Wealth Generation Research Articles

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Stock Market Investments: A Neomarxist Approach to Alternative Socioeconomic Funding Agendas for National State Revenue Accumulation

In the contemporary economic, sociological and political landscape, the successful integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) computer programs into the predicted behaviour of stock market value in the financial markets represents a profound burgeoning frontier in economics, with profound implications for both wealth generation and national budget resource allocation. This paper explores the potential sociopolitical economic strategy of using AI-driven stock market prediction predictions to cumulatively accumulate capital funded for by taxpayer sourced representative income. As the baseline return accumulates in the form of investment potential then as a means of revenue accumulation for the state then the burden of the national budget upon its citizens decreases then ceases. This is the theorisation of the establishment of a Marxist economic social superstructure for the funding of social institutions through the powerful potential of artificial intelligence. By leveraging a portion of the national budget on advanced AI technologies, this strategy could dramatically facilitate the financial sustenance of political budgets aimed at social equity and economic justice. Through a critical review of sociological and economic theories, this theoretical research delineates exactly how such an approach could potentially reconfigure the mode of production and contribute to the reformation of a sustainable socialist economy.

Market concentration of the Brazilian hospital medical supplementary health system

BackgroundThe Brazilian supplementary health market has undergone transformations in recent years due to constant mergers and acquisitions of by large corporations, contributing to the increase in market concentration, especially in the poorest and least developed regions of the country. Thus, given the care it provides and its economic relevance, understanding the fundamentals of these movements, the likely consequences and trends for the health market are relevant, important, and strategic.ObjectiveTo understand the general and specific context of Brazilian supplementary health, its scenarios, and trends, with emphasis on the analysis of market concentration and recent mergers and acquisitions.MethodologyThe research is applied, descriptive and exploratory and uses secondary data from various sources, submitted to quantitative data analysis methods. The data are organized into three groups: historical and regulatory documents; industry data; and market.ResultsThe results show the growing concentration of the market promoted by large publicly traded corporations, the growing relevance of tech startups on the healthcare landscape, the predominant use of the relative valuation model, with implicit multiples for asset pricing and the prevalence of corporate health plans.ConclusionThe growing concentration of the system projects a market with fewer options and less competitiveness, since the growth of large operators is evident, in addition to the relevant increase in the number of complaints from users of the system, which signals the growing gap between the expectations of users and the levels of quality care offered. The study also highlights the predominance of corporate health plans, revealing the direct relationship between access to supplementary health services and employability rates. The analysis of M&A operations, in addition to the increase in market concentration, reveals the prevalence of the use of the relative valuation model and implicit multiples for the pricing of traded assets. This denotes the future expectation of wealth generation, at least equivalent to the historical series of the sector, on the part of investors, whose frustration may signal the decreasing attractiveness of resources and M&A operations in the sector in the coming years.

Liquidity and Profitability in the Colombian Oil and Natural Gas Extraction Sector: Analysis 2011 – 2021

The dynamics brought about by the adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards have a direct impact on the various Colombian economic sectors; highlighting the Oil and Natural Gas Extraction sector as one of the most important in terms of wealth generation and exports of the nation. For this reason, the present study was directed in order to analyze the indicators of Liquidity and Profitability in the Colombian oil sector between 2011 and 2021. For the development of the study, a quantitative investigation is proposed with a documentary base where it is carried out an analysis of secondary sources from the Superintendence of Companies from which financial data of the Oil and Natural Gas Extraction sector in Colombia is taken, on which a descriptive processing is carried out and subsequently a correlational analysis between the liquidity and profitability indicators. The results show a level of correlation between the liquidity indicators, referring to the Current Ratio and Acid Test, and those of Profitability, Return on Total Assets, and Return on Equity. It is concluded that the correlation between these variables would be explained by the rates and sales volumes of said sector; which constantly carries out transactions of high sums of money accompanied by multiple policies and methods to ensure the transaction and thus not unbalance the receipt of income by the industry.

