International Operations Research Articles

Disrupting Labor Trafficking in the Agricultural Sector: Looking at Opportunities beyond Law Enforcement Interventions

ABSTRACT Law enforcement interventions continue to be the primary mechanism used to identify offenders and illicit businesses involved in human trafficking, yet trafficking continues to be a thriving international operation. We explore alternative mechanisms to disrupt illicit operations and reduce victimization through labor trafficking supply chains using supply chain disruption theory. Using a case study approach to examine one federally prosecuted labor trafficking case in the agricultural sector, we (1) extend criminological concepts of disruption by identifying sources and methods of disruption and (2) inform criminal justice system responses by presenting novel methods of assessing effectiveness of anti-human trafficking policies and programs.

Endoscopy International Open – recently published

Comment on: Outcomes of patients with hepaticojejunostomy anastomotic strictures undergoing endoscopic and percutaneous treatmentEndosc Int Open 2023; 11(01): E24-E31DOI: 10.1055/a-1952-2135 Comment on: Efficacy of the argon plasma coagulation in patients with weight regain after gastric bypass: a randomized control trialEndosc Int Open 2023; 11(01): E43-E51DOI: 10.1055/a-1971-6417 Comment on: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy for the management of gastric outlet obstruction: A large comparative study with long-term follow-upEndosc Int Open 2023; 11(01): E60-E66DOI: 10.1055/a-1976-2279

Organising the ERUA Open Science Meet-Ups:

The field of Open Science is subject to constant change and expansion. In order to stay up to date, exchange is paramount – not only within universities, but also within larger spheres, such as academic alliances. This paper analyses the development of a format of international Open Science-related exchange called “ERUA Open Science Meet-Ups” within the Re:ERUA project (research trajectory of the European Reform University Alliance). We will look at in which contexts the format came to be, how we got the format started and which measures of promotion and dissemination we took. Moreover, we will discuss the individual sessions’ scope and provide insight into which lessons we learned when performing the Open Science Meet-Ups. Specific recommendations for everyone wanting to set up a similar format as well as an outlook on future sessions will conclude the paper.

Rocket launching site selection in Ethiopia using Weight Decision Matrix analysis

The term rocket launch site is used in any facility from which rockets are launched and contains one or more launch pads. Development in Space Science and Technology is a critical issue for any country it is a guarantee for security and sustainable development. Research is taking place on sounding rockets, micro, nano and can-type satellite technologies that require huge foreign currencies to launch overseas. The purpose of this research paper is to determine specific rocket launching sites in Ethiopia. The weighted decision matrix is used as a tool to analyze valued criteria and to rank the alternatives. In the first phase, the whole regions are analyzed and three regions are selected, which are located at 6 o Latitude North and 41 o Longitude East. Similarly, in the second phase, the weighted decision matrix tool is applied to three selected regions at Woreda (Districts) and Kebele (Cluster) level. The selected sites are from Somali Warder Zone, identified as Boh 1 and 2 with a value of 231. In Oromia identified as Borena-1 with a value of 195 and the rest with lower value are rejected. A site map is prepared for the best sites selected. A spaceport is an important source of income for launching companies. There are opportunities of leasing to international launching operators for launching rockets and research rockets. It can also benefit African countries for rocket research related issues since no country in east Africa has their own functional launch site. Keywords : Economy, launching site, map of Ethiopia, rocket, selection criteria, WDM

Analysis of Asian Marketing Status of L 'Oreal Group

As one of the world's leading cosmetics groups, the L'Oréal Group owns overseas markets in many countries, and its sophisticated international marketing operations have brought achievements in overseas markets. This paper examined and analyzed the current state of L'Oréal Group's marketing in Asia international markets around the last decade of the 21st century and the problems that exist. Based on a comparative investigation of some differences in the marketing strategies of the L'Oréal Group in the European or US regions to investigate whether regional cultural uniqueness influences the marketing strategies implemented in Asia in the market. Meanwhile, the case study illustrated the disadvantages and competition problems that the L'Oréal Group may have in marketing in Asian overseas markets. A literature review and case study were conducted on this article with qualitative methods. The 4Ps (Price, Product, Place, Promotion) were applied to analyze some of L'Oréal Group’s marketing situation in Asia. Also, the advantages and disadvantages of L'Oréal’s marketing strategy in Asia will examine by the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) method. Finally, propose countermeasures for L'Oréal to improve Asian marketing based on the problems that exist and highlighted the competitive advantages of L'Oréal Group in the international cosmetics market industry.

