Ekaterina Turkina and Nasrin Sultana
The purpose of this paper is to understand the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and cities and how the relationship between multinational enterprise (MNEs) and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and cities and how the relationship between multinational enterprise (MNEs) and local firms facilitates regional cleantech innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a combination of social network analysis, regression analysis and interview analysis, the authors map and analyze a cleantech cluster to investigate the relationship between MNEs and local firms and the resulting effects on cleantech innovation.
Findings
The findings of the paper indicate that FDI plays a crucial role in cities and their local clusters by acting as a broker between a diverse set of actors: firms, institutions, universities, financial and other intermediaries. Additionally, connectedness to MNEs improves local firms’ innovation.
Research limitations/implications
This study is not free of limitations, mainly, because of the aspects that the analysis is based on one city and one cleantech hub. Further research could verify whether the findings of this paper hold in other cities and industries.
Practical implications
The findings, elucidating the connection between MNEs and local firms, as well as MNEs being important brokers in the local system, and the resulting impact, will help policymakers to take appropriate actions and support the local cleantech innovation. It is important to not only attract high-quality FDI into local clusters, but also to create and support collaborations between foreign firms and local actors, because colocation does not automatically leads to positive spillovers and a lot depends on how MNEs are integrated into the local milieu.
Social implications
The present paper argues that FDI plays an important role in local cleantech innovation and it is important to integrate foreign firms in local social networks.
Originality/value
The authors analyze FDI patterns in an emerging industry at the city and local cluster level using a unique database containing the information on relationships between MNEs and local firms, as well as interview data.
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Muskan Sachdeva, Ritu Lehal, Swati Gupta and Sanjay Gupta
The behavioural decision-making process of individuals highlights the importance of investors’ sentiment and their correlation with the real economy. This paper aims to contribute…
Abstract
Purpose
The behavioural decision-making process of individuals highlights the importance of investors’ sentiment and their correlation with the real economy. This paper aims to contribute to the literature of behavioural finance by examining the influence of contextual factors on investment decision-making.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a questionnaire, a total of 445 valid responses were collected from March to May 2021 through online sources. The current study uses a technique of Fuzzy-analytical hierarchical process (AHP) to assign relative weights to various contextual factors influencing investment decision-making. Harman’s single factor test was used to check common method bias.
Findings
Results of the study reveal that accounting information, self-image/firm-image coincidence, and neutral information as the top-ranked factors in influencing investment decisions, whereas advocate recommendation and personal financial needs emerged as less important factors in influencing investment decisions.
Research limitations/implications
The current study collects data from Indian stock market investors, which may limit the generalization of the study to India only. Moreover, this study is cross-sectional in nature, and there are numerous factors that are not part of the study but might significantly influence the investors’ decision-making process.
Practical implications
The research has implications for both academicians working in the area of behavioural finance and practitioners’ who are active in stock markets, more specifically dealing with retail investors and in the domain of personal finance. Also, the current study will accommodate different groups, i.e. policy makers, financial advisors, investors, investment professionals, etc. in carrying out their professional work.
Originality/value
The current study will provide a comprehensive overview of individual investor behaviour. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present study is one of its kind to use the Fuzzy-AHP technique for evaluating the relative ranks of contextual factors influencing investment decision-making.
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Sultana Nasrin Nury, Xuan Zhu, Ian Cartwright and Laurent Ailleres
The purpose of this paper is to develop a three dimensional (3D) geological model, based on geographic information system (GIS), of the Barwon Downs Graben aquifer system in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a three dimensional (3D) geological model, based on geographic information system (GIS), of the Barwon Downs Graben aquifer system in Victoria, Australia, and to visualize the complex geometry as a decision support tool for sustainable water management.
Design/methodology/approach
A 3D visualization of the aquifer is completed, based on subsurface geological modelling. The existing borehole database, hydrogeological data, geological information and surface topography are used to model the subsurface aquifer. ArcGIS 9.2 is employed for two‐dimensional (2D) GIS analysis and for 3D visualization and modelling geological objects computer aided design (GOCAD) 2.5.2 is used. The developed methodology of ArcGIS and GOCAD is implemented for creating the 3D geological model of the aquifer system.
Findings
The 3D geomodel of the Barwon Downs Graben provides a new perspective of the complex subsurface aquifer geometry and its relation with surface hydrogeology in a more interactive manner. Considering the geometry, estimated volume of the unconfined Eastern View aquifer is as 0.83 × 1010 m3 and for the confined aquifer is about 1.02 × 1010 m3. The total volume of overlying strata of this aquifer is about 3.09 × 1010 m3. The water resources of the study area are affected by the pumping from this aquifer. This is also significantly influenced by the geometry of the Graben.
Originality/value
The 3D model utilises comprehensive and generally available datasets in the public domain. Although the used 3D geomodelling tools are mainly developed for applications in the petroleum industry, the current paper shows its ability to be adapted to hydrogeological investigations.
