Investment Products Research Articles

Quantifying the Impact of Digital Transformation on Economic Growth: A Longitudinal Analysis

This study examined how digital transformation and economic development interact in a longitudinal analysis that went from 2016 to 2020. A persistent commitment to digitalization was shown by the statistics, which showed a constant growth in digital transformation measures including investment, adoption rates, talent development, and preparedness. Indicators of economic development, including GDP growth, employment, productivity, and corporate investments, all showed positive trends at the same time. The percentages of the calculated digital transformation impact indicated an increasing effect over time. An examination conducted over a period of five years highlighted the overall effect of digital transformation and emphasized its ongoing contribution to economic development. Policymakers, companies, and academics should take note of this research's important implications, which underscore the pivotal role that digital transformation plays in determining economic advancement in the digital era.

Feasibility analysis and Atlas for green hydrogen project in MENA region: Production, cost, and environmental maps

Renewable energy markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries are growing quickly. Therefore, the objective of the current study is to investigate the feasibility of green hydrogen production based on the meteorological conditions within each MENAcountry utilizing a water electrolysis system powered by available solar and wind energies. In addition, it shows the opportunities for constructing hydrogen projects in MENA countries based on the available power, system performance, cost, and CO2 emission mitigation. The simulation is conducted using MATLAB/Simulink software. In addition, five degradation rates are examined in economic analysis in the context of hydrogen production from photovoltaic panels and wind turbines due to the unpredictability of the future value of money. The results revealed that the highest hydrogen production density for WT/H2 is 1.29 kg/m2 in Morocco, 1.26 kg/m2 in Egypt, 5.7 kg/m2 in Saudi Arabia, and 5.58 kg/m2 in Egypt for PV/H2. The WT/H2 system is more efficient than the PV/H2 system, with a maximum value of 31.54 %. The minimal production cost is 2.12 $/kg in Morocco and 2.17 $/kg in Egypt for the WT/H2. In the case of PV/H2, it is 3.28 $/kg in Saudi Arabia and 3.35 $/kg in Egypt. MENA countries have significant potential in hydrogen production and hydrogen investment. The range of CO2 mitigation lies between 11.47 and 87.4 kgCO2/m2. Finally, the current investigation revealed that the MENA region has an excellent opportunity to construct green hydrogen production projects based on wind/solar energies.

The Effect of Legal Uncertainties on the Pharmaceutical Industry

The pharmaceutical industry operates under stringent legal frameworks that are subject to frequent changes and interpretations, creating a landscape riddled with uncertainties. These uncertainties can impede strategic decision-making, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement. This study aims to elucidate the effects of legal uncertainties on the operational, strategic, and interpersonal facets of the pharmaceutical industry, offering insights into how companies navigate these challenges. A qualitative research design was utilized, involving semi-structured interviews with 28 professionals from various sectors of the pharmaceutical industry, including regulatory affairs, R&D, legal, and corporate governance. Theoretical saturation was achieved to ensure comprehensive coverage of the topic. Data were analyzed using NVivo software to perform thematic analysis, allowing for the identification and exploration of recurring themes and concepts within the collected data. The analysis revealed three main themes: Regulatory Compliance Challenges, Strategic Decision-Making, and Stakeholder Perceptions and Reactions. Regulatory Compliance Challenges included subthemes such as Licensing Processes, Legal Risk Management, and Impact on R&D. Strategic Decision-Making covered Market Entry Strategies, Product Life Cycle Management, Investment Uncertainty, and Corporate Governance. Stakeholder Perceptions and Reactions encompassed Industry Reputation, Regulatory Relationships, and Employee Impact. Each category was populated with specific concepts illustrating the pervasive and varied impact of legal uncertainties. Legal uncertainties significantly influence various dimensions of the pharmaceutical industry. Effective navigation of these uncertainties requires robust compliance structures, proactive strategic planning, and vigilant management of stakeholder relationships. By understanding and addressing these challenges, pharmaceutical companies can enhance their resilience against legal risks and better support their operational and strategic objectives.

