Moroccan Context Research Articles

Prioritizing sustainability of renewable energy projects in Morocco

Purpose The purpose of the study is to examine the electricity generation potential of different renewable energy sources in Morocco, as well as to propose a novel decision support model to prioritize renewable energy alternatives. The aim is to provide recommendations that support Morocco’s energy transition strategy and assist policymakers in devising future sustainable energy policies. Design/methodology/approach The paper integrates the analytic hierarchy process with expert feedback to prioritize five renewable energy alternatives – solar photovoltaics (PV), concentrated solar panels (CSP), wind, hydro and biomass – specific to the Moroccan context. The model uses 14 sub-criteria clustered into four main categories: economic, technological, socio-political and environmental. The criteria were weighted based on inputs from local energy sector experts to capture the distinct priorities and contextual specificities of Morocco’s renewable energy landscape. Findings The study’s findings emphasize the dominance of economic criteria among Moroccan experts. Solar PV emerged as the most suitable option due to its cost-effectiveness and alignment with Morocco’s policies to support solar energy, followed by hydropower and wind. CSP and biomass ranked lowest due to high costs and limited viability. Research limitations/implications This study highlighted the need for quality data to support informed decision-making, as well as for a centralized database to facilitate access to consistent information on renewable energy projects. Practical implications It is recommended that policymakers prioritize mature and cost-effective technologies by establishing supportive regulatory frameworks and expanding investments in hybrid renewable energy infrastructures. Originality/value In addition to introducing the Analytic Hierarchy Process model for the first time within the Moroccan context, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research draws recommendations to assist Moroccan policymakers in devising future sustainable policies for the energy sector.

Digitalization of Public Finances and Public Procurement in Morocco

This article explores the impact of the digitization of public finances and the dematerialization of public procurement on the business climate in Morocco. Through empirical analysis, we demonstrate how these technological initiatives contribute to improving efficiency, transparency and economic competitiveness in a Moroccan context. Drawing on a robust methodology and data collected from a wide range of stakeholders, the study reveals a direct positive effect of dematerializing public procurement on the business climate. This process simplifies administrative procedures, reduces processing times and minimizes the risk of corruption, thereby boosting investor confidence and stimulating economic activity. While the influence of the digitization of public finances, while positive, does not appear to be statistically significant, it does include initiatives such as integrated financial management and budget transparency. These measures improve the management of public resources and reduce tax fraud, although their impact is more diffuse.

Earnings Quality in the IFRS Era: Evidence from Morocco

Purpose: the aim of this study is to determine whether the introduction of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by Moroccan companies listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange will contribute to improving the quality of earnings. Methodology: This study spans six years (2015-2020) and a sample of 27 listed Moroccan groups. Furthermore, we divided earnings quality into two main dimensions: on the one hand, earnings management, measured by earnings smoothing and earnings management towards small positive amounts; on the other hand, earnings attribute quality, assessed by accruals quality, persistence and predictability of net income and operating cash flows. Findings: The results of the empirical tests can be divided into two categories: On the one hand, the results of tests of the effect of IFRS on earnings management practices as the first measure of earnings quality show that companies use earnings management in the post-IFRS period compared with the pre-IFRS period. Furthermore, the results of tests of the effect of IFRS on the quality of earnings attributes as a second measure of earnings quality show that the various measures used appear to be of better quality in the pre-IFRS period than in the post-IFRS period. This indicates that the adoption of IFRS in the Moroccan context is contributing to deterioration in the quality of information. Practical implications: The authors demonstrate that the serious and rigorous adoption of IFRS by preparers, as well as training and seminars on the interpretation and application of each standard, are important to accentuate the positive effect of IFRS on the reliability of results. In addition, the findings provide policy-makers and stakeholders in the Moroccan financial market with an insight into the quality of Moroccan standards compared with IFRS in terms of earnings quality. Originality/value: to the best of the authors' knowledge, studies on the effect of IFRS on earnings quality in the Moroccan context are rare, if not non-existent. We therefore focus on this financial center, which mirrors developing countries, in order to highlight the effects of the introduction of IFRS on this type of market.

