MNCs continue to play an indispensable role in developing African nations’ economies, researchers indicate that these corporations also influence emerging African countries negatively. For instance, studies reveal that MNCs not only evade income corporate tax, but also exploits workers and engage in child labor, contribute to environmental pollution, cultural degradation, profit repatriation, and inhibit autonomous development. Therefore, the research sought to address the impact of MNCs by examining various cases in developing African countries. As such, the dissertation aims to answer the following question; How do multinational corporations impact developing African countries?

1.3 Purposes

The purpose of the dissertation is to examine the positive and negative implications resulting from increasing operations by the multinational corporations in developing African countries.

1.3.1 Specific Aim

The specific goal of conducting this research is to determine how multinational corporations impact developing African countries. Besides, the survey at reviewing various past cases involving the operation of MNCs in the African States to offer solutions to the associated negative implications.

1.3.2 Objectives

The primary objectives of conducting the research on the impact of MNCs in third world nations are

  1. To determine the positive impact of the businesses on developing the African States.
  2. To examine the negative impact of the companies on developing the African States.
  • To investigate different cases associated with MNCs operations in the developing African nations.

1.3.3. Research question

  1. How do multinational corporations impact the developing African countries?

1.4 Significance, Scope, and Definitions

1.4 1 Significance of the study

The operation of MNCs and their impact in developing countries, such as African nations, is worth considering. The current research aims at conducting a study to examine how multinational corporations impact developing African nations. Besides, the survey will focus on reviewing various past cases involving the operation of MNCs in the African States to offer solutions to the associated negative implications. Therefore, the study will be not only crucial to African countries and multinational corporations but also helpful to future researchers. The research will be beneficial for epistemology research by helping future researchers with information about the adverse and positive influence of MNCs in developing African countries. The study will also help in attracting scholarly attention on the topic and motivate further future study.

1.4.2 Scope of the study

The research focused on multinational corporations operating in developing African countries. The study sought to analyse the impacts of MNCs in developing nations, such as African nations, thereby offering recommendations to mitigate the identified adverse effects.

1.4.3 Definitions

  1. MNCs are businesses, which maintain direct investments in foreign countries and have subsidiaries in over one nation.
  2. Gas venting and flaring are the burnings of related gas, which involves the extraction of crude oil from oil exploitation

1.5 Thesis Outline

The chapters below will include a literature review, research design, results, analysis, and conclusion and recommendations. Chapter 2 of the study will discuss in details a brief history of MNCs in Africa and the reasons why MNCs venture in developing African countries. Conceptual and theoretical theories, such as new trade theory, dependency theory, and unequal exchange theory, will help in relating the MNC’s operations in emerging economies. Chapter 3 of the study will discuss the research design used to conduct the paper. Case studies from various African nations will be used to help draw an analysis of the topic. Chapter 4 of the study will focus on analysing multiple case studies, which will aim in both positive impacts and adverse effects of MNC’s operations in African countries. The case study will help in the analysis chapter. Chapter 5 will entail the discussion part, which will focus on analysed results in section 4. The analysis will be crucial in examining how MNC’s operations in African countries influence these nations’ economies and development capabilities. Chapter 6 focused on providing a conclusion about the study and providing recommendations on what the MNCs and the developing African countries could do to reap maximum economic benefits.

 

Chapter 2: Literature Review

 

This chapter elaborate with a past background and examination standard literature on the following topics: conceptual framework, which will provide a brief description of MNCs and their aims for venturing in developing African countries. The chapter explain the theoretical outline, whereby theories such as New trade theory, dependency theory, and unequal exchange theory will be analysed predicated on the topic.  Why developing nations are attractive to multinational corporations, advantages of MNCs on developing African nations and disadvantages of MNCs on developing African countries are discussed in this chapter.

2.1 Historical Background

Global business has come to age, with the elevating expands of many regional bodies like African union[5]. With the disappearance of tariffs and national boundaries, more and more services and products move into the global business scene. In previous decades, various foreign subsidiaries have expanded their business operations in African nations, culminating in the emergence of MNCs.

Multinationals and Africa

African nations are endowed with the most abundant natural resources. The African countries are rich in gold, copper, diamond, and oil deposits, among others. For centuries, Africans and Africa developed their economy that produced food and weapons. However, Europeans that came to African in the 16th century had interests in natural resources like gold and ivory. Politically, most of the developing nation has been sovereign for an elongated time, but economically, a significant number of Africans nations remain in chains[6]. Over time, the MNCs have found the right market for themselves in African countries.

2.2. Conceptual Framework

There are various definitions associated with multinational corporations. MNCs make direct investments in international states[7]. Multinational corporations comprise of formulation from a parent organization and consists of a cluster of numerous branches or subsidiaries in different countries with a shared pool of financial, managerial, and technical resources. The parent organization operates the whole corporation in terms of coordinated and well-planned global strategy. Production, research, purchasing, and marketing, among other functions, are planned and managed by the parent organization to attain a set of long-term corporate objectives aimed at accomplishing the overall development. Multinational corporations refer to business companies, which uphold the value added-holdings in foreign nations.

Moreover, MNCs are businesses that maintain direct investments in foreign countries and have subsidiaries in over one country. A company is not entirely a multinational corporation if it only operates in foreign nations or contracts overseas firms[8]. Additionally, multinational corporations send capital, managerial talents, technology, and marketing skills to conduct production in overseas nations. According to Eluka and Anekwe, the authors support the same viewpoint and defines MNCs as organizations which engage in FDI and owns, controls, and manages value subsidiary companies in different nations[9]. Another definition of MNCs is any company that has productive activities in different nations that grow from its sovereign country to spanning globally. The core goal of multinational corporations is to acquire proficient locations for manufacturing facilities as well as obtain taxation concessions from the host federal state. The MNCs confirm the Marxists theory that viewed MNCs as progressive representatives of capitalism.[10] MNCs lies in the fact that its main headquarter is situated in one nation while the organization conducts out business operations in various countries.

2.3 Theoretical Framework

Multiple theories could be used to explain the relationship between developing nations and multinational corporations. Such approaches include the new trade theory, which according to Medin, the theory emerged in the 1980s, and emphasized that market failures and economies of scales are the driving force behind multinational trade.[11]Before 1980, international trade theory aimed at a business using different products between various nations and the comparative gain was held to be the primary driving force attributed to international trade. Any deviations from the perfect competition were believed not to have a significant effect on the conclusions provided by the models. In perfect competition, the market makes sure that resources are allotted most proficiently. Nonetheless, this transformed with when the new trade theory emerged. The new trade theory emphasizes that market failure and the significance of economies of scale like externalities and imperfect competition were the driving forces impacting trade.[12] The new trade theory is a crucial factor that elaborates on the development of globalization that MNCs serve as the primary agents. The theory implies that more impoverished and developing countries, such as Africa continent, may struggle ever to grow specific industries since they lack economies of scales enjoyed by developed nations. [13] The new trade theory indicates that federal governments have a role to play in enhancing new industries and supporting the development of primary industries. Hence, a developing economy may necessitate tariff guard as well as a domestic subsidy to attract the formation of capital-intensive companies. When the established industries receive support for a few years, such companies will be capable of exploiting economies of scales thereby becoming competitive without the government’s help. Important to note, Eluka, Ndubuisi-Okolo, and Anekwe indicate that new trade theory is not entirely about encouraging states’ intervention in the industry but is emphasizes the realization that economies of scales are the primary factor in enhancing the development of trade[14]. Accordingly, the theory also implies that free trade and government intervention may be much minimal desirable for growing economies that find themselves incapable of competing with the existing MNCs.

Dependency theory is a significant theory that explains the association between developing nations and multinational corporations. According to Eluka, Ndubuisi-Okolo, and Anekwe, the theory suggests a type of parasitic association, which exists between less developed and highly industrialized countries in a way that ascertains a continuous advancement of developed nations in developing nations. [15] According to Yusha, dependency theory — developed in the 1950s —implies that the development of rich nations is not often on par with the developing and developing countries. R. Prebisch —a principal articulator of dependency theory — stated that the growth of western nations does not necessarily culminate in the increase in most impoverished nations. He emphasizes that the economic growth in industrialized nations often becomes a significant hindrance to the developing countries. Prebisch explanation is found in the system that developed nations have been developed with the periphery. Therefore, the developing countries’ development has become entirely reliant only on manufacturing raw materials for developed nations, and ready-manufactured products become accessible through import.