Impact of fiscal and macroeconomic imbalances on economic growth: A context of regulation

Promoting sound fiscal policies and sustainable economic growth is a global priority, including in Nepal. This study analyzes the effect of fiscal and macroeconomic imbalances on the Nepalese economy from 2006–2007 to 2020–2021. Utilizing time series data, the study examines the relationship between gross domestic product (GDP), budget deficit, trade deficit, and foreign direct investment (FDI). The augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test confirms variables’ stationarity at the first difference, with long-term relationships analyzed through the Johansen cointegration test (JCT) and short-term changes captured by the error correction model (ECM). Short-term economic growth (i.e., GDP) exhibits a negative correlation with the budget deficit and a positive correlation with the trade deficit and FDI, though not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, these variables are cointegrated in the long run, emphasizing their interconnectedness and potential linear combination. The error correcting term (-0.034) indicates a convergence speed of 3.4 percent towards long-term equilibrium. Additionally, diagnostic tests confirm the stability of coefficients in the employed models. The results align with Ahmad et al. (2013) in Pakistan but contrast with Aung (2017) in Myanmar, suggesting that while a trade deficit may stimulate short-term growth, its prolonged existence could potentially harm the nation’s economic growth in the long term.

Determinants of Non-Performing Loans: Perception of Bankers in Bangladesh

This study attempts to explore the determinants of non-performing loans in banking sector of Bangladesh based on the perception of bankers. To represent the bank-specific determinants of non-performing loans, bank profitability, lending rate, bank total assets, transparency in loan authorization, credit assessment, bank age, and corporate governance are considered. On the other hand, gross domestic product, inflation rate, unemployment rate, exchange rate, foreign direct investment, and export growth are used to represent macroeconomic determinants. Bankers working in Dhaka city have been considered as the sample of this study. Opinions of 144 bankers regarding the selected determinants of non-performing loans have been collected through a structured questionnaire. Based on the collected data, descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis have been conducted. In the analysis, bank total assets, transparency in loan authorization, bank age, inflation rate, and unemployment rate have depicted a positive impact on non-performing loans where bank profitability, lending rate, credit assessment, corporate governance, gross domestic product, exchange rate, foreign direct investment, and export growth have shown a negative impact. However, among these, significant impact has been identified only for bank total assets, bank age, corporate governance, gross domestic product, inflation rate, and foreign direct investment.

Geological characteristics and developmental achievements of the large presalt carbonate gas fields in the Amu Darya Basin

The Amu Darya Basin accounts for one of the most abundant natural gas resources globally, it is the main gas supplier to the Central Asian natural gas pipeline. It also holds potential for the natural gas exploration and development. Within this basin, valuable Jurassic carbonate rocks and gypsum-salt-gas-bearing combinations are developed. These include the presalt transitional Middle and Lower Jurassic coal-bearing source rocks, which provide sufficient gas sources, and the Middle and Upper Jurassic reef-shoal carbonate and gypsum salts, forming an effective reservoir–caprock combination. The unique geological configuration forms optimal accumulation conditions for natural gas in the high-energy sedimentary-facies belt of the carbonate platform which controlled by the coal-bearing gas-generation center and large basement ancient uplift area. Large natural gas fields are mainly distributed in the presalt Jurassic carbonate rocks, driven by high-quality hydrocarbon-generation centers, ancient uplift backgrounds, and ultrathick gypsum-salt rocks. While large gas fields have been discovered in large structural traps at the center of the depressions, exploration potential is still remains in the vast area with a burial depth exceeding 4500 m. These make the basin a key area for further exploration. The Amu Darya Right Bank Block located in the northeast of the basin, which has seen 15 years of rapid and efficient exploration and development by PetroChina, has discovered three gas field groups, each contains 2 billion m3 of gas: the western intraplatform shoal, central gently sloping reef beach, and Eastern thrust structure, fracture-cave-type gas field groups. PetroChina has achieved a production capacity of 14 billion cubic meters. In response to the geological and developmental characteristics of the three gas field groups, tailored development strategies have been formulated. The strategies are based on the integrated concept of geological and developmental engineering. Optimization efforts have been made in well pattern deployment, including highly deviated wells, as well as the design of gas field pressurization engineering. In addition, comprehensive evaluations have been conducted, taking the stable production period, water-avoidance distance, and investment considerations into account. The efforts aim to support the project of transforming the Amu Darya River into a model for the efficient development of the “Belt and Road” energy cooperation project.

