Dlorah Jenkins, Marcus Marktanner, Almuth D. Merkel and David Sedik
Quantifying the burden of war (BOW) beyond battle deaths is often impossible in ongoing conflicts. Consequently, indirect consequences of war can be overlooked in public BOW…
Abstract
Purpose
Quantifying the burden of war (BOW) beyond battle deaths is often impossible in ongoing conflicts. Consequently, indirect consequences of war can be overlooked in public BOW discussions. This paper aims to introduce a simulation model to estimate indirect child mortality attributable to war. Yemen was chosen as the example case because indirect child mortality from war likely outpaces direct casualties in the Yemen conflict.
Design/methodology/approach
A fixed effects panel regression was used to estimate elasticities between child mortality rate (CMR) (the rate of deaths among children under five years of age, per 1,000 live births) and two effects of war assumed to have the greatest explanatory power toward CMR: economic deterioration (measured by changes GDP per capita) and conflict magnitude (via the Major Episodes of Political Violence dataset). These elasticities were then used in a model to estimate the CMR in Yemen up to the year 2020.
Findings
Regression results suggest that Yemen’s CMR increased by more than 50 per cent from 54.2 in 2010 to 83.9 in 2017. If this trend continues, the mean CMR will almost double from its 2010 value to 102.9 in 2020. By 2020, the model estimates cumulative child deaths at over 185,000.
Originality/value
Lack of information about the indirect consequences of war biases the tradeoff between humanitarian and military objectives toward the latter. This information asymmetry can prolong conflicts. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to more informed debate and humanitarian programming by making vital information accessible to the public and decision-makers.
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Andrea Sestino, David Tuček and Stefano Bresciani
This paper aims to unveil the darker side of cryptocurrencies by delving into its role as an obstacle to investments in Middle East and African (MEAs) countries, unravelling the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to unveil the darker side of cryptocurrencies by delving into its role as an obstacle to investments in Middle East and African (MEAs) countries, unravelling the challenges involved. Indeed, despite the rise of blockchain-related technologies, specifically cryptocurrencies, having undeniably unlocked new avenues for business and society, crypto for venture funding purposes may exhibit a “dark side” due to their use for unethical purposes, for example, money laundering or terrorism financing, largely diffused in certain areas of MEA countries.
Design/methodology/approach
Through an explorative research design, using a mix of techniques based on both qualitative and interpretive methods, we conducted in-depth interviews among 33 European managers of companies engaged in MEA markets or aspiring to invest in such foreign markets, to analyse their thoughts, perceptions and possible strategies concerning the management of the “dark side” of cryptocurrencies in MEAs.
Findings
Our investigation unearthed seven pivotal issues, which manifest as significant barriers related to the ambivalent use of crypto for funding projects, encompassing seven important consequential elements: (1) lack of knowledge about the technology’s potentialities; (2) perceptions of crypto technology’s ambivalence; (3) reputation and image consequences; (4) uncertainty about the destination of the invested funds; (5) decreased attractiveness of MEAs; (6) competition and market; and (7) lack of control and regulation. We grouped these into technology-related, business-related and legal- and policy-related barriers. Such findings underline the probable decrease in attractiveness of MEAs in terms of investments, together with the triggering factors and potential strategic solutions to mitigate such circumstances.
Research limitations/implications
Future studies could explore a broader sample of managers since we only considered the perception of European managers operating in companies that invest (or are intending to invest) in MEAs. Moreover, future research may extend the analysis to MEA-native companies or those engaging in reciprocal exchanges with Western countries.
Practical implications
Practically, our findings suggest several elements in which to intervene to mitigate managers’ negative perception of the unethical use of cryptocurrencies in MEAs and to support CEOs’ and CFOs’ strategies, together with requirements to ensure the unaltered attractiveness of investments in an otherwise thriving region of the world, without overlooking the protection and safeguarding of investments and the health of the market and competition. Furthermore, a call for future research in this domain, along with at least minimal regulatory mechanisms, clearly emerges.
