Financial Assistance Research Articles

The Socio-Economic Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Syrian Refugees in Turkey

Building upon empirical research, this study examines the socio-economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Syrian refugees in Turkey by analyzing its implications on employment, livelihood opportunities, and social cohesion. More specifically, it focuses on the experiences of Syrian refugees to examine the ways in which they exert their agency to cope with the structural constraints when faced with ‘multiple crises’ in host countries, intersecting with the dynamics of a ‘normalized refugee crisis’. Our findings from fieldwork conducted in the top six refugee-hosting cities reveal that loss of jobs, limited access to decent work, increased dependency on external financial assistance, and social exclusion have been some of the most acute effects of the pandemic on refugees. Meanwhile, the perceived effects that refugees have on the host community’s welfare trigger problems that impede social cohesion. All in all, the study intends to highlight the far-reaching effects of the pandemic beyond its direct health implications by addressing the structural vulnerability of refugees and the importance of providing an enabling environment for socio-economic self-reliance.

Challenges Encountered by BSEd-Mathematics Students in the Implementation of Hybrid Learning in Gordon College

The study examines the challenges faced by Bachelor in Secondary Education Major in Mathematics students at Gordon College in implementing hybrid learning for the academic year 2022-2023. The research involved 73 students, primarily in their first year, and found that online students face difficulties with math symbol encoding, connectivity, time management, and financial constraints. Onsite students face learning gaps, commuting and access issues, and require additional financial support. The study found no significant difference in challenges based on profile-variables in online mode, but differences exist based on year level and municipality. Recommendations include enhanced technical support, online tool training, time and stress management programs, financial assistance for low-income students, and improved accessibility in onsite mode.

ABULOY: Varied Expressions of Sympathy, Empathy and Apathy

The present study aimed to determine and explore the cultural value of abuloy in the Filipino culture and also determine its significance to the concept of fellowmen among Filipinos. It also asked specific questions regarding the context of abuloy in the Filipino culture; forms, gestures or expression that can be shown in times of family’s grieving in terms of being expressed with sympathy, empathy, apathy; giving of abuloy of Filipinos during the wake and after bereavement; how Filipinos are guided by cultural beliefs and practices in giving abuloy; changes in the cultural meaning and social recognition for the giving of abuloy; the different factors affecting the act of giving abuloy and also how the findings of thispresentstudy can contribute to an additional learning material. The study made use of the mixed method of research approach particularly with the use of the interview form and survey questionnaire as the primary tools for the data gathering process of the study. The findings of the study revealed that abuloy in the context of Filipino culture was mostly embedded on the idea of a financial assistance provided to the bereaved family and as an act of compassion and condolence; on the other hand, in terms of sympathy, thisis mostly expressed in considering the grief circumstances in which the bereaved family is currently going through; further, with regards to empathy, this is understanding the way in which a family feels when grieving; and finally, in terms of apathy, this is more expressed on being unaffected by the grief of the bereaved family. The participants also indicated that there was really no binding tradition that guides them in giving abuloy as long as it is based on having the intention to show compassion, in line with their financial capacity and budget; out of kindness and also to at least help the bereaved family with their present suffering. It can be concluded that most Filipinos express non-belief and non-adherence to common practices and beliefs, but they are increasingly reliant on the idea that providing or giving "abuloy" to the bereaved family is a form ofsocial obligation that everyone should fulfill in order to show compassion and care for other people's difficult situations.

Journals Choice for Research Publication at Ethiopian Public Universities Academia in Decision Making Experience

The purpose of this study is to investigate how academic staff make decisions when choosing journals for publication at Ethiopian public universities. To realize this, a phenomenological research design was employed, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 academic staff from six selected Ethiopian public universities using purposive sampling. Thematic analysis and narrative data analysis were used. The study found a preference for international journals over local ones and highlighted the influence of the Ministry of Education's policy. According to the study, 66% of the participants reported that their articles were rejected when they submitted them for publication in a journal. It also identified challenges such as a lack of awareness about distinguishing peer-reviewed journals from predatory ones, a lengthy review process, and insufficient funding for article publication charges. The study suggests that the Ministry of Education should support accredited local journals to gain recognition equal to highly indexed international journals, provide awareness training for academics about locally accredited and internationally indexed journals, and offer technical and financial assistance to local journals based on their performance to improve their acceptance by academics.