Pre-service mathematics teachers’ perceptions based on two differing mathematically underpinned debates

This study explores how pre-service mathematics teachers build alternative model simulations of real-world scenarios. Inclusion in the formal structures for wealth generation and accumulation is a fervently debated issue in South Africa. Share owning in companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) in South Africa is one of many wealth-building tools. Related discussions evolved on the spread of share ownership among black and white citizens. Two mathematically motivated positions were reported in a newspaper. In one of their mathematics courses, prospective mathematics teachers were presented with the article and asked to reflect on it with the prompt 'Which of these two methods for determining the "number of Black South Africans holding shares on the JSE" would your group support?' Audio- and video-recorded data were collected and subjected to thematic analysis. The themes that emerged from the analysis were economic empowerment, authority of research and trustworthiness of information. The discussions reflected on the complexities and rationalities involved in decision-making of mathematically driven opposing positions on issues of social importance. The mathematically derived results of such issues will eventually be resolved in the political field. The findings revealed that building of alternative mathematical models by pre-service mathematics teachers begins with an explicit problem setting, followed by the development of mathematical models that included real-world problems.Contribution: This article contributes to pre-service mathematics teacher education by exploring how such teachers deal with the issue of critical engagement of mathematically based arguments, highlighted in the Curriculum Assessment and Policy Standards (CAPS) document for school mathematics.

Cybercrime And Its Negative Effects In Developing Countries

Background: This paper investigates the prevalence and the negative impacts of cybercrime in developing countries. It also attempts to proffer solution to the problem of cybercrime focusing on identity theft, phishing, and other cybercriminal activities that are common in 21st century. This research is imperative because cybercrime has become a teething problem to most developing countries where monitoring and tracking of cybercrime offenders is still a big challenge. In Nigeria for example, cybercrime comes in different forms and affects almost all aspect of human endeavor in our day due to the rapid expansion of internet access and digital technologies. Materials and Methods: The research employs a mixed-method approach. First, it took a tour on different established cases of cybercrimes in recent time. It then carried out real life survey using a sample of about 68 students studying computing science in some universities in the southern part of Nigeria. Results: Findings reveal a high level of concern about cybercrime among respondents, with many reporting personal experiences such as phishing attempts and identity theft via social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The discussion emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity education and robust government regulations to combat cyber threats effectively. Conclusion: Recommendations include addressing youth unemployment, promoting ethical wealth generation, and strengthening cyber security laws to mitigate the socioeconomic and moral impacts of cybercrime in developing countries. This study contributes to understanding the multifaceted challenges posed by cybercrime in developing nations and underscores the necessity for comprehensive strategies encompassing policy reforms, educational initiatives, and socioeconomic interventions

WAKAF BERTEMPOH (MUAQQAT) SATU CADANGAN PENGIKTIRAFAN, PENGUKURAN DAN PENDEDAHAN DALAM PENYATA KEWANGAN

Waqf is one of the important instruments in Muslims economic development. Through waqf, long-term assets that generate income flows can be created and preserved. These assets clearly assist in the generation and creation of wealth. Waqf has the potential to play a significant role in poverty eradication by focusing its benefits on the poor. Most Malaysian states, as indicated in the State Administration of Islamic Law Enactment and the State Waqf Enactment, impose only on perpetuity property based on the Shafiiy school of law. However, there are certain states allowed the implementation of temporary waqf such as Johor, Terengganu, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, and Sarawak. Thus, the purpose of this article is to investigate the barriers to the implementation of temperory waqf in Malaysia, as well as the financial recording. This paper also provides recommendations in the recognition, measurement and disclosure for wakafmuaqqat in the financial statements. This paper has conducted inductive and deductive methods. In this qualitative research, data has been collected by using library research, observations, and interview with some respondents related to wakaf such as Deputy Executive of State Waqf in Selangor and Waqf Manager in Yayasan Canselor University Kebangsaan Malaysia. The result of this paper shows that there are problems in terms of legislation obstacles, lack of expert manpower in managing waqf, and problem of Baitulmals administration that is inefficient and unsystematic. This paper also gives some recommendations in the recognition, measurement and disclosure for temperory waqf in the financial statements.

