Economic Instability Research Articles

Addressing Food Insecurity in South Sudan: Insights and Solutions from Young Entrepreneurs

This study explores food insecurity in South Sudan through the lens of young entrepreneurs, revealing insights into understanding the causes, coping strategies, and innovative solutions. Analyzing survey responses reveals a complicated problem linked to poverty, conflict, climate change, and economic instability. We surveyed 19 standout candidates selected from 325 South Sudanese participants from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR’s) hybrid training on entrepreneurship and agribusiness, who successfully passed the assessment criteria to attend a workshop in Hiroshima, Japan, in February 2024. These participants clearly depicted the dire circumstances, with widespread food insecurity, heavy reliance on humanitarian aid, and prevalent malnutrition, especially in conflict-affected regions like Yambio. Conflict, climate shocks, economic instability, and inadequate infrastructure emerged as primary drivers of food insecurity. Despite these challenges, young entrepreneurs express a keen desire to contribute to solutions, advocating for sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship, and education initiatives. During conflict, coping strategies vary from reducing meal frequency to diversifying diets and engaging in subsistence farming. The innovative solutions proposed include sustainable agricultural practices, value chain development, and technology adoption. The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies addressing the root causes of food insecurity while empowering communities and young entrepreneurs to foster resilience. Sustained support in youth agri-business capacity building and entrepreneurial skills development, increased agricultural investment, infrastructure enhancement, and targeted youth empowerment initiatives are emphasized. Through collaborative efforts, South Sudan can progress towards achieving resilience and improving food security.

Dinamika Pedagang Kaki Lima Di Alun-Alun Kota Jember Di Tengah Persaingan Globalisasi: Peran UMKM Lokal Dalam Pertumbuhan Ekonomi Kota Jember

This research aims to uncover the challenges and dynamics faced by Street Vendors in the Jember City Square in the context of globalization. Through the analysis of the final theory of capitalism, it was found that street vendors in Jember experienced characteristics such as superficiality, weakening of affection, loss of history, and the presence of new technology that affected the way they operated. This study uses a qualitative approach with realist ethnographic methods, collecting data through in-depth interviews and field observations. The results of the study show that street vendors face economic instability due to unbalanced competition with large companies, negative social stigma, and less supportive government policies. To overcome this problem, the government is advised to provide special areas that are organized, clean, and environmentally friendly and provide training and improve facilities so that street vendors can compete more effectively. Proper support is expected to maintain the existence of street vendors as an important part of the local economy in the era of globalization that continues to grow.

COVID-19 Policy Response Analysis: A Canadian Perspective.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the challenges that go into effective policymaking. Facing a public health crisis of epic proportion, government bodies across the world sought to manage the spread of infectious disease and healthcare-system overwhelm in the face of historic economic instability and social unrest. Recognizing that COVID-19 debates and research are still actively ongoing, this paper aims to objectively compare COVID-19 responses from countries across the world that exhibit similar economic and political models to Canada, identify notable failures, successes, and key takeaways to inform future-state pandemic preparedness.

Fenomena Kenakalan Remaja dan Kriminalitas Kasus Tawuran di Bekasi (Studi Literature Review)

This study reviews the phenomenon of juvenile delinquency and crime in the context of brawl cases in Bekasi. Through a literature review, various factors are examined which are the causes and impacts of teenage brawls in the city. First, social factors such as economic instability, lack of education, and a family environment that is not conducive can trigger juvenile delinquency. Second, environmental factors, including peers and the influence of mass media, also contribute to aggressive adolescent behavior. In addition, psychological factors such as lack of self-control and the need for affiliation also play a role in the formation of criminal behavior. The impact of teenage brawls includes social, economic and psychological losses for individuals and the surrounding community. This study highlights the important role of families, schools and social institutions in preventing and overcoming the phenomenon of juvenile delinquency and brawling crimes in Bekasi. With an in-depth understanding of the factors that influence adolescent behavior, it is hoped that effective intervention strategies can be formulated to reduce cases of brawls and improve the quality of life of adolescents in Bekasi.