Usability and Challenges of Cloud Storage: Perspectives of Academic Staff at Mzumbe University, Tanzania

This study aimed to explore the perspectives, preferences and challenges of Mzumbe University faculty regarding cloud storage adoption. Utilizing a case study design, the researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 15 faculty members to capture diverse viewpoints. The study used the thematic analysis approach to analyse the data retrieved from interviews. Based on the findings, the study concluded that cloud storage systems have several advantages, such as easily accessibility features, robust security protocols, service compatibility and intuitive user interfaces. These benefits encourage academic personnel to collaborate and increase productivity. However, some challenges existed. These related with internet access, cost, lack of formal training and security. The study recommends that enhancing the university internet infrastructure is critical to guaranteeing reliability and fast connectivity for effective utilization of cloud storage. The university may also thing of offering financial assistance for supplementary storage requirements to academic staff.

Financing a Capital-Constrained Supply Chain under Risk Regulations: Traditional Finance versus Platform Finance

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) frequently face challenges in obtaining financial assistance from traditional banks. Platform Supply Chain Finance (PSCF) has emerged as a promising solution for financing issues among SMEs, with an added focus on integrating sustainability aspects. This study focused on a two-tier supply chain as its primary research topic to find strategies to enhance supplier financial viability and improve the efficiency and profitability of the main manufacturing enterprise. In this study, we establish three distinct hypotheses corresponding to the three models involving supplier and manufacturer participation, encompassing parameters such as production batch size, pricing, and supply chain profit. First, it examined financing decisions through the lens of core enterprise-led platform finance. Second, it applied the Stackelberg game theory to investigate financing decisions in three distinct modes: traditional finance, platform internal finance, and external platform finance. Suppliers, manufacturers, and banks can be seen as participants in a Stackelberg game. In this game, suppliers act as leaders, making production and procurement decisions first, while manufacturers and banks act as followers, adjusting their behavior based on the suppliers’ decisions. Finally, it performed a comparative analysis of decisions and supply chain efficiency across these modes. When the risk regulation cost coefficient falls below a certain threshold, suppliers are willing to set up their own PSCF and there is an optimal level of risk regulation effort within the interval (0, 1). We compare platform finance with traditional finance and find that the traditional finance model maximizes profits for suppliers, while the external financing model maximizes profits for manufacturers and the overall supply chain profit. Findings provide insights for platforms, suppliers, manufacturers, and banks to implement optimal financing and channel structures to increase their profits and promote the sustainable development of the financial supply chain. In addition, future research on blockchain platform models would be highly meaningful.

The Strategic Management of Ukraine in The Ukraine vs Russia War: An Analysis Through SWOT Framework

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has significant implications for Ukraine's strategic management, presenting challenges across military, economic, and political dimensions. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Ukraine's strategic management approach using the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) framework. Ukraine's strengths include a strong national identity, support from Western allies, and a capable military, which have helped maintain its sovereignty despite Russian aggression. However, weaknesses such as economic challenges, internal political divisions, and dependence on Western support hinder its independence and strategic position. Opportunities for Ukraine lie in building stronger alliances with Western countries, overcoming economic challenges, and implementing diplomatic initiatives. These efforts can provide financial and military assistance, address economic issues, and achieve goals through negotiation. Threats to Ukraine include Russian military power, economic coercion, and political interference, which limit Ukraine's ability to achieve its objectives and make it vulnerable to regional pressures. This paper examines Ukraine's strategic position in the conflict, considering geopolitical dynamics, military capabilities, and historical context, highlighting the strategic management approach through the SWOT framework.

