Market Challenges Research Articles

India’s labour market challenges: Employability of young workforce from the perspective of supply and demand

India’s labour market challenges: Employability of young workforce from the perspective of supply and demand

Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance and the Digital Transformation of Enterprises: Based on the Empirical Evidence of Listed Companies in China from 2011 to 2021

Amidst the wave of the digital economy, numerous enterprises have commenced the process of digital transformation to address market challenges and fluctuations, as well as to pursue sustainable growth. Directors' and officers' liability insurance (D&O insurance), being an essential instrument of corporate governance, necessitates an empirical investigation to unravel its influence on enterprises' digital transformation. This study selects Shanghai-Shenzhen A-share listed companies from 2011 to 2021 as research subjects to examine the impact of D&O insurance procurement on enterprises' digital transformation and its underlying mechanisms. The findings reveal that the procurement of D&O insurance significantly fosters the progress of enterprise digital transformation, and this conclusion remains robust after employing a series of robustness tests, including the instrumental variable method and DIGT. The mechanism analysis indicates that by elevating the risk-bearing capacity of enterprise managers, the management efficiency of enterprises can be enhanced, thereby motivating supervisory executives to augment the quality of internal control and facilitate the digital transformation of enterprises. Further examination discloses that executive equity incentives and executive responsibility insurance possess complementary effects in promoting enterprise digital transformation, making the subscription of executive responsibility insurance a pivotal factor in enhancing the effectiveness of enterprise digital transformation and fostering high-quality economic development.

PENDAMPINGAN BRANDING UMKM MELALUI SOSIAL MEDIA DAN DESAIN KEMASAN DALAM UPAYA PENINGKATAN KINERJA PEMASARAN PADA UMKM KERIPIK SINGKONG BU WATI

This research aims to enhance the marketing performance of UMKM Keripik Singkong Bu Wati through assistance in branding using social media and packaging design. Keripik Singkong Bu Wati offers healthy cassava chips without preservatives in two flavors: original and sweet spicy. The main goal is to address branding and marketing challenges by focusing on product packaging development, assistance in business permit issuance, strategic market collaboration recommendations, and social media management. The methodology used includes needs analysis through interviews and direct observations, collaboration with a design team to create attractive packaging, and social media management training. The results of this study show significant improvements in product packaging quality, legal compliance, market access, and active presence on social media. These improvements have led to increased competitiveness and business growth for UMKM Keripik Singkong Bu Wati. In conclusion, the branding and marketing strategies implemented in this research have had a positive impact on the visibility and market reach of Keripik Singkong Bu Wati, strengthening relationships with consumers. This approach can be applied to other UMKMs to help them thrive in a competitive market.

The Dilemma and New Development of Chinese Realistic Film Creation in Contemporary Era

In 2023, realism has emerged as an essential and influential theme within the Chinese film industry. Films that employ a realistic approach have not only achieved significant box office success but have also demonstrated that there is a widespread and substantial market for this genre in China. Despite the burgeoning popularity and commercial success of realistic films domestically, they have not yet achieved the same level of influence on the global stage, particularly when compared to cinematic works from overseas. This discrepancy poses a significant challenge for Chinese filmmakers, who must navigate a new and rapidly changing living environment and seek effective strategies to address and overcome these market dilemmas. This article delves into the trajectory of Chinese realist films, employing theoretical research and case analysis to address market challenges and suggest future development strategies. Through an in-depth examination of "Beyond the Furious Sea," it navigates the challenges and opportunities within Chinese realist filmmaking, shedding light on the genre's current landscape. This article identifies ongoing issues in China's realist film industry, notably concerning authenticity and diversity. The author provides recommendations for future advancements in Chinese realist filmmaking.

