Government Investment Research Articles

Role of ESG Investment on Firm's Performance: An Empirical Study of Experts' Opinion

The performance of Indian enterprises has been considerably impacted by investments in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). Businesses may increase their sustainability and resilience and draw in more investors by incorporating ESG concepts into their operations. Responsible business practices are encouraged by ESG standards and frequently lead to lower operational risks, better brand recognition, and higher long-term profitability. As investors place a higher value on ethical and sustainable investments, Indian companies that embrace ESG aspects typically show greater financial success. Additionally, following ESG guidelines in India promotes credibility and trust among stakeholders by being in line with societal norms and legislative changes. This proactive strategy not only reduces the negative effects on the environment and society, but it also increases investor trust, which may minimize these companies' cost of capital. To put it simply, ESG investments in India have propelled businesses forward by providing not only monetary gains but also a constructive influence on the environment and society, which in turn drives continued expansion and market competitiveness. Study survey was conducted among 193 experts from financial and investment sector to know their opinion regarding the role of ESG investment and its impact on Firm's Performance and conclude that there is significant impact of ESG investment on performance of a firm.

Enhancing the Syrian Construction Industry through Augmented Reality: Applications and Challenges

The Syrian construction industry faces numerous challenges that hinder its efficiency and productivity, including outdated practices and a lack of modern technological integration. This study explores the potential of Augmented Reality (AR) to enhance industry practices through a descriptive analytical approach using surveys and case studies. Key findings indicate a growing awareness and favorable perception of AR among construction professionals, pinpointing substantial benefits such as enhanced project visualization, safety, and resource management. Despite these positives, significant barriers such as technological infrastructure and expertise gaps limit AR's widespread adoption. The study concludes that AR offers significant potential to revolutionize the Syrian construction industry, recommending focused governmental and private sector investment in technological training and infrastructure to leverage these benefits fully. These findings suggest that AR could be pivotal in transforming construction practices in emerging markets like Syria

Governance Quality And Economic Growth In The Caribbean In Times Of Covid-19

ABSTRACT: The Caribbean region faces a daunting challenge as it confronts the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to shed light on the intricate relationship between governance quality and the economic performance of Caribbean nations, especially in the context of a global health crisis. Our research method involves a panel-random effects model, which captures the effects of governance quality and the COVID-19 pandemic on economic growth. We utilize data from various Caribbean countries, considering six dimensions of governance quality, trade openness, inflation, investment, and human capital. This comprehensive approach ensures a nuanced understanding of the region’s economic landscape during these turbulent times. Our findings expose a significant negative association between the various dimensions of governance and the ongoing pandemic crisis. Specifically, governance indicators such as voice and accountability, rule of law, political stability, and absence of violence, along with government effectiveness, emerge as positive catalysts for economic growth. On the contrary, the control of corruption and regulatory quality demonstrate a notable negative impact on growth. Furthermore, our research unveils that investment and human capital significantly contribute to boosting output growth in the Caribbean. Conversely, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, and trade openness is observed to be detrimental to economic growth. These findings corroborate existing empirical evidence on the governance-growth nexus, underscoring the complex interplay between governance and economic development. These results emphasize the urgency of long-term strategies to enhance governance quality in Caribbean countries. It is imperative to bolster the capacity of governments to address future epidemic episodes, recognizing the persistent threat of pandemics. Policymakers should prioritize measures that promote voice and accountability, rule of law, political stability, and government effectiveness while addressing corruption and regulatory quality issues. This research holds profound significance for both academics and policymakers, offering a pathway to stable and sustainable long-term economic growth and calling for proactive preparedness in the face of future global health challenges. It also invites further research in this critical area.