A duty to protect? Legal consciousness among military officers in armed conflict

AbstractMilitary personnel participating in international operations are often deployed to areas where armed groups inflict violence on civilians. In such instances, soldiers must decide how to respond, effectively becoming executors of the law. This article draws on legal consciousness theory and 33 interviews with Norwegian military officers to explore what soldiers perceive as the ‘law’ and how they make sense of legality in determining what constitutes a just response. It finds that officers are conscious of three sources of legality – a mission mandate, a senior commanding officer, and a personal obligation to humanity – which they stand before, engage with, and struggle against, respectively. In actively drawing on these ideas about justice, the officers create and reproduce order in violent contexts. This article adds to theoretical debates about the different ways in which people invoke the law in difficult circumstances. It contributes empirically to an understanding of why authorized militaries behave inconsistently when encountering violence against civilians.

Modelling and assessment of the arrival and departure process at the terminal area: A case study of Chennai international airport

Airport and terminal area traffic congestion is a growing concern of the air traffic management (ATM) system. A major step towards mitigating the impacts of congestion is understanding the fluctuating arrival and departure process at airports. Exploring the intrinsic time-varying nature of the arrival and departure process enhances this understanding, hence, is instrumental in formulating operational policies for managing airport capacity and delays. This paper presents a data-driven statistical framework to investigate, understand, and model the time-varying fluctuations in the aircraft arrival and departure process. We have considered one-month data obtained from Chennai international airport operations for this study. The dynamic evolution and fluctuation characteristics of arrivals and departures are conducted using Seasonality and Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis. Six theoretical probability distributions were used to fit the observed aircraft arrivals and departures at different temporal scales using the maximum likelihood estimation method. This study also develops a G1(t)/G2(t)/KFirst Come First Serve dynamic queuing model for a day’s arrival and departure process. The results suggest that arrival and departure processes exhibit weak but visible multifractal characteristics. Fluctuations are higher at a smaller temporal scale compared to a larger scale, and the probability distributions of arrival and departure are also time-varying. The framework has universal applicability, and the insights have important implications for operational policies on the air transportation workforce and infrastructure management.

Cross-border commercial activity strategies of businesses in the border province Edirne

The aim of this study is to reveal the strategies to enter the international markets applied by the enterprises that entered the international markets in Edirne, which is an important border province, and to provide basic information to researchers as well as different organizations and managers, since there is no previous study on this subject in the literature.For this purpose, exploratory research design, one of the qualitative research designs, and semi-structured interview method as data collection method were used. In the research, interview requests were made for all of the businesses, except the closed ones, which could not be reached from the list of 56 companies operating internationally and obtained from the Edirne Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI), but 20 companies accepted the interview request.In the research, it has been seen that the enterprises that opened to international markets in Edirne generally apply export strategy directly or indirectly, as well as make a little direct investment. It has been understood that partnership strategies (strategic partnership, joint venture, assembly operations, etc.) are not preferred to avoid risk. It has been stated that businesses that have started their international operations have increased their profitability and transaction volumes, they have been recognized in international markets, and they have been able to catch up with developments and opportunities in the international arena. In addition, it has been observed that international businesses in Edirne have expectations from managers such as legal guarantees, financial stability arrangements to be less affected by the exchange rate difference, informing ETSO and other public institutions about international opportunities, and deciding for Edirne’s geographical proximity to Europe to provide more benefits to the region and the country.

