Search results

This paper aims to examine the dynamic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and government policy on real house price indices in five emerging economies, namely, Brazil, China, Thailand, Turkey and South Africa.

The authors use the local projection method with a panel data set of these countries spanning from January 2020 to July 2021.

The number of COVID-19 confirmed positive cases raised housing prices, whereas government containment measures reduced them. Both conventional and unconventional monetary policy implemented by central banks to cope with the COVID-19 helped increase housing prices. These effects were strengthened by the US monetary policy via globalized financial markets.

First, while previous researches typically concentrated on developed countries, the authors investigate emerging economies where proportionally more people were badly affected by the pandemic. Second, a panel data set of five emerging economies enabled the authors to examine the dynamic effects of the COVID-19 crisis on housing prices. Third, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the influences of easing monetary policy on housing prices in emerging economies during the pandemic.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the technological change under development linked to the convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and digital transformation (DT) from the perspective of a scientific mapping in a context marked by the occurrence of an unexpected event that accelerated this process such as the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and its variants.

The study was developed under the longitudinal scientific mapping approach and considered the period 1990–2021 using as a basis the descriptors DT and IoT. The steps followed were identification and selection of keywords; design and application of an algorithm to identify these selected keywords in titles, abstracts and keywords using terms in Web of Science (WoS) to contrast them; and performing a data processing based on the journals in the Journal Citation Report during 2022. The longitudinal study uses scientific mapping to analyze the evolution of the scientific literature that seeks to understand the acceleration in the integration of technology and its impact on the human factor, processes and organizational culture.

This study showed that the technologies converging around IoT form the basis of the main DT processes being experienced on a global scale; furthermore, it was shown that the pandemic accelerated the convergence and application of new technologies to support the major changes required for a world with new needs. Finally, China and the USA differ significantly in the production of scientific knowledge with respect to the first eight followers.

The knowledge gap addressed by this study is to identify the production of scientific knowledge related to IoT and its impact on DT processes at the scale of individuals, organizations and the new way of delivering value to society. This knowledge about researchers, institutions, countries and the derivation is multiple indicators allows improving decision-making at multiple scales on these issues.

Advancements in enhancing regional port connectivity are crucial to fostering global maritime transport. The objective of this paper is to explore the complex relationship between infrastructure connectivity and the regional port of Thailand, specifically within the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

This paper utilised fuzzy logic in exploratory factor analysis and introduced a new factor based on shipping networks, port operations, trade and emerging innovations. This can enhance the regional port and facilitate infrastructure connectivity in the RCEP. The results of this study have been successfully applied in specific contexts involving port authorities and private shipping companies.

The study’s findings indicate key factors for enhancing regional ports in Thailand. These factors include integrating connectivity, creating spare hubs, addressing service issues, optimising logistics and supply chains, considering market components and leveraging the digital market. These factors are also crucial for promoting infrastructure connectivity within the RCEP framework.

This research presents a strategic framework for enhancing regional ports in Thailand and improving international infrastructure. This is the first attempt to examine the influence of infrastructure connectivity on regional ports by applying fuzzy exploratory factor analysis to modernise infrastructure, which is key to unlocking the region’s maritime potential.

After completion of the case study, students will be able to understand BRalu Profile’s product range, customer base and historical developments; analyze how BRalu Profile’s procurement strategy evolved and its impact on business profitability; calculate and compare procurement costs and evaluate their role in decision-making for different suppliers; examine how market conditions (includes domestic and international dynamics) and pricing strategies influence procurement choices; assess the pros and cons of different procurement options and make informed recommendations based on supply chain principles; and identify potential procurement risks (e.g. currency exchange rates and supplier reliability) and propose strategies to mitigate them.

This case study explored the challenges faced by BRalu Profile, a prominent aluminum profile products company based in Ahmedabad, India. It focused on the critical task of supplier evaluation, selection and the complexities of maintaining relationships with existing suppliers. This case study delved into the intricate dynamics of procurement decisions within the supply chain and their direct impact on the firm’s overall performance. It also emphasized the supply chain’s susceptibility to disruptions and their consequences on company operations and supplier selection criteria. The protagonist, Dhaval Choladiya, had to navigate the complexities of cost-benefit analysis to identify the most suitable supplier, maximizing the firm’s net benefit while considering nonpricing parameters. This case study revealed the critical importance of maintaining strong supplier relationships in a competitive market and offered insights into the complexities of sourcing.

