Private Sector Companies Research Articles

Digital recognition: cybersecurity and internet infrastructure in UAE–Israel diplomacy

Abstract The 2020 Israel–UAE Abraham Accords normalized these states' relations, with heavy emphasis on digital technologies. International Relations theories of recognition, however, hardly consider the role digital technologies play in establishing recognition between states. What role, then, did digital technologies play in this landmark shift in UAE–Israel recognition? This article uses three aspects of digital technologies in the UAE–Israel case—cybersecurity cooperation, cloud computing, and subsea cables—to inductively develop three propositions regarding the role of digital technologies in state recognition. First, states use digital technologies—and private sector companies that own and operate them—as diplomatic lubrication: a means to navigate around and overcome difficult diplomatic relationships, building momentum towards recognition. Second, digital competition between states leads them to conform their national economic structures towards global technology companies in similar ways, thereby recognizing each other as equal participants in a global market—which we term market-oriented homogenization. Third, states involved in transnational internet infrastructure projects together develop technical working practices, interests, and dependencies that facilitate diplomatic recognition—which we term infrastructural integration. Building on these three propositions, we put forward an overall concept of ‘digital recognition’ to capture their common theme: the influence of digital technologies, their owners or their operators on state recognition.

Developing Prototype Digital Twins for biodiversity conservation and management: achievements, challenges and perspectives

The BioDT project, funded by the European Union Horizon Europe Programme, seeks to investigate and push the boundaries of methodological, intellectual, data, technical and relevance aspects of the digital twin (DT) approach for understanding and predicting biodiversity patterns and processes. In this special issue, we present the reasoning and goals of the project and the overall advancements made towards the development of ten prototype Digital Twins (pDTs). Based on models of ecosystems, species and biological processes, digital twins integrate diverse data sources with advanced modelling and simulation techniques to provide a comprehensive, dynamic and data-driven understanding of biodiversity. Leveraging the EuroHPC LUMI infrastructure and data and expertise from GBIF, eLTER, DiSSCo and LifeWatch ERIC research infrastructures, the project aims to develop hybrid models combining the strengths of statistical and process-based models for improved predictive capabilities. While there are specific challenges and limitations to biodiversity DTs, the pDTs of BioDT lay the foundation for model-data fusions that will offer potential benefits to a wide range of end-users, from researchers and conservation organisations to policy-makers, land managers, educators and private sector companies. By fostering global interoperability in biodiversity data and research, BioDT paves the way for future collaborative efforts in biodiversity conservation and management.

Recent Regional Development Strategies in Turkey and Smart Cities: The Case of the Southern Aegean Region (TR32)

This article critically examines how the smart cities approach has been employed as a strategic tool in Turkey's recent regional development strategies. The paper explores the efficiency of development strategies prepared for Turkey's South Aegean Region (TR32) with a focus on smart city elements. These strategic elements include transportation, smart governance, energy efficiency, and digital transformation at the sub-regional level. The sub-regional plans prepared by the South Aegean Development Agency (GEKA) serve as a distinctive example of incorporating new technology-based urban and regional practices into regional development plans in Turkey. GEKA's smart city strategies, while addressing best practices, are criticized for a predominant focus on technological solutions, neglecting crucial human elements like sustainability and social inclusion. These strategies risk widening economic and social inequalities between urban and rural areas due to high costs and increased involvement of private sector companies, leading to an uneven distribution of projects. Critics argue that GEKA's plans lack transparency and public participation, prompting a call for a renewed debate on development agency strategies in Turkey. Furthermore, through a renewed emphasis on the integration of human-centric considerations and the cultivation of participatory governance mechanisms, GEKA's smart city strategies have the potential to facilitate sustainable and equitable development within the TR32 Region.

Recent Regional Development Strategies in Turkey and Smart Cities: The Case of the Southern Aegean Region (TR32)

This article critically examines how the smart cities approach has been employed as a strategic tool in Turkey's recent regional development strategies. The paper explores the efficiency of development strategies prepared for Turkey's South Aegean Region (TR32) with a focus on smart city elements. These strategic elements include transportation, smart governance, energy efficiency, and digital transformation at the sub-regional level. The sub-regional plans prepared by the South Aegean Development Agency (GEKA) serve as a distinctive example of incorporating new technology-based urban and regional practices into regional development plans in Turkey. GEKA's smart city strategies, while addressing best practices, are criticized for a predominant focus on technological solutions, neglecting crucial human elements like sustainability and social inclusion. These strategies risk widening economic and social inequalities between urban and rural areas due to high costs and increased involvement of private sector companies, leading to an uneven distribution of projects. Critics argue that GEKA's plans lack transparency and public participation, prompting a call for a renewed debate on development agency strategies in Turkey. Furthermore, through a renewed emphasis on the integration of human-centric considerations and the cultivation of participatory governance mechanisms, GEKA's smart city strategies have the potential to facilitate sustainable and equitable development within the TR32 Region.