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Manish Agarwal and V.S. Prasad Kandi
After completion of the case study, the students will be able to assess Paytm’s share buyback in the context of conventional practices, especially for loss-making firms, analyze…
Abstract
Learning outcomes
After completion of the case study, the students will be able to assess Paytm’s share buyback in the context of conventional practices, especially for loss-making firms, analyze the influence of initial public offering (IPO) performance on market sentiments and the role of subsequent events in shaping investor confidence, explore the regulatory framework for share buybacks in India and its impact on Paytm’s decision, scrutinize Paytm’s post-IPO financials and evaluate the board’s rationale for the share buyback and examine the factors influencing Paytm shareholders’ decisions amid the buyback, considering market conditions and the company’s outlook.
Case overview/synopsis
This case study discusses the unorthodox choice made by Paytm, a leading Indian digital payments and financial services provider, to begin a share repurchase program just one year after its substantial IPO. Paytm encountered difficulties as its stock price experienced a sharp decline of 74% following the IPO, which raised concerns among shareholders and elicited mistrust from analysts. This case study explores the reasoning for the buyback, the legislative framework of share buybacks in India and the diverse viewpoints of analysts regarding the company’s financial strategy. This case study provides not only ample opportunity to discuss ethical issues around managers’ corporate actions but also brings investors a dilemma.
Complexity academic level
This case study is suited to Master of Business Administration/Master of Science/Bachelor of Business Administration/Bachelor of Science.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CSS 1: Accounting and Finance.
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Aklima Sultana and Nasrin Islam
Emotional intelligence (EI) and self-concept (SC) play a very important role in one’s life. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the SC and EI of tribal and nontribal…
Abstract
Purpose
Emotional intelligence (EI) and self-concept (SC) play a very important role in one’s life. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the SC and EI of tribal and nontribal university students.
Design/methodology/approach
The research used a quantitative approach, 100 nontribal (50 male and 50 female) and 100 tribal (50 male and 50 female) students were selected by nonprobability sampling method. The Bangla version of the self-concept questionnaire (Beck et al., 2001) and the emotional intelligence questionnaire (Hyde et al., 2002) were used to measure the SC and EI of students. Pearson correlation, t-test and post hoc tests were used for statistical analysis.
Findings
The findings of this study showed that the tribal and nontribal students differ significantly on the measure of SC and EI (p < 0.01). Although nontribal students showed higher SC than tribal students, tribal students showed a higher level of EI than nontribal students. The results also showed that gender significantly affects SC and EI (p < 0.01). Males have higher SC and EI than females. Furthermore, the study revealed that socioeconomic status differs significantly in the case of SC. Finally, the result also showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.245, p < 0.01) between SC and EI.
Research limitations/implications
The results of the research are only based on the students of one university besides the sample size is limited.
Practical implications
This research allowed the authors to determine the practical implications. The findings suggest that there is a significant difference in SC and EI between tribal and nontribal students, with nontribal students showing higher levels of SC. This implies that interventions and programs aimed at enhancing SC may be particularly beneficial for tribal students. The study also reveals that there are significant differences in SC and EI between tribal and nontribal adolescent boys and girls. This highlights the importance of considering gender differences when designing interventions to improve SC and EI among tribal and nontribal students. Moreover, educators, parents and policymakers can use these findings to develop targeted interventions and strategies to enhance SC among tribal students, with the aim of improving their overall well-being, academic achievements and success in life.
Originality/value
This paper adds to the literature on the SC and EI of tribal and nontribal university students by describing the difference in levels and a significant correlation. This paper obtains an innovative statistical approach to develop the findings so that information can be used in the future.
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Muskan Sachdeva and Ritu Lehal
Stock markets are considered as the largest and most important units for the development and growth of the economy. The present study attempts to provide a comprehensive view of…
Abstract
Purpose
Stock markets are considered as the largest and most important units for the development and growth of the economy. The present study attempts to provide a comprehensive view of factors influencing investment decision making process of stock market investors. A multi group analysis of gender is also carried out on the proposed model.
Design/methodology/approach
The data of 402 valid responses are collected through structured questionnaires from individual investors of North India. SPSS 23 is used to do the descriptive analysis and AMOS 22 is used to establish the validity of the constructs and for hypotheses testing. For performing multi group analysis, several invariance tests have also been conducted to check the robustness of the model.
Findings
The results reveal that all the factors such as firm image, accounting information, neutral information, advocate recommendation and personal financial needs significantly influence investment decision making concluding image of the firm being the most influential factor and advocate recommendation being the least influential factor for investment decisions. No significant differences between males and females were found.
Research limitations/implications
The current study suffers from the limitation of restricted geographical area of North India. Moreover, there is also a scope to incorporate more demographic factors for predicting investment decisions.