This case study is suitable for an undergraduate or graduate-level course on strategic sourcing or supply chain management or a risk management module in operations, strategy or finance course (e.g. how to deal with input cost fluctuations).

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

CSS 11: Strategy.

The purpose of this study is to examine the structure of the international fossil fuel trade network (IFFTN) and assess its effects on CO₂ emissions and global trade patterns. This research integrates complex network theory with econometric analysis to explore the dynamics of fossil fuel trade and its implications for environmental quality across various countries. Specifically, the study analyses the roles of different countries within this global network, examines the relationship between trade volumes and environmental impacts and evaluates how advancements in renewable energy generation could mitigate these effects. Through this comprehensive examination, the study seeks to provide an in-depth understanding of the trade-environment nexus.

The study uses data on international fossil fuel trade from 2005 to 2020, which includes 74 countries categorized as high-income, low-income and Asian economies based on their roles in the global market. This research constructs the IFFTN, where countries are depicted as nodes and trade links as edges. The authors analyse network parameters, such as degree, density and clustering coefficient, along with trade metrics like strength and centrality. These parameters are integrated into a panel fixed effects model, with the robustness of the findings confirmed through dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) analysis.

The study finds that the dynamic fossil fuel trade network includes key players such as the USA, China, France, India, the Netherlands and South Korea. It demonstrates increased connectivity and dependence among these countries, directly correlating with higher CO₂ emissions. However, this correlation is mitigated by the adoption of renewable energy, particularly in Asia and high-income countries. The impact on environmental quality is mediated through scale, technique and composition effects, suggesting significant environmental improvements through enhanced industry structure, technological progress and economies of scale.

This study recognizes several limitations. First, the categorization of countries into Asian economies, low-income and high-income groups may oversimplify the intricate effects of economic status on environmental impacts. Second, focusing primarily on per capita CO₂ emissions may neglect other critical environmental indicators. Future research should consider examining regional variations and including a wider range of environmental metrics. This approach would offer a more detailed perspective on the nuanced interactions between economic development and environmental sustainability, enhancing the depth and applicability of the findings.

To address the challenges of the IFFTN and CO₂ emissions, several practical policy measures are recommended. Governments should enhance international cooperation by establishing global platforms for sharing best practices and initiating technology transfer agreements to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient technologies. Additionally, a phased transition towards more sustainable energy sources is crucial, involving increased investment in the renewable energy sector alongside incentives for adopting green technologies. On the trade front, governments should modify trade partnerships to address congestion externalities, fostering a shift towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly trade practices.

The social implications of the IFFTN are profound. As global reliance on fossil fuels continues, communities face heightened health risks due to increased pollution. Transitioning to renewable energy can alleviate these health concerns and the creation of green technologies, enhancing social well-being. Moreover, equitable access to energy-efficient solutions can reduce energy poverty, particularly in low-income countries, fostering greater societal resilience and inclusivity.

This study offers a pioneering examination of the trade-energy nexus across 74 countries, using complex network models to analyse diverse economic settings, particularly in Asian economies dominated by non-renewable energy. It identifies key market players and assesses their impact on dynamics such as congestion and market power. Additionally, the study explores the positive effects of renewable energy capacity on these relationships, highlighting its crucial role in driving sustainable energy transitions and enhancing the understanding of indirect trade-environment interactions.

This study aims to read ritual performances, built forms and cultural undertones of traumatic migration in the settlements of people at the periphery of mainstream history at Mattancherry in Kochi, India. Interactions between their culture, faith, location, ethnicity and community enterprise are explored. This study is essential in the context of negative social perceptions of internal migration and migrants.

The methodology is ethnography and includes interdisciplinary fieldwork of transect walks, participant observations, unstructured interviews and architectural documentation. Secondary references were community publications and scholarly journals.

