Market Policies Research Articles

Foreign Finance, FDI-Climate Interaction and Economic Development in Ethiopia: A Time Series Analysis

Developing countries such as Ethiopia, over the years particularly after the cold war, starting from early 1990s have adopted neoliberal policies through reforms to attract foreign finance for development needs in view of inadequacy of domestic capital for public and private investment. However, despite the inflow of foreign capital into the economy, it is still grappling with major development challenges. It is in view of this that this study examines the impact of foreign finance on the economy, and whether FDI-climate interaction limits the potential impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) as an important component of foreign capital, on economic development in Ethiopia. The study further reveals the implications of post-cold war adoption of market-oriented policies in Ethiopia. The study uses autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model with data spanning from 1981 to 2020. It is found that FDI has positive and significant impact on economic development in the long run, but the positive effect is revealed to be insignificant in the short run. On the other hand, foreign debt is revealed to have long term negative though insignificant impact on economic development of the country. Furthermore, it is revealed that FDI-climate interaction has negative implication on the economy in both the long run and short run. Therefore, the effectiveness and efficiency of foreign finance on growth and development outcome in Ethiopia is conditional on whether it produces long run sustainable environmental outcome. Also, the adoption of neoliberal policies has not resulted in development of Ethiopia. Hence, the study recommends among others, the need for consideration of absorptive capacity of the country as a recipient economy and in its reforms, as well as the need for the government and development partners to ensure assessment of the long run potential environmental impact of foreign capital before they are deployed on the economy.

A Call for Afrocentric Decolonial Endogenous Marketing and Public Policy Research and Practice: Toward Sustainable Peace and Well-Being in African Societies

Africa experiences one-third of all conflicts globally, resulting in the diminishment of human, social, and economic well-being; high levels of insecurity; poverty; and disrupted marketing systems. Drawing on the experiences of African countries, the article illuminates the ways in which the slave trade and, later, the colonization of the African continent fomented the social and economic convulsions that continue to erupt into continuing cycles of social conflict. Today these are manifested in the neocolonial influence of public policy on the continent by international organizations, funding bodies, and local and international institutions that control the public policy discourse and resources. The authors argue that if marketing systems are to enhance well-being and reduce social conflict, marketing policy makers need to contest failed “external to Africa” policy frameworks and look to endogenous policies better suited to contemporary African challenges. A case study of Rwanda illuminates how endogenous, “home-grown” decolonial and Afrocentric policy can create enduring peace and improve marketing systems and well-being. The authors call for research at the nexus of public policy and African marketing systems that adopts decolonized, endogenous, and Afrocentric perspectives to address this lacuna in marketing and public policy research and practice.

EXPRESS: Buy! Buy! Buy!—How Multi-Level Marketing Companies Pressure Their Participants to Buy Their Products

Despite the popularity of multi-level marketing (MLM) companies and their ability to attract many distributors worldwide with the promise of an income opportunity, the financial outcomes for these participants are often unfavorable. Many distributors invest more money in internal products and business expenses than they earn. Drawing upon the professional and business ethics literature, this paper develops a conceptual framework to understand how organizational characteristics (collectively) create a pressure on distributors to overspend on internal products. The framework integrates legal, financial, and social dimensions, emphasizing the dual roles of MLM distributors as both victims and potential offenders. Utilizing this framework, the paper discusses the limited effectiveness of current safeguard policies in preventing the problematic effects of the MLM industry, including the operation of some MLMs as pyramid schemes. It proposes new directions for research on MLMs and other distinct areas within marketing and public policy, particularly addressing the broader category of deceptive income opportunity providers (DIOPs).

Confronting the idealised ‘Nordic model’ in education with contemporary realities of special education in Sweden

ABSTRACT For decades, the Nordic countries have been admired for their inclusive education systems within egalitarian societies, bolstered by PISA studies and global calls to ensure inclusive education as a human right. This paper contrasts idealised perspectives on Nordic education with internal experiences, exploring recent challenges to the relationship between special and inclusive education. Using Sweden as a case study, it highlights internal diversity within the Nordic region, showing differing paths and gaps between research, policy and school realities. The risks of idealising past educational models are discussed, noting that Sweden, once known for its egalitarian education and low special education needs classification rates, now faces higher classification rates and more separate provision due to policy changes. Recent trends have shown a shift towards increased diagnosis and classification, influenced by marketisation and decentralisation policies. The paper focuses on neurodivergence, analysing shifts in government priorities, teacher education, school practices and research agendas. Analysis of recent policies, reports and educational data reveals winners and losers in school participation, providing insights into the implications for educational discourse, the future of the ‘Nordic model’, and Swedish education in a global context.

