Investment Framework Research Articles

Agricultural Scenario of Nepal: Growth Performance and Swot Analysis

This study aimed to determine the performance of agriculture sector in Nepal which would help in formulating better policies for its improvement. The study estimated the growth and instability for the period 2001-02 to 2020-21, dividing it into two periods, period-I (2001-02 to 2010-11) and period-II (2011-12 to 2020-21). The growth and instability analysis indicated that the growth of production of almost all crops were increased during period-II. Oilseeds showed the highest increase in production with growth rate of 6.26%, whereas millet and coffee showed decreasing rate of production in period-II. The area under wheat and millet decreased drastically in period-II. Although instability in area increased in period-II for almost all the crops, tea experienced highest increase. Instability in coffee production decreased from 41.85% in period-I to 15.92% in period-II, highest among selected crops. The instabilities in production were due to natural calamities, lesser and untimely availability of inputs, less priority in the research sector for minor crops and so on. Livestock subsector has been performing well as compared to the crop sector. Prioritization by the government and wide climatic conditions are the major strengths of the sector whereas unavailability of inputs in time and lack of investment frameworks are the weaknesses. Farm mechanization, topography and agri-tourism are some opportunities and climate change, fragmentation of arable land, brain-drain are the threats to this sector in Nepal. The major focus of the government should be on utilizing the rural labor force on agriculture sector through different schemes such as effective crop and livestock insurance, timely supply of demanded inputs and proper extension services.

Bibliometric Analysis of Trends and Patterns in Sustainable and Responsible Investments (SRI) Research from 2000-2024

This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of Sustainable and Responsible Investments (SRI) research from 2000 to 2024, utilizing data visualization tools to map the evolution and current state of the field. Through thematic clusterization, temporal trends, author collaboration networks, and potential research topics, the research offers insights into the dynamic nature of SRI. Initial findings show a progression from foundational concepts to more nuanced discussions around impact investing and sustainability indices. The analysis of author collaboration networks highlights key influencers and suggests potential areas for future collaboration. Additionally, the identification of underexplored areas such as ethical investment frameworks and the impact of social investments indicates new directions for research. This paper underscores the importance of SRI in aligning financial investments with global sustainability goals, providing a roadmap for future research and practice in the field.

Policy drivers and tools influencing the development of social enterprises in Taiwan

PurposeTaiwan promotes social enterprises with the Social Enterprise Action Plan and Social Innovation Action Plan, focusing on solving social problems and achieving sustainable development goals. This study aims to clarify the impetus for the above policies and determines whether the relevant policy tools can achieve the established policy goals.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts the in-depth interview method and uses the “social impact investment framework” constructed by OEDC and Dunn’s definition of public policy stakeholders to select 22 respondents, who were divided into three groups.FindingsTaiwan’s decision-making in social enterprise policy is mainly driven by the pressure of youth unemployment and the 318-student movement. Intrinsic motivation strategies popularized the concept of social enterprise. Various strategies are used to break the limitations and diversify the organization, trigger more diverse social investments, broaden the goals of investment and complete the social enterprise ecosystem through these. Taiwan’s social enterprise policies are consistent with the global trend of “replacing subsidies with investment.”Originality/valueThis study shows that social enterprises generate mutual benefits between investors and social enterprises, that is, achieve free matching through external mechanisms. This study fills the gaps in Oliver’s “behavioral cube” framework of policy instruments. A “behavioral four-dimensional matrix” composed of nudge, shove, budge and reciprocity is proposed to complete the framework for social enterprise policy analysis tools.

A Cloud- and Game Model-Based Approach to Project Evaluations of Sustainable Power Supply Investments

In light of electrical energy’s increasing role in economic systems worldwide, prioritizing investments in sustainable power supplies has become paramount. This study proposes a model based on cloud theory and game theory to evaluate sustainable power supply investment projects. It establishes a foundation for assessing the merits of power supply investments, which are crucial for continuous electricity provision and economic advancement. By integrating an enhanced analytic hierarchy process and the entropy method, the study develops a dual-weighted evaluative index system. This hybrid approach addresses ambiguities and enhances the weight determination accuracy, which, when applied to the Liaojiawan Transformer Substation, verifies the project’s high benefit level, corroborated by empirical data. This innovative methodology offers a strategic framework for future power supply investments.