The Impact of Investor Sentiment on Corporate Tax Avoidance from a Behavioral Finance Perspective

ABSTRACT This paper delves into the intersection of investor behaviors and corporate strategies from a corporate finance perspective, thus broadening the scope of research on how investor sentiment influences corporate tax avoidance. Focusing on A-share listed companies as its primary dataset, the study explores the relationship between investor sentiment and corporate tax avoidance strategies. It reveals a notable finding: heightened investor sentiment significantly escalates corporate tax avoidance activities. Companies tend to indulge in more tax avoidance practices to align with investor expectations and secure stakeholder support as investor sentiment rises. Moreover, the research uncovers that this positive correlation between investor sentiment and tax avoidance is particularly pronounced in private sector industries and companies experiencing substantial financing constraints. This insight offers a novel perspective on behavioral finance by examining it through the lens of micro-level corporate behavior. It also provides valuable guidance for future research in corporate finance, suggesting new pathways for integrating and enhancing theoretical frameworks in this field.

The Impact of Knowledge Management on Competitive Advantage in Private Sector Companies: A Case Study of Al-Hayat Investment Company

The Impact of Knowledge Management on Competitive Advantage in Private Sector Companies: A Case Study of Al-Hayat Investment Company

Estimating willingness to pay for motorcycle helmet and its determinants through contingent valuation method.

Helmet use has been introduced as one of the most highlighted strategies for preventing death and injury in motorcyclists. On the other hand, the cost of the helmet was introduced as a barrier to use. This study aimed at estimating the willingness to pay (WTP) of motorcyclists in Saqqez to buy and use safety helmets through the contingent valuation method (CVM). This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 in Saqqez County, Kurdistan Province, Iran. Sampling was performed by two-stage clustering through probability proportion to the size. The sample size was 570. A preliminary questionnaire was designed and administered for validity and reliability approval. Data analysis was carried out through linear regression models using STATA 15. In total, 510 questionnaires were analyzed. The motorcyclists' mean age was 31.37 years (SD = 8.48). Only 251 individuals (49.22%) had an appropriate license, and approximately 40% declared that they never used a safety helmet. The mean WTP was estimated to be 3900000 Rials (15/6 US$) through CVM. Motorcyclist age, helmet use by the motorcyclist friends, and socio-economic status were found to be significantly correlated with their WTP. The effect of socio-economic status on motorcyclist WTP highlights the significance of adopting supportive policies in this regard, along with stakeholder participation from the private sector and insurance companies. Moreover, the positive effect of helmet use by friends on individuals' WTP shows that improving the general culture of traffic safety can be accompanied by promising results, especially for motorcyclists.

Crisis Management in Malaysian Companies during Challenging Times: A review

The need for management under the context of crisis had been a huge realization after the sudden pandemic bombarded the world and give severe impacts toward the corporate sector all over the world in many aspects. Thus, this article aims to review the literature relating to the crisis management and its application by the Malaysian companies during crisis or challenging times. In Malaysia, companies suffered losses due to sudden crisis (pandemic) and companies with proper crisis management are the Government Link Companies (GLCs) as compared to the private sector companies.

Road Traffic Enforcement: Using Technology Through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)