Originality/value
This study incorporates a range of factors which covers all the aspects of investment decision making. This study also highlights the notion of signaling theory, thus contributing to the limited literature in Indian context.
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Selim Ahmed, Dewan Mehrab Ashrafi, Rubina Ahmed, Ezaz Ahmed and Md. Azim
The purpose of the study is to investigate the influence of training and development and work–life balance on employee engagement and job performance at private banks in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study is to investigate the influence of training and development and work–life balance on employee engagement and job performance at private banks in Bangladesh. This study also investigates the indirect influence of training and development and work–life balance on the job performance of private banks through the mediating role of employee engagement.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study used a self-administered survey questionnaire to collect data from the private bank staff who had been working in the existing bank for more than one year. In this study, 450 survey questionnaires were distributed to the respondents and received 346 useful responses (76.88% response rate). The SmartPLS 4 software was used to determine the reliability and validity of the constructs. The SmartPLS 4 software was also used to test the hypothesised path coefficients via Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM).
Findings
The findings of the study indicate that both training and development and work–life balance significantly influence employee engagement and job performance in the private banks. The findings also indicate that both training and development and work–life balance indirectly significantly influence the job performance of the private bank through the mediating role of employee engagement.
Practical implications
This study suggests various practical implications. Managers should provide opportunities for employees to actively participate in employee training. The present study also suggests that managers should also prioritise and model a healthy work–life balance because when leaders value work–life balance, employees feel empowered. The findings of the study suggest that organisations should design effective employee development programmes and foster a supportive work environment to motivate their employees to contribute to organisational success.
Originality/value
This study makes significant theoretical contributions to the existing literature on employee engagement and job performance. The present study enhances theoretical depth by highlighting the mediating role of job engagement in achieving job performance, offering a new perspective on the relationship between these variables and paving the way for targeted interventions. The present study also enriches the existing body of literature by examining the impact of training and development and work–life balance through the lens of organisational support theory, presenting a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics at play.
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Md. Abdul Fattah, Syed Riad Morshed, Md. Mojammel Hoque, Md. Fazle Rabbi and Irin Akter Dola
The emergence of COVID-19 and its spread led to severe social, economic and livelihood impacts around the world. This study documented the socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19…
Abstract
Purpose
The emergence of COVID-19 and its spread led to severe social, economic and livelihood impacts around the world. This study documented the socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19 outbreaks and lockdown on the lower-income groups. Also illustrated the impacts on the attainment of SDGs in the context of the slums of Chittagong City.
Design/methodology/approach
Both qualitative and quantitative data have been collected from the 150 respondents through questionnaire surveys in the slums.
Findings
The lockdown led to the decrease of 90% of the respondents' income level and affected the livelihoods of 97.33% of the respondents, with an overall score of 3.22 ± 0.67 on a four-point Likert-type scale. About 96.67% of respondents' psychological conditions have been affected high to extreme, with an overall score of 3.19 ± 0.68. The pandemic affected 74.67% of respondents' food habits, 95.33% of respondents' child education, increased domestic violence and deteriorated social security, basic service facilities and hygiene practices among the slum dwellers. The severity of COVID-19 outbreaks on the lower-income people makes it critical for the government to attain the SDG 1, SDG 2, SDG 3, SDG 4, SDG 5 (Target 5.1, 5.2) SDG 6 and SDG 16.
Originality/value
The findings of the study will help governments, policymakers, international organizations to adopt measures to mitigate the effects of the outbreaks.
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Muhammad Bilal, Abdusame Tadjiev and Nodir Djanibekov
This study examines the adoption of cotton combine services and its impact on farm technical efficiency in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The research aims to determine whether…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the adoption of cotton combine services and its impact on farm technical efficiency in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The research aims to determine whether mechanisation influences productivity and economic output at the farm level.
Design/methodology/approach
Using farm-level data from 511 cotton growers in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan collected in 2019, this study employs stochastic frontier analysis to measure potential output and technical inefficiency among cotton farmers. The analysis includes a translog functional form to account for the use of cotton combine services and other farming variables.
Findings
The findings indicate that while mechanisation through cotton combines can potentially increase technical efficiency by optimising the harvesting process, the benefits are not uniformly experienced across all farms. Variations in farm characteristics, such as labour availability and existing agricultural practices, influence the efficiency of technology adoption. Institutional factors and historical legacies also play a significant role in the adoption and impact of mechanisation.
Research limitations/implications
The study is based on cross-sectional data from 2019, and the findings may not capture longer-term trends or recent developments in mechanisation policies in the study countries.
Originality/value
This research provides a nuanced understanding of the conditions under which cotton combine services enhance or hinder technical efficiency. It highlights the necessity for carefully tailored policies for mechanisation, especially in Uzbekistan, where rural labour is abundant and predominantly female. The study contributes to the broader discourse on agricultural mechanisation in developing countries by focusing on the specific context of Central Asia.