Investment In Area Research Articles

Investigating the Impact of Cloud Computing on Environmental Sustainability

Abstract: It discusses the effects of cloud computing on the environmental aspect of sustainability by focusing specifically on carbon emission reduction, cost-cutting, and exploiting renewable sources of energy. Using only hypothetical data obtained from TechCorp Solutions, Global Data Inc., InnovaTech Ltd., and NextGen Systems, this paper reveals strong decreases in energy usage - between 38.89 percent to 45 percent in cost savings following the implementation of cloud computing. The study also records remarkable carbon emission reductions. The cuts in drops range between 42.86% and 45%. Not only this, but on implementation, every firm asserted a flat rate cut of 40% in operating costs. The second investment area the research probes is the commitment of the major cloud providers to renewable energy sources. It finds some using up to 100% from renewable sources. Cloud data centers are much more efficient than traditional data centers, as the PUE comparison indicates, and hence produce maximum energy efficiency with the least negative impact on the environment. The results represent important implications regarding cloud computing in light of sustainability goals and revenue generation. This implies that cloud technology will be used much more widely within various industries going forward.

Where should health system investments be made to protect the mental health of healthcare workers?

Abstract Background This study explores trends and work-related determinants of mental health and wellbeing among health and care workers in Europe since the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim is to determine where investments can best be made to protect and support mental health and wellbeing among health and care workers to improve retention and recruitment. Methods Data are analysed from the National Health Service staff survey in England and the Health Service Executive ‘Your Opinion Counts’ survey in Ireland to explore trends in mental health and wellbeing and burnout. Evidence is then taken from a series of European Observatory policy briefs, based on expert-led literature reviews, to explore determinants of poor mental health and wellbeing and to identify potential areas for investment. Results Rates of burnout and poor mental health and wellbeing have increased in England and Ireland since the start of the pandemic among all professional groups. Workplace-based factors are important determinants of poor mental health and wellbeing, and can be grouped into: macro-level structural factors such as staff shortages, poor working conditions and low pay; meso-level organisational factors including poor leadership, and insufficient education, training and support; micro-level individual factors such as insufficient self-care or not seeking support. However, determinants at the micro-level, especially seeking support from others, are largely shaped by structural or organisational factors. Conclusions Increased financing to address structural and organisational determinants of mental health and wellbeing contributes to improved patient care, better staff experience, lower rates of absenteeism, and enhanced recruitment and retention. It is therefore one of the best health system investments that can be made.

STRATEGIES FOR INCREASING THE QUALITY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND ITS IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY OF KAZAKHSTAN

The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of higher education on the economic development of Kazakhstan using a systems approach. The paper analyzes strategies for improving the quality of higher education and their role in the growth of the country's economy. The study is conducted using regression modeling, data analysis and assessment of the contribution of various factors to improving the quality of education. In the course of the study, the authors offer recommendations on areas of investment in the educational sphere that meet the current needs of the economy of Kazakhstan. The study is based on the hypothesis of the positive impact of investment in education on the long-term economic growth of Kazakhstan. The analysis includes an assessment of the relationship between the quality of educational policy and economic development. The authors conclude that it is necessary to take into account the level of quality of the educational system when developing investment strategies, choosing areas that best meet the current and future needs of the economy.

Assessing Southeast Asia countries’ potential in the semiconductor supply chain: an objectively weighting multi-criteria decision-making approach