Bridging the Intercultural Divide: Sensitivity and Competence in Moroccan EFL Classrooms

Globalisation has thrust English into the spotlight as a lingua franca and amplified ELT calls to prioritise intercultural communication. Still, there is a crucial gap when it comes to giving teachers the Intercultural Communication Sensitivity (ICS) they need to help their students develop Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC).This study examines the Intercultural Communication Sensitivity (ICS) of Moroccan English as Foreign Language (EFL) teachers. The research investigates the gap between language proficiency and Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC). The study surveyed 39 EFL teachers using the AISS. Key results reveal that they possess robust ICS, which enable them to engage respectfully and openly with people from different cultures. The study also explored potential factors influencing ICS, such as age, gender, and experience in English-speaking countries. More importantly, no significant correlation was found between Total Sensitivity and Socio-demographic Factors. The results send a clear message to stakeholders that the Moroccan context is conducive to developing Intercultural Competence Sensitivity.

Quantitative Study to Assess the Socio-Economic and Environmental Impacts of Implementing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) System for Packaging: Case Study in Morocco

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an approach to environmental policy that requires producers to assume full responsibility for the costs of managing their products and packaging throughout their useful life. In Morocco, municipalities assume financial and operational responsibility for collecting and eliminating all household and similar waste at considerable expense. In this respect, integrating an EPR system in the Moroccan context, allowing a transfer of responsibility from municipalities to producers is strongly recommended. In this context, the specific research objective is to conduct a quantitative study to assess the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of implementing an EPR system for packaging in the Moroccan context. To accomplish this, the methodology entails estimating the amount of packaging waste generated and the recycled amount based on current recycling ratios. Then, the socioeconomic and environmental impacts are estimated by comparing the business-as-usual scenario (without EPR) and the EPR scenario with improved recycling rates. The implementation of the EPR system allows improving considerably the recycling rates of plastic, cardboard, glass, and metals from 25%, 20%, 14%, and 46% to 50%, 75%, 70%, and 60%, respectively. The estimated amount of household packaging waste (HPW) is about 1,16 million tons/year. The finding results are very encouraging, showing an economic saving of about 482 MDh/year. This saving is mainly related to the avoided cost of landfilling and the loss of revenue resulting from the recyclable material. Therefore, the economic savings exceed 455 Dhs /ton of recyclable HPW, with 2,894 jobs created nationwide. Since the EPR system will simultaneously reduce GHG emissions and prevent ecosystem degradation, it could provide an environmental saving of 196,4 million Dhs. These results underline promising prospects for integrating the EPR system into the transition to more sustainable, responsible, and efficient waste management.

Total ischemic time in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) or STEMI equivalents patients: Morocco's Landscape

Reperfusion therapy for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) or STEMI equivalents isn't always achievable within guidelines recommendations, a fortiori given lack of a unified system of care and the multitude of drop-off points. The aim of this study is an in-depth analysis of ischemic delays within our Moroccan context.

Convergence of public policies: Aligning policies and actors for sustainable financing of Moroccan SMEs—MACTOR analysis

SMEs are characterized by a number of flaws that threaten their survival and counteract them from reaching high levels of growth and development. Access to finance is the primary problem facing these companies in the Moroccan context. Aware of the effective and potential impacts of SMEs on the country as a whole, the Moroccan Government through a variety of actors has mobilized its efforts in a number of ways to support this population of companies. This study assesses the extent to which actors within the Moroccan SMEs’ financing ecosystem align to support these companies and develop their ability to access external financing. Using the MACTOR model, based on an in-depth contextual analysis and expert interviews, our findings suggest that Morocco’s SMEs’ financing ecosystem is skewed, with high levels of convergence between its components.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Pilot Psychometric Validation of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Questionnaire-Sexual Health (EORTC QLQ-SH22) Scale, Moroccan Arabic Version.

