Firdaus Kurniawan, Hilma Tsani Amanati, Albertus Henri Listyanto Nugroho and Nandya Octanti Pusparini
This study investigates the impact of government and economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on companies' business operations, especially risk-taking tendencies and corporate financial…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the impact of government and economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on companies' business operations, especially risk-taking tendencies and corporate financial reporting quality (FRQ).
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs the generalised least squares regression model. The final sample comprised 27,376 company-year observations from eight countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
Findings
EPU has a negative and significant effect on investment activity and FRQ. Higher EPU leads to a decline in investment and FRQ.
Research limitations/implications
There are several limitations in this study. First, the authors used abnormal investments to measure investments, without considering the degree of irreversibility investment objectives. Second, although control variables are included at the company and country levels, they may only partially control for companies' mitigation effects. Third, the sample is limited to developing countries with unique characteristics in Asia-Pacific; therefore, the findings cannot be generalised.
Practical implications
The findings can help investors, analysts and regulators evaluate EPU's impact on companies' business activities by offering an overview regarding the decline in investment efficiency and FRQ. The results can also be used as input for regulators in formulating policies that encourage companies to regulate investment levels without harming other stakeholders and maintain FRQ during periods of uncertainty.
Originality/value
This research provides intriguing insights into EPU's effects on companies' investment activity and FRQ in developing countries, which are sensitive to changes in macroeconomic conditions.
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Mohd Firdaus Naif Omran Zailuddin, Nik Ashri Nik Harun, Haris Abadi Abdul Rahim, Azmul Fadhli Kamaruzaman, Muhammad Hawari Berahim, Mohd Hilmi Harun and Yuhanis Ibrahim
The purpose of this research is to explore the transformative impact of AI-augmented tools on design pedagogy. It aims to understand how artificial intelligence technologies are…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to explore the transformative impact of AI-augmented tools on design pedagogy. It aims to understand how artificial intelligence technologies are being integrated into educational settings, particularly in creative design courses, and to assess the potential advancements these tools can bring to the field.
Design/methodology/approach
The research adopts a case-study approach, examining three distinct courses within a creative technology curriculum. This methodology involves an in-depth investigation of the role and impact of AI in each course, focusing on how these technologies are incorporated into different creative disciplines such as production design, fine arts, and digital artistry.
Findings
The research findings highlight that the integration of AI with creative disciplines is not just a passing trend but signals the onset of a new era in technological empowerment in creative education. This amalgamation is found to potentially redefine the boundaries of creative education, enhancing various aspects of the learning process. However, the study also emphasizes the irreplaceable value of human mentorship in cultivating creativity and advancing analytical thinking.
Research limitations/implications
The limitations of this research might include the scope of the case studies, which are limited to three courses in a specific curriculum. This limitation could affect the generalizability of the findings. The implications of this research are significant for educational institutions, as it suggests the need for a balanced interaction between AI's computational abilities and the intrinsic qualities of human creativity, ensuring that the core essence of artistry is preserved in the age of AI.
Originality/value
The originality of this paper lies in its specific focus on the intersection of AI and creative education, a relatively unexplored area in design pedagogy. The value of this research is in its contribution to understanding how AI can be harmoniously integrated with traditional creative teaching methods. It offers insights for educational institutions preparing for this technological transformation, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balance between technological advancements and humanistic aspects of creative education.
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Mudofir Mudofir, Septin Puji Astuti, Nurwulan Purnasari, Sabariyanto Sabariyanto, Komali Yenneti and Deinsam Dan Ogan
The purpose of this research is to analyse the development and implementation of waste-to-energy (WtE) power plants as a strategy to manage municipal solid waste (MSW) in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to analyse the development and implementation of waste-to-energy (WtE) power plants as a strategy to manage municipal solid waste (MSW) in Indonesia. It aims to identify key determinants for the successful adoption of WtE technology in developing countries, focusing on the Benowo WtE power plant, Indonesia’s first large-scale WtE project.
Design/methodology/approach
This study reviews the development of the Benowo WtE power plant, examining political, regulatory and financial factors influencing its implementation. It analyses the roles of national and local government institutions, highlighting critical elements for the successful deployment of WtE projects in a developing country context.
Findings
The review shows that the success of WtE projects in Indonesia is significantly influenced by strong local government commitment, supported by political, financial and regulatory backing from the national government. The Benowo WtE power plant’s development demonstrates that with adequate support, WtE can be a viable solution for managing MSW and generating energy in developing countries. The study also identifies barriers to broader WtE adoption in similar contexts.
Research limitations/implications
The study is limited to 12 WtE projects in Indonesia, with in-depth analysis focused on a single case, potentially overlooking challenges and opportunities in other regions. Furthermore, the study does not include an economic analysis, such as a feasibility assessment. Future research could expand to multiple WtE projects and incorporate primary data collection to provide more comprehensive findings, including feasibility studies of each project.
Practical implications
The findings provide practical guidance for policymakers and stakeholders in developing countries, identifying critical areas for successful WtE deployment and offering a blueprint based on the Benowo WtE power plant.