Social implications
Our findings underline the social challenges associated with the perception and acceptance of cryptocurrencies in these contexts, influencing cultural and social dynamics. Moreover, the identification of these barriers could underscore the significance of awareness of and education on blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies within society, including implications for policymakers.
Originality/value
Despite prior investigations into the negative effects of cryptocurrencies as a form of venture funding, no studies to date have examined managers’ perceptions by focusing on possible barriers to investment in MEA countries due to the unethical usage of crypto. Importantly, this paper unravels the unexplored complexities of crypto’s impact on ethical investments in MEAs, showcasing an original perspective.
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Rateb Alqatamin, Zakaria Ali Aribi and Thankom Arun
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of CEOs’ characteristics on the level of forward-looking information (FLI) disclosure. In particular, the study examines the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of CEOs’ characteristics on the level of forward-looking information (FLI) disclosure. In particular, the study examines the effect of CEO age, gender and overconfidence on the disclosure of FLI in Jordan firms.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a disclosure index to measure the level of FLI disclosure and employs random-effect and panel data regressions to examine the relationship between CEOs’ characteristics and the level of FLI disclosure. The sample consists of 201 non-financial companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange for the period 2008-2013.
Findings
The results of the study show that the CEO age has a significant negative relationship with the level of FLI disclosure in annual reports of non-financial Jordanian companies, whereas gender and overconfidence have a significant positive association with FLI disclosure.
Research limitations/implications
The single country context limits the generalisability of the findings.
Practical implications
The results of the study could be beneficial for the users of financial information, such as regulators, investors, auditors and lenders. These users might consider the findings of the study when they are using a company’s financial information. Accordingly, they may seek to extend the investigations and verify such reporting practices and consequently make better decisions. In addition, the findings provide empirical evidence that helps managers in assessing their financial transparency and accountability.
Originality/value
The relationship between CEO’s characteristics and the level of FLI disclosure is still ambiguous. This study contributes to the FLI disclosure literature by identifying the role of CEO characteristics on the level of FLI disclosure. Thus, it offers evidence that the level of FLI disclosure is driven by specific CEO characteristics.
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Vincent Barre, David Orlando Ramos, Charles Medovich, Gabriela Lovera and Matthew Hoch
The paper provides insight on the customer experience through product performance (CxPP) initiative; which was developed by Johnson & Johnson Vision to monitor and conduct product…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper provides insight on the customer experience through product performance (CxPP) initiative; which was developed by Johnson & Johnson Vision to monitor and conduct product performance improvements to enhance the customer experience effort and protect sales. The piece explains the basic tenets for CxPP execution and upkeep. It also explains the methods used to create, evaluate and monitor the CxPP initiative while illustrating the ways in which the initiative functions and adds value to any firm implementing it.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper utilizes a descriptive approach to explain the basic tenants of the CxPP initiative. The paper utilizes the define, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC) framework to explain the tenets of the CxPP initiative. Each section of the paper utilizes descriptions of internal processes and research to further explain and justify implementation of the CxPP imitative across firms. Moreover, the piece explains the methods used to create, evaluate and monitor the CxPP initiative while illustrating the ways in which the initiative functions and adds value to the firm.
Findings
According to JJV Quality Assurance experts, the CxPP initiative is a long-term approach that supports synergy across departments to enhance product quality, improve customer satisfaction and protect sales. By implementing the CxPP approach, JJV was able to uncover and solve four distinct defect categories that affect product quality and customer experience, thus demonstrating the importance and benefits of the CxPP initiative for any organization.
Research limitations/implications
Due to the chosen research approach, the study lacks specificity. As a result, it is recommended that future implementation of the proposed initiative opts for more testable propositions.
Practical implications
Due to competitive considerations, note that no empirical data will be shared in the findings. The scaling of the principles of this approach should be universal. But the execution; types of projects, type of customer need and feedback should be specific to each environment.
Originality/value
This paper fulfills an identified need to study the relationship between product quality, customer satisfaction and sales.