Assessment of state policy and legal framework related to enhancing the well-being of the elderly in Thailand

The ageing of society significantly influences the economic system and social stability and is a global challenge of the 21st century. The study aimed to explore ways to improve the quality of life of older people in the Lower Central Region of Thailand. The study was based on a qualitative approach and was conducted by collecting information from 8 key informants through structured interviews. The study substantiated the expediency of creating a centralised database to improve communication between all actors in the system of ensuring the welfare of the elderly, which improves the quality of services provided, contributes to a better basis for political decisions and promotes a more rational use of resources. The study noted that key respondents identify expanding access to healthcare, increasing financial assistance and strengthening social support systems to ensure the holistic well-being of older people as urgent problems in the region. The need for wider use of the latest technologies and the creation of an intelligent information management system in the area of elderly people’s welfare is emphasised in the study. Given the negative impact of social isolation on the quality of life of older people, particular attention is devoted to the effective management of senior clubs, namely the priority of various activities, intergenerational interaction and meaningful leisure to strengthen social ties and belonging to society. The integration of Buddhist principles and psychological theories is emphasised as an important tool for developing compassion, mindfulness and positive outcomes. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of integrated approaches and comprehensive measures to optimise care for older people and improve their well-being. The results of the study can be used to determine the content of information to be included in the centralised database and to develop an algorithm for exchanging information between its users

O PLANEJAMENTO TRIBUTÁRIO DO PRODUTOR RURAL PESSOA FÍSICA: UMA ANÁLISE SOBRE A EVASÃO FISCAL

The agribusiness is one of the most relevant sectors in the economy. In 2022, it represented 24.3% of the Brazilian GDP. Due to its complex production chain, the stage within the gate is essential, as it represents rural activities focused on agriculture and livestock farming. In these activities, rural producers make crucial decisions related to plant and animal production and the allocation of resources for these activities. The general objective of this study is to present tax planning for individual rural producers within the gate as a strategy to avoid the hypothesis of tax evasion. To achieve this, the specific objectives are to conceptualize tax planning applied to individual rural producers, present the strategic use of tax planning for individual rural producers within the gate, and analyze tax evasion by individual rural producers. The methodological approach is based on logical-semantic constructivism, being a qualitative study with bibliographic, legal, and documentary research as instruments. As results, tax planning, or fiscal avoidance, was conceptualized as a strategic tool that uses legal means to reduce the tax burden. As a tool for individual rural producers, it requires continuous effort for its full implementation, as it is embedded in the complex scenario of sector management and taxation. The study also presents tax evasion considering the incidence of Income Tax (IR), Rural Territorial Property Tax (ITR), Circulation of Goods and Services Tax (ICMS), Social Integration Program (PIS), Contribution to Social Security Financing (COFINS), and Rural Worker Assistance Fund (FUNRURAL) on individual rural producers and their ancillary obligations, highlighting the Digital Cash Book of the Rural Producer (LCDPR), eSocial, and EFD-Reinf.

University Dropout: A Systematic Review of the Main Determinant Factors

Introduction This research is a systematic review aimed at synthesizing scientific evidence on the causes of university dropout, focusing on the subcategories of vocational guidance, academic performance, socioeconomic status, and institutional aspects between 2020 and June 2024. Methods Only articles addressing university dropout were considered, analyzing dimensions such as vocational guidance, academic performance, socioeconomic status, and institutional aspects. Articles published in indexed scientific journals with double-blind, double-blind peer, or open reviews between 2020 and June 2024 were included. The main databases used were Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. To assess the risk of bias in qualitative studies, the criteria from the article “Validity criteria for qualitative research: three epistemological strands for the same purpose” were used. For quantitative studies, the criteria from the article “Evaluating survey research in articles published in Library Science journals” were followed. For mixed-method studies, both sets of criteria were combined. Results A total of 23 studies were included: 15 quantitative (65.22%), 3 qualitative (13.04%), and 5 mixed-method (21.74%). All studies (100%) addressed the subcategories of socioeconomic status and institutional aspects. Regarding the academic performance subcategory, 86% of the studies addressed it, while the vocational guidance subcategory was covered by 73.91% of the studies. Conclusions Vocational guidance, academic performance, socioeconomic status, and institutional aspects are crucial for reducing university dropout. Providing adequate professional guidance, academic support, financial assistance, and strong institutional support is fundamental to improving student retention and academic success.