On the other hand, Yusha indicates that Frank, Prebisch’s colleague argues that reliant countries offer cheap labor and cheap materials, and in turn, they get goods, money, and services from developed nations. [16] Such division of work is the primary description of the reliance and, thus, underdevelopment in African countries. The primary implication of the dependency theory is that African nations are undergoing underdevelopment attributed to the incorporation of the European economic system.

Johan Galtung’s structural theory of imperialism has two presumptions; the first assumption is that there is inequality within and among countries, including the ability to determine the living condition of a nation’s population; secondly, the variation resists change[17]. The theory presumes that the globe encompasses the Periphery and Center countries, with every state, in turn, having its periphery and center[18]. Under this theory, imperialism is comprehended to be the dominance link among countries in which the Core defines the conditions in which the periphery should exist. Hence, MNCs are conceived within this approach to serve as relaying strategies among countries[19]. The theory suggests that there is a division of labor, where the branch company in the Periphery country is concerned with making the available raw materials and securing markets for the parent organization in the Core country. Thus, when the conditions in the Periphery nation fail to allow the branch company to obtain the raw materials and market, it communicates to the parent corporation, which in turn, persuades the political elites in the Core nation to act on the periphery country. In other words, the theory suggests that MNCs will serve to enhance the national interests of the Core in the Center country, in the Periphery or act in a manner that influences the Center country to behave in a certain way towards the core in the border country to secure the interests of both the Center state and the MNCs interests in the Periphery country.

Lastly, Emmanuel established unequal exchange theory to show global transfers of value-hidden behind trade equality. [20] The theory asserts that the variation in monetary wages between developed and developing economies determined by trade union generates inequality in value transfer and trade. In international trade, when the developing nations sell products to developed countries below the value, the same commodities are sold to developing nations above the price value. For instance, in Nigeria, crude oil is sold at a lower price to MNCs who refine crude oil and sell to developing countries at very high prices.

2.4 Why Developing Nations are Attractive to Multinational Corporations

The first reason developing nations, such as African countries lure multinational corporations, is reliable with the neoclassical theory, which implies that nations with comparative unskilled and low-skilled labor will specialize in the manufacturing and exporting products utilizing their factor endowment[21]. International competition among labor-abundant countries like Africa transforms the nature of the factor endowment since it puts pressure on the manufacturing techniques enhancements to remain competitive, while at the same time pushing down salaries. MNCs’ primary objective is to stay competitive in the global market as well as elevate their market share globally. To attain this, developing nations, such as African countries, become an attractive niche for MNCs to expand their market. As the MNCs size increases, the management starts locating capital investments in manufacturing where the operational cost is minimal. Since the supply of labor is inelastic with regards to salaries in developing countries, African nations are increasingly becoming attractive to multinational corporations because they allow the negotiating power of wages. As such, salaries tend to reduce in African nations undergoing trade liberalization. The availability of cheap labor is crucial to low-skilled industry development[22]. Currently, most brand names, for instance, shoes and garments, are grounded in the developing nations and use production facilities in these countries. The cost of labor for only one to three percent of the retail price is paid by end-user, while profit margins are over 50% [23]. Notably, multinational corporations focus on the emerging niche in African nations, thereby locating their corporations in African countries. As the transnational corporations seek to elevate their market share through business expansion, which is a paramount factor for remaining competitive, the MNCs refers nations that fulfill the need for low production cost and easy accessibility to these markets. Developing nations also seek investment from multinational corporations to increase the nations’ foreign direct investment[24]. Arguably, with the decrease in financial grants and aids, the developing countries’ federal governments are focused on FDI, as it creates job opportunities and new sectors via skills and technology transfer, thereby helping in payment of the national debt.

2.5 Positive Impacts of MNCs in African Nations

2.5.1 Employment creation

MNCs have productive abilities in various nations[25]. The income and profit flow they create are part of the international capital flows moving between nations. Multinational corporations play an indispensable role in creating new types of jobs, thereby making employment in African countries like Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria, among many others. According to Ferdausy and Sahidur, multinational corporations create more than 12M jobs in developing nations[26]. Multinational organizations account for about one-fifth of the jobs in the non-agricultural industry and generate a significant number of opportunities in the production sector, particularly in technology. MNCs also contribute to enhancing employees’ health, welfare, housing, and education. Creating more jobs in developing nations helps in alleviating poverty, thereby enabling workers to afford suitable housing and education for their children.

2.5.2 Economic development

            Multinational corporations are considered a significant stimulus for developing nations’ economic growth. Inward foreign direct investment offers external financing for compensating the insufficient amount of local savings as well as international aid. Overseas development investment inflows are steady and more comfortable to service compared to portfolio investment or commercial debt[27]. In the 1990s, the FDI net flows to developing countries amounted to about 4334B yearly, showing a drastic increment in FDI in developed nations in 2010 to approximately $574B[28]. The foreign direct investment brings benefits to developing countries by contributing to the Gross Domestic Product, the formation of gross fixed capital as well as balancing the payments.

According to Rugraff and Micheal, FDI in developing countries has significantly transformed in recent years[29]. Recently, there is increased growing efficiency as well as strategic asset-seeking MNCs in Africa attributed to African nations’ ability to establish industries that are attractive to foreign investment. Notably, the share of foreign direct investment from developing countries has increased from about 10 percent of worldwide FDI in 2000 to over 20% by 2009. According to NCTAD, FDI in African nations increased by 63% over 2007[30]. Most of the foreign direct investment is through acquisitions, thereby attracting MNCs to invest in these African nations. MNCs are also making significant changes in their strategy, such as outsourcing their business activities overseas and increasingly disintegrating their value chains. MNCs are also shifting their competitive niche from regional and national arenas to international arenas, such as in African nations. The transforming change in FDI has had an indispensable impact on African countries’ economic development. Besides providing investment capital, foreign direct investment comes with market opportunities, technology transfer, and skills[31]. Foreign direct investment culminates in improved and better cheaper goods and increases competition, hence heightening consumer welfare.

2.5.3 Industrialization of exports

MNCs help in promoting the developing nations’ exports in which they invest. With significant links across the globe as well as manufacturing products effectively, MNCs play a vital role in promoting African nations’ exports.

2.5.4 Formation of capital

It is worth mentioning that money represents a significant economic asset in emerging economies. A considerable advantage of MNCs is their ability to inject capital into emerging economies, thereby bringing resources to these nations, which otherwise would have been unavailable and challenging to access global markets. MNCs invest a significant amount of capital in African countries. Research indicates that international multinational corporations are more profitable, productive, and expert more products compared to local industries[32]. Multinational corporations facilitate foreign exchange earning via trade impacts producing exports. By manufacturing products for exports, the balance of payments in emerging economies promote economic growth, thereby becoming attractive for potential investment. Lastly, multinational corporations offer instant access to international markets and consumers, which should have taken domestic companies’ years of speculation and attempt to gain access to foreign markets.

2.5.5 Research and development

Multinational corporations’ investment in African nations has had a momentous effect on the expansion of human resources (HR), industrial technology, and research and development (R&D). First, MNCs’ investment in African nations has culminated in the development and growth of HR on a large scale. It is worth mentioning that MNCs put emphasis on training workers and view improving the quality of HR as a critical factor in competition [33]. Although some African nations have quality personnel, most of the talents are utilized to undertake basic research. Accordingly, these talents fail to meet the requirement and requirements of the global marketplace. Thus, training offered by MNCs helps in developing African countries’ human resources as well as improving their talents. MNCs also bring improved R&D management to the African continent. MNCs do not have excellent experience with the latest and sophisticated innovation systems and global technology networks but also have enhanced management systems and strategies of research and development networking. Hence, MNCs’ training and R&D have a positive spillover impact on the R&D management of African nations’ companies. Accordingly, MNCs R&D and technology increases the overall industrial-technological use in African countries. Since MNCs R&D labs are technical intensive, these corporations elevate the industrial technology level of African countries’ economies by carrying out research activities.

2.5.6 Alleviating poverty and creating skills and competence

Multinational corporations play an indispensable role in alleviating poverty in developing nations[34]. MNCs not only generate employment but also encourage individuals to produce products required by their corporations leading to enhanced livelihood. Accordingly, MNCs help in creating competence and elevating skills through training. International investment offers managerial skills and expertise, which enhances productivity. MNCs prefer employing locals within the country, which they invest. Although inadequately skilled labor challenges the MNCs’ business operations, MNCs often offer education and training to local employees focusing on enhancing their skills[35]. As a result, there is the development of expertise and skills among African Nations’ employees.

2.6 Negative Impacts of MNCs in African Nations

Despite having positive effects in developing countries, MNCs had disputed impacts in the emerging nations, such as African countries.