The semiconductor industry serves as a key enabler of technological progress and economic growth on a global scale. With Southeast Asia emerging as a region of increasing importance in the global supply chain landscape, understanding the potential for its countries to participate in the semiconductor supply chain becomes crucial. Despite extensive research on global supply chain dynamics, a focused analysis on the role of Southeast Asia within this crucial industry has been notably absent, particularly considering recent geopolitical and economic shifts. This gap has been filled by employing a rigorously designed Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) approach that integrates the Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) method and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). Data on fifteen indicators, including economic stability, technological innovation capacity, and infrastructural capabilities, were collected and identified through an extensive literature review and consultations with stakeholders. These indicators were weighted using the CRITIC method to reflect their relative importance, and each country’s position relative to an ideal solution was assessed using the TOPSIS method. It was revealed that countries such as Singapore and Malaysia possess significant potential due to their advanced technological infrastructure and stable economic environments. Other countries, like Vietnam and Indonesia, were also found to exhibit promising capabilities, albeit with certain limitations. The study highlights the varying strengths and strategic areas that should be considered by policymakers and investors to enhance integration into the global semiconductor supply chain. Significant contributions to the strategic decision-making process have been made by providing a nuanced analysis of the region’s readiness and identifying specific areas for investment and policy intervention. By offering a methodological framework that can be adapted to other regions and sectors, not only has an existing research void been filled, but the practical understanding of effectively leveraging Southeast Asia’s potential in the semiconductor industry has also been enhanced.

Strengthening public health system resilience to disasters in Türkiye: Insights from a scorecard methodology

BackgroundTürkiye is a country that faces many disasters, especially earthquakes and floods, which have serious short- and long-term consequences for public health. The importance of disaster risk reduction activities in building resilience before a disaster strikes is increasingly recognized. Furthermore, resilience assessment is considered to be the starting point for these activities. However, there is a substantial gap in the scientific evidence on systematic assessments of the resilience of the public health system and also a serious lack of activities to strengthen the system against disasters in Türkiye. AimUsing a Scorecard methodology, the study aimed to systematically assess the resilience of the public health system in Türkiye by examining key indicators related to disaster risk management and preparedness, and subsequently to recommend priority actions. A systematic assessment of resilience can provide the scientific evidence needed to identify weaknesses in the system. Furthermore, identifying priority actions based on this evidence allows progress to be made towards strengthening the system. MethodsThis mixed-methods study was conducted in two separate regions of Türkiye with the highest earthquake (Esenler/Istanbul) and flood risk (Ortahisar/Trabzon). Based on the Scorecard methodology, two-stage workshops (online and face-to-face) were held. During the online stage, qualitative data were collected by interviewing participants about their evaluation of the situation in the counties regarding the Scorecard indicators, and quantitative data were collected through scoring. In the face-to-face stage, strategies were developed to improve the resilience of the public health system. Quantitative data were expressed with numbers and percentages, and thematic analysis was utilized for qualitative data analysis. ResultsThe lowest scoring indicators were as follows (Esenler and Ortahisar, respectively): addressing mental health needs associated with disasters (2.17 ± 1.29; 2.27 ± 1.16), resilience of key healthcare facilities (2.22 ± 0.55; 2.91 ± 1.08), and protection and identification of ecosystem services (2.39 ± 1.04; 2.13 ± 1.49). In this study, participants recommended increasing the resilience of the public health infrastructure and improving human resources and ecosystem services to ensure the resilience of the public health system. ConclusionsThe study found that the weakest areas in terms of public health system resilience were the seismic safety and infrastructure of health facilities, the capacity of disaster-related mental health services, and disaster-related ecosystem services. To improve the resilience of public health systems, it is essential to strengthen these areas of weakness and ensure collaboration between all stakeholders in the system. The identification of weaknesses in the study has guided the determination of priority actions to build a baseline of resilience. In addition, the results of the study have highlighted priority areas for investment to improve disaster response and the overall health of the population in the context of disasters.