Research on the Construction of Manufacturing Industry Chain Ecosystem—A Case Study of Tianjin Manufacturing Industry

This study takes Tianjin as an example to analyze how to build the manufacturing industry chain ecosystem. Based on the ecosystem theory, the related literature of manufacturing industry chain and value chain, and combined with various action plans for the development of manufacturing industry in Tianjin, the structure chart and construction roadmap of industrial chain ecosystem were drawn. Based on the input–output data of 42 sectors in Tianjin, this study calculated and analyzed the changes in embedment degree of various manufacturing industries in Global Value Chain (GVC) and National Value Chain (NVC) in Tianjin from 2010 to 2017. It is found that the industrial chain ecosystem is mainly composed of four elements: the enterprises on the industrial chain, the information flowing among enterprises, the goods circulating among enterprises, and the external environment of enterprises. The connection of supply and demand chains, enterprise chains, space chains and value chains forms an industrial chain, and the value chain is a crucial relationship chain in the connection mechanism. In addition, 2015 is a turning point for Tianjin manufacturing industry to embed in GVC and NVC, mainly due to the industrial economic adjustment in Tianjin, the global economic turmoil, and the establishment of the manufacturing industrial park. In terms of R&D intensity, high and medium high-tech manufacturing industries tend to be embedded in GVC, but are easily affected by enterprises and environmental factors. However, low and medium low-tech manufacturing industries still have ample space to integrate into GVC, information and products are important factors to determine the upgrading of its industrial chain. Therefore, in order to better construct the industrial chain ecosystem of manufacturing industry and enhance the industrial competitiveness of Tianjin’s manufacturing industry, it is necessary to give priority to the development of high-tech manufacturing industry, expand the international openness of low-tech manufacturing industry, support regional advantageous industries, and carry out dynamic regulation of industrial ecology.

Global Trade Dynamics: The Effects of Tariffs and Trade Agreements on International Business

This article analyzes the effects of tariffs and trade agreements on global trade dynamics and international business operations. By reviewing recent trade policies and their implications for various industries, the study highlights how tariffs influence supply chain decisions and market entry strategies. The findings provide recommendations for businesses navigating the complexities of international trade in a protectionist environment.

Endoscopy International Open – recently published

Comment on: Endoscopic submucosal dissection using an ultrathin endoscope for superficial pharyngeal cancer: a prospective feasibility study (with video)Endosc Int Open 2023; 11(01): E3-E10DOI: 10.1055/a-1968-7501 Comment on: Endoscopic resection of upper gastrointestinal lesions using the colonic Ovesco full-thickness resection device: Retrospective observational case series of 22 casesEndosc Int Open 2023; 11(01): E19-E23DOI: 10.1055/a-1967-2835 Comment on: EUS-guided endoscopic internal drainage with lumen-apposing metal stent for symptomatic hepatic cysts: a case series (with video)Endosc Int Open 2023; 11(01): E76-E80DOI: 10.1055/a-1968-7596

The Origins of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2.

An outbreak of severe pneumonia of unknown cause was identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019: the causative agent was a novel betacoronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome-cotonavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), a virus that joins a list of coronaviruses causing severe (e.g., SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome) or milder (e.g., 229E, OC43, NL63, and HKU1) respiratory tract infection. The World Health Organization (WHO) classified the spreading outbreak as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Many SARS-related coronaviruses (SARSr-CoVs) have been identified in bats, particularly in Rhinolophus horseshoe bats, animals that are common in southern China and Southeast Asia. Many of the features of SARS-CoV-2 that facilitate human infection-the furin cleavage site, the receptor binding domain that binds to the human ACE2 receptor-can be identified in SARSr-CoVs. Related coronaviruses can be detected in pangolins and other animals, and human SARS-CoV-2 itself can infect various animals, some of which can transmit SARS-CoV-2 back to humans. Investigation by the WHO and others pointed to the initial outbreak being centered on the Huanan wet market in Wuhan where wild and farmed animals were sold, and where environmental testing revealed widespread SARS-CoV-2 contamination. This supports the hypothesis that bats, probably via an intermediate animal, are the origin of SARS-CoV-2. Other possible origins have been postulated, such as an accidental or deliberate laboratory leak, or virus present in frozen foods, but evidence for these ideas has not surfaced. Study of the origins of SARS-CoV-2 have been complicated by intense media and political commentary, features that may slow the studies required to understand the viral origins. Such studies are complex and may be slow: international openness and co-operation is vital. Origins explanations are needed to predict or prevent future pandemics and support the "One Health" approach to disease.