Beholding the Faces of Happiness: Soliciting the Views of the Chinese Art Students Toward an Enriched Well-Being Program

The basic purpose of this study was to investigate the happiness levels of students in Chinese art colleges, with the aim of addressing pressing issues of student well-being and identifying the factors that influence happiness levels in this academic context. This study adopts qualitative interview research method. We conducted in-depth interviews with representative students from art schools in different regions of China to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and perceptions. Analysis of the survey data revealed several key findings. Overall, most students at Chinese art colleges say their happiness ranges from medium to high. Factors that promote their well-being include a supportive social environment, opportunities for artistic expression, and a sense of belonging to the university community. However, there is a significant correlation between happiness levels and factors such as work intensity, stress levels and financial problems. Qualitative analysis of the interview data further shed light on the students' nuanced experiences, underscoring the importance of overall well-being to academic success. The survey results show that the happiness of Chinese art college students is obviously affected by internal and external factors. To improve overall well-being, it is recommended that the Institute implement targeted interventions aimed at reducing academic stress, fostering a culture of support and inclusion, and providing resources for mental health and financial assistance. In addition, promoting a balance between academic rigor and extracurricular activities can lead to a more fulfilling student experience. Future research efforts should continue to monitor and assess student well-being levels, with a focus on longitudinal studies and comparative analyses across different academic institutions.

“I will take part in the revolution with our people”: a qualitative study of healthcare workers’ experiences of violence and resistance after the 2021 Myanmar coup d’etat

BackgroundIn Myanmar, ongoing conflict since the 2021 military coup d’etat has been characterized by targeted violence against health workers (HWs), particularly those participating in the pro-democracy movement. Existing knowledge about the challenges faced by health workers in Myanmar is scant, including their perspectives on mitigating their suffering and the broader impact on community health. This knowledge gap prompted our study to assess the extent of the violence, its impact on the workers and the community, and identify resource priorities.MethodsThis qualitative study employed purposive and snowball sampling to recruit health workers affiliated with the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM). We interviewed 24 HWs in Myanmar between July and December 2022, predominantly physicians and nurses. We used a semi-structured interview guide and conducted interviews remotely due to the security situation. We adopted content analysis to understand participation in the CDM movement, experiences of violence, personal and professional impacts, the sequelae to community health, how HWs responded as well as their ongoing needs.ResultsThematic content analysis revealed that violence was both individually targeted and widespread. Health workers faced professional, financial, and personal impacts as a result. The health system as a whole has been severely diminished. Health workers have had to adapt to continue to provide care, for example some fled to rural areas and worked clandestinely, exchanging their services for food and shelter. In those settings, they continued to face insecurity from airstrikes and arrests. Health workers have also experienced moral distress and burden due to their resistance and protest against the regime.ConclusionThe coup and ensuing violence severely disrupted the healthcare system, resulting in shortages of supplies, reduced quality of care, and exacerbated challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite facing significant hardships, HWs remained resilient, engaging in resistance efforts within the CDM and seeking support from local communities and international organizations. They expressed a need for increased awareness, financial assistance, and concrete support for the health system to address the crisis.

EXPLORING THE SCHOOL LEARNING EXPERIENCES OF INDIGENOUS STUDENTS IN EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS TO EDUCATIONAL CONTINUITY

This study explores the school learning experiences of Indigenous (Orang Asli) students who have successfully pursued higher education in Malaysian institutions. Employing a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design, the research involved five Orang Asli students from various tribes currently enrolled in higher education institutions. The study aimed to explore their school learning experiences, factors influencing their success, and suggestions for improving educational continuity among Orang Asli students. Findings revealed four main themes affecting the educational experiences and success of Orang Asli students: (1) Distance and transportation, (2) Local language and culture, (3) Academic, parental, and community support, and (4) Family economic status. The study found that distance and transportation challenges were mitigated through the provision of dormitories, while language and cultural barriers were addressed through teaching approaches sensitive to individual student needs. Academic support from schools, parental motivation, and financial assistance from various parties emerged as crucial factors in Orang Asli students' success in pursuing university education. Based on these findings, the study proposes several measures to enhance educational continuity for Orang Asli students, including constructing schools near Orang Asli settlements, improving teaching and learning methods, implementing more structured support programs at the university level, and enhancing financial aid systems. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Orang Asli students and the factors influencing their success in higher education, providing insights for developing more effective strategies to increase educational continuity within the Orang Asli community.