2.6.1 Inhibiting autonomous development

According to Ferdausy and Sahidur, dependency refers to a situation in which the number of states that are trained by the growth and growth of another country place the reliant country in a backward situation exploited by the developed nation[36]. Arguably, according to dependency theorists, the present underdevelopment in emerging economies falls in the outline of the international capitalist scheme. International capitalism is a procedure that produces prosperity and growth of the Western nations and developed in industrialized countries at the expense or exploitation of emerging nations through the creation of poverty [37]. According to dependency theorists, multinational corporations inhibit the emerging nations from attaining proper autonomous development. Multinational organizations hinder local companies and existing and upcoming businessperson from engaging in the most vibrant industry of the economy. MNCs also elevate income inequality and utilize improper capital-intensive technologies, which contribute to joblessness.

 

2.6.2 Exploitation of employees and child labor

Critics argue that most multinational corporations venture into emerging nations to exploit their cheap labor and plentiful natural capital. According to Wangusa, due to high-demand by MNCs for cocoa, and since hired labor is expensive, farmers manage to use child labor in the cocoa farms to grow the output while paying less for work[38]. Not to say that child exploitation is the only labor utilized on cocoa plantations, but it exists alongside adult workers to cuts labor costs. Accordingly, due to the high demand for cocoa, MNCs often pay reduced devotion to workers’ issues and worries but focuses more on the quality and quantity of cocoa the companies obtain from Ghanian farmers. Wangusa indicates that in 2008, about 215M children worked illegally. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the proportion of child labor exploitation accounted for 25%. Malawi, Nigeria, and Ghana are among the African nations, where child labor is rampant, especially in the agriculture industry[39].

2.6.3 Polluting the ecosystem

Concerning the ecosystem, MNCs are polluters or environments in African nations, in which they invest their capital. Oil-producing countries, such as Nigeria, are among the most affected [40]. Although most experiential researches have paid little consideration to the role of MNCs in ecosystem pollution, Osabuohien, Uchenna, and Ciliaka assert that this is pivotal with the increasing inflow of MNCs in the Africa continent[41]. The issue of environmental pollution in Africa is high, as supported by Osabuohien, Uchenna, and Ciliaka, who reveal that 60% of the nations in the globe with susceptibility to environmental pollution are in Sub-Saharan Africa. The emission of harmful gaseous molecules like greenhouse gases (GHG) and Carbon dioxide (CO2), per-fluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride that elevates the risks of ecosystem pollution are contributed human activities[42]. The effects are severe; for instance, harmful gases in the environment culminate in health issues such as respiratory complications, food security issues, and reduction income among others. Among the primary contributors to the emission of CO2 and GHG are companies and factories owned and operated by MNCs.

2.6.4 Tax Evasion

The issue of evading tax by multinational corporations continues to produce debate despite the organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) strategies [43]. MNCs indicate that they pay their taxes dutifully; however, cases from African nations like Zambia indicate otherwise.

2.6.5 Cultural degradation

Among the adverse influence of MNCs in developing African nations is the deterioration of culture. For instance, in Nigeria, the operation and presence of MNCs have been felt in the nation’s most valued cultural heritage[44]. Some of the negative impacts of FDI on the social and cultural wellbeing of Nigerians and other developing countries include the MNCs’ ability to domineer in the form of cultural imperialism of the community. MNCs undermine the traditional norms of Nigerian society through which the states end up losing control over their social and cultural development[45].

2.6.6 Repatriating profits

Some of the MNCs not only evade tax but also engage in profit repatriation by siphoning the developing economies by sending a significant amount of earnings to their parent companies. As a result, this continues to significant deny the developing African countries’ ability to offer their population better economic and social benefits, such as good education, infrastructure, health care, and other social amenities.

2.7 Summary and Implications

The above literature provides a detailed analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of MNC’s operations in developing African nations. The research helps in analyzing the research question, thereby proving helpful information that will be vital in Chapter 4. Theoretical frameworks used are crucial in showing the relationship between developing nations and multinational corporations. Such theories include the new trade theory, which emphasizes that market failures and economies f scale are the compelling force behind transnational corporation trade. The theory suggests that African countries continue to struggle to develop economically due to a lack of economies of scale. Therefore, emerging countries may need tariff protection and grant to lure the formation of capital-intensive corporations. The dependency theory implies that a parasitic relation exists between industrialized and developing countries in a way that ensures the development of developed countries in African states through MNCs.  Hence, this research helps in conducting qualitative research based on previous research and case studies to identify the influence of MNCs on developing African nations.

 

Chapter 3: Research Design

3.1 Introduction

The section provides the methods utilized in the process of obtaining information essential in examining the objectives of the study. The purposes include the determination of the positive impact of the corporations on developing the African States, the examination of the adverse effects of the corporations on developing the African States, and investigating different cases associated with MNCs operations in the developing African nations. The methods include that study methodology, research design, participants, and the considered ethical consideration in the process of conducting the research analysis.

3.2 Methodology and Research Design

3.2.1 Methodology

The study utilized a case study research methodology in the course of investigating the impact of multinational corporations in African states. Often, scholars use case study design in the process of performing empirical inquiry aimed at investigating a selected phenomenon in a real-life situation[46]. The case study design would aid in investigating the research questions, including both the positive and adverse implications associated with multinational corporations in developing African countries.

3.2.2 Research Design

The study used a qualitative research methodology focused on making an inquiry essential in informing the issue under investigation. A qualitative research design focus on answering how or why making the research design effective in studies that aim at exploring a selected issue/ phenomenon[47]. Notably, the research employed a qualitative research design because the specific aim of the study is to investigate how multinational corporations impact unindustrialized African nations. Besides, the study involved collecting secondary data comprising of narrative and cases that enhance the verification of the primary objectives. The procedures, techniques, and strategies used in the analysis of the gathered information focused on the aggregation of the data collected and the making deductions from the garnered data. The study examined the content of different academic sources in terms of their credibility and relevance to the discussed topic and research objective by utilizing secondary analysis. Therefore, the study considered the information in different scholarly articles and journals for their application to the study topic. Logically, the study sought to apply the various sources presented by varying scholars in the gathered information.

3.3 Instrument

In carrying out research work, the instrument forms the essential components in data collection. Notably, different research technique utilizes various tools aimed at promoting the realization of a research objective. In this case, the study used the document analysis technique in the collection of information vital to informing the purposes and the aim of the research. Document analysis is a qualitative technique that involved the assessment of existing documents for crucial information obtained from the company, newspaper articles, books, government reports, among other verified documents[48]. As a result, document evaluation was the most appropriate technique of gathering information suitable in informing this research on the impact of multinational companies in developing African nations.

3.4 Procedure and Timeline

3.3.1 Procedures

The study used the secondary technique in collecting and recording qualitative information. The collection involved a review of past recorded information from government websites as well as conducted research about the positive and adverse influence associated with multinational corporation operations in African nations. Nonetheless, the study presents the collected data in the form of case studies, tables, and respective charts aimed at answering the research question as well as addressing the problem statement. The nature of the study aimed at evaluating the impact of multinational corporation’s operations in the developing African nations inspired the rationale for the procedure used in the study. Notably, the qualitative research technique was the most suitable for this study because it is difficult to collect relevant information covering a vast population; in this case, African countries.

3.3.2 Timeline

The table below demonstrates the timeline used in the completion of the dissertation from the beginning to the publishing of the research work.

Table 1: The chart illustrates the dissertation timeline

Activities July August September October November December January
Writing proposal    
Review by Supervisor      
Proposal Approval      
Writing the dissertation      
The dissertation review by the supervisor        
Dissertation correction      
Approval      
Publication              

3.5 Analysis

The analysis in the study involved coding and dealing with divergent data collected from different reputable sources. The coding process included the provision of the author’s findings in summary as well as categorizing and matching similar data. Information alignment enhanced the ability to develop comprehensive and tangible information with a capacity to inform the specific purpose and objective of the research. The process aided in dealing with the available divergent data, thereby informing the intent of the study.

3.6 Ethics and Limitations

3.6.1 Ethics

As a part of upholding ethics in carrying out the research, the study integrated necessary ethical measures essential in ensuring that the dissertation meets the criteria. The moral actions included obtaining a signed letter from the dean’s office as needed before carrying out research work in partial fulfillment of the program. Besides, the dissertation involved a high level of professional competence and scientific responsibility aimed at promoting the credibility and validity of the thesis. Other moral considerations included a high level of integrity as well as respect for diversity and dignity. Moreover, the study adhered to the necessary level of accountability as well as assured that there was no conflict of interest.