The Sexual Health Scale (QLQ-SH22) is the only cancer-specific measure of sexual health. It has never been translated into Arabic. In order to envisage effective healthcare strategies that improve sexual quality of life, the validation of the Moroccan version of this scale is a crucial step in exploring the influence of cancer and its treatment on patients in the Moroccan context. In this regard, this study aimed to validate a Moroccan Arabic version among patients with cancer. A total of 280 Moroccan patients with cancer participated in this study from August 2022 to April 2023. The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the QLQ-SH22 was performed following the EORTC guidelines. Psychometric validation was explored using the reliability of internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). The analysis revealed a greater internal consistency for both sexual satisfaction (α = 0.83) and sexual pain (α = 0.86). The intraclass correlation coefficient indicated an excellent level of test-retest reliability (from 0.925 to 0.993). The CFA demonstrated high-performing model fit indices (χ2/df = 1.17, SRMR = 0.05, RMSEA = 0.035, GFI = 0.94, CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.99, IFI = 0.99, NFI = 0.94). The concurrent validity between the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-SH22 confirmed a strong correlation between the fatigue scales in both questionnaires (r = 0.69). This version showed good discrimination between known groups. The QLQ-SH22 Moroccan Arabic version has demonstrated a high level of reliability and validity, and therefore it is now ready for use.

The impact of public spending on economic growth in Morocco from 1960 to 2022: An ARDL bounds approach

The impact of public spending on economic growth is a major topic in macroeconomics that has been debated for a long time. This debate has recently intensified particularly in the Moroccan context. This research examines how public spending has affected economic growth in Morocco from 1960 to 2022. To achieve this objective, we have selected a quantitative approach with an econometric analysis to assess the variables in question. Research methodology employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach. This study analyzes at a time the short- and long-run effects of public spending on economic growth using time-series data. The study's findings indicate a significant and positive impact of public expenditures on economic growth both in the short- and long- run. The results of this study are consistent with earlier studies despite using different variables that support the validity of our findings. Our research provides robust insights into the dynamics of public spending and economic growth in Morocco by spanning such an extensive period. The ARDL bounds testing approach allows for a nuanced understanding of the immediate and delayed effects of public expenditures. The findings of this research underscore the importance of public spending in fostering economic growth and highlight the potential benefits of maintaining or increasing such expenditures.

The Governance of Territorial Networks of Organisations: Case of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Region

This work focuses on the governance of territorial networks of organizations in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region in Morocco. By examining this specific case, we seek to understand how regional governance structures influence collaboration and coordination between organizations operating in this territory. To understand this subject in depth, it is crucial to look at the governance of territorial networks of organizations, drawing inspiration from both international experiences and the specificities of the Moroccan context. Our research is based on a descriptive literature review beginning by defining the foundations of the governance of territorial networks, including the conceptualization of the term, their typological diversity, and their different forms. Then, by examining international experiences in governance, through the study of cases such as that of France, Italy, the Basque Countries, and the German model. Finally, by tracing the history of the development of territorial networks of organizations in Morocco, while highlighting the needs, trends, and potential of each of the entities making up the clusters.

Opinions of Patients, Families and Healthcare Professionals on Family Involvement in the Care of Patients Hospitalized in a Moroccan University Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Observational Survey.

Opinion surveys on family participation in care in non-Western countries are rare. This study aims to assess the opinions of patients, families, and healthcare professionals regarding family involvement in care to identify their preferences and the associated factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted over eight months involving 717 participants, using structured questionnaires at the Acute Assessment Unit of a university hospital in Morocco. Comparative analyses examined the association between participant characteristics and the preferences of care categories. Poisson regression was applied to determine factors associated with participant preferences. Attitudes toward family participation in care were positive, with an average score of 3.62 ± 0.43 on a 4-point Likert scale. Healthcare professionals were more favorable towards family participation, with an average of 10.6 ± 2.44 types of care, compared to 7.17 ± 1.96 for families and 5.71 ± 2.16 for patients. Participants' opinions converged on a set of simple and less technical care tasks. Factors significantly associated with patient preferences in the final adjustment model (p < 0.05) included frailty, loss of autonomy, length of stay, and regular and continuous (day and night) family presence. This study highlights the strong support of health professionals, patients, and families for family participation in care. Understanding these preferences and related factors is essential to maximize family participation and develop a model of Patient And Family Centered Care adapted to the Moroccan context.

