Growth Prospects Research Articles

Challenges and Opportunities for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Latin America

This research addresses the challenges and opportunities for electric vehicle charging stations in Latin America. The transition to electric mobility is crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, modernize the quality of life in urban areas, update public policies related to transportation, and promote economic development. However, this is not an easy task in this region; it faces several obstacles, such as a lack of liquidity in governments, a lack of adequate infrastructure, high implementation costs, the need for clear regulatory frameworks, and limited public awareness of the benefits of electric mobility. To this end, the current panorama of electric mobility in the region is analyzed, including current policies, the state of the charging infrastructure, and the prospects for growth regarding electric vehicles in Latin America. Factors that could lead to their successful implementation are promoted, highlighting the importance of public policies adapted to Latin American countries, collaboration between the public–private industry, the industry’s adoption of new technologies in this region, and the education of the population, and the benefits of these policies are considered. Successful case studies from the region are presented to provide us with an idea of practices that can be carried out in other countries. The implementation of a charging system in Latin America is also studied; the successful implementation of charging systems is found to depend largely on the existence of integrated public policies that address aspects other than the charging infrastructure. Finally, the value of the work and the research findings are presented to indicate what this study can help with. These strategies are key to overcoming the challenges and maximizing the benefits of electric mobility in Latin America.

Does interest rate liberalization affect corporate debt structure?

AbstractThis study examines how interest rate deregulation affects debt structure of Chinese listed firms through two quasi‐natural experiments: the cap removal (2002–2006) and floor removal (2011–2015). Following deregulation, risky firms increase short‐term debt while decreasing long‐term and total debt, whereas non‐risky firms exhibit opposite patterns. These changes are influenced by collateral requirements, industry cluster proximity, bank relationships, and ownership structure. The divergent outcomes reflect increased borrowing costs for risky firms and reduced costs for non‐risky firms due to enhanced banking competition. Post‐liberalization, risky firms face reduced risk exposure but increased asset‐liability mismatches, while experiencing declining growth prospects. Conversely, non‐risky firms demonstrate improved growth prospects and higher profitability with increased long‐term debt. These findings illuminate how banking sector liberalization shapes corporate financial strategies.

Növekvő jövedelemegyenlőtlenség mint a technológiai fejlődés nem várt hatása

The Fourth Industrial Revolution opened substantial growth prospects for the world economy but raised new problems and exacerbated existing ones, including income inequality. The issue of inequality is of paramount socio-economic and geopolitical importance worldwide, as the significant social and wealth stratification of the population in society leads to the emergence of local, national, and even international confrontations. Changes in the industry affect economic and social development. Since productivity and employment are linked to economic growth, it is essential to examine the impact of technological developments on the labour market. This paper shows how technological developments associated with the fourth industrial revolution induce even more significant gaps between countries and affect income inequality. The fourth industrial revolution is full of opportunities and challenges. While technological progress undoubtedly contributes to improving competitiveness and productivity and raising living standards, it also leaves room for labour market polarisation, leading to increased inequality

Analysis of Financial Statements to Assess the Profitability of PT Ace Hardware Indonesia Tbk for the Period 2019-2023

In an ever-evolving business landscape, the ability to assess a company's financial health is becoming increasingly crucial. The company's ability to generate profits is one of the main indicators of operational success and attractiveness for investors. PT Ace Hardware Indonesia Tbk, as one of the main players in the home and lifestyle retail industry in Indonesia, is interesting to study more deeply regarding its financial performance, especially from the aspect of profitability. Financial statement analysis is a key instrument in assessing the financial health and growth prospects of this company. This study comprehensively examines the financial statements of PT Ace Hardware Indonesia Tbk over a five-year period, from 2019 to 2023. The analysis method used is financial ratio analysis with a focus on profitability ratios such as Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), Net Profit Margin (NPM). The data used is sourced from the company's audited annual financial statements. The results of the study show that the profitability of PT Ace Hardware Indonesia Tbk fluctuated during the period. There was a significant decline in 2020 due to the pandemic. This study concludes that PT Ace Hardware Indonesia Tbk's financial performance, as measured by Net Profit Margin (NPM), Return on Asset (ROA), and Return on Equity (ROE), is still in the poor category.

