Financial Sustainability Research Articles

Diversifying the educator workforce: promising aspects of teacher preparation programs

Abstract The present study contributes to the body of work addressing the need for diversity in the educator workforce. The study examines six grant-funded projects designed to increase the diversity of teacher candidates, support these candidates through licensure, and ultimately increase the diversity of the teacher workforce in Ohio. Data was gathered from Principal Investigators and other project members via mid-year and end-of-year interviews (N = 12) and analyzed using qualitative coding methods. The analysis surfaced common themes among program features, program implementation, and challenges programs encountered. The findings suggest that effective programs to diversify the educator workforce could benefit from program development that makes intentional use of several key strategies: (1) collaborative processes and relationships; (2) programmatic and individual student support; (3) targeted, personal approaches to recruitment; (4) intentional planning for financial sustainability (including the use of more than one funding stream); and (5) the creation of specific pathways from high school to career. This study further identified both internal and external systemic challenges programs encountered and highlighted effective methods for resolving issues where possible, while also identifying challenges that remained intractable.

Changes in payer mix of new and established trauma centers: the new trauma center money grab?

BackgroundAlthough timely access to trauma center (TC) care for injured patients is essential, the proliferation of new TCs does not always improve outcomes. Hospitals may seek TC accreditation for financial...

Developing a Sustainable Finance Index and Its Implications on Inter-Intra Banking Sector

Developing a Sustainable Finance Index and Its Implications on Inter-Intra Banking Sector

REVENUE SOURCES AND FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF LOCAL NGOS IN RWANDACASE STUDY: DUHARANIRA AMAJYAMBERE YICYARO (DUHAMIC-ADRI)

Background:This research is aimed at investigating the influence of revenue sources on financial sustainability within Rwandas local NGO sector, focusing on DUHaranira AMajyambere yICyaro (DUHAMIC-ADRI) as a case study. This study was guided by three specific objectives, the first one was to assess the effect of diversification of revenue sources on the financial sustainability of DUHAMIC-ADRI. Second was to evaluate the influence of financial management practices on the financial sustainability of DUHAMIC-ADRI. And finally, the third objective was to evaluate the influence of organizational capacity factors on the financial sustainability of DUHAMIC-ADRI. Materials and Methods:A twofold approach was adopted, combining elements of both descriptive and correlation research designs with data collection method combining both quantitative and qualitative data from the sample by use of distribution of questionnaires and conducting interviews. The target population of 68 staff of DUHAMIC-ADRI headquarters and some field officers were the research population and due to small research population, the research employed census sampling technique considering all that the entire population of 68 individuals to be included as respondents in this study. Results: The gathered data revealed significant insights. The research demonstration a positive association (<0.05) between diversifying revenue sources and DUHAMIC-ADRIs financial sustainability, aligning with resource dependence theory. Mean scores for various revenue sources (Grants and Donor Funding: 3.16, Membership Fees and Contributions: 3.38, Fundraising Activities: 3.38, Diversification of revenue sources: 3.44) indicated their significance, and a robust correlation (r = 0.784) reinforced the importance of diverse revenue streams. The research also underscored a strong correlation (<0.05) between effective financial management and financial sustainability, with high mean scores (Strategic plan: 4.03, Budgeting and financial planning: 4.16, Expense control measures: 4.22, Financial reporting practices: 4.28, Regular financial audits: 4.32). this study furthermore revealed the critical role of organizational capacity factors (Board Governance: 4.03, Staff Competency and Skills: 4.28, Infrastructure and Resources: 4.34, Continuous training programs: 4.47, Adequate investment in technology infrastructure: 4.34) in financial sustainability. The correlation analysis in this research solidified the interdependence between revenue sources and financial sustainability (r = 0.784), also on the multiple regression coefficient analysis found that the regression analysis for DUHAMIC-ADRI indicates that only donor funding has a statistically significant positive impact on financial sustainability, with a coefficient of 93.477. In contrast, government grants (coefficient: 86.841), internally generated funds (coefficient: 95.172), and reserves (coefficient: 15.808) did not show significant effects. The t-statistics for these variables were 0.965, 1.697, and 1.812, respectively, with p-values above 5%. This aligns with prior research indicating that Rwandan NGOs heavily depend on donor funding, with percentages of 8.57% of donor funding, 34.22% of government grants, 9.98% of internally generated funds, and 7.96% of reserves. Strategies to enhance donor funding and diversify revenue streams could improve financial sustainability. Basing on these findings the research concluded by highlighting the need for a holistic financial strategy, including revenue diversification, effective financial management, and robust organizational capacity, essential for the long-term viability and success of DUHAMIC-ADRI and potentially applicable to other local NGOs in Rwanda. The research also recommends a diversified revenue generation approach for local NGOs in Rwanda, strategic financial management practices, and internal capacity strengthening. It emphasizes a balanced approach to resource management for long-term success. Conclusion: The study goes on to suggest further research to understand the financial sustainability dynamics of local NGOs in Rwanda. It suggests exploring revenue diversification, financial management practices, organizational capacity factors, integrated financial strategies, and external factors. These insights could help NGOs adapt to dynamic financial landscapes, improve their financial resilience, and navigate a rapidly changing funding environment.