Study of Knowledge, Attitudes, Acceptability and Preference of Home-based HPV Self-Sampling Among a Population of Moroccan Women.

In Morocco, cervical cancer screening rate is still low, which determines the need to adopt new screening approaches. Vaginal self-sampling for HPV testing is one of these strategies. Anticipating changes in screening plans for CC, we would like to present to health authorities a global view about the acceptability and preference of vaginal self-sampling for HPV testing among a population of Moroccan women. The aim of this pilot study is to assess the acceptability and preference of vaginal self-sampling for HPV testing among a population of Moroccan women. A cross-sectional study surveyed 400 Moroccan women aged between 25 and 65years, who are recruited from various healthcare facilities in three Moroccan regions, between March and November 2022. Data were collected via interviews, using a questionnaire. Among the 400 participants, 380 (95%) were ready to undergo a vaginal self-sampling for HPV testing. Among participants who expressed their willingness to perform this test, 295 (73.6%) prefer to carry out it at home. A decreased likelihood of HPV self-sampling was determined by belief that only women with vaginal discharge or bleeding need to be screened. Age, marital status, perceived severity of CC, practice CC screening, and perceived self-efficacy were identified as the main factors influencing the preference for home based vaginal self-sampling for HPV testing. Vaginal self-sampling for HPV testing is an alternative option that could overcome a set of screening barriers defined in the Moroccan context, in order to increase CC screening coverage.

Enhancing English Language Proficiency through Online Games: Younger Learners from Marrakech as a Case Study

In this globalized and digitally transformed era, English language proficiency has become a crucial skill, serving as a gateway to international communication, educational opportunities and career advancement. This study explores the connection between online games and English language acquisition, specifically in the Moroccan context. It also highlights how the integration of technology and interactive gaming methodologies has shaped language learning. Various online games and platforms, such as Minecraft, Among Us, Fortnite, Roblox, and many more online interactive games, are considered within the broader context of this study. These games are presented as interactive mediums where learners can immerse themselves in authentic English language environments, interact with players worldwide, and practice language skills meaningfully. The research is supported by a case study conducted within the Moroccan context, precisely in Marrakech, aiming to test the effectiveness of interactive gaming for English language learning. The case study involves young Moroccans who actively engage with various interactive games, demonstrating how such experiences influence English language proficiency. Using a mixed-method approach, this study underscores the potential of online interactive games to enhance English language proficiency among young Moroccan learners. It advocates for the adoption of innovative pedagogical methods that incorporate interactive gaming experiences to promote digital literacy, linguistic proficiency, and intercultural competence. This research offers valuable insights and practical recommendations for language educators and learners striving to enhance language proficiency in this rapidly evolving world.

Effects of Psychosocial Risks on the Performance of Teacher-Researchers: Moroccan Context

In recent years, the concept of psychosocial risks has assumed enormous importance in working life. Indeed, PSR at work has become almost synonymous with work life and more specifically work stress, and it is widely accepted that work experiences can have a major impact on the psychological health of employees. Psychological risks are the human pressures that arise as a result of implementing an organization's strategy, and take different forms such as anxiety, pressure, violence, mental load and poor communication, musculoskeletal disorders and other pressures that are transmitted differently among employees depending on their position in the organization. Thus, mental health is an integral part of health and a state of happiness. In this state, a person can achieve self-actualization, overcome the normal pressures of life, engage in productive work and contribute to community life. Its degree is determined by social, psychological and biological factors. In the workplace, it is associated with psychosocial risk (PSR), which can cause a variety of discomforts and negative emotions about work. The assessment of PSR in the workplace is necessary, their identification allows to take preventive measures to have an objective impact on absenteeism, performance, productivity and health of workers and organizations In this sense, the objective of this work is to evaluate the prevalence of work-related psychological organizational constraints in the group of practicing teachers based on the Karasek model. This is a cross-sectional survey with data from 100 qualified teachers in elementary school, secondary schools and universities. The respondents were informed in advance of the purpose of the survey and the anonymity of the data. They are teachers, men and women of all ages, different learning levels, different cycles, different teaching professions and different levels of experience.