A MODEL FOR CONSTRUCTION SECTOR DEVELOPMENT IN MIDDLE-INCOME SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN COUNTRIES

Buildings and other constructed facilities form the essential framework of a country’s physical and economic infrastructure. Construction serves as a key capital input to production, driving economic growth and wealth generation. This impact can be particularly transformative in low-to-middle-income countries. Physical infrastructure, including construction, is a powerful engine of economic growth and is closely related to national economic performance. However, not all studies agree with the commonly held belief that construction investment has a positive impact on economic growth, particularly concerning the amount of investment and the relationship between construction investment and economic growth. So far, cross-country studies dealing with the construction sector-economic growth relationship have used indicators of national output and construction that are not strictly comparable between countries. This article reviews the main strands of the literature on the role that the construction sector plays in the national economy and economic development. It also uses novel data drawn from the “capital file” of the PENN World Table (version 10.1) to assess the development pattern of the construction sector in two groups of sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries on the middle-income status of economic development, for the period between 1990 and 2019. The study reveals that construction shares, measured as the proportion of gross fixed capital formation attributable to construction in the gross domestic product, revolve around a norm determined by the level of built assets preceding the reference period. The results of the study could have policy implications for the economic sustainability of the construction industry in SSA.

The relative roles of energy and water intensity in the economic growth of the United States, 1950–2015

Water and energy are indispensable inputs to the modern economy and are of primary concern for the sustainability of the global economy. Continually growing use of water and energy cannot be sustained in the pursuit of greater wealth and prosperity, given planetary boundaries and other limitations on these resources. Water is a main input to the production of energy, and vice versa, and to some extent the two are substitutes. An economy’s energy intensity and water intensity measure the efficiency with which energy and water, respectively, are used in the generation of wealth. How far has an advanced economy like that of the US gone in decoupling energy and water use from economic growth? To answer this question, we decompose the growth of GDP per capita into improvement in energy and water intensity and the change in the per capita use of these two crucial inputs, using data for the US from 1950 to 2015. We find that water and energy use efficiency improvements are responsible for much more growth in per capita GDP than increases in water and energy inputs, and that water use can be decoupled more significantly from increasing wealth than the use of energy. The results have important implications for the future of energy and material consumption by the global economy.

Sustainability Reporting and Performance of Selected Quoted Firms in Nigeria

The performance of quoted firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) is crucial for driving economic development, job creation, and wealth generation in Nigeria. Despite the growing interest in sustainability practices among Nigerian firms, there is a lack of empirical research examining the relationship between sustainability reporting and financial performance. To address this gap, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the link between sustainability reporting and the financial performance of quoted firms in Nigeria. This research employed an ex-post facto research approach, utilizing data from annual reports, financial statements, and sustainability reports of 153 publicly listed companies on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). Through quantitative methods, the study assessed the extent and quality of sustainability reporting among Nigerian companies and its relationship with financial performance indicators. A purposive sampling method was used to select a sample of 10 firms known for their voluntary disclosure of information in financial reports. The study spanned from 2012 to 2021, totaling 10 years, and involved both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses of the collected data. Using regression analysis, the study found a statistically significant positive impact of sustainability reporting metrics - including governance information disclosure, credibility information disclosure, and environmental profile disclosure - on firm performance. This suggests that companies in Nigeria that disclose information regarding governance policies, credibility, and environmental practices tend to perform better financially.This study concluded that companies that engage in transparent reporting regarding governance policies, credibility, and environmental practices demonstrate better financial performance. Based on the findings, it is recommended that Nigerian regulators and policymakers encourage and support sustainability reporting initiatives among quoted firms.