Pengaruh Leverage, Profitabilitas Dan Umur Perusahaan Terhadap Pertumbuhan Laba Pada Perusahaan Food And Beverage Yang Terdaftar Di Bursa Efek Indonesia Periode 2019-2021

At the end of December 2019, there was an outbreak of a virus called Coronavirus19 (COVID-19). Where this virus causes economic instability, one of which is in Indonesia. Economic instability due to the pandemic has impacted the performance of several companies, one of which is a food and beverage company. One of the parameters to see the performance of a company is profit. Profit growth can be influenced by several factors, one of which is the level of leverage, company age, sales level. This study aims to examine the effect of leverage, profitability and company age on profit growth in food and beverage companies listed on the Indonesian stock exchange for the 2019-2021 period. The population in this study were 72 companies. Determination of the sample used in this study is purposive sampling technique, namely the technique of determining the sample using certain criteria or considerations. The number of samples used in this study was based on a purposive sampling technique of 63 observations. The report data used in the research is the 2019-2021 annual financial reports. The data analysis technique used is multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the study state that leverage has no significant effect on profit growth in food and beverages companies, profitability has a significant negative effect on profit growth in food and beverages companies, company age has no significant effect on profit growth in food and beverages companies

Analisis Pengaruh Nilai Tukar Dan Inflasi Terhadap Pertumbuhan Ekonomi Indonesia Tahun (2014-2023)

This research aims to analyze the influence of exchange rates and inflation on Indonesia's economic growth in the 2014-2023 period. Economic growth data is measured using the Economic Growth Percentage (GDP), while the exchange rate is measured by the Value of USD 1 in Rupiah, and inflation is measured by the Inflation Percentage (General). In this research, the author uses statistical analysis methods to examine the relationship between exchange rates, inflation and economic growth. The data used comes from trusted sources, such as the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) and Bank Indonesia (BI). The research results show that there is a relationship between the exchange rate and Indonesia's economic growth. A high exchange rate tends to have a negative impact on economic growth, because it can cause a decrease in net exports and a decrease in production levels. Apart from that, inflation also has an influence on economic growth. A high level of inflation can cause economic instability and have a negative impact on people's real income. Apart from that, this research also shows that both the exchange rate and inflation have a significant influence on Indonesia's economic growth. This second factor needs to be considered in efforts to advance the economy and achieve optimal economic stability. This research provides a better understanding of the factors that influence Indonesia's economic growth. It is hoped that the results of this research can be a reference for the government and economic actors in taking appropriate policies to accelerate economic growth and maintain economic stability.

Systems dynamics and casual configurations: Using dynamic pattern synthesis for macroeconomic comparative research

Dynamic Pattern Synthesis (DPS) provides a new longitudinal method for evaluating the impacts of macroeconomic and public policy interventions. Situated within complexity theory and critical realism, it has evolved from the established methods of Cluster Analysis and Configurational Modelling approaches. Dynamic Pattern Synthesis identifies case convergence and divergence (using quantitative techniques), while remaining close to the qualitative uniqueness of each case. In this paper, the DPS approach is used to consider macroeconomic convergence across Sub-Saharan Africa during the Millennium Development Goals, and the possible impacts of IMF interventions in stimulating long-term macroeconomic outcomes. The findings reveal a high degree of economic instability experienced across the region and varying responses to an external shock. The importance of ‘outliers’ and inconsistency in country convergence are also observed. The DPS method highlights the importance of individual country experiences in relation to external shocks. When factoring in IMF interventions, the findings highlight multiple paths to a given policy outcome, rather than a single optimal economic strategy. This opens up the debate on policy issues associated with economic complexity, including how best to create an overall environment of stability that might promote convergence and reduce the instability that undermines planning and investment.

Anticipatory Development Foresight: An approach for international and multilateral organizations

AbstractMotivationIn the three years before 2023, we have seen multiple parallel crises—from climate emergencies to economic instability, dramatic increases in costs of living, and political insecurities. Looming larger than the risks is the resultant uncertainty. Development agents, including governments, are historically unprepared for managing converging crisis. When risks are analysed and governed in narrow ways, the historically oppressed and excluded continue to carry the brunt of impact.PurposeThis article reflects on the question: How can institutions, including governments, become more anticipatory against this backdrop, to ensure that their policy and investment choices do not leave anyone behind due to lack of preparedness?Approach and methodsIt draws insights from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Asia and the Pacific's efforts since 2020 to apply more future‐fit planning and programming, recognizing that foresight is not an end in itself, but a mechanism for shaping more anticipatory institutions. It is based on qualitative learning synthesized from over three years of work to establish new systems, capabilities and processes for UNDP and its partners to engage in anticipatory risk and planning.FindingsPractices rooted in strategic foresight and anticipation can support institutions to incorporate long‐term thinking in planning and analysis, but their translation into development decisions and investments requires shifts in perspectives and risk appetite. Historically, strategic foresight has not been mainstreamed within international organizations and governments owing to: failing to embed anticipation into core systems and processes; giving more attention to tools and building skills than to the demand for alternative decision‐making models and to risk tolerance; relying overly on external support and static models; insufficiently attending to organizational culture and relational drivers of thinking and action.Policy implicationsWe suggest four interconnected levers to help sustain impact and equity when bringing anticipatory approaches into policy processes: ensure design elasticity to encourage local, context‐specific models of anticipatory decision‐making; build anticipatory systems as a base to understand future risks, harms, and correlating impacts; interrogate what counts as legitimate and relevant evidence for policy decisions; cultivate imagination as an act of inquiry.