Constant resilient rebuilding was possible through shared identity and community enterprise. Community temples, monastic institutions, volunteer groups and emerging high-net-worth individuals contributed to nurturing this identity. The temple rituals encouraged an egalitarian outlook. Throughout the settlement’s existence, the centrality of the temple and its religious activities remained constant. Community cohesion and endogamous practices create a cultural island distinct from the general population. Community enterprise also meant contribution to prosperity as productive citizens in the region and beyond.

Religion and shared history-based ethnic community enterprise for survival and prosperity postmigration are observed in this settlement. The conducive entrepreneurial atmosphere is set in its historical, cultural and religious context. This study can, therefore, provide insights for policymakers and academia about the interactions between culture, faith and history during the entrepreneurial process. The cultural context is explored as a backdrop of community enterprise posttraumatic migration, informing societal perceptions about migration and migrants.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between student perceived teacher mindfulness (STM), student mindfulness (SM), adversity quotient (ARP) and learner satisfaction (LS). This study likewise examined whether SM and ARP mediate the relationship between STM and LS.

A questionnaire battery of STM, self-reported SM, ARP and LS was prepared and pilot-tested. A cross-sectional survey of 2,000 students from four universities, three in India and one in the UAE was administered. In total, 713 survey responses after data cleaning were used for analysis.

The results from three-stage hierarchical multiple regression predicted that STM was the strongest predictor of LS followed by SM and ARP. The parallel mediation Model 4 from PROCESS Macro by Hayes (2013) was used to test the mediation effects of SM and ARP profile on the relationship between STM and LS. It was found that SM has a larger effect than the ARP profile on the LS of a student.

The results of this study show that learner satisfaction in the virtual learning environment can improve through interventions at the institutional level by reviewing the recruitment process of faculty and students, and at the governance level by adopting processes that help address teacher challenges such as stress and anxiety.

In the extant literature, the studies on STM, teacher mindfulness, adversity quotient and learning satisfaction are an under-researched domain, especially in the context of virtual learning. Likewise, the adversity quotient though an established concept has not been adequately studied on students in the virtual environment.

The primary purpose of this study is to assess economic inequality within the European Union (EU) using Big Mac Affordability (BMA) as a metric. By comparing the BMA across different EU countries, the study aims to highlight purchasing power disparities between core and peripheral nations as well as between high-income and low-income households. Additionally, the research explores the potential impact of income transfers on reducing inequality, offering insights for policymakers to address economic disparities within the EU.

This study employs the Big Mac Affordability (BMA) as an alternative measure to GDP per capita and disposable income for examining inequality across European Union countries. The methodology involves calculating the purchasing power of EU countries and residents by adjusting their disposable income with the BMA, derived from the nominal disposable income and the nominal price of a Big Mac burger. The study uses Gini coefficients, both population-weighted and unweighted, to assess inter-country inequality and the disparity between different income groups within the EU. Data are sourced from The Economist's Big Mac Index and Eurostat.

The study reveals significant inter-country inequality within the European Union, with the Big Mac Affordability (BMA) highlighting stark disparities in purchasing power between core and peripheral countries. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these inequalities. The analysis shows that EU purchasing power has generally declined or stagnated since 2000, with substantial gaps between different income groups. The study also demonstrates that targeted income transfers, such as a hypothetical 10% transfer from top-income to bottom-income households, could significantly reduce inequality across EU countries.

The Big Mac Affordability (BMA) index, while valuable, has limitations. It relies on a single product to represent purchasing power and omits non-traded goods and services, which can undermine its accuracy. This reliance necessitates complementing BMA with other economic indicators for a comprehensive understanding. Additionally, the index needs refinement to accommodate cultural and contextual factors. Future research should incorporate these elements to enhance the index's applicability in assessing global economic disparities and to explore its relationship with other economic indicators for a more nuanced understanding of inequality.