ENSURING ECONOMIC SECURITY: COMPARISON OF EU MEMBER STATES AND UKRAINE

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a comprehensive study of economic security in the EU Member States and Ukraine, to identify differences and to propose targeted policy interventions based on these differences. Methodology. The study uses a quantitative strategy that assigns numerical ratings to countries based on their performance against predefined thresholds for various economic security indicators. These indicators include industrial security, demographic security, energy security, foreign trade security, investment and innovation security, macroeconomic security, food security, social security and financial security. The study uses data from a variety of sources and applies a ranking system to reflect the level of economic security in each category. Results. The analysis revealed significant differences in the levels of economic security between EU Member States and Ukraine. The main findings include differences in agricultural efficiency, healthcare system efficiency, renewable energy consumption, trade balance, research and development expenditure, and socio-economic factors. For example, countries such as Belgium and Ireland have high yields, while Cyprus and Romania have much lower yields. Life expectancy and the quality of healthcare also vary: Spain and Sweden lead the way, while Bulgaria and Ukraine lag behind. Practical implications. The findings suggest the need for targeted policies and technological advances to improve economic security. For the younger generation, marketing strategies based on brand equity and exclusivity can continue even during economic downturns. For the older generation, strategies that focus on value for money or lower prices may be more effective. Understanding these metrics can help businesses align their strategies with national economic priorities and identify potential areas for investment and growth. Value / Оriginality. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing a detailed comparative analysis of economic security in the EU Member States and Ukraine, filling a gap in the understanding of the multifaceted aspects of economic security in these regions.

INNOVATION AND INVESTMENT PROVISION OF DEVELOPMENT OF AGRARIAN SECTOR OF ECONOMY OF UKRAINE

The article analyzes the problem of investment and innovation provision of the agrarian sector of the economy of Ukraine. Our country has a significant potential for the development of the agricultural sector due to the large areas of agricultural land and favourable natural and climatic conditions. Investments in modern technologies, high-quality seeds and agrochemicals improve and maximize this potential. The key aspects that contribute to the stimulation of investments and innovations in the country’s economy and contribute to the development of a favourable investment climate, the encouragement of innovative ideas, the study of priority areas for investments, the provision of financial support, etc. have been identified. The priority areas of investment support that will allow to ensure the development of innovation potential are highlighted and the main types of the effects from the application of innovations in the agricultural sphere are characterized. The basic components of investment support for the competitive development of the agrarian sector of the economy are defined, which indicate various sources of investment income of private, state, and international capital. The advantages and disadvantages of sources of investment income and ensuring the competitive development of branches of the agrarian sector of the economy are given. The costs of the scientific research and development by types of work and the dynamics of the number of innovatively active enterprises by types of economic activity in Ukraine were analyzed, the share of innovatively active enterprises in the total number was determined. The sources of financing innovative activity of enterprises of the agrarian sector of the economy of Ukraine are characterized. Innovation and investment mechanisms for ensuring socio-economic development, which affect the formation, development and effectiveness of the innovation and investment environment, are considered. The rating of the «Global Innovation Index» and the position of Ukraine in it, as well as the general principles of investment policy, are given. It was determined that innovative and investment support for the development of the agricultural sector of economy of Ukraine is not only relevant, but also an urgent task to ensure a sustainable and successful future.

How a Robust Community Clinical Practice Arm Can Support an Academic Health System’s Tripartite Mission

Natural tension exists between the community clinical practice arm and the academic clinical practice arm within a large academic health system (AHS). Disparate salary structures, overlapping geography, competition for patients, and inequitable application of standards and resources can all lead to suboptimal system performance, as each clinical practice works to maximize individual outcomes. These tensions can lead to unnecessary duplication of resources and wasting time and energy focusing on internal politics and competition rather than on addressing external competitive threats, such as the influence of venture capital, virtual services, and retail entrants into the clinical space. At the same time, the health care landscape continues to shift, as physician ownership of practices has fallen below 50%, creating both challenges and opportunities for health systems. This article describes how, over the last 15 years, UNC Health has built a robust community practice arm called UNC Physicians Network (UNCPN) alongside the academic department structure that fully supports UNC Health’s tripartite mission. The authors describe how a community arm within an AHS can expand its clinical footprint and harmonize research and teaching efforts to support the AHS mission in a community setting. To accomplish this harmonization, UNCPN identified three high-priority focus areas for intentional investment in collaboration between the community and academic arms: (1) partnering to increase community-based research; (2) growing internal capacity for learners; and (3) scaling care delivery quality and population health initiatives across a wide geography. These intentional efforts have allowed UNC Health to improve the performance of all AHS missions: research, education, and population-based clinical care. Specifically, the number of community clinics that were actively participating in research more than doubled, from 23 practices in 2019 to 49 in 2023. In association with the UNC Schools of Medicine and Nursing, for the last few years, approximately 65–70 preceptors have been committing as many as 23,000 hours to teaching about 95 students each academic year. In addition, during that same period, the percentage of School of Medicine student learners precepted nearly doubled in UNCPN adult clinics (Family Medicine and Internal Medicine) and increased by 50% in UNCPN pediatric clinics. As the number of UNCPN clinicians increased from 44 in 2010 to 697 in 2024, the number of primary care–empaneled patients grew from 200,000 in 2019 to more than 350,000 in 2024, with currently more than 540,000 patients in total, inclusive of primary and specialty care, which has allowed scaling of high-quality care, leading to top-tier performance in value-based contracts.