The influence of Soft Skills on improving productivity and promoting quality of life in generations "Z" and "Millennials"

In the dynamic landscape of the 21st century, Generation "Z" and Millennials face unique challenges requiring skills beyond technical knowledge, known as Soft Skills. These skills emerge as catalysts to overcome previous paradigms and mitigate work-related mental disorders like burnout. Innovative approaches, including the development of socio-emotional skills from university, not only boost productivity but also enhance the quality of life and mental health of young individuals. The review followed five methodological steps to ensure rigor and reproducibility. This included the defining research question (PICO method) and keywords, a Boolean scheme for search, eligibility criteria for articles, a selection from portals like PubMed, Science Direct, Lilacs, and Google Scholar, and result analysis using spreadsheets for article discussion. The inquiry into the benefits of Soft Skills for Generation "Z" and Millennials guided the article search. Using the Boolean scheme "generation" AND "soft skills" AND "work" AND "quality of life," 16 articles were found, with four meeting the selection criteria. Additionally, five articles were included for theoretical supplementation. The discussion emphasizes the necessary adaptations of youth to the 4.0 economy era, marked by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA). These changes affect entry into the workforce, causing insecurities, uncertainties, and impacts on quality of life and mental health. The need for interpersonal skills and soft Skills is highlighted, with studies identifying ten essential competencies for success in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Society 5.0. Universities should integrate the teaching of these skills to prepare students, improving their adaptability and mental health. Academic and work programs should emphasize personality development and values to facilitate the transition of recent graduates. It is concluded that, given the complexity of the 4.0 economy, youth face challenges in the job market, affecting quality of life and mental health. Soft Skills are crucial for this adaptation. Universities should integrate them into the curriculum, and academic programs should emphasize personal development to ensure an effective transition.

Regulation of temporary agency work and the modern labor market: a case study of Slovenia

Temporary Agency Work (TAW) is a unique employment model involving a three-way relationship between a posted worker, an employment agency, and a client organization, enabling clients to adjust their labour force in response to fluctuating demands, but also raising concerns about job precariousness. Achieving a balance between flexibility and employment and social security is crucial for integrating TAW effectively into the labour market.TAW arrangements within the labour markets of the EU are confronted by specific contemporary dynamics, including fluctuations and seasonality of labour demands, labour scarcity in some professions and labour migration. Building on a case study of the TAW legislation development in Slovenia, this study aimed to elucidate the repercussions of these challenges on the regulatory landscape of TAW, potentially illuminating the prospective evolution of labour law standards throughout the EU.Despite the inherent limitations of case studies, the findings suggest that a detailed legal framework providing strong rights for posted workers and controlled flexibility for clients can be operational in addressing particular labour market challenges. TAW has the potential for further growth, particularly in supporting groups with limited labour market access and in filling professional gaps, by facilitating the integration of foreign workers.

Navigating challenges in finger millet adoption and marketing

Navigating challenges in finger millet adoption and marketing

Small brand giants: Harnessing innovation to disrupt for growth

Small brands face big marketing and branding challenges in a world in which industry giants wield considerable resources. This paper promotes innovation as a catalyst for brand success. It discusses how brands can use innovation to challenge conventions, reshape industries and achieve notable success in a dynamic industry. The paper outlines innovative strategies that empower small brands to carve distinct niches, enhance brand awareness and shine brighter than their larger counterparts. It concludes that innovation, far from being a mere buzzword, is a force that can propel small brands toward growth and market disruption.

Investigating the Effects of Education and Labour Market Challenges on Income Inequality

Abstract This paper examines the impact of education and labour market challenges on the income inequality in European Union (27 Member States) within the period 2012-2022, this being calculated using the Panel EGLS method. Even if the effects are clearly visible from a theoretical point of view, in the latest years there were not many authors focusing their studies on the effects of the unemployment and early dropout from school and training on income inequality. In this regard, updating the figures, the impact coefficients and the theoretical background increase the understanding of the statistical processes and their results in the new economic context. Our results confirmed a positive relationship between unemployment rate and income inequality (measured by Gini coefficient), this being also the highest impact found, but also a positive link between the early leavers from education and training rate and income inequality. In addition, we used additional variables to catch the current economic challenges that are related to demographic changes and high energy prices. In this context, we found positive effects exerted by housing cost overburden rate and old-age dependency ratio on income inequality. Even if the model is limited to four income inequality drivers, we have demonstrated that the calculated coefficients are the best linear unbiased estimators.