The past two decades have seen a wide - ranging wave of privatizations in formerly government owned or - controlled activities. A government task or service which is funded and operated through a partnership between a public sector authority and private sector company based on guidelines and performance standards set by a public party is typically referred to as a Public Private Partnership (PPP). In most countries traffic enforcement cameras and other equipment are purchased, owned, and operated by government organisations. Back - offices, where violation data are processed, citations issued, and traffic fines collected, have traditionally been government - run activities. In a PPP model, a private party invests and installs enforcement equipment (e. g. speed or red - light cameras) and conducts back office processing, such as sending out violation notices and managing and confirming fine collection. The investment in equipment and related processing and support activities are funded by fine revenues collected from the motoring public over the contract term. Gaining public support, and ultimately acceptance, for the PPP model is crucial, which is why transparency, publicity and continuous communication are key factors for successful and sustainable implementation. Full service PPPs are often organised on a municipal level in close consultation with the local administration and police. Due to the high initial investment and gradual repayment, such PPPs are typically based on longer term contracts. Moreover, the regulatory environment may require some changes to allow involvement of a private party. One process that is difficult to outsource is the formal confirmation of a violation by a review of the photo or video evidence. Generally, this can only be validly performed by an authorised government official, such as a police officer. Depending on laws and regulations applicable to specific jurisdictions, there could be more issues that may limit the extent of the private party’s involvement in these PPPs. When properly implemented, PPP’s in traffic enforcement can considerably contribute to the reduction of casualties, injuries and crashes, as well as improve traffic flow, and increase quality of life with more safety, lower emissions and less noise pollution. Speed reduction also significantly benefits the safety of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, and two - wheelers Personal injury and death on roadways also have a significant impact on the economy through medical costs, lost resources and wages and disability pay outs. These costs are significant and are estimated by the WHO to amount to an average of around 3% of a country’s GNP. This figure rises to 5% in some low - and middle - income countries

Impact Chain Analysis on Determining the Vulnerability Levels of Women to Climate Hazards and Risks: A Case Study of Türkiye

The case studies in the literature and the reports prepared by international organizations indicate that the vulnerability level of women to climate change-related hazards and risks is considerably high. In addition, it is mentioned in the literature that women’s participation in both the development and implementation of mitigation and adaptation actions to be taken against climate change will yield more positive outcomes. It is seen when considered the impact chain analyses described in the reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that there is still a need to propose methods and data sets which involve the transformation of the required parameters to be used for the determination of women’s vulnerability levels to climate change under specific factor groups into data and the determination of the vulnerability levels through concrete indicators by weighting these data. Therefore, the aim of this study is to propose parameters, data, and data sources that can be used in the impact chain analysis of women’s vulnerability in Turkey using the methodology developed to analyse the vulnerability of various sectors and themes to climate change. For this purpose, a methodology combining the PESTEL technique, initially used in the external environmental analysis of private sector companies, with the impact chain analysis conducted within the scope of climate change to determine the parameter classes in the most comprehensive way and a data set is described to contribute to the modelling studies that provide concrete and comparative insights into the women’s vulnerability to climate change.

The tools of tax control: a conceptual perspective

This study focuses on exploring the areas of insufficient knowledge about tax control tools in public and private sector companies, in order to provide a more solid conceptual understanding of this topic. Qualitative and quantitative research was used, employing documentary review techniques and analysis of results, with workers from the Human Resources and Administration areas as a sample. A digital survey and data collection forms were used as research instruments. In summary, the results revealed a diversity of levels of familiarity and comfort with the use of accounting software, tax preparation and online tools provided by the tax agency.

Quantum fuzzy decision-making for analyzing the service progress life cycle of renewable energy innovation investments

Innovative and effective solutions can be produced by using advanced technologies to increase renewable energy innovation investments. However, many actions taken to increase these investments may cause the costs of enterprises to reach an unmanageable level. As a result, a priority analysis is needed to identify the most critical issues, but in literature, there are limited studies in the literature regarding this issue. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the service progress life cycle of renewable energy innovation investments. A novel model is presented in this process while integrating different approaches. First, the service progress life cycle of renewable innovation investments is weighted. In this scope, two-generation technology S-curve and facial action coding system-based Quantum Spherical fuzzy M-SWARA are considered. Secondly, the renewable innovation investment alternatives are ranked. In this framework, the integer patterns and facial action coding system-based Quantum Spherical fuzzy TOPSIS are taken into consideration. Additionally, these investment alternatives are also ranked by using VIKOR technique to test the validity of the proposed model results. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis is conducted by considering 8 different cases so that coherency of the results can be tested. The main contribution of this manuscript is the consideration of the FACS system to increase both the originality and effectiveness of the proposed model and the development of new technique named M-SWARA. Additionally, conducting a priority evaluation helps to identify the efficient investment strategies to increase renewable energy innovation. It is defined that the same findings can be achieved by both TOPSIS and VIKOR techniques. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis also indicates the same rankings as well. It is understood that the proposed model provides coherent and reliable findings. The findings denote that maturity is the most critical stage of the service progress life cycle of the renewable energy investments. Moreover, advanced technologies are found as the best alternative of the renewable innovation investments for the service progress life cycle. Hence, it is recommended that R&D activities should be prioritized for the provision of advanced technologies in the renewable energy sector. For this purpose, research centers, universities, private sector companies and government institutions can work for the development of innovative and advanced technologies.