The study’s findings have significant implications for policymakers in the European Union. The Big Mac Affordability (BMA) index reveals substantial disparities in purchasing power across different EU countries and income groups. By highlighting these disparities, the BMA can inform more targeted and effective policy interventions aimed at reducing economic inequality. Specifically, the study suggests that modest income transfers from high-income to low-income households can significantly reduce inequality. Policymakers can use these insights to design equitable redistribution strategies that enhance economic cohesion and stability within the EU, particularly in times of economic crisis.

The study highlights significant social implications arising from economic inequality within the European Union. High levels of inequality, as shown by the Big Mac Affordability (BMA) index, reveal substantial disparities in purchasing power between core and peripheral EU countries as well as between high-income and low-income households. These disparities can lead to social tensions, migration patterns where individuals move from less affluent to more affluent regions and a general decline in social cohesion. Addressing these disparities through targeted income redistribution policies could enhance social stability and promote a more inclusive and equitable society within the EU?

This study innovatively applies the Big Mac Affordability (BMA) index to assess economic inequality within the European Union, providing a novel perspective compared to traditional measures like GDP per capita and disposable income. By focusing on purchasing power parity through the lens of a commonly available consumer product, the study highlights significant disparities in purchasing power across different EU countries and income groups. This approach offers a unique and practical tool for policymakers to understand and address economic inequality, emphasizing the value of BMA as a supplementary metric for analyzing and formulating economic policies.

Australian physiotherapy programs incorporate work-integrated learning within curriculum, with the aim to produce work-ready graduates. Recent research in physiotherapy has identified six domains of work readiness. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between university performance, paid work and work readiness, and explore the perceived contributions of university curriculum, work and life experiences to work readiness in those individuals transitioning into practice.

A mixed-methods design was used incorporating an online survey, and linked university performance data of completing students and recent graduates. The survey included personal and work data, a work readiness scale and Likert scales measuring perceived contributions to work readiness from university curriculum (academic and clinical), work and life experiences. University performance was calculated as the Course Weighted Average Mark. Correlation analysis examined the relationship between university performance, paid work and work readiness. Perceived contributions from university curriculum, and work and life experiences for work readiness domains were calculated as percentages of each Likert response.

Analysis included 129 surveys (51 completing students and 78 recent graduates). There was no association between university performance, work (paid and unpaid) and perceived work readiness (all p-values > 0.05). There was a high consistent trend that university academic curriculum (range 71–97%), clinical curriculum (range 89–99%) and work and life experiences (range 67–94%) contributed to all work readiness domains.

This study highlights the significant influence of university curriculum, work and life experiences on perceived readiness for practice.

Climate change, a complex global issue, has prompted a wide range of actors – from nations to tiny communities – to seek solutions to mitigate its consequences. The growing emphasis on collaborative governance has resulted in substantial research on the topic. This paper aims to address the existing research void by using a bibliometric approach to investigate the evolution of studies on collaborative governance in the context of climate change.

This study conducted a bibliometric mapping of research on collaborative governance on climate change issues from the first study presented in 2007 to the research conducted in 2023, using 222 articles derived from the Scopus database and Web of Science. Steps for comprehensive bibliometric literature mapping via the VOSviewer software.

The study includes a complete overview of significant themes, including the most cited research, contributions from authors, countries, and institutions, as well as network analysis including co-citation, bibliographic coupling, and co-occurrence. Notably, the study looks at which countries have made the most substantial contributions, with the United States dominating with 40 studies over the last decade. The analysis reveals that collaborative governance in climate change, emphasizing its importance as a tool for governments and communities to mitigate climate risks. This is consistent with research emphasizing the need for coordination across multiple players to accomplish effective climate adaptation. The paper focuses on nine diverse research clusters, including community engagement, urban governance, disaster response and economic implications.

This study is restricted to bibliometric analysis, which is conducted using sources from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Future research is required to investigate the use of additional databases that offer a wider range of sources. In the interim, this investigation provides an overview of the concept of Collaborative Governance, which has the potential to serve as a strategy for the adaptation and resilience to climate change in global regions, cities and urban areas.

This study conducts a rigorous bibliometric review that improves our theoretical knowledge and practical use of collaborative governance in addressing climate change. It reveals innovative trends, research gaps and important recommendations for future studies, strengthening the strategic approach to collaborative climate action.