Fiscal Policy in a DSGE Model of a Resource-Rich Emerging Economy: The Nigerian Experience

This paper examines the role of fiscal policy in driving macroeconomic dynamics in a resource-rich emerging economy like Nigeria. Specifically, the paper investigates the macroeconomic implications of fiscal policy using a small open economy dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model that features oil in the fiscal rule. The model is estimated via Bayesian methods using data covering the period 2010Q1- 2021Q1. The results show that the feedback coefficient of output in the fiscal rules is mainly negative, indicating a counter-cyclical fiscal stance. Also, increased oil revenue leads to a rise in government consumption, investment and transfer payments. Further evidence indicates that government spending and transfer payments rose in response to increased debt. We also show that fiscal shocks are highly persistent and that government spending on consumption and investment, tax instruments and transfer are expansionary.

Democratic Governance, Patent Enforcement, and Foreign Direct Investment

Democratic Governance, Patent Enforcement, and Foreign Direct Investment

CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS TO WATER AND SANITATION IN NIGERIA: A REVIEW

Access to water and sanitation are critical components of public health and socio-economic development, as well as pointers to the fulfilment of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation). This review paper presents a critical assessment on the situation and challenges facing access and availability of water/water sources and their sanitary conditions. Considering that Nigeria is the most populated black race, the significant government efforts and international interventions made in the area of water, sanitation and hygiene, many communities are still lacking access to safe water and adequate sanitation facilities. The research observes that about 70% of Nigeria’s population have access to water but more than half of the sources are contaminated thus reflecting the current challenges facing the Nigeria’s water and sanitation sector. Some of the challenges highlighted include overpopulation/urbanization, poor government funding and investment, absence of solid waste management systems, climate change/variability amongst others. Positive recommendations such as investment by government agencies to provide funding, private-public partnerships to enhance/expand existing infrastructure, public awareness on water usage and sanitation and provision of water regulatory frameworks were suggested as possible solutions to the enumerated challenges.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Transparency and Investment Efficiency

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Transparency and Investment Efficiency

Systematic ESG risk and hedge fund

<abstract> <p>We present a framework for linking hedge funds to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investments based on systematic ESG risk. We proposed a double-factor model to explain the co-movement of asset returns due to two systematic risk factors: Adjusted market risk and systematic ESG risk. Complementing prior work that introduces ESG characteristic indicators as determinants of agents' utility functions, this framework leverages modern portfolio theory by establishing a channel through which systematic ESG shocks affect asset risk and, in turn, equilibrium expected returns. This approach enabled us to estimate empirical market prices for systematic ESG risk from real-world observations and derive the relationship between equilibrium expected returns and the loadings on systematic risk factors. Applying this framework to U.S. equity mutual funds, we found that the loadings of systematic ESG risk were significantly correlated with the expected return of the sorted portfolios. These results suggested that it is possible to design hedge fund strategies that capitalize on systematic ESG risk that varies over time.</p> </abstract>

Evaluation of the Anti-Corruption Laws and Measures on Investment in Nigeria

Nigeria's persistent corruption problem has significantly impeded its sustainable development and investment attractiveness. The pervasive nature of corruption poses substantial challenges to the nation's economic progress, governance, and both local and international investment opportunities. In response, various anti-corruption laws and measures have been instituted to combat this issue and promote transparency and accountability. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of these laws and measures in enhancing Nigeria's investment climate. Utilizing a doctrinal research methodology, the paper conducts a comprehensive analysis of the legal framework, enforcement mechanisms, and practical outcomes. The paper identifies significant challenges and gaps within the regulatory and implementation mechanisms. It further delineates potential areas for improvement in Nigeria's anti-graft efforts and their impact on investments. The findings suggest that for anti-corruption measures to be effective, the government must demonstrate political will by adequately funding relevant agencies to enable optimal functioning. The paper concludes that the robust implementation of anti-corruption laws and mechanisms will enhance transparency, accountability, and adherence to global best practices, thereby encouraging increased investment in the country.