SUSTAINABLE FINANCE AT THE GRASSROOTS: INSIGHTS FROM KARNATAKA'S GREEN BANKING LANDSCAPE

In addition to global environmental challenges, sustainable finance has emerged as an important tool for reducing environmental risk and promoting economic growth. The study examines the development of sustainable finance at the grassroots level through an analysis of green banking initiatives in Karnataka, India, with special focus on Vijayapura district. The main objective of this study was to reveal the complex interplay between sustainable finance and community engagement through consumer knowledge and perception of green banking practices in the local context of Karnataka. Using mixed methods, the study combined quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to critically examine the state of green banking awareness among consumers in Vijayapura district. The survey had collected data on customer demographics, knowledge of green banking principles, and attitudes towards a sustainable economy. In-depth interviews further clarified the factors affecting consumer participation in green banking schemes. Preliminary findings indicate that consumers in Vijayapura district differ in their awareness and understandings of green banking principles. While some respondents show a keen interest in sustainable finance and are willing to participate in green banking activities, others express limited knowledge or skepticism about its benefits about factors such as education; income and access to information emerge as significant determinants of customer perceptions and behaviors towards green banking. This study contributes to the evolving discourse on sustainable finance by providing insights into the implementation of green banking systems on the ground in Karnataka, India. By highlighting the opportunities and challenges associated with community engagement in the sustainable economy, the findings connect policymakers, financial institutions, and communities seeking to promote the environment the norms of sustainability and inclusive economic growth.

A STUDY OF FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY IN INDIAN BANKING INDUSTRY

Financial sustainability has become a catch line in the modern financial systems. This has become a matter of concern in all economies worldwide. Financial sustainability ensures stable and resilient financial health. This comprehensive approach supports the banking sector in generating more revenue, and its strategic planning system is conducive to reducing the level of non-performing assets by managing costs. This allows the financial system to achieve its strategic goals by effectively managing borrowing and credit. Strategic investment decisions help evade financial strain and mitigate probable financial pitfalls. This makes the system more viable and resilient, allowing banks to achieve long-term goals in a zestful environment of financial threats and opportunities. The concept of financial sustainability is a new term in the Indian banking system. Banks are trying their best to adopt and implement it, but are still lagging. To date, only a few banks have incorporated them successfully. Financial sustainability offers many benefits to banks in the form of high productivity, effective management of interest rate fluctuations, controlled non-performing assets, cost reduction, better customer satisfaction, and risk control. Indian banks have acknowledged the significance of financial sustainability and are now committed to achieving it. Banking regulators must incorporate and implement the goal of financial sustainability in the Indian banking system on a priority basis. This study highlights the need to adopt the goal of financial sustainability in the Indian banking industry. Further, the strategies made by the RBI in this direction have been analyzed along with the challenges that banks face during the implementation of these strategies in the real world.