Exploring the prevalence of internet crimes among undergraduate students in a Nigerian University: A case study of the university of Ilorin

Internet crime, also known as cybercrime, encompasses various illicit activities conducted through computer system and online platforms. It is a global menace that has become a pervasive issue in our contemporary society. This study delves into exploring the prevalence of internet crime among undergraduate students at the University of Ilorin with the view to examine the level of involvement of undergraduate students, identify the underlying factors, the perceived consequences, and potential control measures associated with undergraduates' involvement in internet crime. The study engaged a sample size of 400 undergraduate students, employing a stratified sample technique for comprehensive data collection using a structured questionnaire. The research revealed that the participants acknowledged the prominence of internet crime within their peer group. It uncovered the multifaceted factors contributing to the prevalence of internet crimes. The respondents acknowledged the perceived consequences of undergraduates' involvement in internet crime, encompassing financial mismanagement, expulsion from educational institutions, societal stigma, loss of personal integrity, legal consequences, and limited access to future opportunities. To mitigate this growing concern, respondents recommended various control and combative measures. These encompass the implementation of stringent rules within educational institutions, effective monitoring of students' financial activities, awareness campaigns against internet crime, provision of employment opportunities, engaging experts to address the issue, banning tools facilitating internet crime, and organizing training workshops to enhance legitimate ICT skills and wealth generation. This study sheds light on the pressing need for proactive interventions to curb internet crime among undergraduate students, emphasizing education, awareness, and policy implementation to foster a safer online environment and deter involvement in criminal activities.

Entrepreneurship orientation in family business: Decision process structure & succession planning

Family firms play a significant role in economies worldwide, contributing substantially to wealth generation and employment opportunities. Particularly prevalent in rural and remote areas where larger enterprises may struggle to operate effectively, these firms are crucial for both economic growth and social development. Entrepreneurship, characterized by innovation, courage, and strategic planning, is fundamental for driving economic development and instigating substantial changes within market economies. Previous research has identified various factors influencing entrepreneurial development in response to evolving business environments.This paper aims to investigate the capacity of enduring family firms to maintain an entrepreneurial orientation while also prioritizing strong family ties and effective governance structures. Building upon existing theoretical frameworks in the realms of family business and entrepreneurship, this study examines the prevalence of entrepreneurship within family businesses. Additionally, it explores the significance of entrepreneurial orientation in succession planning and the decision-making processes within family firms.The conceptualization presented here integrates insights from existing literature and proposes a research agenda for further exploration in this field. By reviewing relevant literature and outlining a research methodology, this paper seeks to shed light on the intersection of family business dynamics and entrepreneurial behavior. Understanding the interplay between entrepreneurial orientation, family involvement, and governance structures is crucial for informing strategic decision-making processes within family firms.In summary, this paper contributes to the broader understanding of the role of entrepreneurship within family businesses and its implications for succession planning and decision-making. By elucidating the complex dynamics at play in these firms, it offers insights that can inform both academic research and practical management strategies for sustaining and enhancing the entrepreneurial spirit within family-owned enterprises.

Adopting Critical Success Factors (CSF) Methods to Achieve High Management Performance on Dairy Farms

It is known that the agribusiness sector in Brazil is made up of several companies operating in different business models in their environment. They operate in production side as no cyclical and the market side as cyclical, such as milk and dairy products. It is, however, characterized by dynamic and complex processes and competitive events, applied technologies, specialized labor problems, with risks and uncertainties inherent to the environment. Dairy farming is a relevant segment of this sector, both in terms of representativeness and wealth generation. Therefore, dairy farms need to be aware of innovations, and be effective in the pursuit of productive performance and profitability. The present study aims to evaluate the Critical Success Factors (CSF) involved in the search for high productive performance and profitability in dairy farms assisted by technical and managerial consulting of an agribusiness alpha company. The research has a qualitative approach and a descriptive conclusive character. Multiple case studies were carried out, and the units of analysis are 6 farms, their respective leaders (owners and managers), and consultants specialized in dairy farming from the company Alfa de Consultoria. The results demonstrate that the CSFs that promote high performance in dairy farms are: financial management; leadership and people management; process management; employee training and development; adequate sizing of the project; search for continuous improvement; management of indices and technical indicators; ensure animal comfort; technical assistance and consultancy.