On the Issue of Coordinating the Objectives and Instruments of Financial and Monetary Policies

The relevance of the issue of mutual influence of the goals and instruments of financial and monetary policy increases during periods of economic instability. External and internal macroeconomic shocks can undermine the financial stability of the state and have a negative impact on both price and financial stability. In this regard, there is a need to adjust both financial and monetary policies based on harmonization of the instruments of financial and monetary regulation. The purpose of this study is to develop the theoretical, methodological and applied foundations for coordinating the goals and instruments of monetary and financial policies. The article concludes with the results obtained in the course of the research.

How economic policy uncertainty affects common prosperity in China? The mediating role of green finance and the moderating role of low-carbon technology

During a period marked by economic instability and urgent environmental concerns, the Chinese government has prioritized the objective of achieving comprehensive common prosperity, alongside the targets of "carbon peaking" by 2030 and "carbon neutrality" by 2060, in its forthcoming economic development agenda. This objective has garnered significant attention and has emerged as a focal point in the government's strategic planning. Existing literature predominantly delves into the economic ramifications of policy uncertainty, with limited attention given to the intersection of economic and environmental impacts. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the correlation between economic policy uncertainty and the pursuit of common prosperity in China, with particular emphasis on the pivotal roles played by green finance and low-carbon technologies. The study introduces a Common Prosperity Evaluation Index, assessing prosperity levels across Chinese provinces and cities from 2010 to 2021. The analysis employs the System GMM approach, revealing that prosperity disparities persist, with eastern regions outpacing central and western areas. Economic policy uncertainty emerges as a determinant negatively affecting prosperity, especially in regions where prosperity levels are high. Moreover, it impedes green finance development, thereby hindering prosperity gains. Contrastingly, advancements in low-carbon technology bolster green finance and support the advancement towards common prosperity, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Modeling the News Impact on Volatility to Refugees Movement from LMICs: An APARCH Approach

Political and economic instability, armed conflicts, and weather abnormalities may introduce a high degree of volatility to the refugee movement. Refugee movement volatility is said to be asymmetric when positive and negative shocks of the same magnitude affect it differently. APARCH is one of the GARCH extension types of models that are popularly used to capture asymmetric volatility. In this paper, an attempt is made to model the volatility of the yearly refugee movement for the low-and middle-income countries using the APARCH model. The key finding of this study is that GARCH-extension type models indicating past volatility of the annual number of refugees is significant, influencing current volatility. The News Impact Curve is derived from the fitted APARCH model, which confirmed the presence of asymmetry in the volatility of the refugee movement. The News Impact Curve of the models for both groups of countries described that negative shocks of the same magnitude have a larger impact on volatility to refugee movement than positive shocks.

Exploring the opportunities in circular design as an affordable housing solution in Nigeria

Abstract The shortage of adequate housing is caused by global challenges such as urbanisation, economic instability, pandemics, and displacements. Additionally, the building sector is resource-intensive, leading to the emergence of the circular economy (CE) that is focused on resource efficiency. The design stage plays a central role in the CE model. However, circular housing design (CHD) in Nigeria has not been thoroughly explored. This study examined the opportunities for implementing CHD in Nigeria. Through a desk review approach, relevant data from the critical review of selected articles from reputable databases in the last five years were synthesized and incorporated into the study. The findings revealed that the adoption of CHD in Nigeria can assist in achieving affordability, decarbonisation, climate change mitigation, improving environmental value, energy optimisation, resource efficiency, and urban mining. More specifically, it will stimulate sustainability in the housing sector, digitalisation, technical expertise development, policies and regulations, land provision, coordination and collaboration, local voluntary stewardship programme, and new market opportunities in housing delivery in Nigeria. There is a need to develop technical skills in CHD through knowledge sharing among design professionals via multi-stakeholder collaborations and investment in technologies, as well as adopting integrated circular project delivery methods in the supply chain.