Reindustrialização na convenção de desenvolvimento sustentável

ABSTRACT This article assumes the importance of the manufacturing industry to long-term growth and examines Brazil’s deindustrialization process since its economic opening. The manufacturing sector’s recovery is analyzed in light of the proposal to reindustrialize the economy in the ongoing global climate emergency. In line with the new-developmentalist literature, reindustrialization implies widening policy space to recover public and private investment in productive assets, providing financial conditions compatible with long-term returns. It assumes an active role in state intervention. In this sense, the New Brazilian Industry industrial policy should anchor long-term expectations to enhance productive investment committed to the green transition. This approach positions industrial policy as the anchor to build a sustainable development convention.

Who Should Buy Structured Investment Products and Why?

Who Should Buy Structured Investment Products and Why?

ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ТА ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ ІНСТИТУТІВ СПІЛЬНОГО ІНВЕСТУВАННЯ У НАЦІОНАЛЬНІЙ ЕКОНОМІЦІ

Mutual investment institutions are key participants in the financial system of each country, playing a significant role in the mobilization and efficient allocation of capital. However, with the development of the global financial market and the growth of competition, new challenges and questions arise regarding the effectiveness of joint investment institutions in the national economy. The problem is to study the characteristics and peculiarities of joint investment institutes in the context of modern trends and challenges of the national economy. The purpose of the study is to systematize and analyze the characteristics and peculiarities of the activities of joint investment institutions in the national economy, taking into account modern trends and challenges, as well as to determine the key aspects of the functioning of these institutions and to determine ways of their further improvement to ensure the stability and efficiency of the financial system. The object of the study is the institutions of joint investment in the national economy, while the subject of the study is the characteristics, functions and impact on economic development. Various methods were used to achieve the goal of the research, including the analysis of scientific articles on the subject under investigation, as well as statistical analysis of the Ukrainian market of joint investment institutions. A thorough analysis of the state of joint investment institutions was carried out, the key problems and challenges they face were identified. Their role and influence on the economic development of the country were analyzed, as well as specific ways of optimizing their activities were proposed. Based on the conducted research, the author concluded that there is a need to intensify regulation and supervision of the activities of joint investment institutions in order to ensure their stability and efficiency. Recommendations are also provided for improving risk management strategies and developing new investment products to ensure the competitiveness of joint investment institutions in modern market conditions.

Державне регулювання процесу ініціювання інноваційних проектів за умов обмеженого фінансування

Державне регулювання процесу ініціювання інноваційних проектів за умов обмеженого фінансування

The Water–Energy–Carbon Coupling Coordination Level in China

The water–energy–carbon (WEC) nexus is a complex, systematic relationship whose influential factors can be interdependent, as well as interactive. Although many action has been taken to achieve the goal of global carbon emission reductions, the disparity and unbalanced among water–energy–carbon systems hundles urban comprehensive development which can not be ignored. Therefore, investigating the water–energy–carbon (WEC) nexus become critical for the global. This study explores the relationship between water utilization, energy consumption, and carbon emissions systematically and take China, one of the largest global carbon emission countries in the world with high energy consumption and unevenly distributed water resources, as an example to investigate coupling coordination model. We selected 2004–2021 data from China’s 30 provinces as our research material, explored them using the entropy weight method, and attempted to study the coupling coordination level of the WEC nexus. Multiple linear regression (MLR) was used to identify the possible influential factors in the WEC nexus. In addition, Spatial correlation of the water-energy-carbon coupling coordination level in 31 provinces and cities has also been researched by Spatial Durbin Model(SDM). The results show that (1) in general, the level of WEC coupling coordination in China is increasing, and the spatial differences between different provinces are large; (2) the lowest level of WEC coupling coordination is mainly distributed in the central region, and the highest level is found in the southwestern region; and (3) water production and hydraulic engineering investment are important factors affecting the coupling coordination of the WEC nexus.

Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Economic Growth

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is a force of economic growth. FDI fills the gap between demand for capital and supply of capital that rise the productive investment and economic growth within the country. This paper aims to investigate the impact of FDI on economic growth of the country. Engel-Granger cointegration test is used by employing the time series data of 1995/96—2021/22 and error correction model. Neo-classical growth model is the main basis single equation model whereas real FDI is explanatory variable and GDP is the proxy for economic growth. Cointegration results confirms FDI makes the positive impact on economic growth in short-run as well as in long-run. The error correction term (0.67) indicates the disequilibria of GDP move towards the equilibrium at the speed of 65% in successive year. Therefore, this paper concludes to raise the FDI flows within the country. The Government should make the favorable environment — control money supply, direct remittance towards productive sector—for foreign investors which leads to rise economic growth within the country.

