Future Investment Research Articles

Asymmetric Effects of Development Finance Institutions Funding (DFIs) on Investment in Zimbabwe: A Futuristic Perspective

Introduction - This study aimed to explore the anticipated asymmetric effects of developmental finance institutions (DFIs) funding on investment in Zimbabwe. Given the volatile nature of development finance, Zimbabwe has faced challenges in effectively mobilizing aid, often struggling to persuade donors due to government spending plans and political factors. The research sought to investigate the potential asymmetrical linkages between DFIs funding and investment in Zimbabwe. Methodology: Model and Variables - To examine the futuristic asymmetric relationship between DFIs funding and investment in the Zimbabwean economy, a non-linear NARDL modelling approach will be employed. This methodology will estimate the projected non-linear co-integrating association between positive and negative shocks to DFIs funding and investment. The data set consisted of projected annual macroeconomic variables for Zimbabwe obtained from world bank and IMF. Results - In the short run, it was found that both positive and negative shocks influence future investment, with negative shocks expected to have a larger effect. These negative shocks arise from economic downturns or external shocks, while positive shocks could result from increased funding or favourable policy changes. In the long run, it was found that positive shocks to DFIs funding have a positive impact on investment, leading to increased economic growth and development. Conclusion and Recommendations - Based on the results, DFIs funding should exhibit an asymmetric relationship with investment in Zimbabwe. It is crucial for the government of Zimbabwe to proactively plan for these anticipated asymmetric effects and develop strategies to maximize the benefits of DFIs funding. By implementing the recommendations, Zimbabwe can be able to ensure a more favourable environment for future DFIs funding, fostering sustainable investment and economic growth.

Psychosocial and mental health challenges facing perinatally HIV-infected adolescents along the Kenyan coast: a qualitative inquiry using the socioecological model.

The advent of antiretroviral therapy has led perinatally HIV-infected (PHI) adolescents to live long, fulfilling lives through lifelong treatment. However, there is limited knowledge about the lived experiences and psychosocial and mental health challenges faced by PHI adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa, where 80% of PHI adolescents reside. To address this gap, we adapted the socioecological model to investigate the challenges and lived experiences of PHI adolescents in rural coastal Kenya. Between October and November 2018, a sample of 40 participants (20 PHI adolescents and their 20 primary caregivers) participated in a qualitative study using an H-assessment data collection approach for adolescents and focus group discussions with caregivers. Data analysis was conducted using a framework approach on NVIVO 11 software. PHI adolescents from this setting experience many challenges across various levels of the ecosystem. At the individual level, challenges include living in denial, HIV status disclosure, antiretroviral adherence, internalized stigma, and mental health issues. Within the family, challenges such as parental loss, insufficient care from parents, and unacceptance lead to threats of harm. In the broader community, key challenges such as gossip, unsupportive community members, long waiting times at the health facility, isolation, rejection, and an unresponsive school system fail to address the needs of PHI adolescents. Finally, HIV-related stigma and discrimination manifested across different levels of the socioecological framework. To cope with these challenges, PHI adolescents often rely on privacy and social support from their families. The findings underscore the need to develop and implement multi-level adolescent-friendly interventions to address PHI adolescent challenges and guide future investment in adolescent's health. Furthermore, there is a need to address internalized and interpersonal stigmas through individual-level interventions that promote resilience and the active involvement of adolescents, their caregivers, peers, and teachers who are their social support system.

Impact of high-speed rail on city attractiveness

Numerous studies have delved into the socioeconomic impacts of High-Speed Rail (HSR) on urban development, examining dimensions, such as economics, environment, and tourism. However, a consistent evaluation framework to measure the overall influence of HSR on city attractiveness remains elusive. This study addresses this gap by utilizing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to identify pivotal factors driving city attractiveness and employing structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the mechanism through which HSR shapes city attractiveness. The analysis confirms that, despite economic performance, urban amenities such as housing, education, and technology play significant roles in improving city attractiveness. Further analysis demonstrates that HSR has different influential mechanisms on city attractiveness across two phases: introduction and operation. The major difference lies in if HSR can directly affect economic performance. Moreover, the analysis also shows the spatiotemporal variance in the impact of HSR on city attractiveness. These findings provide important insights for urban planners, enabling the formulation of more effective strategies for future infrastructure investment and city development.