Labor Market Challenges from an European Union with Diversified Human Resources

Abstract The European continent is going through a period when uncertainty is the key word: a war on its eastern borders, increasing flows of migrants, a labor market in transition to a green economy, technological trend threatening the viability of human resources and, economic difficulties. In this scenario, the labor market must accommodate an increasing number of immigrants with non-European origin, on a job market where qualification requirements are not covered by human resources that must prove their relevance in competition with the artificial intelligence and automation in more and more areas of economy. In order to determine the level of integration of immigrants, the most relevant indicator was and remains their employment rate. This paper aims to make an analysis of the European labor market, subject of these pressures, through a comparative analysis between native-born human resources and that of non-European origin. The time frame covers the period 2014-2022. The system of analyzed indicators includes: the employment rate, the job retention rate, the schooling level, the types of targeted jobs and the qualification for them. We expect to identify an increasing level of employment among non-EU immigrants, as well as a widening gap between labor market requirements and labor supply.

Digitális kihívások a felsőoktatásban: Az NKE oktatóinak digitális készségeinek kvantitatív vizsgálata

The information society is not only transforming the process of education but also creating new positions and challenges in the labour market, and education must prepare for this. Research shows that the success of education depends mostly on teachers (Mourshed, Chijoka and Barber 2010). In this study, we investigate the digital competence of teachers at Ludovika University of Public Service (hereinafter: LUPC) (N=824). For the quantitative research, we used the DigCompEdu questionnaire. The level of digital competence of the teachers is assessed based on their own self-assessment. We assume that although their digital competences need improvement, but their motivation to use digital technologies in the classroom is positive. The instructors scored higher points in the areas of digital resource management, professional engagement and teaching & learning but they scored the lowest in the area of assessment.

EXPRESS: Self-Donations and Charitable Contributions in Online Crowdfunding: an Empirical Analysis

Many charitable projects have started using online crowdfunding platforms to raise donations. The rise of these platforms as fundraising vehicles has been partially driven by easy access to a large pool of potential donors without the significant marketing costs that commonly accompany traditional fundraising. However, such a low cost of entry also results in a significant "crowding" of projects, making it difficult for donors to decide which projects to donate to. Thus, a charitable project encounters a fundamental marketing challenge of standing out from other projects when conventional techniques like advertising and promotion are limited. In this paper, we posit that a project can credibly signal its quality via a strategy of "self-donation," whereby the project steward donates to her own project. Our empirical setting is an online education crowdfunding platform. By examining millions of donations, we find that self-donations improve the donation pace, contributed amount, and funding success. We show that the self-donation strategy works only when a self-donation is visible to potential donors and is especially effective at the early stage of the funding cycle or when project stewards are inexperienced, where the projects face significant uncertainty. We find evidence for self-donation as a quality signal through various observable proxies like impact letters to donors and corporate matching. Overall, our findings are consistent with a signaling mechanism that allows the separation of high-quality projects from lower-quality ones.

Kebijakan Perdagangan Uni Eropa terhadap Produk Logam Dasar

Trade relations between the European Union and China experienced rapid growth during the first two decades of the 21st century. The increase in trade relations is in line with the implementation of EU trade barriers through anti-dumping investigation reports at the World Trade Organization (WTO) against Chinese products. In the period 2001 – 2022, Chinese base metal products became the commodity with the most reported cases in antidumping investigations carried out by the EU at the WTO. However, in the same period, the value of imports of basic metal products to the European Union was lower compared to the value of imports of other products such as electricity & equipment as well as machine products, nuclear reactors and boilers. This article aims to explain the reasons behind the European Union's stance in making Chinese base metal products the most common commodity in antidumping investigation reports at the WTO. This article uses Alan Bryman's qualitative method, and the neoclassical realism theory proposed by Gideon Rose to analyze European Union policy towards Chinese Base Metal Products. The application of systemic pressure variables in neoclassical realism theory influences the European Union's position in the international system as an external factor, while there are other variables, in this case internal factors, which also influence the European Union's strategic trade policy-making process through the European Commission. The findings of this article show that China's dominance in world metals consumption and production since the early 2000s, especially in the 2013 – 2017 period, triggered the European Commission's perception that the European base metals industry was experiencing a decline in competitiveness and needed protection. In the 2013-2017 period, China's contribution to the world base metals market increased by 13% compared to 8% in the previous decade. On the other hand, the European Commission has maximized its influence in mobilizing national forces as outlined in the resolution document 2017/C399/12 to build a sustainable base metals industry. The European Union's trade policy in making Chinese base metal products the highest case report in antidumping investigations at the WTO over the last two decades, was driven by the European Commission, as the trade policy formulation unit in the European Union, to respond to systemic challenges in the global base metals market.