ESG Standards in China: Bibliometric Analysis, Development Status Research, and Future Research Directions

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards have received widespread attention in the quest for sustainable development. However, a comprehensive understanding of the current status of ESG standards, particularly in the context of China, remains a scientific gap. This study bridges this gap by adopting a bibliometric analysis to comprehensively analyze the current status of ESG standards. Based on an analysis of 213 articles involving ESG standards in the Web of Science Core Collection database from 2015 to 2024, this study identified the global distribution of ESG standards organizations, research hotspots, trends, and cutting-edge status of ESG standards research. It was found that the research on ESG standards shows a growing trend: the research hotspots mainly focus on the areas of performance, rating, investment, and sustainability. Crucially, this study offers novel insights into the current development status of ESG standards in China, emphasizing the significant roles of the government’s promotion of ESG standard formulation and regulation, corporate voluntary compliance, and academic research and communication. Future research directions on ESG standards are proposed and imply that the implementation of ESG standards in China should be beneficial to sustainable development.

Transitioning practices of water utilities from reactive to proactive: Leveraging Australian best practices in digital technologies and data analytics

Developments in technology and data analytics bring opportunities for water utilities to proactively adapt their practices to better manage pressing challenges, such as water losses, ageing assets, and urban water scarcity due to climate change. Despite the increase in commercial digital technologies for monitoring urban water, wastewater and stormwater systems, digital transformation in water utilities has been occurring much slower than in other businesses (e.g., the energy sector). Leveraging from Australian best practices, this study aims to facilitate water utility’s digital transformation by establishing a targeted research agenda and a continuous improvement process for the successful implementation, operation, and improvement of smart water technologies. Four case studies on 1) automated and digital water consumption metering, 2) early warning of water mains breaks, 3) early detection of sewerage blockages and spills, and 4) smart rainfall reuse and flood mitigation are used to exemplify the potential benefits and hurdles of adopting digital technologies in water utilities, while highlighting pressing areas needing further research and development. Key research areas identified include: 1) development frameworks to map water utilities capacity and needs for ranking priority areas of investment, 2) improvements in sensor hardware, 3) integration of big, multi-sourced data and cybersecurity, 4) increase in generality of smart data applications for various field conditions (i.e., reduce the need for or level of customization), and 5) data-informed proactive asset management and water pricing. Key barriers to be overcome include 1) lack of internal capacity to develop, operate and integrate smart applications, 2) the risk conservative culture of water utilities when facing innovation, and 3) lack of operation standards among water utilities to promote benchmarking. It is imperative that water utilities actively drive the digital transformation process by perpetuating collaborations with research centres and the private sector, while simultaneously increasing in-house capacity through investments in skilled personnel and training.

Investment attractiveness of the Russian Arctic through the prism of international cooperation and development of transport corridors

The Russian Arctic has numerous resources, infrastructure facilities that are important for international relations, and therefore is potentially very attractive to investors. Nevertheless, there are a number of objective reasons hindering its development, which require international cooperation, investment and updating of the regulatory framework for the process of foreign investments inflow into the region, with an emphasis on its specifics. The purpose of the article is to study the attractiveness and investment potential of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (AZRF) in the new geopolitical realities, to identify the most promising areas of foreign investments. It is concluded that the Arctic can offer resources and opportunities for development and cooperation. It is open for investment, and the Russian government is trying to implement as many projects as possible, including those in which the BRICS countries participate, that will contribute to the development of this region. One of the key areas of foreign investments application is the zone of development of the transport and logistics potential of the Arctic through transport corridors, which will simultaneously lead to infrastructural connectivity of the entire Eurasian continent and will promote cooperation in the Eurasian arena of the CIS countries.