Effectiveness Overview of Agricultural Conservation Practices for Water Quality Improvement Part II

Highlights This article summarizes ten agricultural conservation practices reviewed in both editions of the collection. Mean sediment load was reduced 73%-80% by residue and tillage management, filter strips, and cover crops. Mean nitrate-N load reduction ranged from 34%-46% for filter strips and water management practices. Phosphorus loads and concentrations were reduced by most practices, but dissolved P increased with two practices. Cost effectiveness varied widely, and these results may help in efforts to prioritize conservation implementation. Abstract. Although significant governmental investment has been provided to implement agricultural conservation practices (ACPs) for water quality improvement, eutrophication and hypoxia persist in coastal and fresh waters. A better understanding of the comparative effectiveness of ACPs is needed to improve environmental outcomes with the funding available. The objectives of this overview article are to (1) compare the performance and cost effectiveness among all the ACPs reviewed in both the first and second editions of the Special Collection and (2) present critical perspectives for researchers, policymakers, and funding entities seeking to improve water quality. The ten ACPs reviewed encompassed a range of goals, strategies, and landscape placement and varied widely in performance for their reduction of sediment, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) and their cost-effectiveness. Three ACPs included performance measures for all three constituents: sediment, N, and P, whereas others focused only on N (nine ACPs) and/or P (six ACPs). The four ACPs that are considered “water management” practices: drainage water management, denitrifying bioreactor, saturated buffer, and constructed wetland were all effective in mitigating the effects of nutrients in subsurface drainage water and showed average nitrate-N load reductions of 40%-46%. In contrast, few practices were found effective in reducing dissolved P (DP) loss from agricultural fields. Four ACPs (residue and tillage management, conservation crop rotation, drainage water management, and nutrient management) demonstrated possible net economic benefits, while perspectives were provided for prioritizing financial assistance for other ACPs. Monitoring recommendations developed during the literature reviews highlighted the need for more long-term field-scale monitoring to better reflect multi-year climatic variability. Keywords: Constructed wetland, Cost effectiveness, Cover crop, Crop rotation, Denitrifying bioreactor, Drainage water management, Filter strip, Monitoring, Nitrogen, Nutrient management, Performance effectiveness, Phosphorus, Residue and tillage management, Saturat

National transport and logistics system: navigating challenges for development until 2030

This scientific article explores strategies for developing national transport and logistics system, taking into account external factors. The authors analyze potential directions for market diversification and infrastructure development, focusing on cooperation with Asia, Africa, and CIS countries. The main problems and prospects for the Russian economy are also discussed in the context of inflation and the need for government investment and regulation.

Building the emergency care workforce in a low resource setting; The Seed Global Health experience in Uganda

Introduction: Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face a disproportionate burden of diseases requiring emergency care. In Uganda, road traffic trauma in the context of rapid urbanization, particularly motorcycle accidents, accounts for 48% of medical emergencies. The burden of road traffic accidents, obstetric complications, and non-communicable diseases necessitate robust emergency care, yet Uganda faces systemic challenges in this sector. Following the 60th and 72nd sessions of the World Health Assembly that called for strengthened emergency, critical and operative care to achieve universal health coverage, Uganda committed to strengthening emergency medical services through taking key steps such as developing a national Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Policy. The EMS Policy outlined twelve key focus areas including development of human resources for emergency medical services, key among are emergency physicians. To support these efforts, Seed Global Health, the Ugandan Ministry of Health, Makerere University, and Mbarara University of Science and Technology partnered to strengthen the emergency medicine training between 2019 and 2024. Methods: We conducted a desk review to evaluate the collaborative effort between Seed Global Health, Ministry of Health, Makerere University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. We reviewed policy documents, health records, and program reports to assess initiatives by Seed Global Health that were focused on developing human resources for emergency medical services, including emergency physicians training, emergency nurses and the contributions of local and international faculty. Results: The partnership between Seed Global Health, Ministry of Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology and Makerere University successfully trained 21 new emergency physicians, with 43 more residents currently in training. It introduced essential clinical resources, enhancing diagnostic and treatment capacities for improved patient care while improving learning environments through skills laboratory support, simulation support and classroom equipment. Additionally, it supported the coordination of emergency services within emergency departments in hospitals as well as enhanced advocacy efforts to improving emergency care in Uganda. However, despite these tremendous milestones, challenges persist including a shortage of specialists relative to the high demand for services, a need for increased investment for emergency medical services and a need for better integration of emergency services within the healthcare system. Conclusion: This article highlights the value of international collaborations, long term partnership and targeted training in addressing emergency care gaps in LMICs. We recommend expanding emergency medicine programs, increasing government investment in facilities and human resources, and strengthening interdisciplinary emergency response teams. These measures are essential for providing sustainable, quality emergency care to address Uganda's growing needs.