Innovative Research on Traditional Tie-dye Craftsmanship under the Concept of Circular Design

As sustainable development becomes a global consensus, the concept of circular design has been widely applied and researched in various fields, especially in the innovation and inheritance of traditional crafts. The circular design concept offers a new perspective and method. This article, guided by the concept of circular design, discusses how to apply this concept to traditional tie-dye craftsmanship with the goal of achieving sustainable development and innovation in tie-dye techniques. Through an in-depth analysis of the traditional craft process, material use, and cultural significance of tie-dye, a series of innovative paths are proposed, exploring new design directions and market potential for tie-dye products. Introducing the concept of circular design into the exploration and practice of tie-dye craftsmanship not only helps to address current environmental and market challenges but also provides new ideas and methods for protecting and inheriting this traditional craft and promoting its development towards more sustainable and innovative directions.

Disabled Entrepreneurs: Challenges in Utilizing Digital Marketing in MSMEs

People with disabilities have long experienced discrimination, resulting in the unfulfillment of their rights. Different physical or non-physical conditions place disabled groups in the chain of poverty, socially, politically, and economically. This research aims to describe an entrepreneur with a disability in facing the challenges of utilizing digital marketing in MSMEs. The research respondent is an entrepreneur with a disability in the health drink sector, specifically a visually impaired individual in Surakarta. This study employs a case study research design with a qualitative approach. Data is collected through participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation. The validity of the data is tested using an interactive model, and the data analysis model employed is the interactive model by Miles, Huberman, and Saldana. The results of this research indicate an increase in knowledge and skills among entrepreneurs with disabilities to confront challenges in utilizing digital marketing. Additionally, disabled entrepreneurs experience enhanced skills such as critical thinking, independence, and problem-solving when facing the challenges of digital marketing in MSMEs.

Exploration of marketing strategies through resource quantification and economic evaluation in Elaeocarpus serratus L., unlocking its potential

Elaeocarpus serratus L. is an indigenous tree that yields edible fruits with high nutritional value, yet the cultivation, marketing in mainstreams and consumption have not intensified so far despite its potential. So, this work aims to realize the unexplored potential of E. serratus as an agroforestry resource by evaluating the economic as well as marketing status of the fruits. The methodology consists of assessing the resource distribution, fruit yield, constraints for domestication and economic viability of E. serratus. According to resource quantification data, cluster 1 had the highest average fruit yield (32.5 kg). The respondents' opinionated harvesting challenges, with a mean Likert score of 3.711, underscore that the majority of fruits were wasted. The processed, salt dipped fruits have the highest selling profit of 150 INR (USD 1.80) per kg. The selling of fruits through different market channels and the t-test analysis of profit of raw and processed fruits indicated a significant difference (P<0.001). The raw and processed fruits have a total marketing cost of 995 INR (12 USD) and 1030 INR (USD 12.44) (for 10 kg). However, the marketing efficiency and degree of market performance were observed to be poor. The lack of value-added products, scattered distributions, seasonal availability and priority for exotic fruits affect their demand. Further, the study emphasizes the need to address marketing challenges and explore the economic potential of E. serratus. This aligns with the broader goal of sustainable management and commercial feasibility of other underutilized fruits globally and the report is the first of our knowledge.

An Investigation into the Pricing and Replenishment Strategy of Vegetable Commodities in Fresh Food Shops

Fresh supermarkets face challenges in marketing and inventory management due to the short shelf life and high loss rate of fresh vegetables. This necessitates the immediate development of a practical replenishment plan and pricing strategy. The paper commences by analyzing the sales distribution patterns of various vegetable categories, identifying leaves and flowers as having notably higher sales compared to other categories. Subsequent examination of the sales trend over time reveals variations in the sales of different categories or individual vegetables across months or quarterly periods, indicating a degree of seasonality. This study calculates the Spearman correlation coefficient for each category and individual product sales, presenting the results in a heat map. Findings indicate a significant positive correlation among all vegetable categories except for solanaceae, implying bundled sales or a consumer tendency to purchase specific vegetable categories concurrently. Consequently, when formulating replenishment and pricing strategies, considering a rational sales mix is crucial. The paper constructs a linear regression model, solving the equation using the least squares approach, and identifies a negative association between sales volume and cost-plus pricing. To accommodate seasonal patterns, the Prophet time series model forecasts wholesale prices for various vegetable categories during July 1-7, 2023. The objective is to maximize profit by accurately predicting vegetable costs. A nonlinear programming model is formulated to achieve this objective, determining the maximum revenue from days 1 to 7 as ￥(108953.65 - K), where K represents the fixed indirect cost. The model optimizes replenishment and pricing strategies for different categories.