The Growth and Profitability of Life Insurance Industry in India – A Comparative Analysis between Public and Private Sector Companies

The Growth and Profitability of Life Insurance Industry in India – A Comparative Analysis between Public and Private Sector Companies

An investment evaluation and incentive allocation model for public-private partnerships in renewable energy development projects

This study proposes an investment evaluation and incentive allocation model for public-private partnerships (PPPs) in renewable energy development projects (REDPs). A hybrid multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) and bi-level optimization model are proposed to evaluate investment opportunities and allocate government financial incentives (GFIs) to REDPs. The best-worst method (BWM) is used to weigh the evaluation criteria. VIKOR and grey relational analysis (GRA) rank and allocate GFIs to the private sector companies selected to participate in the REDPs. The government uses the PPP to persuade digital services companies in the private sector to invest in underdeveloped REDPs using financial incentives with minimal risk and maximum return. An iterative full-enumeration-based heuristic model is developed to handle the computational intractability in the bi-level model. The computational results show that political and financial support and land use are the most and the least important criteria, respectively. Moreover, we show that the government prefers to allocate a significant portion of its GFIs to waste heat recovery and hydropower in partnership with digital services companies. The results from the bi-level model help government agencies and policymakers offer equitable incentive programs in the energy sectors.

Talent Management in the Public Sector – Empirical Evidence from the Emerging Economy of Romania

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate how talent management is conceptualized and practised within Romanian public sector organizations. Just like their private sector counterparts, public sector organizations need talented employees or high performers to support their operations and enhance public service delivery. However, research on talent management in the public sector, particularly in Eastern European countries, remains limited.Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was conducted through a series of semi-structured interviews with employees in public sector organizations. The results were analysed using thematic analysis.Findings: The study reveals that talent management practices in the public sector are still in a nascent state of development. Furthermore, there appears to be a lack of understanding of talent management among HR practitioners, and implementation efforts have yielded less-than-desirable results.Practical Implications: The results of our study suggest that while talent management practices are widely embraced by a growing number of private sector companies, their conceptualization and implementation in the public sector differ. In the case of Romania, implementation is hindered by the bureaucratic structure of the public sector and the legacy of previous communist regime.Originality/Value: The study represents one of the initial attempts to investigate the impact of talent management practices in the Romanian public sector, leveraging empirical evidence to support its findings.

أثر استخدام تقنيات إدارة المشاريع على تطوير المشاريع بالتطبيق على شركات القطاع الخاص بالمنطقة الشرقية بالمملكة العربية السعودية

The aim of the research is to highlight the impact of the use of enterprise management techniques on enterprise development by applying to private sector companies in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia by clarifying the dimensions of enterprise development, as well as to reveal the impact of project management techniques on enterprise development in its dimensions (project scheduling, project resources, project cost, project risks, project quality). The researcher has relied on the analytical descriptive approach to achieve the objectives of the study. The identification was used as an information-gathering tool. This research was applied to a study community consisting of workers from private sector companies in the eastern region within Saudi Arabia. (SPSS). This research has yielded a series of important findings, the most significant of which is that there is a statistically significant effect between the techniques used in project management (as a separate variable) and enterprise development (as a follow-up variable) within private sector companies in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. There is a statistically significant effect between the techniques used in project management (as a separate variable) and the scheduling of projects (as a first dimension of enterprise development) (as a follow-up variable) within private sector companies in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. The researcher recommended the need for senior management to develop skills through continuous training in project management. There is a need for agreement between senior leadership in projects and departments on the determinants of strategic plan development. Resource management depends on the efficiency and effectiveness of project planning.

Study of Consumer Behaviour Towards Reliance Jio

The main objective of this project is to study the awareness of Reliance Jio amongst the customers compared to other telecom service providers. The satisfaction of customers is very important and with various products and services offered by the company its customers seem to be meaningless if it‟s not beneficiary to the customer from their end, so the second objective of this research is to study the customer satisfaction level of customers towards Reliance Jio and its services. To achieve success in long run a company needs a thorough study of its SWOT analysis (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats). So the third objective of this research is to find the market potential and market penetration of Reliance Jio products and services. Reliance JioInfocomm Limited (Commonly called RJIL) is an Indian Internet access (commonly called „Broadband‟) and telecommunications company headquartered in Mumbai India‟s largest private sector company, is the first telecom operator to hold pan India Unified License. Reliance Jio is setting up a pan India telecom infrastructure to provide fourth generation LTE TDD high speed wireless internet and mobile communication services which was then launched in June 2015. Reliance Jio was founded in 2010 by MukeshAmbani. Reliance Jio offers mobile telephony and wireless broadband. Parent company of Reliance Jio is Reliance Industries and its subsidiary is LYF. To study the objectives discussed two types of sources were used to collect the data: - Primary and Secondary data. Primary data is also called as „First-hand data‟ or „Raw data‟. The primary data primarily means the unfiltered raw data collected by the researcher in the research process. In this project for the primary data a sample of 40 people were surveyed.