Ein gesamtstaatlicher „Transformations- und Infrastrukturfonds“ zur Stabilisierung der Schuldenbremse

Abstract With its judgement on the federal budget, the German Federal Constitutional Court has thrown the government’s financial planning into disarray. Important public investments are at stake, as the debt brake sets tight limits for the treasury and debt-financed shadow budgets. But the green transition requires public investment as the time horizons are short and the investment risk for technologies and international competition is high. A transformation and infrastructure fund (TIF) anchored in the constitution, combined with planning accelerations should be established in order to finance government investments while at the same time leaving the debt brake in the core budget untouched.

Implementation of basic life support education for the lay public in China: barriers, enablers, and possible solutions.

Education for the lay public in basic life support (BLS) is critical for increasing bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) rates and improving survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Despite years of implementation, the BLS training rate in China has remained modest. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the implementation of BLS training programs in emergency medical service (EMS) centers in China and to identify specific barriers and enablers. Qualitative interviews were conducted with key informants from 40 EMS centers in Chinese cities. The participants included 11 directors/deputy directors, 24 training department leaders, and 5 senior trainers. The interview guide was based on the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework. Thematic content analysis was used to identify themes and patterns across the interviews. We identified 16 factors influencing the implementation of BLS training programs encompassing the outer content, inner context, innovation and bridging factors. Some factors acted as either barriers or enablers at different EPIS stages. The main implementation barriers included limited external leadership, insufficient government investment, low public awareness, a shortage of trainers, an absence of incentives, an absence of authoritative courses and guidelines, a lack of qualification to issue certificates, limited academic involvement, and insufficient publicity. The main enablers were found to be supportive government leaders, strong public demand, adequate resources, program champions, available high-quality courses of high fitness within the local context, the involvement of diverse institutions, and effective publicity and promotion. Our findings emphasize the diversity of stakeholders, the complexity of implementation, and the need for localization and co-construction when conducting BLS training for lay public in city EMS centers. Improvements can be made at the national level, city level, and EMS institutional level to boost priority and awareness, promote legislation and policies, raise sustainable resources, and enhance the technology of BLS courses.

Using the Five Safes to structure economic evaluations of data governance

Abstract As the world has become more digitally dependent, questions of data governance, such as ethics, institutional arrangements, and statistical protection measures, have increased in significance. Understanding the economic contribution of investments in data sharing and data governance is highly problematic: outputs and outcomes are often widely dispersed and hard to measure, and the value of those investments is very context-dependent. The “Five Safes” is a popular data governance framework. It is used to design and critique data management strategies across the world and has also been used as a performance framework to measure the effectiveness of data access operations. We report on a novel application of the Five Safes framework to structure the economic evaluation of data governance. The Five Safes was designed to allow structured investigation into data governance. Combining this with more traditional logic models can provide an evaluation methodology that is practical, reproducible, and comparable. We illustrate this by considering the application of the combined logic model-Five Safes framework to data governance for agronomy investments in Ethiopia. We demonstrate how the Five Safes was used to generate the necessary context for a more traditional quantitative study, and consider lessons learned for the wider evaluation of data and data governance investments.