How does servitization promote value added in construction industry? The moderating role of R&D innovation

PurposeServitization and research and development (R&D) innovation provide new developmental opportunities for transformation in the construction industry. This study aims to explore the transformative impact of servitization and R&D innovation on the value added of the construction industry, offering new insights into industry transformation and growth.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilizes panel data from Chinese listed construction companies from 2014 to 2022 to empirically investigate the relationship among servitization, R&D innovation and value added in the construction industry. The data analysis is augmented by incorporating text mining techniques to rigorously investigate the interplay among servitization, R&D innovation and the value added within the construction industry.FindingsThe research findings indicate that the impact of servitization on value added follows a positive U-shaped relationship, while the influence of R&D innovation on value added exhibits an inverted U-shaped relationship. Additionally, innovation investment plays a negative moderating role in the relationship between servitization and value added.Originality/valueThis study reveals a fresh perspective on how construction companies can leverage servitization as a strategic pathway for transformation and competitive advantage. The research also lays a theoretical groundwork for future innovation investment strategies in the construction industry, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to innovation investments to maximize value added.

The Influence Of Free Cash Flow, Profitability and Growth Opportunity On Dividend Policy

Dividends are one of the returns expected by shareholders apart from capital gains. Dividend distribution to investors gives a positive signal to investors for making investment decisions. The aim of this research is to analyze and explain the influence of free cash flow, profitability and growth opportunity on dividend policy. The number of samples in this research was 33 mining sector companies in 2018-2022. Data collection uses non-participant observation methods. The data analysis technique used is multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the analysis show that free cash flow has a significant positive effect on dividend policy, profitability has a significant positive effect on dividend policy and growth opportunity has a significant negative effect on dividend policy. The theoretical implication of this research is to provide knowledge and strengthen dividend policy theories related to free cash flow, profitability and growth opportunity. The practical implication of this research is that information on profitability and free cash flow produced by the company is used by the company to determine future investment directions or distribute dividends to investors as a form of good perception in the eyes of investors.

Strategies of the Investment and One-Stop Integrated Service Office in Increasing Investment in Jember Regency

Economic growth in a region is influenced by investment. So that the existence of business actors either on a macro or micro scale contributes to subsequent economic growth. Therefore, the government must be responsible for the investment process so that all parts of society benefit from investment. This research argues that an adequate licensing system is interesting to study. This is because an adequate licensing system has a huge impact. For example, investment growth can increase the amount of goods or services sold, create added value, increase labor, and other economic resources. One of the objectives of this research is to find the strategies used by the efforts of the One-Stop Investment and Integrated Services Agency (DPMPTSP) in increasing investment in Jember Regency. In addition, this study also wanted to find out the factors that support and hinder the efforts of the One-Stop Investment and Integrated Services Office to increase investment in Jember Regency. The results of this study state that the Jember Regency government has created an investment strategy and improved the quality and skills of the community through training. Investors and businesses will better understand their responsibilities to report investment activities and conduct complete investment promotion activities. An additional strategy proposed by the DPMPTS of Jember Regency is local regulations relating to the investment sector. This research uses Brayson's theory explaining that strategic planning is conducted using five indicators: establishing the vision, mission and goals of the organization; conducting an analysis of the internal and external environment; finding strategic issues; and then creating a strategy. The conclusion shows that of the five measurement criteria four of them run satisfactorily. While one of them is not good, namely the strategy developed by DPMPTSP Jember Regency is less than optimal as in the case of the absence of local regulations that can support future investment, the absence of a potential map and opportunity map, as well as limited internal and external human resources.