Pengaruh BOPO dan NPL terhadap Financial Suistainability pada PT BPR Artha Parama periode 2016-2023

Banking Companies such as PT BPR Artha Parama experienced an increase in NPL ratios after the emergence of the Covid 19 pandemic, although currently the pandemic has passed, Banking Companies are still experiencing difficulties to reduce NPL ratios. NPLs at banks can experience a significant increase because the covid pandemic has resulted in a decrease in income from debtors with businesses in various sectors including tourism, trade, agriculture, fisheries, etc. The debtor must reschedule his credit or restructure so that the credit quality becomes less good. This study aims to determine the Effect of BOPO and Non Performing Loan (NPL) on Financial Sustainability at PT BPR Artha Parama for the 2016-2023 period. This study used a quantitative approach. The study population is PT BPR Artha Parama with an observation period of 2016 to 2023. The sample selection technique uses the purposive sampling method. The data analysis method used is multiple linear regression analysis. The results showed that BOPO had a significant effect on the Financial Sustainability Ratio, while Non-Performing Loans (NPL) did not have a significant effect on the Financial Sustainability Ratio.

Social entrepreneurship as alternative form of employment in rural areas

For rural labor market, it should be noted the specific nature of the demand and supply of labor, imbalance between them, low level of professional training, lack of high degree of readiness for innovation, and lack of labor resources. In this regard, we can consider an alternative form of social entrepreneurship that increases employment of the rural population. The goal is to show the most important aspects of development of corporate social responsibility as the best option for improving the quality of life of the population in rural areas through access to education, healthcare and cultural leisure opportunities, disseminating the entrepreneurial skills of rural residents, increasing their self-esteem and self-sufficiency. Social entrepreneurs use local resources and create new markets for agricultural products, handicrafts, and tourism services. Methods – statistical and economic, scientific analysis, comparison. The study is based on the analysis of information obtained from domestic and foreign scientific publications, statistical data from the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Strategic Planning and Reforms. Results - the author presents indicators of demographic trends and the impact of the state of labor potential on employment in the country and in rural areas over the past 5 years, including the current state of employment and unemployment in rural areas and expanding the range of social and entrepreneurial activities based on entrepreneurial activity aimed at solving social problems. Social entrepreneurship is distinguished by the following main features: innovation, self-sufficiency and financial sustainability, entrepreneurial approach. Conclusions - the author has given proposals that increase social and economic security, employment opportunities in rural regions, stimulating the investment initiative of business entities.

The Strategic Role of the Third Mission in Universities: A Concrete Case Study

In addition to teaching and research, the goal of universities is to contribute to the development of civil society by promoting the direct application, valorization, and use of knowledge. In reality, it is a widespread and shared opinion that is no longer enough to carry out research on campus and publish subsequent works in scientific journals. It is also difficult to be fully satisfied with teaching only young people in university courses. This paper focuses on highlighting how an applied example can be taken as the best practice for future implementations. The methodology used is qualitative. The research question that initiated the study was to concretely verify how the Third Mission (TM) was integrated into the strategic choices of universities. In light of the new methods of evaluating universities, how can we highlight what they have done in terms of the third mission? Are organizational solutions possible in the approach to the TM? The objective was to verify what the impact and future development of the Third Mission (TM) in the universities will be. In light of its inclusion among the evaluation criteria of universities and teachers, the Third Mission (TM) is the new future frontier in terms of local and national openness and development, as well as their economic and financial sustainability. To this end, a case analysis was proposed as a model/best practice, and in particular the case of the Department of Business and Law of the University of Calabria was also presented. The application and implementation of rules and regulations are always difficult in any case and in any field. An example can be seen in public administration and universities, bureaucratically "plastered" and not very inclined to change and innovation, especially regarding performance evaluation. Therefore, seeing an application carried out relatively quickly allows the enhancement of the “DiScAG Model”, which is to be taken as an application example in the implementation of the Third Mission (TM) in universities. The study will contribute to increasing the literature and starting a discussion and a reflection on what has been done and what still needs to be done in this direction.

Increasing or Decreasing Scale? The Pros and Cons of Farm Size for Financial Sustainability

The article focuses on the question of optimal farm size in the context of contemporary agricultural challenges such as rapid population growth, climate change, and limited natural resources. The analysis shows that farm economic size can have a significant impact on financial performance indicators including productivity, profitability, liquidity, solvency, and sustainability. The article provides a detailed overview of the pros and cons of different farm economic sizes and their impact on financial sustainability, drawing on academic literature, available data, and statistical methods. The results indicate that larger farms have lower factor productivity but higher solvency. Smaller farms on the other hand have higher profitability and productivity. Medium-sized farms are characterized by high liquidity and financial autonomy.