From jobs to careers: drivers and barriers to career development in emerging labor markets

IntroductionThis study aims to reveal the intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of career development in emerging labor markets and to explore the impact of these drivers and barriers on career development. With the rapid transformation of global industrial structure, career development in emerging industries such as artificial intelligence, big data, new energy and e-commerce is gradually attracting attention.MethodsThis study utilizes a mixed research method of questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The research team distributed a total of 700 questionnaires to practitioners in China, the United States, Japan, Germany and India, and collected interview data from 20 industry practitioners. These data were analyzed from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives to analyze the drivers and barriers to career development, and structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationship between career motivation, barriers, social networks, and career satisfaction.ResultsThe results indicate that career development motivation significantly and positively influences career satisfaction, while individuals with high career satisfaction perceive fewer career barriers. In addition, career barriers significantly influenced individuals’ perceptions of career discrimination. The study also found that social networks play an important supportive role in career development, and that extensive social networks increase career satisfaction. Individuals with high motivation were more resilient in the face of external barriers and were willing to retrain to improve their occupational skills.DiscussionTo promote career development in emerging industries, labor market policies should optimize and create fair and inclusive work environments for emerging industries. By eliminating gender, age, and racial discrimination and providing employee support programs, career development satisfaction and opportunities can be effectively enhanced.ConclusionRapid technological updates, high work pressure, and cross-cultural barriers in emerging industries are the main challenges to career development today. This study suggests that governments and enterprises should jointly provide flexible vocational training and support policies to help practitioners adapt to the rapidly changing occupational environment.

The Supremacy of Nyerere’s ESR Model over the other Suggested Models for Tanzanianizing Education

This article is mainly intended to show the supremacy of Nyerere’s Education for Self–Reliance (ESR) model over the different models that have been suggested as the means of Tanzanianizing education—the education which responds to the needs and problems of Tanzanians and train them to utilize their resources. For so long Tanzanians have been struggling seeking to Tanzanianize their education, hence they have tried to establish various models in order to achieve that long elusive goal but it seems that until now all the suggested models have limitations which made them fail to achieve Tanzanianized education. To demonstrate why each model failed, this work uses critical hermeneutical method revealing the limitations of each suggested model and see which of them seems perfect compared to others such that it can be recommended to be perfected so as to become a more suitable model for Tanzanianizing education. Immediately after independence in 1960s Nyerere suggested ESR model but was limited because it was too agricultural, hence led other Tanzanian thinkers to suggest Vocational Training Model (VTM), Pedagogical Model (PM), Entrepreneurial Education Model (EEM) and Market Policy Reform Model (MPRM) as alternatives. But, as the article shows, none of the suggested achieved the goal of Tanzanianizing education. They all have greater limitations. In this case, with its limitations Nyerere’s ESR is found superior compared to the other suggested models and is recommended to be further modified so as to become a more suitable model for Tanzanianizing education. By doing so, this study helps education stake holders including policy makers, teachers, students, politicians and the ministry of education to scrutinize on how Nyerere’s ESR is a more suitable model compared to others, hence, should be perfected to become a relevant model for Tanzanianizing education.

Real Estate Inflation and Housing Finance in India : Mapping the Correlation between Raising Property Prices & Increasing Home Loans among Indian Cities

Focusing specifically on India — a country that has recently faced recessions partially due to housing bubbles, like many other nations around the world — this research explores in depth how development of real estate linked financing sector have fuelled mortgage led asset price inflation across different cities (both metros & Tier II/III) over decades. Drawing upon a variety of market statistics, policy and economic indicators, the research identifies strong relationships between housing loan availability — by way of loosening mortgage regulations — and property price growth. The study shows that metropolitan cities have witnessed growth in housing loans at a CAGR of 10-12% over last decade (2010–2020) resulting into similar annual price appreciation for real estate standing between 010-15%. Tier II and III cities alternatively, exhibited slower but more stable growth trends in property prices of 6-8% driven by government push & infrastructure developments. The research emphasizes how this relationship has been altered by a number of variables, including as urbanization, demographic changes, government housing programs, and regulatory reforms like RERA and GST. The results imply that although housing financing has played a significant part in promoting the expansion of the real estate market, the influence varies greatly depending on local market dynamics, infrastructural development, and the state of the local economy.