Chinese Direct Investments in Germany

This paper uses current literature and statistics to examine Chinese FDI in Germany in the last decade under the Chinese strategies OBOR and Made in China 2025. First, the general significance and idea of FDIs is laid out. Then worldwide Chinese foreign investment strategies are analyzed and linked to geographic regions and specific goals. A more in-depth analysis follows the Chinese capital flow into Europe and Germany in particular, followed by a spotlight discussion of single investment cases. The overall legislative reaction to China’s investment behavior in Europe and Germany is lined out. Finally, the current situation is discussed in the light of other macroeconomic factors to conclude the possible future investment behavior of China in Germany. The paper concludes with a summary of the results.

Implementation of the Problem Posing Method in Increasing Student Learning Activities in Islamic Religious Education Class VIII at SMPIT Titian Ilmu Bekasi

Education is part of future investment, community investment as well as state investment to advance and educate the nation's life. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the problem posing learning method in improving student learning activities in Islamic Religious Education (PAI) class VIII at SMPIT Titian Ilmu Bekasi. This study also aims to understand the influence of this learning method on students' involvement in class discussions, enthusiasm in completing assignments, and active participation in learning. This research was conducted through analytical techniques from the data that had been obtained during research activities and the researchers attempted to explain and explain rationally, objectively with the objectives and existing research problems. The method that the researcher uses in this research is a qualitative approach with the type of naturalistic phenomenological research, namely the type of research carried out by researchers to identify human experience about a certain phenomenon naturally. Research conducted from April 12 to May 20, 2024, at SMPIT Titian Ilmu Bekasi shows that the conventional learning method of PAI is less effective in attracting student interest and involvement, so innovations such as problem posing methods are needed which are proven to increase student learning activities. PAI has an important role in shaping students' character and morals by instilling values such as honesty, responsibility, and tolerance, but it must be more relevant to students' daily lives and integrated with religion-based extracurricular activities. In conclusion, to increase the effectiveness of PAI, it is necessary to have interactive, contextual, and integrated learning with relevant practical activities, so that it can answer the challenges of the times and help students develop strong moral values.

Unemployment and the direction of technical change

I construct and analyze a growth model in which technical change can increase unemployment. I first analyze the forces that deliver a constant steady state unemployment rate in this setting. Labor-saving technical change increases unemployment, which lowers wages and creates incentives for future investment in labor-using technologies. In the long run, this interaction generates a balanced growth path that is observationally equivalent to that of the standard neoclassical growth model, except that it also incorporates a positive steady state level of unemployment and a falling relative price of investment. I also study the effects of a permanent increase in the ability of R&D to improve labor-saving technologies. In the long run, this change leads to faster growth in output per worker and wages, but it also yields higher unemployment and a lower labor share of income. In the short run, this change exacerbates existing inefficiencies and slows economic growth.

Cost-Effectiveness of Social Determinants of Health Interventions: Evaluating Multisector Community Partnerships’ Efforts

Introduction: The purpose of this analysis was to rapidly evaluate the potential costs, cost-effectiveness, and long-term effects of efforts by multisector community partnerships (MCPs) to improve chronic disease outcomes and advance health equity by addressing social determinants of health (SDOH). Methods: In 2022, the evaluators partnered with 13 MCPs to collect data on start-up and ongoing costs for implementing SDOH interventions and on intervention reach and timing. In 2023, the team used the Prevention Impacts Simulation Model (PRISM) to estimate the longer-term impact of MCPs’ efforts over 5-, 10-, and 20-year periods. The team also analyzed costs and cumulative 10- and 20-year cost-effectiveness of the MCPs’ SDOH interventions. Results: Over 20 years, SDOH interventions implemented by the 13 MCPs can potentially prevent 970 premature deaths and avert $105 million in medical costs and $408 million in productivity losses. The 20-year cumulative results show potential net costs of $38 300 per quality-adjusted life-year gained from the health care sector perspective and indicate potentially reduced costs and improved health outcomes from the societal perspective. Conclusions: These findings can help inform and provide support for future investments in SDOH interventions. With a better understanding of costs needed to start up and implement SDOH interventions, funders and MCPs can prepare for the resources required to do this work. Findings also suggest promising long-term impacts and potential cost-effectiveness for most MCP-implemented SDOH interventions.