3.6.2 Limitation

Nonetheless, the research faces numerous limitations, including

  1. Limited available quantitative information essential in supporting the objective of the study. The availability of the statistical data would have enhanced the provision of supporting information regarding the topic under investigation.
  2. Time allocated to complete the study proposal, and the submission of the dissertation was limited, forming another limitation of the study.

3.7 Conclusion

The chapter has addressed the research technique for the research and outlined the ethical considerations for this dissertation. The section has highlighted the data sources for the study. Accordingly, it has justified the preferred gathered of data and analysis methods. In the following Chapter, the dissertation addresses the results of the investigation.

 

Chapter 4: Results

 

4.1 Introduction

The chapter describes a detailed analysis of the positive and negative impacts of multinational corporations in African Nations. Cases studies will be used to elaborate further both the adverse and positive influence of MNCs developing African countries.

4.2 Findings

MNC’s and Employment

MNC’s have been a significant employer in developing African nations. The chart below demonstrates the MNC’s Employment by sector in Ethiopia one of the developing African countries.

Figure 1: The Pie chart illustrates the percentages of employment opportunities offered by MNC’s in Ethiopia by sector (Data Source: World Bank group[49])

Training by MNC’s to Citizen

The figure below illustrates the training provided by MNC’s regarding manufacturing to the citizen of the nations in which the corporations operates in the developing African countries.

Figure 2: The Bar graph demonstrates the manufacturing training offered by MNC’s to the Citizen in the developing African Countries (Data Source: World Bank Group[50])

 

MNC’s Jobs Distribution in Rwanda

Distribution of jobs is another impact influenced by MNC’s operations in developing nations with the chart below, illustrating the job distribution in Rwanda.

Figure 3: The bar chart demonstrates job distribution in Rwanda offered by MNC’s (Data Source: World Bank Group[51])

 

MNC’S Contribution to Developing African Countries in terms of FDI Inflow

Foreign domestic investment is another area that has been promoted by the operation of multinational corporations in developing African nations. The table below reveals the FDI inflow in the different African regions in Billion US$.

 

FDI Inflow in US$ Billion
Year Eastern Africa Southern Africa Central Africa Western Africa
2008 $7.00 $5.00 $14.20 $12.50
2009 $6.50 $6.00 $12.30 $14.80
2010 $7.40 $9.40 $4.50 $12.00
2011 $7.50 $8.50 $7.60 $18.60
2012 $7.90 $9.90 $6.70 $16.60
2013 $9.30 $8.20 $13.20 $14.20

Table 2: The table depicts the FDI Inflow in US$ Billion by Regions (Data Source: World Bank Group)

4.3 Case Studies

Case 1: Tax Evasion                       

Zambia Sugar Plc

Zambia Sugar Plc is a branch of Associated British Food (ABF), which has successfully opted out the organization tax system in Zambia via a mixture of lawful and ingenious tax dealing, and significant tax concessions given by the Zambian government. Zambia is an African nation that is still stricken by poverty, thereby having a high number of its population living below the poverty line. The country exports food products such as sugar, and yet, over 45% of Zambian children are malnourished. Arguably, Andebo asserts that hunger and poverty cannot be eliminated if emerging nations cannot raise adequate proceeds to cater to the requirements of their population[52]. This cannot be attained if MNCs like Zambia Sugar Plc continues undermining the country’s tax evasion, and the Zambian government is incapable to regulate the various dealings the corporation utilizes to allocate more than a third of its pre-tax gains —more than US$13.8M yearly out of Zambia through tax haven subsidiaries in Mauritius, Ireland, and Netherlands. It is worth noting that the business tax in Zambia is 35%, and since 2007, ABF’s Zambian Sugar Plc has paid 0.5% of its US$ 123M pre-tax gains in the oragnization income tax, which amounts to ZK450M, or approximately US$90,000 yearly[53]. Besides evading tax, ABF sue the Zambian government and won a reflective tax break in the year 2007, thereby receiving a substantial refund of tax paid in the previous years with concessionary levy rates for intensifying its sugar estate and mill, under system of promoting investment and recategorizing its incomes as farming income in accordance with Zambian laws. From the year 2008 to 2010, Zambia Sugar Plc had not paid the corporate income tax. Also, through mystery management, Zambia Sugar Plc paid about USD2.6M since the year 2006 as ‘buying and management’ fees to a subsidiary Irish Sugar company, which seems an imaginary firm in Ireland. Zambia Sugar Plc also avoided its loan repayments in US and South African banks via Ireland, thereby exploiting the agreement of ‘treaty shopping.’ As a result, it inhibited the Zambian government from charging taxes on interest payments made by the loans. The MNC also made payments for the export agency services to a subsidiary firm in Mauritius, which has no permanent employees. Moreover, the organization sent its profits to its parent corporation, almost tax-free by shuffling the ownership of the firm via a chain of Mauritius, Irish, and Dutch holding firms, thereby taking advantage of tax agreement loopholes and tax regimes to evade tax on its payments of dividends[54].

 

Zambian Copper and Glencore

Glencore is a giant mining corporate listed in the London stock exchange, whose headquarter is in Switzerland. Glencore is a United Kingdom branch that owns 73% of Mopani Copper Mines in Zambia. Glencore’s Mopani mines sold copper to Switzerland below the market price and elevated its operating costs from 2005 to 2007. The audit showed that Mopani had sold copper at low procs to Glencore Switzerland under a deal between the company’s UK branch in 2000 [55]. The metal was sold, permitting Glencore to manipulate the advantage of Switzerland’s low tax system. Notably, Glencore stated that the copper transaction took place at an Arm’s-length, and globally agreed on prices. However, it is approximated that Glencore’s practices cost Zambian government about £76M yearly in lost corporate tax, which is more than the £59M the United Kingdom state offers Zambia every year[56].

Karuturi: Kenya

Another tax evasion incidence by MCNs involves a case of Karuturi Global Ltd, India. In 2013, the Kenyan government found the MNC guilty of evading tax. The Kenyan Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) indicated that in 2012, Indian MNC utilized transfer mispricing to avoid paying the Kenyan government tax accounting to £8M or USD11M in income company tax. Karuturi was found to owe KRA approximately USD26M[57].

 

Case 2: Environmental Pollution

Shell Gas Flaring: Nigeria

Gas venting and flaring are the burnings of related gas, which accompanies the mining of crude oil from oil exploitation[58]. The gas is considered uneconomical to improve by oil organization, and as a result, it is vented or flared to the environment. It is worth mentioning that Nigeria has more gas reserves, which release the excess the natural gas to the environment through the gas flaring process. The gas is released to the environment through smoke or pipes in wells. Under these circumstances, the released gas is associated with increased CO2 emissions, which contributes to global warming [59]. Communities nearing the oil exploration facilities complain of lung complications, vegetation burns, and crops stop growing. Gas flaring wastes not only natural gas but also adds substantial carbon dioxide emissions to the ecosystem. Besides, gas flaring is often incomplete, thereby releasing a significant amount of carbon monoxide and soot, resulting in pollution issues to the environment. In Nigeria, oil organizations engage in gas venting and flaring throughout the year. Adaora states that some of this gas burning from MNCs has not stopped for more than 40 years. Arguably, Nigerian citizens live next door to the ground-level and roaring gas glares, which leap high and generate black clouds of harmful soot to the communities. As a result, these corporations end up violating human rights by exposing Nigerian communities, particularly the Niger Delta community, in pollution-related health issues, such ss blood disorders, asthma, cancers, and chronic bronchitis, among other conditions. Accordingly, gas venting and flaring result in acid rain, which affects soil fertility negatively, leading to a reduction in crop yield. As a result, the Niger Delta community is prone to hunger strikes due to a decrease in food supply and fish populations that have declined because of water pollution from the oil companies.

 

Chapter 5: Analysis

 

5.1 Introduction

The chapter describes a detailed analysis of the results discussed in Chapter 4 of this dissertation. The review will be predicated on the positive and adverse impacts of MNC’s on developing African nations, thereby offering the repercussion of these merits and demerits to emerging economies.

5.2 Findings

From figure 1 above, it is evident that MNC’s contribute significantly towards job creations in the developing African nations. In Ethiopia, for instance, the MNC’s constituted 54% of the employment in the Agricultural sector, 28 % in manufacturing, and 1% in the hotel segment. Besides, 11% of jobs in the construction sector came from the MNC’s operations in the country, while 5 % of the total employment opportunities in the real estate were generated by MNC’s Investments in Ethiopia, one of the developing African countries. Offering training to the citizen related to manufacturing is another positive aspect prompted by the operation of the MNC’s in the developing African nations. In 2011, for instance, multinational corporations operating in Ethiopia and Rwanda contributed 60 % and 66% of the specialized manufacturing-related training in the country.