The Belt and Road Initiative: Geopolitical Implications for South Asia

Abstract: The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been initiated in China in 2013 as a transformative global infrastructure and development endeavor involving more than 70 nations. Aside from its economic and financial implications, however, the BRI is often also perceived as Chinas expansionist strategy in increasing soft power. With South Asia playing a pivotal role due to its strategic position and growing economic potential, this paper examines the geopolitical implications of the BRI and Chinese influence in the region. The study explores BRI projects with case studies, revealing how the initiative both offers prospects for economic growth and highlights challenges around sovereignty, debt dependency, and regional security, especially in a region marked by historical rivalries and political complexities. Particular attention is given to the effects of the BRI on the power balance between China, India, and other South Asian nations, as well as its broader impact on strategic partnerships and regional dynamics. Through an analysis of key BRI projects in South Asia and its implications, this paper assesses both the opportunities and challenges the initiative presents, offering insights into the enduring geopolitical consequences for the region.

Population size and structure of Grant's gazelle and lesser kudu in Geralle National Park, Southeastern Ethiopia.

Grant's gazelle and lesser kudu remain widespread within and outside protected areas. Current pressures on their populations, human encroachment and disturbance associated habitat modifications, and excessive grazing pose further threats to the species. The estimation of density and abundance of species has significant value for sustainable wildlife management in Geralle National Park (GNP) and also contributes towards a more accurate global population estimate. Using distance sampling methods, the lowest Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) (close to zero) and Chi-square tests (P value >0.05) showed that the hazard rate key function with an un-equal interval group model was selected for estimation of density and abundance. The density of species was 1.7±0.5, 2.07±0.7, gazelle/km2 and 1.39±0.3, 1.92±0.42, lesser kudu/km2 during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Population density, abundance, and structure showed habitat and seasonal differences in observation. More individuals of both species were recorded during the wet season as compared to the dry season. Grassland was favored by Grant's gazelle, while lesser kudu preferred woodlands. Both species exhibited a female-biased sex ratio, indicating potential for future population growth prospects. It can be concluded that GNP is home to viable populations of Grant's gazelle and lesser kudu, and season has influenced population abundance and distribution due to resource availability variations among seasons. The female-biased sex ratio indicates the future population growth prospects for the two species.

Impact of education, poverty, and demographic background on maternal mortality, fertility, and family planning in Pakistan

In recent decades, maternal mortality has significantly reduced on a global scale. However, persistent inequities have undermined these advances in middle- and low-income countries. Therefore, there has been a shift toward more inclusive approaches, such as human capital formation. This perspective article analyzes maternal mortality, fertility, and family planning outcomes in Pakistan, comparing them with educational attainment, socioeconomic status, and demographics. Pakistan’s maternal mortality rate among those with a rural background is 21% higher than those with an urban background in the country. Historically, the country’s total fertility rate (TFR) has been gradually declining, from 4.9 in 1990 – 1991 to 4.1 in 2006 – 2007, to 3.8 in 2012 – 2013, and to 3.6 in 2017 – 2018. However, there are stark disparities in TFR based on demographic background, education, and poverty. Meanwhile, the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) has remained stagnant for the past two decades, largely due to inadequate initiatives in poverty reduction, education, and rural development. Pakistan has committed to reducing maternal mortality and fertility and increasing CPR under the International Conference on Population Development, Family Planning 2030, and the recommendations of Pakistan’s Council of Common Interest. Along with these goals, infrastructure development, in (interprovincial roads connecting rural and urban areas and alternative energy initiatives) presents promising prospects for economic growth, poverty reduction, and increased employment opportunities. The paper concludes that health service delivery measures cannot sustain improvements in maternal health, fertility, and family planning indicators alone. Rather, a multipronged strategy focused on poverty reduction, education, and reductions in rural–urban disparities is essential for sustained progress.

Influence of Credit Limitations on the Growth of Small Enterprises in Fragile States: The case of Bosaso, Somalia

In recent years, the development of small enterprises has emerged as a vital component of economic growth and poverty alleviation in many countries. This study aimed to investigate the influence of credit limitations on the growth of Small Enterprises in Bosaso, Somalia. To achieve this objective primary data was collected and analyzed employing content analysis and multiple regression analysis. The study revealed that a majority of small enterprises in Bosaso have access to credit, with Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) and banks being the primary sources. However, a significant minority still lacks access to credit, mainly due to weak banking infrastructure and insufficient collateral. Small enterprises face numerous challenges when seeking loans, including insufficient guarantor, Political instability, limited financial infrastructure, high interest rates, and limited collateral. These challenges hinder their ability to access credit, limiting their growth potential. Also, the regression analysis indicated a positive and significant relationship between credit availability and small enterprise growth. Conversely, the access to loan and the cost of credit were found to have negative impacts on growth. On the other hand, Small Enterprises in Bosaso employ various coping strategies to overcome credit limitations, including informal financing, asset-based financing, diversification of income streams, cost reduction measures, and seeking grants or donor funding. Based on these findings, the authors made several recommendations to address the challenges and enhance the growth prospects of small enterprises in Bosaso, Somalia.