Where to invest? Effects of technological capabilities on corporate venture capital investments

AbstractResearch SummaryWe investigate why a corporate investor makes more corporate venture capital (CVC) investments in certain areas than in others. Focusing on firms' different technological capabilities across distinct technology domains, we argue that a corporate investor's technological capabilities in a given domain affect its likelihood of investing in (1) ventures within the domain in an inverted U‐shaped manner and (2) ventures operating in other technologically complementary domains in a positive manner. We further claim that these two suggested relationships between technological capabilities and the likelihood of CVC investments are shaped by the technology growth rate of the focal domain. We test these arguments in the US medical sector, where incumbent firms are active in CVC investments as a means to acquire external knowledge.Managerial SummaryWe argue that firms exhibit different patterns in their choice of CVC investment areas based on their technological capabilities within a given technology domain. Our findings in the US medical sector indicate that firms are most likely to invest in ventures within domains where their technological capabilities are moderate—neither too weak nor too strong. This suggests that CVC investments serve gap‐filling purposes for technology intermediates. Moreover, corporate investors tend to invest in ventures within domains that are technologically complementary to their areas of strength. However, when a given domain experiences rapid growth, technology leaders in that domain shift their CVC investment focus from complementary areas to that domain to maintain their leading position.

Analisis Determinan Sektor Pertanian dan Sub Sektor Unggulan di Kabupaten Muaro Jambi

This research aims to determine the contribution of the agricultural sector to the GRDP of Muaro Jambi Regency, to determine and analyze what factors influence the growth of GRDP in the agricultural sector in Muaro Jambi Regency, and to determine and analyze the leading agricultural sector in Muaro Jambi Regency. Analysis year 2002-2022. The analytical method used is quantitative descriptive analysis and qualitative analysis. The results of the research show that the economic growth of Muaro Jambi Regency in 2002-2022 is 39.38%, the factors that influence the growth of GRDP in the agricultural sector in Muaro Jambi Regency are the area of agricultural land and investment in the agricultural sector, while the workforce in the agricultural sector and agricultural production are not has a significant effect on the growth of GRDP in the agricultural sector in Muaro Jambi Regency. The leading agricultural sector in Muaro Jambi Regency, as a result of location quotient analysis, is that there are 8 economic sectors classified as basic sectors and 9 non-basic sectors. The results of the dynamic location quatient analysis show that there are 8 economic sectors that have prospective potential and there are 9 economic sectors that do not have prospective potential. The results of the classic shift share analysis show that Jambi Province influences the increase in GDP of Muaro Jambi Regency, the highest economic shift value is in the primary sector, the second secondary sector and the third tertiary sector.

Development and Support of Ukrainian Domestic Entrepreneurship in the Knowledge Economy

This paper explores the elements of support and development of entrepreneurship in Ukraine. It suggests that digitalization is an important organizational component in the development of the business sector in the knowledge economy. The authors present a comprehensive study of the most advanced domestic business ecosystems (Diia, UNIT.CITY, Genesis) and highlight their key characteristics, i.e., type of ownership, structure, mission and vision, services for entrepreneurs, investment fund availability, and areas and types of investment. The paper concludes that support for entrepreneurship in Ukraine is based on the principles of efficiency, accessibility, social security, openness, and transparency. Entrepreneurship support is considered as a set of measures of the state-funded and private institutions and organizations aimed at ensuring the sustainable functioning of small and medium-sized business entities and stimulating their development by creating the following favorable conditions: building a competitive environment and increasing competitiveness; fostering investment and innovation efforts; promoting manufactured goods (works, services) or knowledge-based products in domestic and foreign markets; ensuring employment by supporting the citizens’ entrepreneurial initiatives. Areas of public and private support of domestic entrepreneurship include provision of information, consultancy, and special services. Moreover, the paper pays special attention to the forms and methods of supporting businesses and entrepreneurship under martial law in Ukraine in 2022.