Multiple-Driving Paths of Saving and Investment in Regional Gross Domestic Product of Southern Ethiopia

Despite an increase in overall economy of the country, saving and investment is still low. As the result, this study was undertaken to factor out the contribution of savings and investment on the regional economic growth of the study area. Cross-sectional data was used for analysis. The descriptive analysis, Logistic regression model and Heckman two stage selection model were used to properly examine the investigation. Thus, majority of the households saved their money in the formal sector of finance rather than in the informal sectors like Iqube and Edir. The rate of saving is much lower than the rate of non-saving in the study area. In addition to that households have higher expenditure on food items than non-food items in the study area. Therefore, despite the fact that enhancing production have a significant implication on the value of saving and investment, it has been revealed that there are major differences from people to people in the study area. Therefore, the existing rate of saving and investment has lesser contribution in the regional economic growth in the area. Moreover, sex, age, household size and expenditure were key to determine the level of saving money in the study area. Therefore, Improving the investment climate, particularly those relating to security of property, crime, political instability, and macroeconomic instability should be taken into account by the government.

Money Market Instruments and Economic Growth in Nigeria

Effect of money market instruments on economic growth of Nigeria from 1993 to 2022 was investigated in this study. Research design adopted for this study is ex-post-facto. Data were obtained from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin to estimate the model. Multiple regression approach was employed to analyse impact of money market instruments on economic growth in Nigeria for the period of the study. From the empirical result obtained, the study conclude that money market enhanced development in Nigeria. It is recommended that CBN create appropriate monetary and fiscal measures which would develop money market for promotion of productive activities and investment thereby improve Nigeria development.

Investment in National Pension Scheme: Issues and Trends

Purpose: Retirement is a time to leave from the job or work forever. Investing for retirement plays an important role. This study makes an effort to evaluate the various issues and trends of the investment in the National Pension Scheme (NPS) by an individual. Since the primary goal of this study was to assess the issues and trends of the investment in the National Pension Scheme for retirement benefits, and the study also evaluates its advantages, benefits, constraints, and disadvantages through ABCD analysis. Design: This research is conducted through secondary sources in order to provide a full-fledged evidence-based study on the issues and trends in the investment on National Pension Scheme. The semi-systematic review is conducted using various published reports and articles from sources including Springer, Tailor & Francis, Emerald, Google Scholar, Srinivas Publication, Research Gate, SSRN, etc. Findings: The result of compressive review revealed that in India, people save as a part from their income but very few invest for their retirement. The reasons for not investing for retirement is classified under two major factors i.e., internal and external factors. NPS provides pension scheme as well as investment scheme which allows the member to choose their investment in different assets. Unfortunately, due to lack in financial literacy and financial knowledge on the investment of retirement products and plans. Practical Implications: This research provide a guide for members who wish to invest for their retirement and create an awareness of the numerous challenges by the citizens by the policy makers and improved performance for the benefit of the citizen. It serves as a source of information for NPS users to comprehend the advantages of enrolling in pension plans for their retirement. Originality/value: This study as per the secondary data may provide overall view on the National Pension Scheme and may help the customers for better understanding about the pension scheme and also assist the policy makers and pension regulator to promote investment on the retirement plans; but the concept of NPS can be better understood through primary survey, therefore it is the limitation of the study. Paper type: Case Study.

Co-Creation of Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality Experiences: Education and Organizations in Search of New Business Models

Sustainability is and will be very closely linked to the development of tourism in the future. It is the most important trend shaping the sector, and it will continue to determine travelers’ preferences and motivations in the period after COVID-19. It is important that tourism destinations and the stakeholders work together to enhance their resources sustainably through valuing the socio-cultural authenticity of communities, preserving biodiversity, and also ensuring the social well-being and economic security of destinations. Destinations need to work closely with entrepreneurs to better understand their current challenges. Investment in sustainable practices and products must be part of the new business models and provide competitive advantages for all stakeholders. The time we are living in is crucial, and it is a unique opportunity to rethink the sector from the perspective of a more sustainable, safer, and technological future that favors a circular economy model. This work follows the development of a methodology using the Demola Model, collaborated by a higher education institution and a hotel, to seek an investment in a new product driven by a clear commitment to sustainability. With a methodology composed of the application of different tools, namely design research, observations/visits, interviews, benchmarking, speculative design, future scenarios, among others, we have sought to understand the main markets and contexts around the world and explore alternative opportunities and action plans. Aqua Village Health Resort & Spa (Portugal) was selected as a partner for this collaborative work. The final project presented was the creation of a restaurant linked to the sustainable concept and cooking based on fire, located on the riverbank and in the water: Aquafire—Underwater Food Experience.