Disability Inclusion in Corporate Supplier Diversity Initiatives

PurposeSince the 1960s, federal and state governments and private-sector companies have used supplier diversity initiatives to ensure their supply chains include businesses owned by traditionally economically disadvantaged or underrepresented groups. Originally concentrated on racial and ethnic minority groups, programs have expanded to include businesses owned by women, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and, in some cases, people with disabilities. This study investigates the extent to which disability is included in supplier diversity initiatives of Fortune 500 companies.MethodsThis paper uses a novel data set created by the authors with information on supplier diversity initiatives and Disability, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statements in Fortune 500 companies extracted from public sources. This information is combined with data from Compustat, a corporate financial database published by Standard and Poor’s and additional variables from other sources.Results75% of the Fortune 500 companies have supplier diversity programs that express a commitment to diversity yet only 49% of those with such programs include disability-owned businesses (38% of all Fortune 500 companies). Among the largest 100 companies, 89% had supplier diversity programs that included disability, almost 6 times the rate Ball et al. reported in 2005. This study finds disability inclusion varies significantly by company size, industry, and whether the company is a government contractor.ConclusionDespite the growth in disability inclusion, the absence of disability as a diversity category in regulations mandating supplier diversity initiatives for government contractors impacts disability inclusion. If we want to align our supplier diversity programs with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the first step is to address the issue in the Small Business Administration and federal contracting requirements.

The Impact of Psychological Empowerment on Workforce Agility in Organization X

This study aims to determine the effect of psychological empowerment on labour agility in the State Civil Apparatus at Agency X. This questionnaire is based on the Labour Agility Scale and Psychological Empowerment Scale measures. The results of the regression test showed that psychological empowerment has a significant influence on workplace agility, with a large effect size of 56.2%. In addition, the descriptions of both variables, psychological empowerment and workforce agility, are categorised as moderate. The findings of this study are in line with previous research on the impact of psychological empowerment on employees of public and private sector companies in the manufacturing and services sectors in India.

On The Zero-Trust Intranet Certification Problem

Securing corporate networks and ensuring the trustworthiness of network resources are critical security concerns for organisations in today's interconnected digital landscape. The zero-trust security model is an approach to designing and implementing ICT systems which prescribes that clients and servers cannot be trusted automatically, even when connected to networks traditionally considered trusted. The implementation of the zero-trust model within the corporate intranet requires a secure method to verify the identity of local servers. On the Internet, trust in the identity of public servers is established by well-known public Certificate Authorities (CAs), which issue digital certificates to securely identify servers. However, local intranet servers exist within the internal address space of the network. Consequently, it is impossible to naturally obtain digital certificates for these servers, validly signed by a public CA, without publicly disclosing sensitive information such as intranet server Domain Name System (DNS) records. This leaves organisations with the option of relying on endpoint management systems to install custom CA root certificates on all corporate browsers or, in some cases, ignoring the problem altogether. In this paper, we draw on practical experience in the deployment of cybersecurity devices in corporate intranets to formally define the intranet certification problem. We specify five requirements that a solution to this problem must satisfy. We then conduct a comprehensive review of existing candidate solutions and academic research relevant to the intranet certification problem. Specifically, existing ICT systems for public key infrastructure and endpoint management are identified and evaluated with respect to their ability to meet the stated requirements for solving the intranet certification problem, as well as their cost. Our study reveals that solutions that meet the technical and security requirements of the intranet certification problem are beyond the reach of smaller private sector companies and public sector organisations in underdeveloped and emerging economies. The high cost and technical expertise required for their implementation and management render these solutions impractical. Consequently, by relying on servers with self-signed certificates, these entities inadvertently leave their servers susceptible to impersonation, information theft, and unauthorised resource access, thus violating the fundamental principles of the zero-trust model. We conclude that a gap exists for a simple, cost-effective, and easily managed solution to the intranet certification problem.