Analisa Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Financial Sustainability Ratio Sektor Perbankan Di Bei Periode 2019-2022

Financial Sustainability in banking is one of the important things to measure the bank's sustainability in the future, especially from a financial perspective. The sustainability of the banking sector must be a concern because there are many parties who will have an impact if a bank experiences failure to operate, especially in its finances. This research aims to examine the influence of BOPO, DebtToEquity, ReturnOnAsset, LDR, Directors, Commissioners on the Financial Sustainability Ratio (FSR) in Idx banking sector companies -Ic Period 2019-2022. Sampling was carried out using purposive sampling technique. This type of research uses multiple linear regression methods. The object of this research is the Idx-Ic banking sector financial report for the 2019-2022 period. The research results show that only the Director variable of the six independent variables used has an influence on the Financial Sustainability Ratio (FSR) and the research model is suitable for use. Companies that want to maintain the FSR value should pay attention to the number and selection of directors they have.

Role of Diversification on Financial Sustainability and Credit Risk of Asian Microfinance Institutions

This paper investigates the role of diversification with respect to financial sustainability and credit risk. This study has extended the discussion from banking to microfinance institutions (MFIs) having dual objective of both financial and social nature to eradicate poverty. Asia being the hub of microfinance, is selected for understanding the scenario. Role of diversification is determined with respect to revenue, product, geographical and asset perspective. Risk is measured with the help of credit risk; z-score and Portfolio at risk (30 days) while operational self- sustainability is employed to understand microfinance sustainability. The approach of generalized method of moment (GMM) is employed for panel data analysis for a sample of 313 Asian microfinance from time period 2012-2019. The findings present significant impacts of various dimensions of diversification for sustainability of microfinance institutions and found more risk comes with more diversification. Further MFIs can mitigate their risk with the help of strategy of group lending. This study suggests that, all MFIs generate income through both financial and non-financial services that led to expansion of their social outreach and decrease their operational cost and hence, sustainability. The findings are helpful for practitioner and policy makers to adapt strategies of diversification for sustainability of MFIs.

Sustainable Entrepreneurship in the Digital Age: Navigating Green Technology, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Financial Sustainability

Sustainable Entrepreneurship in the Digital Age: Navigating Green Technology, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Financial Sustainability

EXAMINING THE INFLUENCE OF FINANCIAL COSTS, ERGONOMICS, AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT ON UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' MENTAL HEALTH DURING THE COVID-19 MOVEMENT CONTROL ORDER

ABSTRACT This study explores the impact of built environment, ergonomics, and financial cost on students' mental health during COVID-19 in Malaysia. The central problem that motivates the study is the potential misidentification of critical factors in terms of functional dimensions of the learning environment financial sustainability. Focusing on students’ population residing in Malaysia during the COVID19 pandemic, the main research objective is to determine how the surrounding and comfort affect them. These students are between 20 to 25 years of age, comprises all races in Malaysia. The dependent variable is mental health, and the independent variables are financial cost, ergonomics and built environment. By analyzing questionnaire data and employing SEM-PLS, the study reveals that ergonomics and financial costs significantly affect Malaysian students' mental health. The unique aspect of this research lies in considering the functional dimensions of the learning environment and financial sustainability as factors influencing personal health. The findings have practical implications for educational institutions, emphasizing the importance of designing ergonomic virtual learning spaces and promoting sustainable practices to mitigate mental health risks among university students. Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, Sustainability, Student mental health, Built environment, Ergonomics

DO INDONESIAN INVESTORS VALUE SUSTAINABILITY: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE AND FIRM VALUE RELATED TO NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ISSUES