More Money and Less Diversity: What is the Ideal Workplace According to the Gen-Z Perception?

In the evolving employment landscape, organizations are compelled to confront the formidable challenge of managing a multigenerational workforce. Generation Z—also referred to as Gen-Z, iGen, or the post-millennial cohort—are embarking on their initial career endeavors and are anticipated to significantly transform the work sphere in the forthcoming years. To tailor the prospective work milieu to the traits, necessities, and expectations of these youths, comprehending their conception of an optimal workplace is imperative. Concurrently, to efficaciously navigate talent management, it is paramount for organizational leaders to gain a nuanced comprehension of the factors influencing young individuals' decisions to depart from their jobs. This manuscript offers preliminary insights from a research endeavor conducted to discern Gen-Z's perspectives regarding the job market. A digital survey was disseminated in the summer of 2023 among Gen-Z individuals, garnering 461 responses. The investigative outcomes afford a distinctive opportunity to enhance our grasp of the anticipations and vocational ambitions harbored by this nascent workforce. In addition to a pronounced preference for substantial remuneration, commensurate benefits, and superior, adaptable working conditions, data indicates that Gen-Z places considerable value on the prospect of professional growth. We deduce that if employers accentuate their commitment to employee development and progression, they will more readily captivate this demographic's allegiance. Given the findings and Gen-Z's heightened propensity for intrinsic motivation relative to preceding generations, it is incumbent upon business executives to cultivate managerial competencies conducive to bolstering the young workforce's sense of purpose. These revelations provide a propitious foundation for extended inquiry into the future of employment, particularly concerning the assimilation of "digital natives" therein.

The Role of Personal Remittances in Economic Development: A Comparative Analysis with Foreign Direct Investment in Lebanon

Understanding the role of personal remittances in economic development is crucial, particularly for countries like Lebanon, where these inflows play a significant role in economic stability. This study investigates the impact of personal remittances on Lebanon’s economic development over the period from 2002 to 2022, employing a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative regression analyses and qualitative data from surveys. The research finds that personal remittances have a more substantial effect on Lebanon’s GDP compared to foreign direct investment (FDI), with positive correlations observed between remittances and key economic indicators such as GDP, public debt, and unemployment rates. Additionally, qualitative findings reveal that remittances are vital for addressing basic living expenses, education, and healthcare needs, illustrating their multifaceted influence on household well-being. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing a nuanced understanding of how remittances impact economic development in Lebanon and highlights the need for policy interventions aimed at enhancing financial literacy and promoting productive investments. The findings offer valuable implications for policymakers and stakeholders, suggesting that improving the management and utilization of remittances could significantly bolster Lebanon’s economic resilience and growth prospects.

Advancements of the Colombian Air Force space program

This article comprehensively overviews the Colombian Air Force's (FAC) space program, analyzing its policy frameworks, competitive edge, growth prospects, and research endeavors. It delves into the historical roots of the program, assesses its global standing, and details the research conducted by the Aerospace Force. The article also highlights the crucial role of the Aerospace Technologies Research Center (CITAE) in the organizational structure of the FAC. Furthermore, it examines the integration of CubeSats, encryption algorithms, and mission control software within FAC's pioneering space programs. Key milestones such as the launch of the SAT-CHIRIBIQUETE satellite, the development of AI-powered satellite image processing, and the deployment of FACSAT-1 showcase the program's remarkable progress. Additionally, the article explores the program's potential impact on environmental monitoring, resource management, and national communication networks, illustrating its broader contribution to Colombia's social, political, and economic spheres. In conclusion, this comprehensive analysis reveals how FAC's space program has transformed from an aspirational vision into a vanguard force poised to propel Colombia onto the global space stage.

Shadow banking contraction and employment decisions in manufacturing firms: Empirical evidence from China's new asset management regulations

This study represents the inaugural exploration utilizing the 2018 "New Asset Management Regulation" (NAMR) as a quasi-natural experiment to examine the repercussions of the reduced scale of shadow banking, prompted by the regulation, on the employment scale of enterprises. Analyzing a dataset comprising Chinese manufacturing companies listed from 2015 to 2020, the empirical findings indicate a significant decline in the labor employment scale of companies exhibiting higher financialization levels post-implementation of the NAMR, as opposed to those with lower financialization levels. Mechanism analysis reveals that the policy heightens financing constraints and escalates debt default risks, thereby hindering employment in enterprises. The heterogeneity analysis demonstrates a more pronounced negative impact on employment in companies characterized by higher long-term use of short-term debt, diminished growth prospects, heightened involvement in shadow banking, and increased development levels in local shadow banking. Additionally, the policy primarily limits the employment size in firms that finance or engage in arbitrage through shadow banking, while also reducing the demand for low-educated labor within these firms. This study enhances understanding of the impact of shadow banking on the real economy. Moreover, it offers valuable insights for advancing the standardization and market-oriented development of asset management businesses.