Besides, the MNC’s resulted in 65%, 27% and 39% of the training offered in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in the year 2013 respectively, which depict a decisive role of the multinational corporations The training culminated in a skilled workforce with a capacity to enhance the growth and productivity of the foreign companies operating the nations. Figure 3 describes the numerous opportunities and the number of jobs created in Rwanda by the multinational corporation operating in the country. In total, MNC’s have created approximately 97,665 jobs in Rwanda, distributed in different sectors in the country. As an attribute of MNC’s operation in the developing African nations, Foreign Domestic Investment inflow is another significant element contributed by the growing foreign company’s operations in the developing countries.  In 2013, for instance.  Eastern African nations recorded US$9.30 billion in FDI inflow from the MNC’s operation. On the other hand, the Southern African region depicted US$8.20 billion, while Central and Western African reaped big in terms of FDI inflow in the 2013 recording US$ 13.20 and US$14.20 billion, respectively. The FDI inflow depicts the positive impact the MNC’s have on the developing African nations.

From the above Zambia Sugar Plc case, evading taxes by MNCs aids hinders the economic development of emerging nations. For instance, in the case of Zambia, the AZF tax evasion inhibited the Zambian government from delivering health care facilities to its population, among meeting other basic needs. Accordingly, repatriating its profit and evading taxes depresses local salaries as it provided seasonal employees’ wages, approximating to 20% less than the indicated government minimum wage. It is apparent that through tax evasion by MNCs in African nations, such as Zambia, deny the emerging governments the ability to improve the economic and social benefits of its citizens. The significant tax evasion in Zambia denies Zambia the ability to offer education for her children, among other fundamental necessities. From the Karuturi case, it is evident that evading such a magnitude amount of tax could inhibit the Kenyan government from reducing its Value Added Tax (VAT), which targets the poor, thereby alleviating the cost of essential good, such as flour, sugar, cooking oil, and rice. According to the OECD Tax Convention as well as the United Kingdom Double Taxation Rule between emerging and developed nations, the principle of Arm’s length evades taxation, and inappropriate shifting of corporate loses or profits. The Arm’s-length focuses on alleviating the risks of double taxation. The Arm’s-length principle requires the MNCs to cooperate with the sovereign tax authorities by offering the required information. Hence, any attempt by MNCs to utilize such arrangements to decrease their tax liabilities attentionally is considered the breach of trust.

From the case of MNCs in Nigeria’s oil industry, it is evident that the gas venting and flaring results environmental pollution, thereby violating the human rights, Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) working under National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), and Nigerian’s Criminal Code Act. Firstly, Article 20 of the Nigerian constitution indicates that the State shall safeguard and enhance the situation and protect the air, water, wildlife, and land of Nigeria[60]. On the contrary, MNCs violate this constitution by releasing harmful gasses to the atmosphere, thereby exposing human water, earth, air, and citizens of Nigeria.  Notably, MNCs such as Shell violated the FEPA regulations for protecting the environment by releasing harmful gases to the ecosystem[61]. Article 247 of the Nigerian constitution offers guidelines on offenses against the health of Nigerian citizens. The law finds any person that violates the atmosphere by making it harmful to the citizens’ health or doing any act that believed to endanger the life of a Nigerian citizen guilty and liable of six months imprisonment[62]. Based on this Article, MNCs owning and operating oil production plants in Nigeria violates this code by releasing the toxic gases to the environment; hence, endangering human health and lives.

 

Chapter 6: Conclusion

 

6.1 Introduction

This chapter provides the dissertation’s conclusions and recommendations made from the analysis of different collected information.

6.2 Conclusion

The study focused on examining the impacts of multinational corporations on developing African countries. Therefore, the dissertation answered the three main objectives: the positive, negative, and the cases associated with MNC’s impacts in emerging African nations. The research found out that multinational corporations’ aids in creating jobs to the African population, thereby raising their level of living standards, such as better housing. MNCs also played a significant role in alleviating poverty as well as boosting the African nation’s economy through increased FDI inflows. The use of various theories, such as the new trade theory, the structural theory of imperialism, and unequal exchange theory, the researcher was able to link the MNCs and to develop African nations concerning development and economic development. The research found out that MNCs had positive impacts on the developing African countries, such as the creation of employment and alleviation of poverty. Venturing in African countries helped the African population to have jobs thereby improving their living standards, such as hosing and education. Accordingly, MNCs helped in boosting African nations’ economic development through a high level of export and increased FDI inflows. It was found out the MNCs exports more materials from African countries than the local enterprises.

Besides the positive effects of MNCs on emerging African countries, the researcher also identified the various negative MNCs have on developing African countries. For example, the study found out that MNCs engaged profoundly in tax evasion, amount to the strong amount of income corporate tax evasions. MNCs such as Zambia Sugar Plc, a branch of AZF, involved in tax evasion by using other departments from Mauritius and Ireland that had no physical existence. As a result, avoidance of tax affected the Zambian government, as it inhibited the state from providing economic and social benefits to its population. Notably, the research found out that the MNCs engaged in profit expatriation by violating the treaty shopping and arms-length principle. Environmental and cultural degradation were found to be other negative impacts associated with MNC’s operations in African countries. For example, MNCs like Shell Corporation was linked to Nigerian environmental pollution through non-stop gas venting and flaring from their oil exploration activities. As a result, Shells’ oil exploration activities violated the Nigerian human rights, environmental regulations, and the Criminal Code Act as indicated in Article 20 and Article 247 of the Nigerian Constitution.

6.3 Recommendations

  1. MNCs and the leaders of African countries should engage in an interactive discussion to increase comprehension and promote harmonious business association, particularly on ethical and moral ground.
  2. Developed African countries should make sure there is the availability of experienced, skilled, educated, and trained labors to attract MNs investors. Having skilled workers will also help in mitigating cases of employees’ exploitation through payments of wages that are below the African government’s minimum wages.
  • It is recommended that multinational corporation abides by the principle of arm’s- lengths, which emphasizes that MNC’s should provide essential information to the government of the countries the foreign companies invest. The data would aid in facilitating effective income corporate tax filing and the avoidance tax evasion.
  1. The fifth recommendation is that MNC’s adheres to the land constitution concerning the human right as well as comply with the African nations environmental policies, laws, regulation, and guidelines. The compliance would help MNC’s to mitigate the case of environmental pollution such as the situation of Shell’s petroleum MNC environmental pollution through gas venting and flaring in Nigeria.

 

 

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[1] Adjumain, A. S., and G. M. Henegedara. “The Role of Multinational Corporations in Developing Countries.” (2015).

[2] Costin, Harry, and Juan Carlos Herken. “‘Third World’ Multinationals Revisited.” Journal of Transnational Management 11, no. 4 (September 2006): 63. doi:10.1300/J482v11n04_05.

[3] Hart, Jeffrey A. “Globalization and Multinational Corporations.” (2015).

 

[4] Ferdausy, Shameema, and Md Sahidur Rahman. “Impact of Multinational Corporations on Developing Countries.” The Chittagong University Journal of Business Administration, Vol. 24, 2009, pp. 111-137

 

[5] Chukwuemeka, Emma, Rosemary Anazodo, and Hope Nzewi. “African underdevelopment and the multinationals–a political commentary.” Journal of Sustainable Development 4, no. 4 (2011).

 

[6] Chukwuemeka, Emma, Rosemary Anazodo, and Hope Nzewi. “African underdevelopment and the multinationals–a political commentary.” Journal of Sustainable Development 4, no. 4 (2011).

[7] Eluka, J., Ndubuisi-Okolo Purity Uzoamaka, and Anekwe Rita Ifeoma. “Multinational corporations and their effects on Nigerian economy.” European Journal of Business and Management 8, no. 9 (2016): 59-67.

[8] E. Ite, Uwem. “Multinationals and corporate social responsibility in developing countries: a case study of Nigeria.” Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management 11, no. 1 (2004): 1-11.

[9] Eluka, J., Ndubuisi-Okolo Purity Uzoamaka, and Anekwe Rita Ifeoma. “Multinational corporations and their effects on Nigerian economy, pp. 59-67

[10] Eluka, J., Ndubuisi-Okolo Purity Uzoamaka, and Anekwe Rita Ifeoma. “Multinational corporations and their effects on Nigerian economy, pp. 59-67

[11] Medin, Hege. “New trade theory: implications for industrial policy.” (2014).