Modeling an Investment Framework for BMTA Electric Bus Fleet Development

In Thailand, diesel buses are notorious for their poor energy efficiency and contribution to air pollution. To combat these issues, battery electric buses (BEBs) have emerged as a promising alternative. However, their high initial costs have posed challenges for fleet management, especially for agencies such as the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA). This study aims to revolutionize BEB fleet management by developing an energy model tailored to the BMTA’s needs. The methodology consists of two crucial steps: analyzing BMTA bus routes and designing fleet management and charging systems. Through this process, the study seeks to determine the maximum number of BEBs that can be operated on each route with the fewest chargers possible. The results reveal exciting possibilities. Within the city bus landscape, two out of five BMTA bus routes show potential for transitioning to BEBs, provided they meet a maximum energy requirement of 200 kWh every two rounds. This analysis identifies routes ripe for BEB adoption while considering the limitations of battery size. In the next step, the study unveils a game-changing strategy: a maximum of 13 BEBs can operate on two routes with just four chargers requiring 150 kW each. This means fewer chargers and more efficient operations. Plus, the charging profile peaks at 600 kW from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., showing when and where the fleet needs power the most. However, the real eye-opener? Significant energy savings of THB 10.44 million per year compared to diesel buses, with an initial investment cost savings of over 37%. These findings underscore the potential for BEB fleet management to revolutionize public transportation and save money in the long run. However, there is more work to be done. The study highlights the need for real-time passenger considerations, the development of post-service charging strategies, and a deeper dive into total lifetime costs. These areas of improvement promise even greater strides in the future of sustainable urban transportation.

Smart investment framework for energy resilience: A case study of a campus microgrid research facility

Energy resilience is a vital consideration for ensuring the survivability of modern infrastructure systems. Achieving 100% resilience, however, is often impractical and economically burdensome. In this paper, we propose a smart investment framework that enables decision-makers to determine optimal investments in energy resilience based on available resources and desired levels of resilience. To illustrate the effectiveness of this framework, we present a case study of a campus microgrid research and testing facility. Using a real-time simulation approach conducted with Typhoon Hardware In Loop (HIL), we evaluate the performance of the microgrid system over 24 hours following 4 historically significant hurricanes that have affected Louisiana in the past few years. The microgrid is designed to power local loads during outages, providing an effective solution for enhancing energy resilience. Real solar data collected from our 1.1 Megawatt (MW) solar facility on the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus is integrated into the simulation, enabling a realistic evaluation of the system’s performance under hurricane-induced disruptions. By employing the proposed smart investment framework, decision-makers can better identify and address resilience challenges. The framework facilitates informed investment decisions by considering available resources and aligning them with the desired level of resilience. This approach avoids over-investment in unnecessary redundancy while ensuring critical systems are adequately protected. Our research contributes to the field by demonstrating the practicality and benefits of a smart investment framework for energy resilience in a real-world scenario. The case study of the campus microgrid research facility provides valuable insights for decision-makers in similar contexts, highlighting the potential of this framework to guide resilient energy infrastructure planning and investment strategies.

Optimizing Cryptocurrency Returns: A Quantitative Study on Factor-Based Investing

This study explores cryptocurrency investment strategies by adapting the robust framework of factor investing, traditionally applied in equity markets, to the distinctive landscape of cryptocurrency assets. It conducts an in-depth examination of 31 prominent cryptocurrencies from December 2017 to December 2023, employing the Fama–MacBeth regression method and portfolio regressions to assess the predictive capabilities of market, size, value, and momentum factors, adjusted for the unique characteristics of the cryptocurrency market. These characteristics include high volatility and continuous trading, which differ markedly from those of traditional financial markets. To address the challenges posed by the perpetual operation of cryptocurrency trading, this study introduces an innovative rebalancing strategy that involves weekly adjustments to accommodate the market’s constant fluctuations. Additionally, to mitigate issues like autocorrelation and heteroskedasticity in financial time series data, this research applies the Newey–West standard error approach, enhancing the robustness of regression analyses. The empirical results highlight the significant predictive power of momentum and value factors in forecasting cryptocurrency returns, underscoring the importance of tailoring conventional investment frameworks to the cryptocurrency context. This study not only investigates the applicability of factor investing in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency market, but also enriches the financial literature by demonstrating the effectiveness of combining Fama–MacBeth cross-sectional analysis with portfolio regressions, supported by Newey–West standard errors, in mastering the complexities of digital asset investments.