МАРКЕТИНГОВІ ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ВПЛИВУ ЦІНОВОЇ ПОЛІТИКИ НА ПОВЕДІНКУ СПОЖИВАЧІВ

Abstract Introduction. Economic terms "marketing pricing policy" are considered in the article, "behavior of consumers", interpretation different foreign and home scientists, it is given their description. The role of marketing pricing policy is investigational for companies and consumers of products or services. It is considered types of consumer behavior and their reaction on a price. The purpose of the article. Research of approaches in relation to determination of concept "marketing pricing policy" their value and terms of pricing, consideration of term "behavior of consumers", research of types of behavior of consumers and their reaction on a price. Methods. During research the methods of comparison, analysis, synthesis, abstraction, theoretical, historical and logical generalization are used. The dialectical method of research became methodological basis. Results. It is exposed essence of economic term "marketing pricing policy" and "behavior of consumers". The conducted research showed that a competent price policy is an important component of the company's marketing strategy, because the price is one of the key factors taken into account by consumers when making purchase decisions. The study of consumer behavior is a priority area in the activity of any company, because consumers, after purchasing goods, bring profit to it. Therefore, for the successful operation of the company, customers must be in the center of attention. By studying consumers, their motives, wishes, price categories, and purchase processes, companies try to offer buyers exactly what they need. Conclusiоns. A study of theoretical and practical aspects of the marketing policy of pricing and consumer behavior was conducted, the types of consumer behavior and their reaction to the price were investigated. It was determined that the influence of marketing price policy on consumers is a key factor in making a purchase decision. Price politics determines the cost of commodities and services, that influences on perception of general utility of product consumers. The question of the factors that influence the behavior of consumers that most encourage the purchase of goods or services requires further research. Defining the role and place of price in making a purchase.

CSKINet: A multimodal network model integrating conceptual semantic knowledge injection for relation extraction of Chinese corporate reports

Recognizing the associations among entities in corporate reports accurately is crucial for market regulation and policy development. Nevertheless, confronted with massive corporate information, the traditional manual screening approach is cumbersome, struggling to match the demand. Consequently, we propose a multimodal network model incorporating conceptual semantic knowledge injection, CSKINet, for accurately extracting relations from Chinese corporate reports. The essential highlights in the design of the CSKINet model are the following: (1) Integrate the conceptual descriptions of corporations from external resources to construct the semantic knowledge repository of corporate concepts, which provides a solid semantic foundation for the model. (2) Multimodal features are extracted from the documents by various means and corporate conceptual knowledge is integrated into the model representation to enhance the representation capability of the model. (3) The multimodal self-attention mechanism that captures cross-modal associations and the biaffine classifier with Taylor polynomial loss function that optimizes training iterations further improve the learning efficiency and prediction accuracy. The results on the real corporate report dataset show that our proposed model can more accurately extract the relations from Chinese corporate reports compared to other baseline models, where the F1 score reaches 85.76%.

Measurement and Comparison of Different Dimensions of Renewable Energy Policy Implementation in the Agricultural Sector

The current research aims to measure the different dimensions of renewable energy policy implementation and compare these dimensions with each other, focusing on Iran's agricultural sector. This analysis makes it possible to identify the strengths and weaknesses in implementing existing policies. The five dimensions include "organizational and institutional", "incentives", "investment", "infrastructure", and "human resources development". The statistical population of this research comprised energy policy experts, whose number was 85. The sampling method was random, and 70 persons participated in answering the questionnaire using the Karjesi and Morgan table. A questionnaire was used to collect data. The reliability of the questionnaire was calculated using Cronbach's alpha (0.916). Face validity, content validity ratio (CVR), and content validity index (CVI) were applied to determine validity. In the calculation of CVR, values ≥0.33 were considered reasonable and appropriate to confirm each item. All CVI values obtained were higher than 0.79. Multi-criteria analysis was used to analyze the data. The results indicated that organizational and institutional policies were at the highest level of unsustainability. The dimension of investment policies showed less unsustainability than other dimensions. The other three dimensions also showed significant deficiencies. It seems that policy development to eliminate the diversity and interference of organizations, fuel subsidies revision, market policy development, attracting capital, and participation of stakeholders is necessary to reduce unsustainability in this field. The development of the resources of expert forces and attention to educational policies should also be considered.

Optimal Asset Allocation of Pension Funds with a Portfolio Constraint Change

We investigated the asset allocation problem of a pension fund in which the constraints on the risky investment proportion change owing to local regulations or the fund’s policy changes. We assumed that the fund manager has a utility function with respect to the funding ratio of the pension fund. A dynamic programming approach was employed and we obtained a closed-form solution to the problem. To numerically measure the effect of such changes on asset allocation, we define the concept of policy change equivalent return (PCER) as the additional expected return for the value function of the case without such changes at the same level as the value function of the case with them. In the numerical analysis, we analyzed both the effect of regime switching on market parameters and policy change on the PCER and showed the effectiveness of introducing policy changes to asset allocation.