[12] Sen, Sunanda. “International trade theory and policy: a review of the literature.” (2010).

[13] Ciuriak, Dan, Beverly Lapham, Robert Wolfe, T. Collins-Williams, and John M. Curtis. “Firms in international trade: Towards a new new trade policy.” Social Science Research Network, Rochester, NY (2011).

[14] Eluka, J., Ndubuisi-Okolo Purity Uzoamaka, and Anekwe, ‘Multinational corporations,’ pp. 59-67

[15] Eluka, Ndubuisi-Okolo, and Anekwe. ‘Multinational corporations,’ pp. 59-67

 

[16] Yusha, Victor. “The Role of Multinational Corporations and of the State in Promoting Human Rights in Bangladesh: A Case Study of the Rana Plaza Factory Collapse.” (2018).

[17] Galtung, Johan. “A structural theory of imperialism.” Journal of peace research 8, no. 2 (1971): 81-117.

[18] Rosenberry, Jack. “Core Concern: Structural imperialism and the impact of Sept. 11 on US coverage of international news.” (2005).

[19] Onuf, Nicholas. “Center-Periphery Relations: What Kind of Rule, and Does It Matter?.” All Azimuth 6, no. 1 (2017): 5.

[20] Ricci, Andrea. “Unequal Exchange in International Trade: A General Model.” No. 1605. Department of Economics, Society and Politics, University of Urbino, (2016).

[21] Habib-Mintz, Nazia. “Multinational corporations’ role in improving labour standards in developing countries.” Journal of International Business and Economy 10, no. 2 (2009): 1-20.

[22] Jones, Geoffrey Gareth. “Multinational strategies and developing countries in historical perspective.” Harvard Business School Entrepreneurial Management Working Paper 10-076 (2010).

[23] Habib-Mintz, Nazia. “Multinational corporations.’ pp. 1-20

[24] Habib-Mintz, Nazia. “Multinational corporations.’ pp. 1-20

[25] Tirimba, Ondabu Ibrahim, and George Munene Macharia. “Economic Impact of MNCs on Development of Developing Nations.” International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications 4, no. 9 (2014): 1-6.

[26] Ferdausy, Shameema, and Md Sahidur. “African underdevelopment and the multinationals”

[27] Narula, Rajneesh, and André Pineli. “Multinational enterprises and economic development in host countries: What we know and what we don’t know.” In Development finance, pp. 147-188. Palgrave Macmillan, London, 2017.

[28] Ferdausy, Shameema, and Md Sahidur Rahman. “Impact of Multinational Corporations on Developing Countries.” The Chittagong University Journal of Business Administration, Vol. 24, 2009, pp. 111-137

[29] Rugraff, Eric, and Michael W. Hansen, eds. Multinational corporations and local firms in emerging economies. Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press, 2011.

 

[30] United Nations Conference on Trade and Development [UNCTAD]. ‘World Investment Report 2009.” Available at https://unctad.org/en/pages/PublicationArchive.aspx?publicationid=743

[31] Rugraff, Eric, and Michael W. Hansen, eds. Multinational corporations and local firms in emerging economies. Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press, 2011.

[32] Ferdausy, Shameema, and Md Sahidur Rahman. “Impact of Multinational Corporations on Developing Countries.” The Chittagong University Journal of Business Administration, Vol. 24, 2009, pp. 111-137

[33] Ferdausy, Shameema, and Md Sahidur Rahman. “Impact of Multinational Corporations on Developing Countries.” The Chittagong University Journal of Business Administration, Vol. 24, 2009, pp. 111-137

 

[34] Tirimba, Ondabu Ibrahim, and George Munene Macharia. “Economic Impact of MNCs on Development of Developing Nations.” International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications 4, no. 9 (2014): 1-6.

[35] Kumar, Abhash. “Role of multinational companies in developing markets: a special reference to India.” International Journal of Applied Research. 154-157, 2015.

[36] Ferdausy, Shameema, and Md Sahidur Rahman. “Impact of Multinational Corporations on Developing Countries.” The Chittagong University Journal of Business Administration, Vol. 24, 2009, pp. 111-137

[37] Ferdausy, Shameema, and Md Sahidur Rahman. “Impact of Multinational Corporations on Developing Countries.” The Chittagong University Journal of Business Administration, Vol. 24, 2009, pp. 111-137

[38] Wangusa, Deborah Grace Awulira Mukhwana. “Multinational corporations, human rights and child labour in Ghana.” PhD diss., University of Pretoria, 2014.

[39] Wangusa, Deborah Grace Awulira Mukhwana. “Multinational corporations, human rights and child labour in Ghana.” PhD diss., University of Pretoria, 2014.

[40] Eluka, J., Ndubuisi-Okolo Purity Uzoamaka, and Anekwe Rita Ifeoma. “Multinational corporations and their effects on Nigerian economy.” European Journal of Business and Management 8, no. 9 (2016): 59-67.

[41] Osabuohien, Evans S., Uchenna R. Efobi, and Ciliaka MW Gitau. “External intrusion, internal tragedy: environmental pollution and multinational corporations in Sub-Saharan Africa.” In Principles and Strategies to Balance Ethical, Social and Environmental Concerns with Corporate Requirements, pp. 93-118. Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2013.

[42] Osabuohien, Evans S., Uchenna R. Efobi, and Ciliaka MW Gitau. “External intrusion, internal tragedy: environmental pollution and multinational corporations in Sub-Saharan Africa.”

[43] Ferdausy, Shameema, and Md Sahidur Rahman. “Impact of Multinational Corporations on Developing Countries.” The Chittagong University Journal of Business Administration, Vol. 24, 2009, pp. 111-137

[44] Eluka, J., Ndubuisi-Okolo Purity Uzoamaka, and Anekwe Rita Ifeoma. “Multinational corporations and their effects on Nigerian economy.” European Journal of Business and Management 8, no. 9 (2016): 59-67.

[45] Eluka, J., Ndubuisi-Okolo Purity Uzoamaka, and Anekwe Rita Ifeoma. “Multinational corporations, pp.59-67.

[46] Hancock, Dawson R., and Bob Algozzine. Doing case study research: A practical guide for beginning researchers. Teachers College Press, 2016.

 

[47] Eriksson, Päivi, and Anne Kovalainen. Qualitative methods in business research: A practical guide to social research. Sage, 2015.

 

[48] Hesse-Biber, Sharlene Nagy, and Patricia Leavy, eds. Handbook of emergent methods. Guilford Press, 2010.

 

[49] Chen, Guangzhe, Michael Geiger, and Minghui Fu. “Manufacturing FDI in Sub-Saharan Africa: trends, determinants, and impacts.” (2019).

 

[50] Chen, Guangzhe, Michael Geiger, and Minghui Fu. PP 20.

 

[51] Chen, Guangzhe, Michael Geiger, and Minghui Fu. PP 30.

 

[52] Andebo, Pascal Pax. “Presence of Transnational Corporations in Africa: An Assessment of Tax Justice and Poverty Implications in the Light of Catholic Social Teaching.” Topical Essay 2 (2014).

[53] Andebo, Pascal Pax. “Presence of Transnational Corporations in Africa: An Assessment of Tax Justice and Poverty Implications in the Light of Catholic Social Teaching.” Topical Essay 2 (2014).

 

[54] Andebo, Pascal Pax. “Presence of Transnational Corporations in Africa: An Assessment of Tax Justice and Poverty Implications in the Light of Catholic Social Teaching.” Topical Essay 2 (2014).

[55] Andebo, Pascal Pax. “Presence of Transnational Corporations in Africa, pp.8

[56] Andebo, Pascal Pax. “Presence of Transnational Corporations in Africa, pp.8

[57]  Andebo, Pascal Pax. “Presence of Transnational Corporations in Africa, pp.9

[58] Adaora, Iguh, A. “Gas flaring in Nigeria: An abridgement of human/fundamental rights.” Pinnacle Sociology & Anthropology, 2016.

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[60] Nigeria Law Org. “Constitution of federal republic of Nigeria.” http://www.nigeria-law.org/ConstitutionOfTheFederalRepublicOfNigeria.htm#Chapter_4

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Qatar University Mobilising and Sustaining Continuous Creativity Report

Question Description

I’m working on a Management question and need guidance to help me study.

 

Learning outcomes:

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1- Demonstrate the following knowledge and understanding

•Demonstrate a systematic understanding and critical appreciation of theories and models of creativity, innovation and change management in the context of contemporary organisations.

2- Demonstrate the following skills and abilities

•Synthesise individual and organisational theoretical perspectives to systematically promote the potential for creativity, innovation and change in practice.