The pathway for achieving sustainable aviation fuel production in the Middle East and North Africa region

AbstractThe Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces significant challenges in the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) due to high costs, limited feedstock availability, and underdeveloped infrastructure. However, the region has diverse feedstock options and can leverage existing refining capabilities and advanced conversion technologies for SAF production. Addressing these challenges requires research and development (R&D) collaboration, supportive policies, and international knowledge exchange. To promote the production of SAF in the MENA region, a comprehensive strategy is required that includes collaboration, policy alignment, research and development, infrastructure development, and training. Market incentives such as regulations and financial support can help drive demand for SAF. Collaborating with international organizations can improve knowledge sharing and promote sustainable practices. Research and development collaboration is crucial for innovation and establishing a strong SAF industry. Policy harmonization can create a supportive framework for investment and innovation. Monitoring and reporting mechanisms can ensure transparency and verify sustainability. By addressing these aspects, the region can become a leading hub for SAF production and contribute to a sustainable aviation industry.

Does integrated transport topology act as a stimulus for inclusive growth and regional development in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

The transport system is a crucial component of economic development in any country. Bosnia and Herzegovina, being a country with a diverse topography, faces unique challenges and opportunities in its transport system. This paper examines the potential challenges and opportunities of the transport system in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its role in economic development. Using a qualitative research approach, we conduct an in‐depth analysis of existing literature and collect primary data through semi‐structured interviews with key stakeholders in the transport industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our findings indicate that the transport system in Bosnia and Herzegovina faces significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of modernization, limited investment, and weak institutional framework. However, there are opportunities for the development of the transport system including its strategic location as a transit hub, potential for infrastructure improvements, and its unique natural resources that can be leveraged for tourism and sustainable development. The development of the transport system can also lead to increased trade and investment, job creation, and improved social welfare. To fully realize the potential of the transport system in Bosnia and Herzegovina, policymakers and stakeholders need to work together to address the challenges and leverage the opportunities. This paper provides policy recommendations for improving the transport system, including investment in infrastructure, modernization of the transport sector, institutional strengthening, and the promotion of sustainable development. The findings of this study have significant implications for the economic development of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and countries with similar challenges and opportunities in the transport sector.

Renewable energy adoption in multinational energy companies: A review of strategies and impact

This review provides a succinct overview of the research on renewable energy adoption within multinational energy companies, focusing on the review of strategies and their impact. As the global community intensifies its efforts to combat climate change, the renewable energy sector has become a focal point for multinational energy companies seeking sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. This study critically examines the strategies employed by these companies to incorporate renewable energy sources into their operations and assesses the impact of such initiatives. The review begins by exploring the various strategies adopted by multinational energy corporations in their pursuit of renewable energy integration. These strategies encompass technological advancements, regulatory compliance, investment frameworks, and partnerships with key stakeholders. By analyzing a diverse range of multinational energy companies, the study aims to identify patterns and best practices that contribute to successful renewable energy adoption. Furthermore, the research delves into the broader impact of these strategies on both the companies themselves and the global energy landscape. The analysis considers economic implications, environmental benefits, and social responsibility, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the multifaceted effects of renewable energy adoption. Insights from this review can inform future decision-making processes for energy corporations, policymakers, and other stakeholders involved in the transition to a sustainable energy future. This review contributes valuable insights into the evolving landscape of renewable energy adoption among multinational energy companies. By examining strategies and their impact, the study seeks to enhance our understanding of the challenges and opportunities in fostering a more sustainable and resilient energy sector on a global scale.

Investment and construction project management system with the use of building information modeling

One of the key principles of the construction industry development until 2030 is the transition to building information modeling at all stages of the life cycle of the capital construction object. The process of digital transformation not only affects and changes the final product, but also requires a full-fledged re-engineering of the company's internal processes.Purpose: The aim of this paper is to conduct the systems analysis of construction stage management within the framework of investment and construction project realization in the conditions of digital transformation.Research findings: The model of the life cycle management system of the capital construction object is developed using basis the information model.Value: Two main problems are outlined, that must be solved to implement the developed management system into practice.