Attitudes, practices and perceived barriers toward implementing non-pharmacological management for rheumatoid arthritis among rheumatologists: an online cross-sectional survey.

Our study aimed to evaluate the integration level of non-pharmacological management (NPM) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), analyze attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers towards NPM implementation, and identify factors contributing to the underutilization of non-pharmacological treatment in RA. A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among rheumatologists in Morocco. Rheumatologists received an online questionnaire gathering sociodemographic data, NPM integration level for RA, exploring their attitudes, practices and perceived barriers regarding the integration of NPM for RA, using a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5. Univariate analyses were conducted to identify risk factors for under-integration of NPM for RA. Out of 440 questionnaires sent, 132 rheumatologists responded to the survey (mean age of 44 ±12 years, 112 (84.8%) females, median professional experience of 15 years [4.7; 26.3]) with a response rate of 30%. All rheumatologists agreed on the importance of NPM integration into their practice with 130 (98.5%) supporting the necessity of tailored recommendations of NPM of RA for the Moroccan context. Sixty-nine (52.3%) reported a lack of NPM integration for RA. Only 36 (27.3%) consistently provided personalized NPM from RA diagnosis and 47 (35.6%) involved patients in decision-making. Comment perceived barriers included difficulties in organizing multidisciplinary care (122; 92.4%), difficulties with time management in consultation (119; 90.2%), and lack of multidisciplinary team members (116; 87.9%). In univariate analysis, lack of suitable training and lack of knowledge on NPM of RA were risk factors of under-integration of NPM of RA with respectively an odds ratio (OR) of 0.09, 95% CI: 0.01-0.86 and OR of 0.34, 95% CI: 0.15-0.76. Our study revealed significant insufficiencies in the integration of NPM of RA among Moroccan rheumatologists. Perceived barriers, including insufficient training, lack of knowledge, and infrastructural limitations, hinder effective implementation. Addressing these through tailored education and multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for improving RA management.

’’I’m a Woman. Man, Woman, M–Woman.’’ – Identity, Sexuality, and the Body in the Short Fiction of Malika Moustadraf

ABSTRACT This article reads Malika Moustadraf’s recently translated collection of short stories as an instance of a new generation of Moroccan female writing that subverts conventional expectations of female fiction and understanding of gender identities in Morocco. Following a narrative criticism approach, the article investigates how Moustadraf uses fiction to communicate an identity crisis when the experiences of the body toggle between desire and disgust, rot and purity, and ultimately, life and delusion. In Moroccan fiction, identity, the body, and sexuality have often been considered a male territory, mostly explored through male lenses. By tackling issues of gender fluidity, cybersex, and body relations in the Moroccan context as early as the beginning of the twenty-first century, Moustadraf’s short stories contribute to an avant-garde female literary tradition that would only gain ground about two decades later. While female writing has long been conditioned by social expectations for language and themes to be feminine, Moustadraf stands out by breaking through the boundaries of taboo identities and excessively polished writing. A close reading of Moustadraf’s long-lost works provides a fresh perspective on the development of Moroccan fiction and gender consciousness in contemporary Morocco.

English Reading Skills and their Influence on German Reading Proficiency: A Case Study of Moroccan Middle School Students

This study investigated the relationship between English and German reading comprehension among Moroccan middle school students. The primary objective was to examine whether proficiency in one language influenced performance in the other. A correlational design was employed, with data collected from 92 students at Ibn Rochd Middle School in Sidi Kacem. Participants completed standardized reading tests in both languages, assessing a range of comprehension skills. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between the two variables. Results indicated a lack of significant correlation between English and German reading scores, suggesting that shared alphabetic features do not necessarily translate into direct transferability of reading skills. These findings challenge the notion of automatic language transfer and emphasize the complex nature of bilingual reading development. The study highlights the need for further research to investigate factors influencing language transfer in the Moroccan context, such as instructional practices, curriculum design, and individual differences. Implications for teachers, syllabus designers, and educational stakeholders are discussed.