Social implications
Implementing WtE projects can improve waste management, reduce pollution, enhance public health, create jobs and stimulate local economies. The study underscores the importance of government and community collaboration in addressing environmental challenges and fostering shared responsibility.
Originality/value
This research offers novel insights into WtE technology development in a developing country, specifically focusing on Indonesia’s first large-scale WtE power plant. By analysing the Benowo WtE power plant, the study provides valuable lessons and strategies for other developing nations aiming to adopt WtE solutions for MSW management, emphasising the critical role of government support.
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Reza Kurniawan Saputra, Brilliant Aditya Fhandy, Aditya Rio Prabowo, Quang Thang Do, Budi Santoso and Nurul Muhayat
The high rate of ship casualties demands serious attention. Earlier studies have yet to integrate several scenarios in an experiment. This research aims to determine damage to a…
Abstract
Purpose
The high rate of ship casualties demands serious attention. Earlier studies have yet to integrate several scenarios in an experiment. This research aims to determine damage to a ship's hull that is assumed to have been stranded due to being hit by a rock under the sea.
Design/methodology/approach
This scenario was analyzed by conducting a penetration test simulation using the ANSYS LS DYNA. Modeling was carried out with core, speed, indenter shape and indenter angle variations. The test is carried out by moving the indenter against the plate until the plate is damaged.
Findings
The results of this research show that the round indenter gave the best results in testing, while changes in speed below 1.5 m/s did not significantly affect the results. The contact angle of the indenter to the panel is directly proportional to the damage to the panel, and core X has the best results in the test.
Originality/value
This work presented several proposed eccentric sandwich panels to calculate their performance against impact loading. The detailed geometry for future reference is presented, while the indenter-panel interactions are validated based on experimental work.
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Monica Singhania and Ibna Bhan
This study aims to systematically consolidate and quantitatively integrate the mixed empirical results on the association between ownership mechanisms and voluntary carbon…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to systematically consolidate and quantitatively integrate the mixed empirical results on the association between ownership mechanisms and voluntary carbon disclosure using meta-analysis and further propose potential country-level moderators of this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors apply meta-analytic procedures on 55 empirical studies conducted during 2008–2022, covering 13 countries, 85 effect sizes and 226,473 firm-year observations. To gauge the significance of the estimated mean effect size, a random-effects Hedges and Olkin meta-analysis procedure is adopted, followed by a restricted maximum likelihood based meta-regression, to test the effect of possible moderators.
Findings
Aligned with agency and stakeholder theories, the results highlight institutional and state ownership (SO) as having a significant positive impact on voluntary carbon disclosure. On the other hand, ownership concentration, managerial and foreign ownership have an insignificant effect on voluntary carbon disclosure. Based on institutional theory perspectives, the authors confirm the impact of institutional ownership on voluntary carbon disclosure to be more prominent in civil law countries and those countries that have implemented an emission trading scheme (ETS).
Practical implications
The finding that institutional and SO in firms can translate into higher voluntary disclosures deems investors and the government as crucial stakeholders in achieving carbon neutrality. Furthermore, the finding that the effect of institutional investors on carbon disclosure is heightened in ETS-implemented countries provides evidence to the regulatory authorities in favour of this scheme.
Social implications
The positive impact of institutional and government ownership on voluntary carbon disclosure highlights that these ownership structures not only have the potential to transform corporate decisions but also have implications for the wider society. As firms owned by institutional investors disclose their carbon information, it provides access to critical information about their environmental practices to the public. This fosters an environment of transparency and trust between the firm and its stakeholders (the community), leading to an overall well-informed society.
Originality/value
While prior meta-reviews studied the impact of corporate governance on voluntary disclosures, the meta-literature, as of 2024, has yet to address its influence specifically on carbon disclosures, which are pertinent amidst the ongoing global climate change crisis. The findings inform policymakers about the pivotal institutional factors that can amplify the impact of effective ownership structures on voluntary carbon disclosure. Future scope exists for investigating the effects of ownership mechanisms on firm-level sustainable investments. Furthermore, future empirical analysis could consider the moderating influence of “culture” and “ease of doing business” on the ownership-carbon disclosure relationship.
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Chia-Hua Lin, Dickson K.W. Chiu and Ki Tat Lam
This research investigates Hong Kong academic librarians' attitudes toward robotic process automation (RPA) and their willingness to learn this technology.
Abstract
Purpose
This research investigates Hong Kong academic librarians' attitudes toward robotic process automation (RPA) and their willingness to learn this technology.
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative study collected data through one-on-one semi-structured interviews conducted with video conferencing software. After participants received basic RPA information and three existing library application cases, they answered questions based on the interview guide. This research used the inductive thematic analysis method to analyze the collected data.
Findings
Regarding Hong Kong academic librarians' attitudes towards RPA, 19 themes were identified. Although all participants did not have previous knowledge of RPA, most showed positive attitudes toward implementing RPA in their libraries and some willingness to learn it. Besides, among all identified themes, negative attitudes mainly comprised “Affect” and “Cognition” factors, hindering RPA deployment in academic libraries.
Originality/value
This research helps librarians and RPA vendors make better decisions or strategies for implementing RPA for libraries, which has not been explored, especially in East Asia.