Required to do in this assignment?

Both assignments are located in the context of (Petroleum Development Oman) to ensure relevance. Building on your recommendations from Assignment 1, critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise how creativity and innovation might be mobilised and sustained in the context of your work organisation (Petroleum Development Oman).

  • You are required to critically analyse, evaluate and synthesis how to mobilise creativity and innovation to support continuous innovation in Petroleum Development Oman. For example, application of climate models, and creative leadership in taking ideas forward through strategies, processes and the development of innovation capabilities that are directly aligned to sustain continuous innovation.
  • You will then need to demonstrate a systematic understanding and critical appreciation of the process of creativity and innovation drawing on contemporary theories to support your evaluation and synthesis.
  • You will develop a plan to promote creativity and innovation in the context of Petroleum Development Oman supported by contemporary quality academic perspectives. You will need to include an in-depth literature review critically evaluating alternative contemporary perspectives in order to draw meaningful conclusions and develop feasible recommendations.
  • Use a case study of your own choice.

*** Words count = 1500 words.

*** In-Text Citations and References using Harvard style.

*** I have uploaded my first work file named “Assignment 1”.

 
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RISK ANALYSIS & SECURITY RECOMMENDATIONS OF MOVING EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS TO CLOUD IT INFRASTRUCTURE

RISK ANALYSIS & SECURITY RECOMMENDATIONS OF MOVING EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS TO CLOUD IT INFRASTRUCTURE

 

ABSTRACT

 

Cloud computing brings for higher educational institution a wide range of benefits with new capabilities to incorporate in the educational process. However, the cloud services are vulnerable to a variety of security challenges. One of the key challenges that educational institutions face in adopting cloud computing technologies is a provisioning of a secure cloud infrastructure.

 

This paper discovers some cloud benefits in the education sector and discuss limitations of main cloud services as well as highlight security challenges that institutions face when utilizing cloud technologies. The paper provides baseline recommendations to avoid security risks efficiently when adopting cloud computing in institutions of higher education.

 

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315111319_Cloud_Computing_Security_Challenges_in_Higher_Educational_Institutions_-A_Survey

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

The importance of Cloud Computing is increasing and it is receiving a growing attention in the scientific and industrial communities. Cloud Computing enables ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. Cloud Computing appears as a computational paradigm as well as a distribution architecture and its main objective is to provide secure, quick, convenient data storage and net computing service, with all computing resources visualized as services and delivered over the Internet. The cloud enhances collaboration, agility, scalability, availability, ability to adapt to fluctuations according to demand, accelerate development work, and provides potential for cost reduction through optimized and efficient computing.

 

http://www.jisajournal.com/content/4/1/5

 

There can be numerous definitions available on cloud computing. A comprehensive definition is given by National Institute of Standards and Technology states that “Cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction”. From the definition we can say that cloud computing has following characteristics:

 

  • On-demand self-service.
  • Broad network access.
  • Resource pooling.
  • Rapid elasticity.

 

Cloud computing plays an important role in improving the quality of education to achieve required performance by offering many benefits for education. The cloud services and applications enable users to store and access their local data in the remote data center by using their personal computers, or mobile devices. In higher educational institutions, the stakeholder term refers to anyone who has access to educational services, including students, lecturers, researchers, staff members, etc.

 

There are various advantages may be granted when adopting cloud computing technologies in higher education institutions. Some universities have adopted cloud computing in their programs for economic purposes, while other institutions use the cloud to provide scalable and flexible IT services.

 

The benefits of cloud computing solutions over traditional technologies are:

 

  • Mobility: Nowadays students extensively use mobile devices to access data. Students want to refer textbooks, syllabi and even do their homework online via their Smartphone, laptop or tablet. Cloud-based classroom applications are the best way to facilitate this exchange between student and faculty.

 

  • New Services: Many colleges and universities today are starting to offer virtual classrooms via online learning and video conferencing. Cloud servers allow institutions to offer these innovative teaching methods that can be accessed by students from anywhere via tablets, computers or mobile devices.

 

 

 

  • Storage: Scalable cloud storage offers colleges and universities the ability to quickly expand storage capabilities. HE institutions have huge data to contend with, including everything from student and faculty information to course material. This data can quickly overwhelm traditional on-site storage options. Additionally, if a natural disaster happens or if a server fails, colleges and universities can quickly lose data that may never be retrievable again. Cloud storage also offers business continuity and disaster recovery.

 

  • Efficiency: Institutions of higher learning are looking for new ways to make their organizations more efficient.

 

https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/82674946.pdf

 

Even though the great benefits of using cloud computing in educational institutions, there are some challenges that hinder the wide scale adoption of this technology in various sectors of the university. In the current circumstances, it is not easy to track the variety security issues in cloud computing environments. The security issues are related mainly to three key requirements: confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

 

The confidentiality is defined as a set of rules that prevent unauthorized user from accessing sensitive information, while integrity is a way to protect data from being modified by unauthorized user and ensure that data are retrieved accurately and trustworthy, and the availability concerned with enabling authorized users to access data reliably when needed, especially during difficult circumstances and emergencies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LITERATURES REVIEW

In the past few years the concept of “Cloud Computing” has emerged as a viable and promising solution to the challenges associated with shrinking IT budgets and escalating IT needs. Cloud Computing is a model for enabling convenient, OnDemand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. Users can access these resources from any computer with a high-speed Internet connection while having no other connection to the hardware that holds the source software. Because computation takes place on a remote server, the user’s hardware and software requirements are much lower than they would be otherwise, reducing both cost and maintenance requirements. For this reason, Cloud Computing holds appeal for HE institutions seeking to reduce IT budgets.

 

Today’s students do not know a world without the Internet. Through programs such as Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, and Flickr, students already are well versed and frequent consumers of cloud-based technologies. Accordingly, they expect to have 24/7 access to digital technologies in their educational environment, including cloud technologies which support social media. In addition, cloud-based solutions can be very effective in supporting collaborative and cooperative learning as well as other socially oriented theories of teaching and learning. With the opportunity to facilitate these student needs, coupled with the cost-savings,

 

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315111319_Cloud_Computing_Security_Challenges_in_Higher_Educational_Institutions_-A_Survey

 

Cloud computing ensures that learning institutions do concentrate more on research and learning, rather than on implementing complex IT infrastructure. The cloud computing applications related to education will form the basis of future IT infrastructure in education to ensure the development of hardware and software environment. By integrating the resources through cloud computing, it will be possible to meet the high demand by utilizing the high speeds involved in processing the data thus reducing the pressure associated with the information explosion.

 

Cloud computing is used in the education sector for hosting learning management systems (LMSs) e.g. Moodle and Blackboard within the cloud. Most institutions outsource the providers of the LMSs due to the high costs involved in the establishment and maintaining such systems. In today’s world e-learning has been adopted at different education levels including training for firms, lifelong learning, as well as in academic units; E-learning solutions range from commercial to open-source. There are two main entities of the e-learning system including trainers and students. The students get to access exams, courses, and can relay their assignments online, whereas the trainers can relay tests manage courses and evaluate homework and assignments for the students and the two parties can communicate with one another.

 

Despite the advantages associated with cloud computing, there are also various drawbacks which should also be considered. The most critical concerns relate to vendor lock, latency, reliability, security, control, performance, as well as privacy. Organizations may hesitate from surrendering the control of their IT resources to external providers may end up changing the existent technology without the consent of the customers. Thus, because the users do not have any control over the servers, they depend on the provider to manage and update their software.

 

Additionally, there exist valid privacy and security concerns. Cloud service implementation on a large scale may not be possible until legal matters relating to data protection and privacy are addressed. Vendor lock, as well as failure is also another concern of cloud computing. Proprietary APIs are used by several cloud providers to proffer their services. As the number of providers increase, portability is bound to become more important. Further, if a provider who owns the data center where a user has saved his/her data fails, there ought to be adverse repercussions to the user.

 

https://arxiv.org/pdf/1706.01136.pdf

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIMITATIONS IN CLOUD SERVICE MODELS

 

This section focuses on some limitations related to cloud service models that disserve adopting cloud computing in higher educational institutions

 

Limitations in SaaS: Two key limitations may effect on deploying applications under SaaS model: data locality, and integrity. Generally, the user does not know where the service provider stores data and how can be assured that no one can modify it. The lack of trust between cloud user and provider is a critical issue that should be addressed when using SaaS. As a result, to avoid data leakage in the educational institutions the computer center in the university may host the SaaS application on its own private server or deploy it on infrastructure services provided by trusted third-party provider such as Amazon, Google, etc. For these reasons, most of higher educational institutions involved in this survey are using a private cloud, rather than public or hybrid cloud.