A BIT of Protection for Non-Fungible Tokens: Digital Assets as a Catalyst for Economic Growth

Abstract An inevitable consequence of technological advancement is that it triggers regulatory challenges for law and policymakers. The regulation of digital assets has generated much debate in this regard. The central objective of this article is to examine the regulation of one particular type of digital asset, NFTs, through an international investment law lens. The international investment regime offers investors high levels of protection against breaches of obligations by host states for covered investments. The aim of the article is to determine whether NFTs can be considered as covered investments for the purposes of the application of bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and treaties with investment provisions (TIPs), and further to examine whether that regime would provide an appropriate regulatory framework for investment in NFTs.

Real options analysis for regional investment decisions of household PV-ESS in China

This paper takes 30 provinces in China as the research subjects and constructs a real options model to explore the impact of carbon emissions trading market, energy storage subsidies, and their synergy on the optimal investment decision of household PV-ESS projects. The results show that a single factor has a catalytic effect on project investment, and both together have a better effect. And, project investment benefits are better in areas with abundant light resources and higher than average electricity prices. In addition, a sensitivity analysis is conducted on the initial investment cost, CO2 price, and energy storage subsidies. The results show that immediate investment in all provincial projects can be achieved when the initial investment cost is reduced by 50%, or the CO2 price is increased by about 33 times, indicating that the current environment is insufficient to attract investors. The results provide a reference framework for investment in household PV-ESS projects.

Reassessing Saudi Arabia’s foreign investment laws: from protectionism to liberalization

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the extent to which these reforms address the limitations of Saudi Arabia’s previous investment framework. Long viewed as a hostile environment in which to do business, the Saudi Government has enacted a broad sweep of measures aimed at restoring investor confidence in central aspects of the country’s evolving private law framework.Design/methodology/approachThis paper offers a timely assessment of the raft of foreign investment reforms, both legislative and regulatory, that have been introduced in Saudi Arabia over the last decade.FindingsThe paper will proceed by outlining the perceived failings of the old investment regime before going on to reforms.Originality/valueIt will consider the remaining obstacles to the flow of foreign investment in Saudi Arabia in the context of the dual forces that have historically defined the Kingdom’s ambivalent investment law regime.

Analysis on Impact of Purchase Restrictions on Housing Prices in Chengdu

This study delves into the intricacies of Chengdu's housing market, particularly focusing on the ramifications of purchase limitations imposed on property prices during the 2016-2017 period when purchase restrictions are issued. By employing the ARIMA (9,1,0) model for time series analysis and using the ARIMA model to analyze the price changes in Chengdu's housing market, it was discerned that, in contrast to expectations, property prices in Chengdu exhibited an upward trend despite the introduction of these purchase restrictions. This unexpected outcome underscores the multifaceted nature of housing market dynamics, underlining the necessity of taking into account regional and local variables. The findings of this research carry substantial implications for policymakers, highlighting the imperative of crafting more localized strategies and maintaining consistent market surveillance. For policymakers along with investors, the study sheds light on the importance of incorporating a diverse array of market indicators, such as demographic shifts and prevailing economic trends, into their investment or policy decision-making framework.

The social return on investment of physical activity and nutrition interventions-a scoping review.

Scarcity of resources and mounting pressures on health systems make it critical to evaluate new and existing public health interventions related to physical activity and nutrition. The Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework has gained prominence for capturing traditional variables such as economic costs and returns, as well as wider beneficial social and environmental outcomes. A scoping review was conducted to present the existing evidence on the SROI of physical activity and nutrition interventions, demonstrating the wider benefits of these interventions. Existing peer-reviewed evidence and grey literature was collated to identify physical activity and nutrition interventions that were evaluated using the SROI framework between January 1996 up until February 2022. Only literature published in the English language, interventions that were conducted in high-income countries were considered for inclusion. Study information and economic data was entered into a pre-prepared data extraction sheet and eligible studies were quality assessed using a 12-point quality assessment framework for SROI studies. This review identified a total of 21 SROI studies, with only four deriving from peer-reviewed literature sources. In total, 18 studies evaluated physical activity interventions, one study was purely focused on nutrition, whereas the two remaining studies presented a mix of physical activity and nutrition. The majority of studies derived from the United Kingdom (n = 16) with very few of the studies published prior to 2010 (n = 1). In total, four studies were classified as low quality based on the 12-point quality assessment framework used for this review. Outcomes of the relevant studies show that the benefits of these interventions have added value to families, communities and the wider environments of the target groups. This scoping review is adding to research conducted to understand the wider value of public health interventions such as physical activity and nutrition interventions using the SROI framework. This is important so that the development and implementation of public health interventions have the greatest value to people and society, which also benefits decision-makers to effectively and sustainably allocate scarce resources.