RIS for 5G and Beyond: A Bibliometric Survey

The rapid advancement of 5G technology has sparked significant interest and investment in research and development across various domains. As the world transitions towards the era of 5G and beyond, understanding the research landscape becomes imperative for guiding future innovations and investments. This article presents a comprehensive bibliometric survey of research in the realm of reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) for 5G and its evolutionary successors. Through systematic analysis of scholarly publications, this survey maps the trends, key contributors, influential works, and emerging themes within the field. By synthesizing data from diverse sources, including academic journals and conference proceedings, this survey offers insights into the evolution of RIS technologies, identifies prominent research clusters, and outlines potential directions for future investigation. Furthermore, it sheds light on the interdisciplinary nature of RIS research, spanning areas such as telecommunications, signal processing, antenna design, and network optimization. This bibliometric survey serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners to navigate the complex landscape of 5G innovation and shape the trajectory of future wireless communication systems.

Analysis of the Medical Industry in the Stock Market under the Influence of the Pandemic in China

This paper is working to analyze the influence of COVID-19 on the medical industry in Chinas stock market. Because the pandemic has influenced our society and development impressively, using statistical methods to analyze its influence is a necessary method to estimate the risk of investment. Some common statistic analyzing methods, the ARIMA model and GARCH model, will be used in this paper, and the data of the stock price of a medical manufacturing company Zhangzhou Pientzhng Phrmctcl Co Ltd during the COVID-19 is collected and introduced in the models. Meanwhile, machine learning is also implemented in the prediction and analysis of the data. The results of these two models both demonstrate the high volatility in the stock market under the influence of pandemic, which is meaningful for further research about the risks of future investment in medical industry of Chinas stock market.

A cost-benefit analysis of essential oil extraction technology of aromatic plants in Pothwar Punjab, Pakistan

Enhancing rural livelihoods in low to medium-income countries through innovative agricultural technologies is a critical challenge for decision-makers. Cost-effective interventions like essential oil extraction (EOE) technology for aromatic plants need rural adoption. The study assesses two EOE practices' economic benefits in Punjab, Pakistan, using three models: individual benefit-cost (BC), diffusion, and a Pothwar-specific BC model. Thus, analyzing results from the literature, expert insights, and indigenous knowledge can readily be employed in scenarios where data is limited in less developed economies, including Pakistan. The study findings revealed monetary costs and financial returns at both individual and zonal levels. The highest positive NPV value was recorded in the case of mint oil (267.86) followed by eucalyptus oil and wood (755.12) productivity for short-term and long-term benefits respectively. In addition, the maximum BC index (4.03) was recorded under eucalyptus oil and wood, followed by mint essential oil (3.82) production for 10 years. The model(s) further explored the key input parameters that positively impact the economic gains of the interventions and for ongoing future investments. Hence, the general application of the existing framework is also discussed, along with the limitations under different scenarios.

OPTIMIZATION OF MILK PROCESSING PROCESSES AND ANALYSIS OF OBTAINED SOLUTIONS

This study focuses on the analysis of optimization and sensitivity in dairy production, utilizing linear programming to achieve an optimal production structure and maximize net income. The model identifies key products with the highest revenues and those having the greatest impact on overall revenue and costs. Sensitivity analysis reveals which products are most sensitive to price changes and how these changes affect production structures, providing valuable insights for dairy management in pricing strategies and future investments. Additionally, the research opens opportunities for further improvements and exploring new market avenues and product diversification in the dairy industry.