 

Limitations in PaaS: Although PaaS platforms provide flexibility for developers in educational institutions to accelerate development of new SaaS applications and migrate them to the cloud. However, the developers might face some challenges when using PaaS platforms. First, the cost is increased due to adding some new features enable developers to add and control own cloud-based applications.  Another serious problem that faces PaaS users is lock-in programming models and high-level services with the vendor who provides service. These models and services are depending on particular environment and need to be completely rewritten when migrating to another PaaS environment. This less portability reduces user’s freedom to migrate to another platform.  On the other hand, despite the fact that developers are able to build and control their applications on top of the platform, but they don’t know any think about security below the platform which still is assigned by the service provider.

 

Limitations in IaaS: Compared with first two service models, IaaS provides for user better control on security issues. The main factor should be considered the reliability of stored data in the provider’s resources.  The duty of IaaS model security is divided between service providers and their customers. The provider’s responsibility involves main security controls such as physical and virtual environmental security. In turn, the cloud user is responsible for applying the suit security controls associated with software including operating system, developed applications and data.  Virtualization technology is a fundamental of IaaS model. In a virtualization environment, when users are utilizing the shared infrastructure resources, this may lead to a cross-tenant attack. In this case, the attacker gains root-level access and then penetrates most of the tenants’ accounts in the cloud.

 

SECURITY CHALLENGES AND RISKS

 

Organizers in education sector are wishing to use cloud services that are not radically different from those services that totally managed within their own centers. However, they are in fact facing a range of substantial new challenges.  This section addresses the critical security and privacy-related challenges and risks in cloud computing.  To understand and successfully address the cloud security issues and its challenges in higher educational institutions, we need to investigate various aspects of cloud challenges such as threats, risks, and attack models. Challenges in cloud computing are categorized into four main aspects; Network, Access control, Cloud infrastructure, and Data Security.

 

Network Security

In this category, we are discussing security-related issues of a transmission medium through which the user can connect to cloud infrastructure. Provisioning secure medium prevents leakage of sensitive information during transmission. The most security challenges are associated with the network used as long as cloud-computing operations are totally depending on networks by which the users migrate their data to cloud servers. As data are stored at the remote cloud server, the service provider has to provide for users a protection way to keep data in safe from a traditional network-based attack such as DoS, Man-in-the-Middle attack, IP spoofing, packet sniffing, port scanning, etc. Table 1 below describes most of the possible attacks threaten cloud computing services. With regard to the risks of network security in a cloud environment, hacking and intrusion are increased. This requires the use of strong network security techniques such as Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols. Furthermore, adequate rules in firewall router, auditable access rights, and some security policies must be implemented to secure system and avoid service hijacking.

 

Access Control

Access Control includes important security issues such as authentication, identification, and authorization. Since authorized users have access to the cloud via Internet, this increases security risks in cloud computing. The insecure interface of the web application is vulnerable to expose an educational institution to unauthorized access. Furthermore, weak authentication mechanism might increase the possibility of an unauthorized access to data or services which are globally accessible and shared with other users through the multi-tenancy cloud.  For this reason, using strong authentication mechanism is a basic and mandatory requirement for any cloud system to ensure the privacy of user information and data stored on a cloud provider’s server.

 

The primary responsibility of the service provider is to protect cloud service and user data against unauthorized access. In current best practices, some good security solutions are recommended to avoid penetration such as VPNs technology, Privileged Access Management, Next Generation Firewalls, etc.

 

Cloud Infrastructure

This category entails issues related to the physical equipment used as a backbone for cloud infrastructure as well as the virtual software used to operate cloud resources. The cloud infrastructure involves main features of cloud service models and is particularly associated with virtualization environment. Virtualization is a fundamental technology used by cloud vendors to achieve multi-tenant architecture, where it divides the computing resources of cloud server into multiple execution environments. The virtualization-based cloud is not safe due to multi-user shared environment, where all virtual instances are on the same physical machine. One of the virtualization security challenges faces cloud system is a lack of VM protection, because multiple VMs located on the same computer, you cannot put a hardware protection device such as a firewall between them. Another challenge is due to a dynamic environment where VMs are created, terminated, or moved to another place automatically, which make very hard to monitor traffic and determine if the attack is accruing.

Common attacks that might threaten cloud infrastructure are Theft-of-Service, DoS, Malware Injection, Cross-VM Side Channel, Phishing, Botnets, and VM rollback attack.

 

Data Security

Data Security risks constitute the biggest challenge for adopting cloud computing in higher education institution. Some institutions still prefer to store their critical data into own repositories instead of moving them to a remote cloud. The cloud service providers have to prove to customers their ability to deal with various challenges related to data security. Several security issues have been identified and classified according to data states in the cloud: Data-at-Rest and Data-in-Transit. Data at rest refers to the data stored in the cloud servers, which need to be protected and to validate that an unauthorized user has not altered the data stored in the cloud. Especially, when data stored far away with no physical control over it such as in public cloud. In the state of Data-in-Transit, the possibility of data loss or leakage occurring is increased when travelling from one location to another. The major risk might face data security is the use of inappropriate encryption protocol and weak key in the cloud environment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATIONS:

The main barriers to cloud computing adoption are security and confidentiality of data concerns, privacy and regulatory compliance concerns, and reliability of the service provider. Overcoming these concerns requires not just preventive and immediate solutions but also proactive and forward-thinking approaches.

 

Techniques and guideline to overcome the barriers of cloud adoption:

 

Reliability and availability: To ensure that the services in the cloud are reliable and up and running well at all times, reliable cloud vendor is required. The chosen cloud service provider should be one that guarantees service level, uptime and availability 99% of the time. The chosen vendor should have redundancy of power, cooling systems, security system, servers, storage, excellent Internet connection, and fire suppression systems among other things to ensure that the required services are consistently and constantly available.

 

Providing security in the cloud: The university must be assured of tight, well-defined security services in the cloud before they employ the services of any vendor. These security services include identity management, access control as well as authorization and authentication mechanisms to ensure the right level of control within the cloud environment and that only authorized personnel can make any changes or additions to the data and applications in the cloud as a way of ensuring the security, privacy, and confidentiality of data. The service provider should have a comprehensive security infrastructure in place at all levels of the services they provide.

 

SLA management: The cloud vendors should give guarantee by providing service levels for all services they are offering and ensure to meet the requirements of the SLA. The SLA should be negotiated to meet the expected level of service quality and should include refund guarantees or some kind of penalties if the promised service level is not delivered. This will keep the service providers on their toes to meet up with the terms and requirements of the SLA and the clients assured of quality service delivery. Also, the copyright laws as contained in the vendors’ SLA and that of the location where the vendors’ infrastructures are located should be carefully considered before commitments are made.

 

Encryption:  This is the process of changing or transforming information into a form that cannot be understood by any unauthorized person. By using this technique, the data are translated into a secret code that cannot be understood by anyone else except those who have the code or password to decrypt the encrypted information. This will protect the data and ensure its authenticity and integrity, and further prevent the improper disclosure of confidential educational data stored in the cloud. Encryption is the main method used to ensure the security of data stored in the cloud.

 

Digital signature: Security and privacy concerns can also be overcome by using digital signatures, an electronic signature used to authenticate the identity of the user of the services provided over the cloud, by using this technique, the user must provide the appropriate login or access credentials before they can have access to the information or application they want to use. This will help to ensure the authenticity, accountability, and integrity of data in the cloud.

 

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/2158244014546461

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONCLUSION

 

Cloud computing is an emerging technology paradigm that promises to provide solution to the current financial crisis faced by HE institutes. The migration from traditional system towards Cloud Computing would enable the HE institutions to cope with rapidly changing software and hardware needs at lower cost. It would help to standardize and update the educational content, and help enhanced collaboration between HE institutes. The HE institutes expect to cut 20% of their IT budget by moving most of its applications to the cloud. This presents a major shift in approach and provides a major opportunity to increase organizational efficiency, improve agility, and stimulate innovation. Cloud computing represents an opportunity for universities to take advantages of the enormous benefits of cloud services and resources in the educational process. However, the cloud users remain concerned about security issues that represent the major obstacle that may prohibit the adoption of cloud computing on a large scale. As with any technology, Cloud Computing raises many concerns including security and privacy. Therefore, a comprehensive list of recommendations has been provided to avoid security risks efficiently when adopting cloud computing in educational institutions.

 

https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/82674946.pdf

 

 
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