Optimization of three-dimensional Tesla valve-based passive micromixer for gradient functional materials mixing

With the rapid development of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, the field of multi-material fabrication, particularly in the production of functionally graded materials, has achieved revolutionary advancements. However, the structures of micromixers, which are central to this technology, have not been sufficiently studied. This study introduces an optimized passive micromixer design based on a 3D Tesla valve, specifically engineered for the efficient mixing of Fe3O4 particles within an epoxy resin E51 matrix. The micromixer leverages the fluid dynamics of the Tesla valve, where sudden changes in flow direction generate secondary flows that enhance mixing performance by disrupting laminar flow and inducing chaotic advection, thereby increasing the interfacial area between different material components. This process significantly improves mixing efficiency in the fabrication of gradient materials. Through theoretical analysis and computational simulations, the study identifies optimal configurations for the Tesla valve system, emphasizing mixing dynamics that enhance material gradient formation. The findings reveal that optimal mixing efficiency is achieved with a configuration comprising three Tesla valves. This optimal setup includes a 0.5-mm opening width at the turning point, an immediate transition from the turning point to the straight pipe (0 mm length), a 0.25-mm structural height for the Tesla valve, and an outlet distance of 0.25 mm from the curved pipe. Hopefully, this study can provide a robust reference for the significant potential of future applications in the realm of multi-material 3D printing, thereby fostering its substantial growth prospects.

An Empirical Analysis of Africa Continental Free Trade Area Economic Growth Prospects in the SADC Region: Evidence Using Autoregressive Distributed Lag-PMG Estimation Techniques

Inter-SADC trade relations of indebted small countries and their potential of ushering economic growth from AfCFTA are unclear in both the short and long run. The study aims to empirically examine if there are AfCFTA economic growth prospects for SADC nations in the short and long term through an examination of the trade openness-economic growth nexus, and how the external debt impacts economic growth. A panel of eight SADC countries is used from a period spanning 1996-2022. The study employs Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and the Pooled Mean Group (PMG) estimation techniques. The findings suggest that trade openness impacts economic growth positively at the 1% level in the long run, whereas external debt impacts economic growth negatively at the 1% level in both the long and short run. The study also finds that causality runs from economic growth to trade openness and is unidirectional. SADC nations are urged to minimise the overreliance on external debt in the funding of domestic consumption needs as it has negative consequences on economic growth in the long term.

Results of Economic Tendency Surveys in Nowcasting GDP Growth

The article proves the usefulness of including aggregate information from economic tendency surveys in the system of nowcasting of economic growth. The authors compare the efficiency of vector autoregressive models that include the economic sentiment indicator based on the results of Rosstat business activity and consumer expectations surveys, and the business climate indicator based on the results of the Bank of Russia enterprise monitoring.Statistical testing of time series of composite indicators and GDP volume index confirmed a significant correlation and causality between them, as well as the similarity of their cyclical profiles. Both indices pass cyclical turning points synchronously or ahead of the GDP volume index, their predictive capabilities are enhanced by the early availability of information. The capabilities of GDP growth nowcasting using survey information are assessed in three specifications of the vector autoregressive model with dummy variables. On the in-sample period, the model including two composite indicators and the GDP volume index demonstrates the highest accuracy.The proposed approach allows us to obtain flash estimates of GDP growth prospects that are significantly ahead of the official statistical information

Development and Analysis of Apple Inc.

This essay analyses and discusses the prospects of Apple Inc. in four main areas: organizational structure, managerial responsibility and agency conflicts, portfolio theory and the CAPM model, and valuation using net present value. Finally, through these four aspects of analysis, it can be concluded that Apple Inc. has good growth prospects, so it can be considered to invest in the company. However, it is also important to note that the technology industry is extremely competitive, so it is important to keep an eye on Apple’s ability to keep innovating and optimizing.