Assessment of building design strategies to enhance energy efficiency and thermal comfort: Case study in Morocco’s climate zones

Energy efficiency in the context of building design is a significant concern in Morocco. This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of how various design variables can impact both energy consumption and thermal comfort in the Moroccan context. Rather than isolating individual design variables, we investigate synergistic combinations of these variables. To achieve this, we develop multiple building design scenarios, each employing different combinations of design options, focusing on building orientation, window-to-wall ratio, building envelope construction, and window shading. We use EnergyPlus to conduct energy simulations for all scenarios under the hypothesis of air-conditioned houses and free-running houses with and without natural ventilation. Our results reveal that building design has the potential to significantly enhance energy efficiency and thermal comfort, but not for the same design strategies. In comparison to the most energy-efficient design scenario, the least favorable design scenario can lead to an increase in energy consumption between 237% in Agadir and 130% in Ifrane. Meanwhile, design scenarios favoring comfort can increase the number of comfortable hours by 85% in Agadir and 59% in Ifrane. We identify optimal building design scenarios that simultaneously offer the highest comfort levels with the lowest energy requirements. The findings provide valuable guidance for architects, allowing them to design high-performance buildings in all climate zones in Morocco.

The Impact of Tax Pressure on Long-Term Economic Growth in Morocco

Despite the tax reform in the 1980s, the Moroccan tax system still suffers from structural vulnerabilities that have led to inefficient tax policies and increasing sectoral disparities, which have led to an increase in the tax pressure rates between 1990 and 2020. To overcome these vulnerabilities, and according to the recommendations of the 2019 National Tax Conference, the Moroccan tax system has been recently restructured, with the aim of strengthening the principles of equity and tax efficiency. The main objective of this paper is to determine the impact of the tax pressure on long-term economic growth in Morocco from 1990 to 2020. To do so, the methodology adopted in this work consists of verifying the effect of the tax pressure on economic growth through a quantitative methodology based on two vector autoregression approaches: the vector autoregression model (VAR) and the vector error correction model (VECM). The results of this study confirm that the effect of fiscal pressure on economic growth in Morocco is not significant in the long run, and therefore, we can deduce that taxation is not yet a well-mastered instrument for the state to act on the economic sphere. The results show a complex relationship between tax pressures and economic growth in Morocco, underlining the importance of tax reform. However, the research is limited by the specific models and the need to explore other determinants. The contribution of this paper lies in its in-depth empirical analysis of fiscal pressure and its influence on long-term economic growth in Morocco, as based on VAR and VECM modeling. This econometric approach makes it possible to isolate the dynamic effects and responses of economic variables over time, offering an understanding of the interactions between tax policy and long-term economic growth. By focusing specifically on the Moroccan context, this study offers an original perspective and helps to fill the gap in the empirical research in this area while providing a valuable analytical framework for assessing fiscal policies and their impact on long-term economic growth.

Mediatized Eurocentric Beauty Ideals and their Effects on African Women: Demystifying the Moroccan Context

This research investigates the profound influence of Eurocentric beauty ideals, propagated predominantly through mainstream media, on the self-perception and body image of Moroccan women. Focusing on a sample of 134 females, the study examines how exposure to these ideals through media outlets, such as television, and social media impacts beauty and self-perception. The findings highlight several critical dynamics. Firstly, there is a significant negative correlation between high exposure and both self-esteem and body image, indicating that greater consumption of Western media is associated with lower self-esteem and more negative body image perceptions. Secondly, our research reveals that Moroccan women experience substantial pressure from social media as well as their inner circle to conform to certain beauty standards, which adversely affects their psychological health and perception of beauty. Finally, the study identifies age and education as significant moderators in how media exposure affects women, suggesting that these factors may offer some resilience against the negative impact of media. These insights underscore the need for a broader representation in media to foster healthier self-perceptions and challenge the dominance of Eurocentric beauty standards.