An economic evaluation of the expansion of electronic case reporting in an academic healthcare setting.

Determine the economic cost or benefit of expanding electronic case reporting (eCR) for 29 reportable conditions beyond the initial eCR implementation for COVID-19 at an academic health center. The return on investment (ROI) framework was used to quantify the economic impact of the expansion of eCR from the perspective of an academic health system over a 5-year time horizon. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess key factors such as personnel cost, inflation, and number of expanded conditions. The total implementation costs for the implementation year were estimated to be $5031.46. The 5-year ROI for the expansion of eCR for the 29 conditions is expected to be 142% (net present value of savings: $7166). Based on the annual ROI, estimates suggest that the savings from the expansion of eCR will cover implementation costs in approximately 4.8 years. All sensitivity analyses yielded a strong ROI for the expansion of eCR. Our findings suggest a strong ROI for the expansion of eCR at UHealth, with the most significant cost savings observed implementing eCR for all reportable conditions. An early effort to ensure data quality is recommended to expedite the transition from parallel reporting to production to improve the ROI for healthcare organizations. This study demonstrates a positive ROI for the expansion of eCR to additional reportable conditions beyond COVID-19 in an academic health setting, such as UHealth. While this evaluation focuses on the 5-year time horizon, the potential benefit could extend further.

A legal framework for foreign direct investment: A case of an emerging market

There is unbridled competition among countries to attract foreign direct investments (Sethi et al., 2003). Developing countries are continuously revising their legal framework and policies to prevail in such a dynamic environment. The legal framework for foreign direct investment (FDI) in Kosovo since the establishment of temporary institutions until today has undergone constant changes and amendments to persuade foreign investors for investment purposes. The efforts to address issues raised by investors have played a pivotal role by shaping the legal environment in such ways in order to lure foreign investors. The main purpose of this study is to assess the legal framework in Kosovo by comparing the post-war and post-independence periods. This study adapts qualitative methodology and uses secondary data. The research concludes that although the legal changes were aimed at attracting foreign investors, this goal is still not being realized successfully. The findings of this research are very relevant because they can greatly contribute to other countries by learning the right lessons from Kosovo’s experience that can be used for other emerging markets.

Striving for Global Consensus: A Systematic Review of Social Return on Investment Applied to Physical Activity and Sport.

Physical activity and sport (PAS) have been related to health and social benefits, but their monetary value remains unclear. This systematic review on the social return on investment of PAS aimed to find what are the social outcomes measured in previous PAS literature and how are these measured and valued. A systematic search was conducted on WoS, PubMed, and EconLit. Articles in English, measuring the social value of any type of PAS in monetary terms and utilizing a social return on investment framework, were included. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Drummond checklist. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Fifty-five documents (2010-2022), from all continents except America, were included; only 8 were published in peer-reviewed journals, whereas 47 were reports. Most studies evaluated the benefits of specific programs, and 6 measured the engagement in PAS at the population level based on national or community surveys. The social outcomes identified were health (94.5%), crime (50.9%), education (83.6%), subjective well-being (89.1%), social capital (60%), and other (3.6%-23.6%). The valuation methods included willingness to pay, well-being valuation, the cost of an activity that could result in the same outcome, and cost databases associating outcomes with a monetary value. This study updates a previous review and widens the scope by answering the question of how social outcomes are measured and valued in previous PAS literature. Given the heterogeneity found in the application of the method, this review will inform a Delphi study to reach a Global Consensus Statement on the measurement of social value and PAS.

Investment Framework in Nigeria

Investment Framework in Nigeria