Economic consequences of inland waterway disruptions in the Upper Mississippi River region in a changing climate

Inland waterway locks have become significant bottlenecks in waterway networks worldwide due to the disruptions caused by aging infrastructure and climate change. While these locks have traditionally received attention for traffic issues, the disruptive impact on the regional economy remains unclear. This study addresses this knowledge gap by assessing the economic impacts of inland water transportation system failures, specifically focusing on disruptions in agricultural commodities within the Upper Mississippi River–Illinois River (UMR–IR) region. These disruptions encompass both unscheduled climate-induced extreme weather events and scheduled maintenance and repair work due to internal system failure. To capture the spatial interdependence between the regional economy and shipping rate changes caused by disruptions, we developed an integrated modeling approach. This approach combines spatial econometric modeling and multi-regional computable general equilibrium modeling techniques. Detailed weekly data from 2013 to 2021, including variations in inland barge rates and environmental conditions, were utilized. The assessment reveals that lock closure events in the UMR-IR region have severe economic consequences, impacting both the region itself and beyond. Conversely, transportation resilience achieved through modal substitution from barge to rail services during disruptive events can substantially reduce GDP losses. Specifically, such resilience measures can reduce GDP losses in the UMR-IR region by 6.6–24.2% and in the rest of the USA by 5.2–19.5%. Overall, these research findings carry significant implications for future planning and investment in inland waterway systems.

Research on Investment in China's Soybean Futures Market - Taking Soybean No.1 Futures Contract as an Example

The Chinese futures market has made significant breakthroughs in the past few years. As the operating mechanism and market norms of China's futures market gradually improve, the Chinese futures market is becoming increasingly active. Soybean futures prices have seasonal volatility, this has attracted a large number of investors, but most futures investors lack professional investment analysis skills. This article will provide investment advice for soybean futures investors, and assist them in making appropriate decisions in investment. This article mainly summarizes the market trend of Douyi Main Company in 2023. This article first conducts a market analysis of the price trend of Douyi Main Company over the past year, describing its price trend for the year. Subsequently, this article conducts a fundamental analysis of the soybean futures market, exploring how various influencing factors have an impact on the price trend of soybean futures in 2023. Subsequently, this article summarizes the influencing factors of soybean futures price fluctuations through fundamental analysis results, the influencing factors include the status of domestic soybean spot inventory in China, prices of alternative agricultural products, and international market prices of soybeans. Finally, this article conducts market prediction and investment value analysis based on fundamentals, and provides investment recommendations for investors, this article predicts that the fundamentals of soybean futures will remain bearish in 2024, and their prices may further decline. Therefore, this article suggests that investors can consider short-selling near-month contracts and closely monitor market changes to close positions at the appropriate time.

Examining customer intentions to purchase intelligent robotic products and services in Taiwan using the theory of planned behaviour

BackgroundThe literature for assessing online and offline shopping behaviours that are linked to intelligent robotic goods and services is inadequate. In this study, we applied the Theory of Planned Behaviour model for guidance regarding how consumer behaviour affects their purchase intentions for intelligent robotic goods and services.MethodsData from 408 respondents were gathered through an online questionnaire binned into Online and Overall Shoppers, and analysed using SPSS, AMOS, and Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modelling software to evaluate the appropriateness of the measurements and to confirm data reliability, convergence, divergence, and validity. These tools were also used to track and test hypothesized relationships between the variables and model constructs used in this study.Results and conclusionsThe overarching outcomes from the data analyses indicated the Ease of Usage, Brand Perception, and Product Pricing variables causally impacted the TPB model constructs, namely Attitude, Subjective Norms, and Perceived Behaviour Control for the two populations tested with respect to their intention to purchase intelligent robotic goods and services. The reliability measurements for Ease of Usage, Brand Perception, and Product Pricing are discussed. The results are important for companies and future investors because opportunities to study the complex relationships that ultimately drive consumer behaviour and their intention to purchase intelligent robotic goods and services are provided.