From Darkness To Light: Mobile Phone Apps, The Empowering Tools For Tribal Students And Community Of Chhattisgarh

India is one of the largest tribal countries in the world after Africa. According to the 2011 census of India, the tribal population is 8.6% of the total population of the country. They are all over the country in states like Jharkhand, Odisha Madhya Pradesh, Gujrat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh. Tribal society is characteristically distinguished from the mainstream by its culture, lifestyle, occupation, and alienation. With the increase in the development of today's information technology and wireless telecommunication networks, mobile devices have proliferated rapidly and become important tools for Terrible people. The use of M-Services and applications (apps) on mobile devices has become commonplace in people's everyday lives. Mobile applications are the gateway to the transfer of human knowledge. Learning is a continuous process and now the focus has completely shifted to eLearning. Thanks to mobile phones and various function-oriented apps, students can learn at their own pace and take their time understanding things because everything is just a click away. The integration of mobile devices into the teaching-learning process heralded a new era in education. It has made the teaching-learning process more interactive and hands-on. Quality education can be provided to anyone, anywhere. In general, implementing mobile phone applications and technologies can provide many benefits for a quality educational environment. The provision of education for all in India remains a distant dream, despite the significant government investment expended on it. This document covers the use of mobile phone applications, how to help the Indigenous community, especially students and the community of Chhattisgarh, and what steps the Chhattisgarh government has taken to uplift the educational system and empower tribal students and community with various mobile phone apps to bring the underprivileged from darkness to light.

Institutionalizing Investment Dispute Prevention: The U.S. Experience

The steady rise of international investment arbitration in recent years suggests that many states still struggle to prevent investor grievances from becoming international investment disputes and ultimately arbitration claims. The United States is not exempt from such difficulties, but it has some institutional advantages contributing to its successful approach to mitigating and managing international investment disputes. Key advantages include its practice of: (1) “internationalizing” domestic law in U.S. international investment agreements (IIAs); (2) encouraging foreign investors to pursue domestic remedies in U.S. courts; and (3) domesticating the international investment regime within the U.S. government. The U.S. experience offers some valuable lessons for the ongoing reform of the international investment regime.

Impact of public investment governance on provinces’ economics growth: A spatial approach

The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of public investment on the economic growth of the province in Vietnam, with a focus on a spatial perspective to uncover its effects. Applying the quasi-maximum likelihood (quasi-ML) estimation method developed by Belotti et al. (2017) to balanced panel data and conducting various tests, we identified the spatial Durbin model (SDM) as the most appropriate spatial model for the studied data. The importance of public investment in local economic growth is highlighted by an empirical analysis of 63 Vietnamese provinces from 2010 to 2020. Notably, taking spatial interactions into account, the finding reveals the existence of spillover effects of economic growth and public investment, demonstrating the impact of economic growth and public investment from one province on the economic growth of adjacent provinces. We incorporate the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the analysis to highlight the role of public investment in economic growth in the long run. While FDI also has positive impacts on regional growth and has direct effects on neighboring provinces’ growth, it also has an adverse impact in terms of (indirect) spillover effects.

An International Law Framework for Climate-Aligned Investment Governance

An International Law Framework for Climate-Aligned Investment Governance

Land Management Rights by The Government For Investment Needs in Indonesia

Management rights are considered to be one of the Government's efforts to facilitate large entrepreneurs in investing in Indonesia. Of course, investment is expected to improve the community's economy. One of the efforts to improve the economy is done by creating jobs for the community. So it is necessary to map the land that is ready for business activities for investors. This article focuses on land management rights by the government for investment needs in Indonesia. The results show that the Management Rights (HPL) arrangement is not explicitly spelled out in Law Number 5 of 1960 concerning Basic Agrarian Regulations. that management rights are not purely from the state's control rights over land, but rather the delegation of the state's control rights to the subject or holder of management rights. The concept of a land bank in terms of its function becomes very important to consider as an instrument for land reserves in investment efforts for the prosperity of the people.