УПРАВЛІННЯ ВАЛЮТНИМИ РИЗИКАМИ БАНКІВСЬКИХ УСТАНОВ В СУЧАСНИХ УМОВАХ

The scientific work examines the processes of currency risk management of banking institutions in modern conditions. The article analyzes the impact of exchange rate fluctuations and the process of globalization on the financial stability and profitability of banks. It also examines the role of regulators, particularly national banks, in setting standards and requirements for currency risk management. The main purpose of the scientific article is to determine the strategies and methods that banking institutions can use to reduce currency risks and ensure financial stability in conditions of constant currency fluctuations. The study includes an analysis of innovative approaches and technologies that can help banks optimize their foreign exchange risk management. It has been proven that banks, carrying out international operations and operating in conditions of global economic instability, face significant currency risks. Scientific approaches to the definition of the term «currency risks» are highlighted. The author’s vision of the concept of «currency risk» is presented. In the scientific work, the classification of currency risk was carried out. It is noted that the main types of currency risk are direct, transactional and translational risks. The dynamics of the official exchange rate of the hryvnia in relation to foreign currencies for 2018–2023 have been analyzed. It has been proven that high levels of currency fluctuations can lead to large losses that are difficult to prevent or repay, jeopardizing the financial stability of banks and their ability to provide services to customers on stable terms. The list of systemically important banks of Ukraine is highlighted. The regulatory requirements, which are regulated by the National Bank of Ukraine and affect the activities of systemically important banks of Ukraine, have been studied. Factors that have a positive and negative influence on the process of currency risk management in banking institutions are considered. The main strategies of currency risk management in banking institutions are defined and characterized.

How Culture Affects Use of Information Technology

Multinational enterprises (MNEs) must be able to communicate and process data efficiently and effectively throughout the firm. The use of information technology is often affected by the various cultures in which MNEs operate. Technological advances have altered the methods by which MNEs conduct both their domestic and international operations. Advances such as e-business, information security, and electronic financial reporting are among the most significant technological changes facing accountants. As accountants confront and resolve these challenges, they will need to consider the effects of culture on implementation and use of technology. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in cultural and organizational environments of MNEs. Based on these cultural differences, we formed and tested hypotheses regarding the utilization of information technology by accountants. The findings indicate that impediments to international data flow are significantly related to culture.

Factors of competitiveness of the tourism sector

In the article, the business environment, safety and security, health and hygiene, human resources and labor market, readiness to use the act, priority given to tourism and travel, international openness, price competitiveness, environmental sustainability, air transport infrastructure, land and the degree of impact of indicators such as port infrastructure, tourist service infrastructure, cultural resources and business trips on the development of the tourism industry in this area is researched. The level of influence of the competitive factors included in the sample on the “number of incoming tourists” and “revenue from the tourism industry” which are considered as the result indicators. The theoretical and practical aspects of competitiveness and its achievement in the field of tourism have been studied. Based on the results of the analysis, conclusions and suggestions that should be taken into account in the development of tourism in the Republic of Uzbekistan have been developed.

A new composite indicator for Manufacturing efficiency

The efficiency of production processes is a topic of fundamental importance in the manufacturing sector. Different approaches for measuring the efficiency of manufacturing processes have been presented over time. However, the debate on the reliability of the tools and indicators currently available, as well as on their effectiveness and the ability to capture changes in dynamic contexts, is still open. This paper tries to overcome some of these limitations by proposing an innovative composite indicator to measure and control the performance of production processes. The composite indicator we introduced is based on an integrated approach based on Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), and a new multi-criteria method such as Parsimonious Analytical Hierarchy Process (PAHP), taking also into account the opinion of the domain experts. The methodological approach we proposed has been tested in a production plant of an international company operating in the automotive sector. Results demonstrated that the integration of DEA and PAHP into a composite indicator allow to obtain a more reliable and effective control tool in the analysis of the efficiency of production processes.

Роль Организации Объединённых Наций в мировом сообществе

This topic is relevant, since today the world community faces many common threats and challenges almost daily: international, interethnic conflicts, terrorism, combat and mili-tary operations. Of course, the nature of conflicts and violence has changed significantly since the foundation of the United Nations, but confrontation between the states has existed and exists to this day.