Conservation Prioritization of Orthoptera Assemblages on a Mediterranean Island

In response to the ongoing global extinction, conservationists must prioritize future conservation investments to ensure that such measures are biologically effective and economically viable. To propose an effective conservation plan for Orthoptera assemblages on Cyprus Island, we introduce the Standardized Conservation Index (StCI), a biodiversity index accounting for the conservation value (ci), presence, dispersal ability, endemism and conservation status of a species. We evaluated the effect of eleven environmental variables on StCI, ci, species richness and the Shannon–Wiener diversity index, using linear and generalized linear models. Species and environmental data were collected in 60 localities that were placed along four elevational zones and included seven habitat types. Our results revealed the importance of rural mosaics and forests for the conservation of Orthoptera. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index failed to show the importance of high-altitude forests. The Orthoptera species diversity was favored by flower heads and the soil humidity, while rock cover and high shrubs had a positive and negative effect, respectively, on the StCI and ci values. Our results underline the value of StCI in complementing traditional diversity indices, as a scale-independent index that can be used for different taxa to prioritize sites of conservation concern.

Rock fishways: Natural designs for an engineered world

Globally, fishways have been constructed as a technical solution to reduce the damaging effects of dams and weirs on fish movement. Some common design typologies are rock fishways and nature-like bypasses. While rock fishways are common in Australian rivers, there has been no general evaluation of their effectiveness, location, or costs to demonstrate their success and help guide future investment. Our objective was to develop an Australian inventory of rock fishways to visualise their location, major design elements, capital cost and frequency of evaluation. We also present two rock fishway case-studies that highlight key ecological and engineering design criteria, field evaluation of effectiveness and a summary of construction learnings. In Australia, there were 332 rock fishways, most typologies were lateral-ridge rock ramps (161), random rock fishways (123), nature-like bypasses (13) and hybrid designs (10). Approximately 20% of these have biological monitoring. Trends over time, included: (i) a slight flattening of fishway slope (from 1 V:20H to 1 V:30H) (ii) a progression from dumped loose rock to keyed-in formalised lateral-ridge fishways, increased use of natural sealing and (iii) an emerging tendency to hybrid concrete baffle and rock designs. Construction costs were available for 183 sites, with a total adjusted investment of USD$22 M and although highly variable the average cost per metre differential head was USD$110,000 (range USD$4500–286,000) per vertical-metre making rock fishways one of the most cost-effective designs available. Two field case-studies provided support for passage of a broad size range (15–410 mm long) of fish at a wide range of flows with hydraulic reliability over considerable design life-spans (i.e., >25 years). The publicly-available rock fishway database forms a platform for sharing technical information to promote more effective designs, contributing to continued global development of rock fishways and conservation of freshwater fish communities.

Meningkatkan Literasi Keuangan dan Akuntansi dalam Masyarakat

Socialization activities to improve financial and accounting literacy in the community were carried out in Rumah Tiga Village, focusing on the role of financial and accounting literacy in family financial management. Rumah Tiga Village was chosen because it still needs understanding and skills about financial management and accounting to support economic development and community welfare. The methods used in this activity include practical demonstrations, surveys to the community, as well as cooperation with Rumah Tiga Village officials. The main focus of this socialization was to increase understanding of household financial management, achieving future financial goals, the importance of long-term savings, education on future investments, and emergency funds to avoid future financial difficulties. The role of accounting in recording income and expenses, preparing budgets, and understanding how to make household financial reports are important points for the community to become better at managing their finances. The implementation of this socialization activity is tailored to the needs of the village community, involving cooperation with the village government to increase understanding of financial literacy and accounting. It is hoped that this activity can provide good knowledge to the Rumah Tiga community about financial literacy and accounting in the community.