A Comparative Analysis of Business Models and their Impacts on Selected Indigenous Communities in Aklan, Philippines: Towards Sustainable Practices in Ancestral Domains

This study investigates the impacts of various economic models on indigenous communities in Aklan, Philippines, with a special focus on sustainable practices within their ancestral lands. It examines the socio-economic, cultural, and environmental consequences of different business models. Additionally, it delves into the community members’ perspectives and aspirations regarding sustainable development, highlighting the primary challenges and opportunities they face. The study utilized a quantitative research approach, employing structured surveys to collect data from participants. The poll encompassed inquiries regarding demographic profiles, assessments of commercial effects, as well as the difficulties and possibilities encountered by the communities. A Pearson correlation analysis was performed to ascertain the association between demographic characteristics and perceived impacts. The study found that business models had a favorable effect on the socio-economic status, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation of indigenous groups. Diverse advantages were noted in the benefits offered by various business structures. Perceptions of these impacts were significantly related to age, educational background, career, and length of involvement in community activities. The main obstacles encompassed issues related to financial accessibility, infrastructure development, regulatory barriers, and educational deficiencies. Potential areas for development were recognized in eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, partnerships with non-governmental organizations, market demand for indigenous products, and technology. The findings highlight the capacity of business models to improve the socio-economic, cultural, and environmental welfare of indigenous communities. It is essential to have customized company strategies that take into account the demographic variety. To achieve the successful adoption of sustainable business models, it is crucial to tackle financial, infrastructural, and regulatory obstacles. It is advised to improve financial assistance by providing grants and microfinance, investing in infrastructure, streamlining regulatory procedures, and establishing education and training initiatives. It is crucial to promote eco-tourism, enhance partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and stakeholders, and utilize technology to implement sustainable practices. It is crucial to have policies that effectively combine economic growth with the preservation of culture and the sustainability of the environment. Keywords: Indigenous communities, sustainable development, business models, Aklan, socio-economic impacts

Analysis of Village Financial Management Based on Permendagri Number 20 of 2018 (Case Study in Wongkai Village, Ratahan Timur Subdistrict)

According to the Regulation of the Minister of Home Affairs Number 20 of 2018, one of the stages of receiving, storing, depositing/paying, administration, and accountability of village finances is village financial management. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the financial management practices of Wongkai Village, Ratahan Timur Subdistrict, are in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Home Affairs Number 20 of 2018. This research uses a qualitative descriptive analysis method that refers to previous findings. notes and discussions. The research findings show that the stages of providing financial assistance to villages are fully in accordance with the Ministry of Home Affairs Regulation Number 20 of 2018. There are still obstacles in administration, accountability, depositing, and receiving village funds.

Empowerment of Ultra Micro MSME’s Through Financing of Sharia Non-Bank Financial Institutions

Economic growth, especially MSMEs, cannot be separated from the role of the microfinance institution sector. Financial institutions are intermediation institutions whose function is to connect parties who have excess funds with parties who lack funds. Based on Law No.10 of 1998 concerning amendments to Law No.7/1992 concerning banking, bank financial institutions consist of commercial banks and people's credit banks. The Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia, issued Ultra Micro Financing Products (UMI) which are The advanced stage program from the social assistance program to business independence targets micro businesses at the lowest levels, which cannot yet be facilitated by banking through People's Business Credits. UMI is a maximum financing facility of IDR 20 million per customer group and is distributed by non-bank financial institutions (LKBB). This research was carried out in North Sumatra (SUMUT) with the aim of identifying differences between Ultra Micro (UMi) business actors before and after receiving financing assistance from sharia non-bank financial institutions. This research was carried out between June and August 2023. This research uses quantitative analysis methods. The Normality Test is carried out with the aim of finding out whether the data used in a regression model is normally distributed or not. If the distributed data is proven to be normal, this means that the sample used can represent the population used by the measurement. If the significant value is 0.05, it can be declared to have a normal distribution. From the results of research on the Empowerment of Ultra Micro MSMEs through Sharia Non-Bank Financial Institution Financing in North Sumatra before and after receiving Ultra Micro Financing (UMi): There is a development between daily income before and after financing. Sales revenue after getting financing is better than sales revenue before getting financing

Optimization Method of the Win-Win Path of New Energy and Financial Innovation

In the process of industrial progress, financial innovation has played a vital role. Although the new energy industry is one of the country's seven strategic emerging industries, it still needs to rely on current financial assistance to deal with the oversupply of overcapacity problem. In order to optimize resource allocation and solve the problem of overcapacity, it is crucial to select appropriate channels for financial innovation. This study organized the benefit analysis of financial innovation on the typical characteristics of the new energy industry in the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets. Through these analyses, this study can determine the reliability and importance of the win-win path for new energy and financial innovation and provide appropriate policy guidance accordingly.