Assessing the impact of alkali pretreatment of rice husk on its composition and product portfolio: Tradeoff between biogas and valuable materials recovery for sustainability

The burning of agricultural crop residues has evolved into a significant global issue with far-reaching implications for public health and environmental integrity. Utilizing biochemical methodologies to valorize these residues presents a dual advantage, mitigating disposal challenges while concurrently fostering wealth generation through bioenergy production and the creation of value-added materials. Nevertheless, the biodegradation of residues faces impediments due to the presence of recalcitrant silica and lignin. To assess the efficacy and elucidate the performance of biochemical approaches, this study investigates the impact of NaOH treatment (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% w/v) on rice husk (RH) at 90 °C for 2 h initially followed by anaerobic digestion (AD) for biogas generation. This recovers silica, yielding residual pulp devoid of lignin, a raw material for biogas generation. Analytical investigation through FE-SEM reveals mild fissures and surface ruptures in 4% NaOH-treated RH, while XRD shows a crystallinity index increase from 43.3% (untreated RH) to 69.4% (NaOH-treated RH). The optimal NaOH concentration, yielding 0.16 g/g of silica and 0.206 L/g VSadded of biogas is 4%. These results highlight tailored NaOH's potential for enhancing silica recovery and biogas production from RH. Spearman's correlation analysis reveals a strong correlation (0.9–1.0) among the reduction in volatile solids (VS %), total solids (TS %), methane yield (mL/g VSadded), and biogas yield (mL/g VSadded). P values for artificial neural network (ANN) and fuzzy models consistently range from 10−4 to 10−19. Achieving sustainability necessitates balancing the trade-off between maximizing biogas production and optimizing silica recovery for an environmentally sound and efficient system.

The role of total value added to be distributed to reduce the negative effects of the pandemic on the share price

This research analyzes the relationship between the total value added to be distributed and the share price in the before, during, and post-pandemic periods. The data were collected on the Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM) website and Refinitiv Eikon®, resulting in 1,910 observations of Brazilian companies from 2010 to 2022 from all sectors, except Government Activity (due to lack of data). The data were treated using descriptive statistics and the Generalized Least Squares (GLS) regression model. The results revealed that i) the disclosure of the TVAD is relevant to explain the share price; ii) there is a negative relationship between the pandemic period and the share price; and iii) the interaction between the TVAD and the pandemic has a positive relationship with the share price. The results contribute to investors, suggesting that the Value Added Statement (VAS) information can increase the share price in periods of more significant uncertainty. With managers, it shows that the generation of more wealth can increase the price of shares, which can help them obtain better returns since part of the remuneration is usually linked to the performance of the shares. With Brazilian regulators, the results may indicate that the mandatory disclosure of VAS during the pandemic is relevant to assisting shareholders in decision-making. The gap explored in this research is the lack of analysis of the relationship between TVAD and the pandemic. The study's relevance is to highlight to the shareholders what information from the VAS contributes to an increase in the share price in periods of greater instability. Therefore, the impact of the study is that users can use the VAS information for share pricing, especially in periods of greater economic instability.