Health system performance assessment and reforms, Oman.

To prioritize key areas of action and investment for the next strategic cycle of national development plans (2026-2031) in Oman, we needed a holistic view of the country's health system and its main deficiencies and inefficiencies. Informed by the World Health Organization framework, our team of seven national health ministry staff and two international experts conducted a rapid health system performance assessment. We used already available data to identify system bottlenecks and their potential root causes, verifying our findings with key informant interviews. Oman's 4.9 million population is relatively young (average age 28years) but ageing, with a mounting burden of chronic diseases. While health-care services are free for Omani nationals, more than 1.5 million expatriates rely on out-of-pocket payments for health-care services. Strengthening primary health care, improving the quality of care, providing financial protection, and ensuring that public and private health-care providers operate within the same legal and procedural framework are recognized as key national priorities. Our assessment highlighted the need to extend health service coverage to the whole population, strengthen private health-care sector governance, improve health education, increase financial investment, and expand the country's capacity for data collection and analysis. The assessment framework allowed us to identify areas where information is lacking and use already available data to analyse multiple health outcomes. As well as identifying issues that need to be addressed during the next policy development cycle, our findings have contributed towards the preparation of a more extensive assessment.

Organizational and economic mechanism of financing agricultural production in conditions of market transformation

The article is devoted to the problems of financial support for agricultural sector of economy of Kazakhstan. The goal is to study organizational and economic mechanism of financing agricultural industry in conditions of market transformation in order to develop recommendations for optimizing this system to improve access to financial sources for agricultural enterprises, develop financial instruments, and promote the expansion of market relations. Methods – abstract-logical, graphic, comparative analysis, generalization. Results - available financial resources for agro-industrial complex are analyzed: budgetary funds, investments, loans based on the use of various state financial assistance programs. The relevance of the study lies in the possibility of implementing individual proposals when developing rules for financing, lending, changing the criteria for subsidizing AIC, as well as the effective use of investment funds, loans and other financial resources. The need for additional attraction of internal and external investors has been identified. Conclusions - the state has a regulatory impact on the investment process by ensuring rational pricing, increasing flexibility of lending, tax and depreciation policies, stimulating business activity by providing investors with benefits, and highlighting priority areas of investment. It is necessary to monitor current and future factors of external and internal environment at the state, regional levels and enterprises. There is a need in the near and medium term for effective measures to financially support production and processing of competitive products, increase the variety of produced goods and maintain high quality at all stages of their production. Financial decisions are the basis for effective investment projects.

Innovative development of the AIC: problems and strategies for their solution

Currently, there are many unresolved problems in agricultural sectors: low level of production and processing of agricultural products, presence of significant number of small-scale farms, financial instability of agricultural entities, insufficient rates of improvement of market infrastructure, which hinders innovative renewal of agricultural sector, and digitalization processes. The goal is to substantiate the strategy for technological modernization of the republic's AIC. The methods are based on scientific research by domestic and foreign scientists, data from the Bureau of National Statistics, Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforming of the RK, scientific institutions, and information from official sources. Results - issues of innovative transformation and use of digital platforms to achieve high efficiency of agro-industrial production and its structural transformations, overcoming challenges and risks that pose threat to the country's agro-industrial complex were studied. Methodological approaches to managing innovation processes are considered, main reasons hindering the achievement of high results in the republic’s agriculture and building its potential are shown: low technical equipment, inefficient use of natural resources, in particular land and water, lack of the necessary system for storage, transportation and sale of products, unattractiveness of this area for investment. Conclusions - analysis of world practice shows that in the context of transition to innovative path of development of agricultural sector, regulatory role of the state, designed to ensure technological progress, increases and becomes a key factor responsible for developing a strategy for creating mechanisms for its implementation and financial support, and formation of a new type of economy. The systematic nature of implementation of innovative projects in agribusiness will help increase the number of jobs and specialists with new competencies.