Caste Inequality in Medical Crowdfunding in India

Medical crowdfunding has gained significant popularity and importance, yet researchers argue that it might not offer equitable financial assistance to vulnerable groups. Studies in Western countries have highlighted disparities in medical crowdfunding based on racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic dimensions. Despite this, the equity implications of crowdfunding in India have not been thoroughly investigated. We present the initial empirical evidence indicating caste-based inequalities in medical crowdfunding within India. Leveraging a comprehensive dataset comprising 5527 medical crowdfunding campaigns from one of India’s largest platforms, we evaluate the impact of the recipient’s caste identity on campaign outcomes. Our methodology utilises administrative data to deduce caste from the recipient’s surname. Campaigns by individuals from dominant caste groups tend to garner higher funds compared to those from marginalised castes, largely due to higher average donations. Furthermore, individuals from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (marginalised groups in India) initiate disproportionately fewer campaigns than dominant castes. Our findings remain robust across various performance metrics and alternative model specifications, even after adjusting for multiple campaign features and recipient locations. In summary, our study highlights how crowdfunding on for-profit platforms may exacerbate existing caste-related health disparities in India by disproportionately favouring privileged groups.

Family, global conflict, and imperial migration: Paul Messi’s First World War

ABSTRACT The German Empire collapsed at the end of the First World War, necessitating a re-negotiation of the legal and social status of its former imperial subjects. This article discusses the wartime experience of Paul Messi, a Cameroonian language assistant at the Colonial Institute, Hamburg. Messi moved to Germany in 1913 to succeed his uncle, Karl Atangana who had returned to Cameroon to become Paramount Leader of the Ewondo and Bane. Atangana had secured the position in Germany for his nephew along with providing him with a stipend. The outbreak of war saw Messi stranded in Hamburg, suffering from ill health and cut off from financial assistance. However, due to Atangana’s petitioning to the German government, his daughter Katharina, and Messi were reunited in Madrid before repatriation in 1919. The return to Cameroon was difficult, Messi, despite his desire to leave Germany, was treated as a suspect person by the French authorities. Focusing on Messi’s account of his experiences, this paper highlights how the war not only disrupted intra-empire familial connections but also how these connections enabled a negotiated return to Mandate Cameroon in the early post-war period.

Does Sustainability Assurance enhance the connection between Corporate Governance and Firm Performance in India?

Scholarly attention to the association between corporate governance and firm performance, considering sustainability assurance as a moderator is scarce. This study aims to examine the moderating role of sustainability assurance in the nexus between corporate governance and firm performance in India. The data relating to 35 environmentally sensitive companies among the top 100 National Stock Exchange (NSE) listed entities were gathered from the ProwessIQ Database and annual reports of companies during 2016–2022. The fixed effect regression model was employed. The results show an insignificant effect of board effectiveness on firm performance as measured by return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), and Tobin’s Q. Similar findings were documented on the audit committee effectiveness and firm performance nexus, except for Tobin’s Q (β = 0.316). In addition, the study did not support the moderating role of sustainability assurance on the board effectiveness and firm performance nexus, indicating the presence of ineffective corporate governance mechanisms. However, the results show that sustainability assurance significantly and negatively moderates the relationship between audit committee effectiveness and ROA (β = –0.021), ROE (β = –0.074), and Tobin’s Q (β = –0.996). This implies that the practice of external assurance of sustainability reports by firms with audit committee effectiveness is an additional burden due to the extra cost involved. Further, the result indicates the learning curve effect among Indian companies. Thus, the findings suggest the need for regulatory focus on encouraging sustainable business practices in terms of effective corporate governance and sustainability assurance. AcknowledgmentThe authors are grateful to Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, for providing financial assistance in the form of a “JRF Contingency Grant” for this research article.