Climatic sensitivity and the growth prospects of Silver fir and European larch in the Carpathians in the light of observed climate changes

One consequence of climate change is the rapid extinction of spruce monocultures in the Carpathians. Therefore, the need has arisen to replace spruce with other highly productive species that ensure the stability and biodiversity of mountain forests, such as the Abies alba and Larix decidua. These co-occurring conifers show different successional and phenological characteristics: L. decidua is a light-demanding species that dominates in the early successional stages, while A. alba is a shade-tolerant tree. This study attempts to identify climatic factors that determine the tree-ring width of fir and larch in order to assess the growth prospects of these species in the context of the ongoing climate change. As a measure of the vitality of trees, tree-ring widths of 42 sub-populations of fir and 36 of larch from the area of the Western Carpathians were used. Regional growth patterns for each species were used to estimate the relationship between temperature/precipitation and radial growth. Linear correlation analyses and nonlinear Random Forest models were used. Fir growth was significantly positively influenced by the high temperature of January–March and July and the high precipitation of February and July of the year of tree-ring formation. Larch growth was positively affected by the high temperature of May and the low precipitation of April and September of the year of tracheid formation. Unlike larch, fir growth increased if May and June of the preceding year were warm. The dominant climatic factor influencing fir growth was February temperature, whereas for larch growth, it was the May temperature of the year of tree-ring formation. Most of the recently observed changes in climatic factors that are important for the growth of both species are favorable. Thus, increasing their share in the Carpathian forests seems fully justified, as this will contribute to the stability, productivity, and biodiversity of the region’s forests.

The contingent impact of wind farms on game mammal density demonstrated in a large-scale analysis of hunting bag data in Poland

Wind farms are still developing dynamically worldwide, with promising prospects for further growth. Therefore, the assessment of their impact on animals has been carried out. So far, few studies have been conducted on game mammals, and their results are divergent. Previous studies on the impact of wind farms on game species were typically based on regional research covering one or, at most, several wind farms. In this study, we aimed to verify the effect of wind farms on the density of game mammals through a large-scale analysis at the country level, using lowland Poland as an example. The study was based on hunting bag data from open-field hunting districts. It covered seven game species: roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), European badger (Meles meles), European polecat (Mustela putorius), and European hare (Lepus europaeus). We used Corine Land Cover to account for differences in land cover and the area covered by wind farms in generalized linear mixed models. The study showed that in agricultural landscapes, mainly herbivorous species of game mammals were related to land cover types. These species tend to exhibit higher densities in agricultural areas containing more natural landscape features. Conversely, mesocarnivores are primarily driven by the abundance of prey with little to no observable effects from land cover types. Only roe deer and wild boar presented lower densities with an increase in the area covered by wind farms (for roe deer: estimate: − 0.05, 95% CI: − 0.1–0.0; for wild boar: estimate: − 0.03, 95% CI: − 0.11–0.05), while no effect was observed for mesocarnivores or European hare. The underlying reasons for these relationships remain unclear and require more specific studies. The uncertainty regarding the cause of the observed effects did not allow for a large-scale assessment of the impact of further wind energy development on the studied game mammals.

Ecological Construction of China's Music Industry from the Perspective of Cultural Economy

As an important part of culture economy, the Chinese music industry has shown a steady growth trend from the supply side, consumption side, and channel side, but there are still some structural contradictions, weak links and problems. With draw lessons from international advanced experience, this paper considers that the healthy and vigorous development of the music industry of China requires the protection of intellectual property rights, the support of financial and tax policies, the cultivation of professional talents, the forging of the industrial chain, and the encouragement of the "going global" of the music industry. This paper believes that the pursuit of spiritual life by humans is endless, the world music industry has shown great market potential and bright growth prospects.

Russian-Ukraine War and its Impact on the European Economy

This study examines the impact of the Russian-Ukraine war on the economy of Europe, concentrating on trade disruptions, energy security, foreign direct investment (FDI) flows, and the socioeconomic ramifications of the war[1]induced refugee crisis. This study employs the descriptive research design, qualitative research method and a secondary source of data collection. The research uncovers the problems and possibilities coming from the war, as well as the larger implications for economic growth, development, and stability in the area. The results reveal severe interruptions to commercial links between European nations, especially Russia, and Ukraine, with key sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and agriculture facing considerable disruptions. Energy security emerges as a significant worry, spurring attempts to diversify energy sources and lessen dependence on Russian supply. Meanwhile, the war has resulted in a drop in FDI inflows to Russia and Ukraine, aggravating economic concerns in both nations and hurting their growth prospects. Furthermore, the research shows the burden on social welfare systems in European nations hosting migrants, since the inflow of refugees exerts great demands on resources and capabilities. Investments in housing, health care, education, and social welfare are vital for satisfying the different needs of displaced people and facilitating their long-term integration into society. However, issues connected to social cohesiveness, community connections, and political dynamics within host nations also occur. The study recommends diplomatic resolution of the dispute through peaceful discussions, involving European Union (EU) member states- Russia, Ukraine, and other parties. This could involve neutral mediation, de-escalating initiatives, and confidence-building measures.