Enabling affordances for AI Governance

Organizations dealing with mission-critical AI based autonomous systems may need to provide continuous risk management controls and establish means for their governance. To achieve this, organizations are required to embed trustworthiness and transparency in these systems, with human overseeing and accountability. Autonomous systems gain trustworthiness, transparency, quality, and maintainability through the assurance of outcomes, explanations of behavior, and interpretations of intent. However, technical, commercial, and market challenges during the software development lifecycle (SDLC) of autonomous systems can lead to compromises in their quality, maintainability, interpretability and explainability. This paper conceptually models transformation of SDLC to enable affordances for assurance, explanations, interpretations, and overall governance in autonomous systems. We argue that opportunities for transformation of SDLC are available through concerted interventions such as technical debt management, shift-left approach and non-ephemeral artifacts. This paper contributes to the theory and practice of governance of autonomous systems, and in building trustworthiness incrementally and hierarchically.

Evolving energies: Analyzing stability amidst recent challenges in the natural gas market

The study explores the heightened volatility in the natural gas market resulting from the recent health crisis. Utilizing ARMA-Spline-GARCH, ARMA-Spline-GJR models, and PLS regression, an analysis of daily data from January 7, 1997, to December 31, 2021, reveals an accentuated volatility during the crisis, primarily driven by extreme weather conditions and natural gas storage dynamics. The PLS regression underscores eight significant components, with the dominant two explaining over 50% of the crisis’s impact. As the market navigates towards recovery, strategic risk management and adaptative measures become paramount for stability. These insights are instrumental for stakeholders and policymakers in developing responsive strategies to mitigate risks, highlighting the intricate interplay of historical and emergent factors shaping the market’s landscape. The findings underscore the necessity for resilience and adaptability amidst evolving global challenges to ensure the market’s sustainable future.

Unveiling the power of word-of-mouth in pre-recruitment employer branding strategy during COVID-19

PurposeThis study, based on signaling theory, examines the pre-recruitment employer branding strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic. It investigates the relationship between spontaneous word-of-mouth (WOM) recommendations for companies and prospective candidates' job application intentions. Specifically, the study explores serial mechanisms mediating the characteristics of company online career pages, including the perceived informativeness of online job advertisements (ads), candidates' preferences for its web approach to them and the company’s reputation.Design/methodology/approachReflecting prospective candidates from students and young alumni of universities, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed on a sample of 737 individuals representing various fields of study from Greek universities.FindingsThe findings highlight the effectiveness of positive WOM recommendations during the initial stages of recruitment, particularly amidst COVID-19 challenges in the labor market, notably impacting young candidates. The study suggests that spontaneous WOM, originating from trustful sources, motivates job seekers to actively engage with the company’s web career channels, seeking information and favorable indications of the company’s approach toward its candidates. Positive WOM, combined with informative content and a friendly communication style, plays a critical role in shaping the company’s reputation. Consequently, this encouragement motivates individuals to start their job search efforts and consider applying for positions within the specific organization.Practical implicationsThis research provides valuable empirical evidence in the pre-recruitment field, particularly in unforeseen crisis circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic. It examines how spontaneous, positive WOM from sources, like peers and alumni, significantly influences young job seekers' perceptions and preferences regarding the company’s career web channels as sources of information and signals about working conditions. The combination of positive WOM with informative content and a friendly communication style in the web approach plays a crucial role in shaping a positive company reputation. Consequently, this encourages candidates to consider applying for positions within the company.Originality/valueThis research contributes to pre-recruitment studies, especially amidst crises like COVID-19. It examines how positive WOM from trusted sources like peers and alma mater alumni influences young job seekers' views on the company’s career web channels. By emphasizing the importance of combining positive WOM with informative web content and a friendly communication style, the study offers insights into effective recruitment strategies. It highlights the significance of positive and spontaneous WOM in attracting young talent and its impact on job seekers' decision-making, even in uncertain conditions. Overall, it advances recruitment practices for attracting candidates.