The Indonesian government regulates the activities of local companies related to sustainability as regulated in OJK Regulation (POJK) Number 51/POJK.03/2017 concerning the Implementation of Sustainable Finance for Financial Services Institutions, Issuers and Public Companies. Sustainable finance is the government’s goal to preserve the environment. The sustainability report prepared by the company shows concern for environmental sustainability and does not carry out excessive exploration of nature. This research examines the effects of sustainability performance on company value after the implications of POJK51. The sustainability performance variable is a variable that describes the company’s commitment to encouraging business sustainability through healthy practices, accountability, information transparency, contribution to economic development, and improving the quality of social life. The three main pillars of corporate sustainability are economic, social and environmental. The research was conducted on companies listed on the LQ45 Index of the Indonesian Stock Exchange. The research results show that sustainability performance does not affect company value. Investors don’t value sustainability. Improving sustainability performance does not benefit company values. Therefore, companies need to understand which sustainability performance best suits the interests of their stakeholders and make extra efforts to inform them so that investors can understand and appreciate sustainability.

DIGITALLY DRIVEN MODEL OF A CLIMATE-NEUTRAL ECONOMY IN TERMS OF GLOBAL FINANCIAL CAPACITY

The article explores the conditions and drivers for the development of a climate-neutral economy model, emphasizing the pivotal role of digital transformation. A crucial lever in deploying this model is the proactive engagement of international financial entities within the realm of global green financing. The study highlights the instrumental role of green funds as key players in shaping global financial capacity and providing multilateral support for climate change adaptation worldwide. It delves into the overarching frameworks and mechanisms of such assistance. Employing a systematic analysis alongside case studies of the Green Climate Fund's projects, the authors aim to identify the most impactful sectors for cultivating a climate-neutral economy. The research identifies four essential segments for achieving climate neutrality: digitalization for climate, strengthening the financial capacity and business sustainability, rethinking ecosystem development, and community empowerment. The investigation draws on extensive data regarding the execution of 240 climate projects across major beneficiaries of climate finance in Eastern Europe, Africa, the Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. It shows that modern climate finance demonstrates signs of geopolitical dependency and polarization in global influence. The findings argue for bolstering the regional presence of climate funds to increase the financial capacity to implement climate-neutral projects at the local level. The article underscores the scale of financial support required across each segment, as well as the leading role of pre-project preparation. The authors substantiate the overarching and twofold role of digitalization in the model of a climate-neutral economy. The digital transformation produces a whole cluster of independent and versatile IT products for green businesses, industries and governance. On the other hand, digitalization creates an informational environment and a powerful digital infrastructure for better efficacy of other crucial segments. Specifically, it provides digital decisions for financial solvency and sustainability of green businesses in terms of green lending, grants and Fintech; strengthens information awareness and involvement of vulnerable communities in green economy processes; promotes digital support for overall ecosystem adaptation.

The Impact of Economic Factors on Public Health Expenditure in Türkiye: Principal Component Analysis Evaluation for the Period 2002-2022

This study analyzes the economic factors affecting public health expenditure in Türkiye from 2002 to 2022. The main objective is to identify the economic reasons for the decreasing share of public health expenditure in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It examines macroeconomic variables such as GDP per capita, unemployment rate, labor force participation rate, consumer price index, tax revenue, and exchange rate using principal component analysis (PCA). The results show that GDP per capita, exchange rate, and tax revenue significantly impact public health expenditure, indicating a direct relationship between economic growth and health spending. The unemployment rate does not directly affect public health expenditure, while an increase in labor force participation rate can reduce it. This study underscores the importance of macroeconomic stability and effective economic policies for sustainable health financing in Türkiye. By using long-term data, it provides a comprehensive analysis of how economic factors impact health expenditure, distinguishing it from other studies in the literature. The findings emphasize that a healthy economy leads to increased public investment in health services.