Banditry and the complicity of authorities in Zamfara State

Banditry is one of the major forms of insecurity in many states of the Northwest of Nigeria; it specifically poses significant threats to the wellbeing of the community and the economic stability in Zamfara State. The objective of this work is to examine the causes of banditry, analyze the impact on socio-economic, political and human security in Zamfara State and unravel the complicity of authorities in the banditry syndicate. Employing a qualitative approach, using primary sources, the study adopted the human security theory which emphasized the impact of banditry on the wellbeing and safety of people and communities in Zamfara State. The research findings include the identification of several causes of banditry which are farmer-herder conflicts, state and traditional rulers’ complicity, poverty. Banditry’s impact on the socio-economic activities has led to a significant decline in agricultural productivity, economic instability, loss of lives and property while in the political aspect it has resulted in a weak governance, political instability and threat to democratic process. Human security is severely impacted by banditry, with thousands of people displaced, human rights violation and disruption of basic services such as healthcare and education. The research recommended the adoption of integrated security strategies, economic support and development, community-based initiatives, government accountability and improvement, conflict resolution, human security and social services which should be critically used to mitigate the adverse effect of banditry and restore stability in Zamfara State.

MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES FOR BUSINESS INTERNATIONALIZATION THROUGH FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI) IN GLOBALIZATION: TRENDS FOR VALUES

This paper analyzes and describes multinational companies as a business internationalization strategy through foreign direct investments FDIs for business internationalization to reach business values in the frames of globalization. The analysis and results demonstrated that Multinational companies (MNCs) and foreign direct investments (FDIs) may face challenges and risks in new locations, economic and political instability, difficulties of infrastructure, distrust in the locations, locations, difficulties of balance in payment, challenging negotiations in business agreements and quality contracts, borders and transportation challenges, challenging in the market size. Multinational companies that go for foreign direct investment have an economic impact and can affect a country's economy in various ways, for example, in the balance of payments, in growth rates and in job creation. The effect of foreign direct investment by multinational companies can be negative or positive depending on certain factors. A multinational company’s pattern of internationalization represents different factors of possibilities, costs, risks and difficulties faced during its internationalization. In conclusion, Foreign direct investment (FDI) is an important step towards business internationalization and if the domestic company decides to go multinational towards FDI, it has to consider the factors of ownership, location and internalization to reach business internationalization as confirmed in Dunning’s framework and this analysis.

СУЧАСНІ ПІДХОДИ ОЦІНКИ ДО ОЦІНЮВАННЯ ЕФЕКТИВНОСТІ ДИВЕРСИФІКАЦІЇ БІЗНЕС-ПРОЦЕСІВ В НЕСТАБІЛЬНИХ ЕКОНОМІЧНИХ УМОВАХ

The study is aimed at highlighting modern methods of assessing the effectiveness of business process diversification, taking into account unstable economic conditions. The following methods were used to solve the tasks: the dialectical method of scientific knowledge, the method of analysis and synthesis; the method of comparison, description and generalisation. As a result of the study, approaches to assessing the effectiveness of business process diversification strategies, including marketing, strategic, financial and risk approaches, were clarified and systematised. Particular attention is paid to the financial approach, which allows to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the effectiveness of diversification strategies, taking into account various aspects of their implementation. It is also determined that the successful implementation of busi ness process diversification can have a positive impact on the economic, technological and resource aspects of an enterprise, ensuring increased profitability, introduction of innovative technologies and efficient use of resources in the context of European integration. It has been found that the use of different approaches to assessing the effectiveness of diversification allows to comprehensively consider its impact on the enterprise and determine the prospects for its development. The results of the study can be applied in the management of strategic decisions of enterprises in various sectors of the economy, such as: business economics, finance, management, administration. In the context of economic instability, it is important to use a variety of approaches to assess the effectiveness of business process diversification, which will allow enterprises to adapt to changes and ensure sustainability in development. Such an integrated approach will help to increase competitiveness and successfully function in an unpredictable market environment.

Slowbalization: Rising Trends for the Global Economy and Business

Abstract This paper investigates and analyzes the paradigm of slowbalization and the new direction of globalization and how they can expose business to more challenges. The research methodology mainly focused on literature review with a focus on a descriptive data analysis in the content of the paper. The results showed that factors such as economic decoupling that may transform to a real difficult reality for companies, the economic consequences of the geopolitical conflicts, the pandemic caused by Covid-19 divergence in US-China relations globally, political economic instability, rising inflation rates and other risks such as cyber-attacks have always posed a threat to economies, companies, businesses and markets. Slowbalization as a word does not exist in literature or language roots but it illustrates the recoil of globalization due to some of the previous stated factors. In conclusion, the end of globalization seems to be impossible since it appeared in the fourth industrial revolution that witnessed the appearance of digitalization, computer and internet. It is possible that a new phase of globalization is being reshaped or a new road towards its sustainable aspects. On the contrary, the introduction of a new international order is always a potential probability.