10.N. Scientific session: Gender and parenthood: short and long-term income, career, and health inequities

Abstract Despite the last decades’ changes in the distribution of household and child-rearing tasks, its main responsibility tends to fall on women. As such, parenting may remain an important determinant of gender inequalities in income, careers, and health and well-being. In 2022, on average, European women’s gross income was 12.7% below men’s. This income gap is, in part, explained by inequalities in full-time employment: in the EU, 31.5% of women with children worked part-time, which contrasts with 20.2% of women without children, with 4.9% of men with children, and 7.2% of men without children. These income and career impacts may occur due to the persistence of some traditional conceptions of the division of paid and nonpaid labor. These conceptions, and the subsequent inequalities in career progression and income, may be reflected in women’s living conditions, work-family conflict, chronic strain, well-being, and health. Yet, it can also be posited that men, experiencing the pressure to remain the main provider in the family and the most recent expectations to comply with childrearing roles, may also see their well-being and health affected. However, countries with higher gender equity have shown better results in life expectancy and healthy life expectancy for women and men. It can be argued that women and men, especially those who have children, benefit from countries with more progressive parental policies, such as longer and more equally divided parental leaves, accessible childcare, or flexible working schemes. It could, thus, be expected that these countries present higher gender equity in paid and nonpaid work division, career progression, and income, with a higher couple balance, and healthier family environments, with health gains for women and men who are parents and their children. This workshop aims to present and open to discussion recent research outcomes on the role of parenthood on income, career, and health inequalities across European countries. It will show results from quantitative and qualitative studies that focus on analyzing these impacts in the short- and long-term. By discussing these results, researchers and public health professionals may grasp parental, labor market, or social policies or health programs to foster gender equality in access to better living conditions and health, especially during and after parenthood. Key messages • Parenthood may widen gender inequities regarding income and career progression, contributing to the gender gap in health and well-being. • By understanding the magnitude of gender inequities and their distribution across countries, public health researchers and professionals may identify policies that effectively address the gender gap.

Research on the Correlation Between Carbon Emission Rights and Energy Market: A Case Study of EUA and Oil Market

This study focuses on the importance of the relationship between carbon and oil in the context of global climate change and energy transition. In particular, this paper explores the link between fluctuations in the price of Brent crude oil in the United Kingdom and changes in the European Union Emission Allowances (EUA), which has significant implications for insight into energy market dynamics and policy making. This study uses an autoregressive (VAR) model to analyze the dynamic relationship between the European Union Emission allowances (EUA) market and the oil market from 2018 to 2024. Through Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) stability test, the VAR model is established, the optimal lag order is determined, and the impulse response and Variance decomposition are analyzed. The results show that the EUA market has a short-term positive impact on the response of the oil market. But this effect has diminished over time, indicating the market's ability to self-regulate and stabilize. These findings provide new perspectives for understanding the interaction between global energy markets and environmental policy tools. The findings highlight the importance of considering these market dynamics when developing market strategies and environmental policies.

A New Entrepreneurial Opportunity - The Commercial Viability of Recycling and Processing Wasted Food

Abstract: Food waste is a serious problem faced by today's society, leading not only to wasted resources but also to negative environmental and economic impacts. In order to solve this problem, a business model that uses wasted food resources to produce animal feed and agricultural fertilisers has attracted much attention. The aim of this paper is to overview the feasibility of this business model and discuss it in depth. Firstly, this paper analyses the global and Chinese food waste situation. It is estimated that about 13 billion tonnes of food are wasted globally every year, and the problem of food waste is also growing in China. Rapid urbanisation and changes in dietary structure are among the main reasons for the increase in food waste in China. The paper then analyses the impact of market demand and policy support on the business model. With the emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable development, the demand for environmentally friendly products is increasing, providing favourable conditions for the development of this business model. Meanwhile, government policy support is also an important factor in promoting the development of the business model. Finally, this paper assesses the feasibility and sustainability of the business model. Although there are some challenges associated with this model, such as technological innovation and marketing, it is expected to be successful and contribute to solving the food waste problem through the joint efforts of the government, enterprises and the community.