“We Want to Eat and be Healthy just like Everybody Else:” How Social Infrastructures Affect Nutrition Equity in a Racialized Urban Community in the United States

BackgroundFood security and nutrition equity, 2 social determinants of health, are impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the racialization of urban communities. Few studies to date have examined how the use of social infrastructures in the United States during COVID-19 affected the ability to achieve food security and nutrition equity. ObjectivesTo describe how the use of social infrastructures impacts food security and nutrition equity in a majority Black and urban community in the United States. MethodsSemistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with 40 low-income, urban, and predominately Black people living in Buffalo, New York in May–July 2022.A thematic analysis using a phronetic iterative approach informed by the Social Ecological Model, Walsh’s Family Resilience Framework, and a framework focused on the advancement of nutrition equity. ResultsWe identified 9 themes mapped across 3 interrelated domains that impact nutrition equity, including 1) meeting food needs with dignity, 2) supply and demand for fresh and healthy foods, and 3) community empowerment and food sovereignty. We found that people used coping strategies, such as food budgeting and cooking skills, paired with different social infrastructures to meet food needs. People commonly used the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and food pantries to meet food needs over receiving support from family members or friends outside of the household. Poverty, challenges accessing and affording healthy food, and the inability to reciprocate support to others undermined the advancement of nutrition equity despite social infrastructures being available for use. Historical and ongoing acts of disempowerment and disinvestment also hindered the advancement of nutrition equity. ConclusionsSustained, community-led investment is needed to address structural inequities preventing the advancement of nutrition equity. Social infrastructures should be expanded to inclusively support low-income populations, so wealth generation is possible to address the root cause of food insecurity.

Empowering Physically Disabled People in Vietnam: A Successful Microenterprise Model

Background: Disabled people in Vietnam are some of the most vulnerable to disadvantage. Employment involving microenterprises can provide economic empowerment and wealth generation. This qualitative study aims to address a gap in the literature regarding the establishment of microenterprises for physically disabled people in Vietnam. Method: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with seven physically disabled individuals, including the founder and Director of ‘Company of Grace’ a non-governmental organisation with a mission to support physically disabled people in establishing their own microenterprises. Company of Grace (COG) supported six entrepreneurs in establishing microenterprises that provided English language instruction to school-aged children after regular school hours. Data were analysed utilising a framework that improves the probability of entrepreneurial success in developing countries. This framework aided in examining the approach of establishing microenterprises by the non-government organisation. Results: The physically disabled entrepreneurs reported earnings above average wages and feeling empowered by participating in the microenterprises. These feelings of empowerment were reportedly associated with greater independence, increased self-efficacy and confidence in planning for their futures. Conclusion: Microenterprises, exemplified by COG’s model, empowered disabled individuals to teach English, enhanced student engagement and fostered confidence and economic self-sufficiency among disabled entrepreneurs, thereby making a notable contribution to entrepreneurship for disability inclusion.

Mining from the pipeline: Artisanal oil refining as a consequence of failed CSR policies in the Niger Delta

Oil production in the Niger Delta first attained global prominence after the 1995 hangings of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogonis. In the face of horrible publicity and credible allegations that international oil companies were complicit in systematic human rights violations against local host communities, corporate social responsibility (CSR) was embraced. CSR in the Nigerian oil industry has evolved from non-existent to limited community development programs to today's Global Memorandum of Understanding model. Yet, concomitant with CSR's growth has been a devastating increase in artisanal oil refining or “bunkering.” In this article, we do not focus on industrial scale bunkering, which clearly requires high-level political support. Instead, we focus on the growth of small-scale artisanal refining in the rural Niger Delta. We situate this sector's growth in failed government and CSR policies, highlight its devastating environmental impacts, and advocate a shift away from flawed and limited CSR to legal and regulated modular refineries that, with fewer negative developmental and environmental externalities, could serve as a vital source of job creation and wealth generation.