CREDIT RISK ASSESSMENT PRACTICES AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF MICROFINANCE INSTITUTION IN RWANDA A CASE OF COPEDU PLC

Background: This exploration design, with a case study of COPEDU PLC, aimed to assess the influence of credit risk assessment practices on the financial performance of COPEDU PLC in Rwanda. This exploration design was structured around three specific objects originally, to estimate the influence of customer financial status analysis on the financial performance of COPEDU PLC in Rwanda secondly, to examine the effect of the 5Cs of credit on the financial performance of COPEDU PLC in Rwanda and eventually, to assess the influence of credit risk on the financial performance of COPEDU PLC in Rwanda. Materials and Methods: To achieve the exploration objects, a descriptive and correlation exploration design was used. Data was collected through a combination of both quantitative and qualitative styles, exercising interview attendants and questionnaires. Using tale approach in the slice process, an exploration population of comprising of staff population of 65 at COPEDU PLC headquarters were all be regarded as the sample size. Results: The collected data presented compelling findings grounded on numerical data. specially, the analysis of COPEDU PLCs financial pointers revealed positive comprehensions, with crucial numbers similar as a mean credit score of4.49(SD = 0.75) and a mean debt- to- income rate of4.51(SD = 0.73). These pointers demonstrated a predominant agreement among repliers, with49.23 agreeing on the significance of credit scores and47.69 admitting the significance of the debt- to- income rate. The study also explored the relationship between the 5Cs of Credit and financial performance, revealing specific numbers similar as a mean score of4.35 (SD = 1.15) for collateral and4.42 (SD = 1.13) for capacity. In addition, effective credit risk operation strategies were quantified, with mean probabilities indicating strong agreement (SA) from41.85 of repliers on diversifying the loan portfolio and46.15 on effective loan recovery strategies. The correlation analysis further stressed a robust relationship, with a Pearson Correlation measure of0.894 (p- value = .000), italicizing the statistical significance of the positive association between credit risk assessment practices and the financial performance of microfinance institutions. Conclusion:The exploration study concludes grounding of the findings revealed that COPEDU PLCs credit risk assessment practices significantly impact financial performance, with repliers feting the significanceof crucial financial pointers and the 5Cs of credit. In addition, those effective risk operation strategiesare pivotalfor financial success. still, the study recommends microfinance institutions to upgradecredit riskassessment criteria, train staff on the 5Cs of credit, diversify loan portfolios, ameliorate loan recovery strategies, establish a methodical review process, and invest in technology results to enhance credit risk operationand financial sustainability. Eventually, the study made suggestions for farther exploration on credit risk operation in microfinance institutions, including assayingindividual financial pointers, comparing practices across institutions, assessing risk operation strategies, and tracking long- term goodson financial sustainability and growth. It also suggests comparing variations in credit risk assessment practices and enforcing effective recovery strategies.

Investment funds are responsible for substantial environmental and social impacts

Sustainable investing is under risk of being watered down by greenwashing given the lack of standardized and reliable indicators for measuring impact at financial product level. Here we propose 13 environmental and 13 social life-cycle-based, ready-to-use, and policy-relevant impact indicators that can be adapted for sustainability assessment of financial products. These indicators are aligned primarily with the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) for investment funds. As practical application, we estimate the impacts of a sample of 230 self-labeled sustainable investment funds for all indicators. Their total estimated environmental impacts and social impacts are large and vary between 2.1 and 28.4 times the impacts associated with the consumption of a one million EU citizens, depending on the indicator. Moreover, we have found similar impact ranges within a sample of conventional funds, given the heterogeneity of funds. However, when comparing two funds that are equivalent sustainable/non-sustainable pairs, we find that the sustainable fund is better on specific impact categories, but not all of these, therefore hinting towards trade-offs in terms of impact categories also for sustainable funds.

Banking on ecosystem services

The COP 15 of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity emphasised the need to monitor, evaluate, and disclose the risks and dependencies of financial institutions on biodiversity. In the light of this context, our paper focuses specifically on banks and is framed by the following overarching question: to what extent have banks identified, integrated, measured, and disclosed their dependency and exposure to ecosystem services (ES)? The literature on finance and biodiversity provides various arguments highlighting the urgency and significance of understanding and disclosing banks' ES risk exposure. Despite numerous public and/or private initiatives, banks have been slow to evaluate and integrate their dependency on ES, and related risks, into their operations and performance. Using data from the ten largest European banks, we estimate that for every dollar of equity holding, 26 cents are potentially exposed to high ES dependencies. This figure should be regarded as a lower estimate of the total banks' exposure to ES dependency. To make progress, we argue that banks must become champions of ES to ensure their own resilience and financial sustainability. Governance plays a key role, and we suggest several measures to accelerate this transition.