Еволюція військового співробітництва України та Польщі

The article investigates the evolution of interstate relations between Ukraine and Poland in the military sphere. The military cooperation between the countries began with the signing of the Agreement between the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Poland and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine in February 1993. The relations between the states reached the level of strategic partnership in 1996, after the signing of a joint declaration by the Presidents of Ukraine and the Republic of Poland. The joint Ukrainian-Polish military unit for participation in international peacekeeping and humanitarian operations under the auspices of international organizations was created in 1997. The military cooperation between the countries increased with Poland’s joining NATO and the EU. The joint military exercises conducted by Ukraine and Poland contributed to the practical assimilation of Western operational standards, modern practices and approaches implemented in the Ukrainian army. It has been found that there were regular bilateral meetings between Ukraine and Poland at the level of the leadership of the defense departments. A number of agreements on military-technical cooperation were signed, and annual internships and training were held in higher educational institutions of the Republic of Poland and Ukraine. It has been found out that over the past 30 years, Polish-Ukrainian cooperation has been built on mutually beneficial terms in the military sphere, and relations have deepened every year. With the beginning of the full-scale war of Russia against Ukraine, military cooperation between the countries reached the highest level of development during the years of independence. Poland, as a member of NATO and the EU, contributes to the establishment of military cooperation between Ukraine and European structures. This cooperation is an example for other countries in the conditions of Ukraine’s war with the Russian Federation.

Особенности и эколого-экономическая целесообразность внешней торговли отходами в Российской Федерации

Despite the low proportion of recycled waste against the total one generated in the Russian Federation, it is imported into the country specifically for recycling. At the same time some of the generated waste is exported. The purpose of this study is to assess the current waste export and import indicators in Russia and any dialectical and institutional constraints on increasing the rate of waste recycling, which determine the ecological and economic rationale of international waste trade operations. The main sources of data featured reports of the Federal Customs Service and the Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources, and the Unified Interdepartmental Statistical Information System and UN Comtrade databases. Econometric methods, cluster analysis of Russian regions, analysis of any regulatory impact and content analysis of laws and regulations were applied and carried out within the study. It is demonstrated that the external waste-related economic operations in the Russian Federation have certain peculiarities against other countries. Their being in place is driven by both dialectical and institutional factors. However, the actors’ opportunistic economic interests rather than the environmental ones and the extent of the country take the lead. Some tools to reduce the transaction costs of transboundary waste movement and to increase the waste management efficiency are proposed. The study is novel in that it analyzes the foreign waste trade transactions of Russia that have not been comprehensively studied before. The theoretical relevance of the research consists in its finding new factors that drive the transboundary waste movement. Recommendations on improving the export and import regulation, reducing the rate of waste generation and increasing the recycling one in Russia, which would both enhance the economic efficiency of companies and provide equitable solution to environmental problems faced by the country, are of practical value.

Priorities and movement vectors for further development of the foreign exchange market of Ukraine

Introduction. Ukraine continues to work on strengthening the role, importance and participation in European integration processes, improving the image of the national currency and stabilizing its exchange rate. In order to continue to be a participant in international trade operations, it is necessary to continue to form an effective foreign exchange market, because its normal functioning is an important component of the further development of the economy of Ukraine. Even under difficult modern conditions, international financial activity remains an important factor that determines the development of the currency market of Ukraine today and affects the ecosystem. Only thanks to external support, it is possible to stabilize and balance the currency market in the country. Purpose. The purpose of this article is an attempt to analyze the current state of the foreign exchange market of Ukraine in order to identify the main priorities and movement vectors for the further development of currency policy, in particular in the field of exchange rate regulation and to determine the main criteria for choosing the most appropriate currency regulation regime at this stage. Methodology. In the process of work, methods of analysis and synthesis, generalization and comparison, and scientific abstraction were used. Results. This article summarizes some analytical data on the peculiarities of the current state of the currency market of Ukraine as a component of international economic relations and the impact of the war on it and a number of negative factors caused by it. The article also highlights a number of problems of both stabilization and development of the foreign exchange market of Ukraine and describes the policy of the National Bank of Ukraine to overcome them and outlines the ways to international cooperation and support as a key aspect of overcoming modern threats in the specified sphere. The article also recommends ways to develop the foreign exchange market and provides certain measures to eliminate existing threats in view of state policy and the work of relevant financial institutions. It also outlines the activities of the mono-regulator in the field of international cooperation with financial institutions and institutions with the aim of establishing support for the world and international financial institutions for the regulation of the foreign exchange market according to all key criteria of its development.