Synergistic advancements: fostering collaborative excellence in doctoral education

Doctoral education in Africa is a rigorous journey that demands unwavering commitment from both students and mentors. It involves original research aimed at contributing new knowledge to the academic realm, making it a formidable scholarly pursuit. The pivotal players in this endeavor are the students, their mentors, and the higher education institutions. This paper delves into the strategies and recommendations for enhancing excellence in doctoral education across Africa. One significant approach is fostering entrepreneurship among doctoral students, empowering them to develop businesses and cultivating an innovative culture to broaden their career prospects. Additionally, robust academic support systems play a crucial role, encompassing services like academic writing centers, article writing workshops, and well-structured mentoring programs. These resources bolster research and writing skills, aid in crafting research proposals, and facilitate publishing, thereby boosting students’ self-esteem. International partnerships offer opportunities for academic mobility, through scholarships, exchange programs, and funding. This international exposure fosters cross-cultural understanding and academic excellence. Collaborations, both with academia and industry, enable problem-solving and interdisciplinary research, further enriching the doctoral experience. Exchange programs serve dual purposes by providing funding and ensuring quality standards are met in doctoral programs. These measures collectively contribute to the advancement of excellence in doctoral education in Africa, nurturing a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and development on the continent. This theoretical paper relies on extensive scrutiny of reputable sources and accredited journals. The findings emphasize the significance of collaborations and academic support systems in achieving academic success, which, in turn, leads to entrepreneurship, job creation, and wealth generation. Adequate funding and motivated supervisors and students are foundational elements for a thriving doctoral program. Overall, these interventions and recommendations pave the way for Africa’s doctoral students to reach their full potential, contributing to the continent’s growth and prosperity.

Caste-based Diminished Returns of Educational Attainment on Wealth Accumulation in India.

Education is widely recognized as a key driver of wealth generation, providing individuals with the opportunity to enhance their socioeconomic status. However, the effectiveness of education in generating wealth varies significantly across different social groups. In the United States, research has shown that Black individuals experience weaker economic returns on education compared to their White counterparts, a phenomenon explained by the theory of Minorities' Diminished Returns (MDRs). Although MDRs have been documented in various countries, their relevance to caste-based disparities in India remains unexplored. This study aims to investigate the caste-based diminished returns of education on wealth in India. We hypothesize that the returns on educational attainment, in terms of wealth generation, will be weaker for individuals from Scheduled Castes (SCs) compared to those from higher castes, using data from the India Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). This study was a cross-sectional analysis of DHS -2019/2021 data from India, examining the relationship between educational attainment and wealth across different caste groups (scheduled castes and non-scheduled castes). Multivariate regression models will be employed to assess the interaction between caste and education in predicting wealth outcomes, controlling for relevant covariates such as age, gender, and region. The study is expected to find that the returns on education, in terms of wealth, are significantly weaker for individuals from Scheduled Castes compared to those from higher castes. This would indicate that caste-based discrimination continues to hinder the economic progress of Scheduled Castes, even when they achieve similar levels of education as their upper-caste counterparts. The findings of this study will extend the MDR framework to the Indian context, demonstrating that caste-based disparities result in diminished returns on education for wealth generation. This study underscores the need for targeted policies that address the specific barriers faced by Scheduled Castes in translating educational attainment into economic success and highlights the ongoing impact of caste-based discrimination in India.

Percepción De La Responsabilidad Social Empresarial En La Industria Textil De La Ciudad De Cuenca

Companies are increasingly recognized not only as generators of financial wealth but also as entities with significant social responsibilities, encapsulated in the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This study assesses the perception of CSR among owners of textile companies in Cuenca, Ecuador, focusing on the persistent challenge of balancing economic objectives with social responsibilities, and considering the impact on diverse stakeholders. CSR endeavors to mitigate this conflict and foster sustainable and ethical business practices. The research examines the relationships between customers, suppliers, employees, the environment, the local community, society, and corporate governance with various organizational factors. A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional study with a correlational approach was employed. Pearson's Coefficient was used to assess the relationship between stakeholder compliance levels and organizational factors, thereby measuring the covariation between these variables. The descriptive results indicate a mean agreement level of 4 out of 5 on the acceptance scale, suggesting a generally favorable attitude and significant interest in CSR implementation. The findings underscore that the perception of CSR in domains such as suppliers, environment, and corporate governance/shareholders is directly correlated with the organizational size of the company, exhibiting a maximum correlation coefficient of 0.571.