China’s Contribution Through Belt and Road initiative in The New Era

<p>In recent years, China's swift economic growth has played a larger role in the global economy. Implemented innovation categories include manufacturing production centers, technological innovation, infrastructure and investment, space exploration, financial technology, the e-commerce revolution, and electric vehicles. China will continue to invest in research and development, high technology, and other strategic sectors to maintain sustainable eco-nomic growth and play a larger role in the global economy in the new era, as a result of the Belt and Road Initiative, which has had a significant impact on the future of the world, such as the construction of infrastructure, education, culture, and also for agriculture.</p>

Mahindra and Mahindra Financial Services Ltd– A Case Study

Purpose: This paper is about the organizational analysis of Mahindra and Mahindra Financial Services Ltd [MMFSL]. There are investment products with moderate returns and relatively minimal risk. Numerous public sector banks, private sector banks, non-banking financial companies, and other financial organizations provide these investing facilities. From the perspective of investors, this research offers a variety of details about Mahindra and Mahindra's financial services portfolio, the many goods and services they offer, as well as the steps a consumer must take. Design/Methodology/Approach: Companies that provide financial services set their goals, which may include things like customer satisfaction, market expansion, revenue growth, risk management, and regulatory compliance. To enable effective collaboration, decision-making, and accountability, a clear organizational structure is built. This entails evaluating consumer demand, researching the competition, and seeing chances for product innovation or difference. Findings/Result: Over the years, MMFSL's loan book and profitability have increased gradually. The company's financial success is influenced by several variables, such as interest rates, the general state of the economy, and the demand for automobiles and equipment. To lower risk and boost revenue streams, MMFSL has been seeking to diversify its business beyond car finance. They have grown to finance more asset classes like commercial vehicles, used cars, and construction equipment. To improve the convenience and accessibility of loan applications, approvals, and repayments, they have launched a few digital platforms and initiatives. Originality/Value: It primarily focuses on learning about organizations in-depth, including the responsibilities of the organization and competency mapping, to understand how well the firm is working and to examine its current competitors. The proposed work determines the company's liquidity condition. The SWOT analysis framework is used for evaluating the company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Paper Type: Case Study.

Direct transfer policies for the poor

We discuss various anti-poverty policies which involve direct transfer policies for the poor, focusing on their different dimensions—namely the size and time sequence of the transfers, whether it is cash or in kind, any conditionality involved, whether they are means-tested. We argue that their pros and cons depend on what is the underlying aspect of poverty that the policy is aiming to address, namely what is the cause of it, what is the time horizon, what is the social objective, and what, if any, limitations on state capacity might be present. We illustrate the issues involved by discussing two transfer policies in detail, a rural asset transfer programme in Bangladesh and a hypothetical universal income support programme in India—and highlight the dual nature of such policies as both redistributive and potentially productive investments. We conclude by discussing the potential complementarities between different types of anti-poverty policies.

Present-biased individuals and their underinvestment in household energy efficiency: Evidence from first-tier Chinese cities

Governments worldwide have placed much effort into improving energy efficiency to realize energy conservation and carbon emission reduction. However, households' investment in energy-efficient products seems not as positive as expected, resulting in the energy efficiency gap. The phenomenon concerning Chinese households and its underlying causes have been overlooked to a considerable extent within the extant literature. The present study endeavours to elucidate the role of present bias in shaping people's energy efficiency investment behaviour. To this end, an online survey containing a sample of more than 3000 individuals residing in Shanghai and Beijing, China was conducted. It is found that: (1) Evidence shows that about one-third of the respondent are present-biased consumers according to the results of survey-elicited time preferences. (2) All else being equal, those showing present bias are significantly underinvesting in energy-efficient appliances. This is reflected in lower adoption rates of energy-efficient electric heaters, water heaters, and washing machines. (3) Present-biased energy consumers exhibit an attention deficit regarding the energy costs of home appliances and may also encounter higher energy bills. (4) Those with signs of being sophisticated, namely, self-aware of the bias, may improve energy-related decisions, thereby mitigating the behavioral failures. This paper underscores the need to aid individuals in recognizing and addressing the present bias when promoting energy-efficiency products.