Research on factors influencing housing prices in Beijing

This paper delves into the issue of soaring housing prices in Chinas real estate sector, with a particular focus on Beijing. Employing a multiple linear regression model, it conducts an empirical analysis to identify the factors influencing housing prices. Furthermore, it synthesizes scholarly perspectives to offer a comprehensive discussion on these influencing factors. The research highlights Beijings real estate development, residential investment, and residential sales area as pivotal determinants of housing prices. Building upon these findings, the study advocates for the implementation of effective measures such as land policy regulation and restrictions on real estate transactions to guide the real estate market development prudently and maintain housing prices within a rational range. Results show that real estate development residential investment has a significant positive impact on housing prices, while residential sales area has a significant negative impact. Ultimately, the research endeavors to furnish a scientific foundation for policy formulation and assess its impact, thereby fostering the healthy growth of the real estate market, ensuring stable economic progress, and enhancing the well-being of people.

A phenomenological inquiry into farmers’ experiences growing cotton in Punjab, Pakistan

Sustainability in cotton production is inevitable because producing more cotton means more employment, economic acceleration, and industrial expansion. India, China, the United States, Brazil, and Pakistan contribute 74% of worldwide cotton production. Pakistan is contributing only 5%, despite the high potential of cotton. The average yield of cotton in Pakistan is stagnant at 570.99 kg hm−2, whereas it entails the highest cost of production among all other crops. The yield obtained in Pakistan is less than the potential, profitability is drastically lessening, and farmers are abandoning cotton for alternative kharif crops. Some traditional quantitative studies have unveiled different factors that affect cotton production. However, an in-depth qualitative study has never been conducted in Pakistan to explore the root causes of growing cotton crop failure. Following Moustakas’s traditional phenomenological guidelines, this phenomenological study was conducted in the district of Rahim Yar Khan in the core cotton zone of Punjab province. A total of 10 interviews were conducted with purposively selected cotton growers based on a criterion: (i) having more than 10 years of cotton growing experience, (ii) being a cotton grower, and (iii) having at least 10 years of formal schooling. Interviews were conducted face to face on an interview guide. One interview lasted 45–50 min, and responses were recorded and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. A total of 6 themes emerged from the collected data, including (i) climate change, (ii) varietal problems, (iii) pesticide usage, (iv) sense of institutional services, (v) attitude of farmers and (vi) soil health and environment. These six merging themes contributed to cotton crop failure and yield decline. The deep exploration further summarized that researchers, extensionists, and farmers need to seriously consider variety, sowing time, and the environment to revive cotton crops. The detailed recommendations and policy guidelines are presented in this paper, highlighting the cotton sector’s research, development and investment areas.

Impact of Investment on Labour Productivity in Azerbaijan's Chemical and Petrochemical Industry

The subject of research related to the impact of investment on industrial productivity in Azerbaijan is relevant and essential for understanding the economic situation in the country and for designing effective strategies for the development of the industry. The purpose of this research is to explore the relationship between investment and labour productivity in the sectors of the Azerbaijani economy. The research employed a combination of analytical methods, including statistical analysis of data from the State Statistical Committee of Azerbaijan on labour productivity and investment in the chemical and petrochemical sectors. Functional analysis was used to examine the role of labour productivity, while systematic analysis explored the factors influencing productivity. The research also utilized deduction to establish general principles, synthesis to integrate data, and comparative analysis to identify effective investment areas. The study revealed that investing in the chemical and petrochemical sectors in Azerbaijan has a beneficial effect on labour productivity. Technological innovation, labour skills, working conditions, and infrastructure were identified as factors that impact labour productivity in these industries. Various investment areas that can enhance productivity have been identified, including investments in human capital, production organisation, and advanced technology. The study investigates the direct impacts of investments in technology, human capital, and infrastructure on labour productivity within Azerbaijan's chemical and petrochemical industries and identifies which specific areas of investment most effectively enhance productivity and the underlying reasons for their success. The practical significance of this research lies in utilising the identified findings to tackle issues about enhancing labour productivity in Azerbaijan's economic sectors, thereby elevating this process to a higher level.