The Impact of Inflation on Commercial Banks in China

Abstract: Inflation is an important issue that affects the profitability and operational stability of commercial banks. Conducting an in-depth analysis of these influences while putting forward effective countermeasures can be beneficial to ensuring the stable operation of commercial banks. This paper focuses on the period from 1937 to 1949 where the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Chinese Civil War, which had contributed to severe inflation and disrupted the banking sector, and the formation of the modern Chinese banking system. This study critically examines the main causes behind inflation, evaluates their implications on the functioning of commercial banks. It also assesses both the positive and negative impacts on commercial banks, pointing out the challenges commercial banks face during different periods. For example, the market turmoil and policy changes in the 1940s have made it difficult for commercial banks to retain normal operation; therefore are suffering from making profits and inflation has made the situation even worse. In addition, this paper provides short-run and long-run strategies for reducing the negative effects of inflation, with consideration of Chinas unique economic structure and historical context. By integrating insights from historical and contemporary perspectives, this analysis aims to offer valuable views on the micro and macro impacts inflation could bring.

Macroeconomic impact of forced migration on Lebanon with a focus on labor market dynamics and policy strategies for sustainable economic growth

This article explores the profound macroeconomic consequences of forced migration on Lebanon's economy, with a specific focus on labor market dynamics. Drawing from extensive research and analysis, the study examines the factors driving migration, its impacts on the labor market, and the resultant economic challenges. It delves into the wage disparities, employment rates, and the informal sector's expansion due to the influx of migrants. The article also evaluates existing public policies and proposes strategic interventions aimed at fostering migrant integration and promoting sustainable economic growth. By addressing these critical issues, the forced aims to provide comprehensive policy recommendations to mitigate the adverse effects of forced migration and enhance Lebanon's economic resilience.

Exploring the GP-patient relationship: a historical narration

The relationship between patients and their doctor is a fundamental concept—particularly within general practice. Many patients and general practitioners (GPs) have a ‘common-sense’ recognition of the interpersonal connection, usually over...

Markups and Inequality

Abstract We characterize optimal product market policy in an unequal economy in which firm ownership is concentrated and markups increase with firm market shares. We study the problem of a utilitarian regulator who designs revenue-neutral interventions in the product market. We show that optimal policy increases product market concentration. This is because policies that encourage larger producers to expand improve allocative efficiency, increase the demand for labor and equilibrium wages. We derive these results both in a static Mirrleesian setting in which we impose no constraints on the shape of interventions, as well as in a dynamic economy with wealth accumulation. In our dynamic economy optimal policy reduces wealth and income inequality by redistributing market share and profits from medium-sized businesses, which are primarily owned by relatively rich entrepreneurs, to larger diversified corporate firms.

Taxing versus subsidizing debt under financial frictions

AbstractWe examine optimal credit market policies in two models with durables/capital as collateral. Pecuniary externalities rationalize ex-ante debt taxes as macroprudential regulation, achieving constrained efficiency. Ex-post debt subsidies can implement first-best by stimulating collateral demand. Due to the same effect, debt subsidies that are constant over time can be superior to debt taxes. Saving subsidies can further enhance efficiency by addressing distributive effects of pecuniary externalities via interest rate reductions. The analysis shows that debt-increasing subsidies can outperform macroprudential regulation, and that constrained inefficiency caused by collateral externalities is insufficient to establish debt taxes as optimal credit market policies.

Localized environmental governance for carbon dioxide removal in small island developing states: Challenges and opportunities

Accelerating the net-zero economy requires understanding energy consumption patterns, renewable technology attitudes, and acceptance of sustainable energy systems. This study explores how behavioral modification campaigns reduce residential energy use, promote energy-efficient products, and improve consumption patterns. Decentralization and digitization of energy infrastructure have spawned new markets and business models, giving customers more energy control and improving efficiency. The unique regulatory structure of Ireland's single power market makes it a compelling case study. The study examines Irish consumers' sustainable energy beliefs and behaviors from 1992 to 2022 using a 40-question survey. The data show that smart energy solutions for carbon-conscious families have pros and cons. Consumer knowledge of environmental issues and willingness to accept new energy technology are high, but cost and perceived complexity remain impediments to wider implementation. The research emphasizes technical innovation and behavioral change in energy reduction and greener energy promotion. These findings can help engineers, industry stakeholders, and politicians reach climate policy goals and carbon neutrality. Policymakers should support smart energy adoption, reduce cost barriers, and simplify the process. A fair and sustainable net-zero economy transition requires consumer education and decentralized energy market policies. This research underscores the importance of customized policies that leverage technology and behavior to mitigate the effects of climate change.