IMPROVEMENT OF INNOVATION AND INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES OF THE ORGANIZATION

As noted in previous publications, innovation and investment are closely linked. It is impossible to imagine serious innovation projects without large investments, and effective investments without innovation. Often, companies have their financial reserves, but no investment, again because the company does not have innovative and profitable projects that are attractive to investors. In situations of economic instability, investors select and analyze projects for investment more carefully, since the efficiency and risk of investment are directly related to the structure of the innovation project. Economic analysis in innovation and investment activities is a tool for developing management decisions aimed at improving the efficiency of the enterprise, and is also used to assess the professional skills and competencies of enterprise managers, innovation units and specialists. Currently, there are a sufficient number of fundamental approaches and methods for determining the efficiency of capital investments throughout the investment cycle

THE CASE OF LEBANON BANKRUPTCY

Default can be defined as the country’s inability to repay its debts. The accumulation of debts and the country’s inability to repay them can happen for many reasons such as political and economic instability, wars, wrong governmental policies, or pandemics. The default of a country means the depreciation of the currency, an increase in the inflation rate, increasing interest rates, lack of foreign and domestic investments, and increasing unemployment. In addition, the government cut public spending and stopped the public projects and funding the social programs. Lebanon became unable to repay its debts in the year 2020. Lebanon’s default happened due to several reasons. The purpose of the paper is to explain the reasons that led Lebanon to declare its default. Adding to that, this paper will discuss the main recommendations and policies that can be implemented for Lebanon to be able to get out of its economic crisis.

Deciphering volatility spillovers amidst crises: analyzing the interplay among commodities, equities and socially responsible investments during the COVID-19 shock and financial turbulence

PurposeThis study aims to elucidate the volatility spillovers among commodities, equities and socially responsible investments, underpinning their dynamic correlations during the economic instability wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated financial crises.Design/methodology/approachThis research quantitatively analyzes volatility transmission across various financial assets from January 2005 to October 2020 by employing the Diebold and Yilmaz (2012) spillover index. The methodology incorporates a temporal examination to capture the evolution of volatility dependencies pre and post the emergence of COVID-19.FindingsThe findings indicate substantial volatility spillovers among the assets in question, aligning with the current financialisation of commodity markets and a rise in financial market integration. These spillovers also show variation over time. Notably, the interconnectedness among the assets intensifies during periods of stress. For instance, the total spillover index significantly surpassed 80% toward the end of January 2020, following the onset of the COVID-19 crisis. Furthermore, the results imply that financial markets appear to be segmented.Practical implicationsThe findings afford investors a more comprehensive insight into both the character and scale of the interdependencies across a broad array of financial markets. Indeed, grasping the extent to which financial markets are segmented or integrated during times of stress and stability is crucial for investors. Such understanding is key to more accurately evaluating risks, diversifying investment portfolios and devising more efficient hedging strategies.Originality/valueThis study contributes to financial literature by offering a comprehensive investigation into the spillover effects across a diverse set of asset classes during an unprecedented global health crisis, filling a gap in existing research on market behavior against the backdrop of a pandemic-induced financial crisis.

INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP: CONTENT AND MAIN ASPECTS OF DEVELOPMENT

In the conditions of rapid technological changes and global competition, innovative entrepreneurship is gaining priority. It helps business entities to adapt to new challenges, reduce risks and find new niches for development. This is especially important for economies seeking to achieve a high level of technological independence and sustainability. At the same time, innovative entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for social change, because it contributes to the development of human capital, the creation of new jobs and the improvement of the quality of life of the population. The development of innovative entrepreneurship requires a comprehensive approach, which includes not only funding and support from the state, but also the development of appropriate infrastructure, educational programs, and stimulation of scientific research. Thus, innovative entrepreneurship becomes one of the key elements of economic policy, which determines the strategic priorities of the country's development and forms the basis for sustainable economic growth in the long term. The development of innovative entrepreneurship depends on many factors. The latter can both stimulate and restrain the process of introducing innovations. It is important for business entities to take these factors into account when developing innovative development strategies. As practice shows, the main factors that prevent the effective development of innovative activity in today's conditions are the lack of funding and the lack of effective incentives for its development, the high cost of the necessary resources, their partial or complete absence, a high degree of risk of failure in the implementation of innovative projects, political and economic instability, rapid technological changes. For the successful management of innovative entrepreneurship, it is important for business entities to take these factors into account in order to minimize their impact. This can be achieved by combining the efforts of the scientific community, business structures and the state.