Cooperative Sector Research Articles

Cooperative, Women and Economic Shocks

The cooperative can be considered as a means of independence for Moroccan women. It is the most suitable enterprise to fight against marginalization, reduce unemployment and eradicate poverty.The recent global context characterized by a health pandemic, price increases and the collapse of vital sectors, has significantly impacted the cooperative sector. The objective of this paper is to explore the factors affecting the evolution of the women's cooperative sector and to analyze its degree of resilience to unforeseen shocks. To do so, we opted for a qualitative methodology (interviews and focus groups) that follows an inductive path of exploration.From this study, it emerges that the economic shocks recently experienced have had adverse effects on the social and solidarity economy sector, starting with the cessation of activities and the return to unemployment and ending with resistance or disappearance from the market. In addition, women's cooperatives in the region of Tangier Tetouan Al Hoceima (TTA) have shown an unconditional willingness to undertake and achieve emancipation despite the many factors contributing to hinder their advancement.

Cooperative Investment in Gandaki Province

Cooperatives can truly transform the economy of a country to a level of prosperity. In this regard, this study aimed to explore the possible overall aspects of cooperatives in the Gandaki Province. It is based on the data provided by the Cooperative Registrar Office, Kaski, and the data published by the Department of Cooperative (2022). The present study used integrated research designs for overall discussion. The investment deficiency syndrome of the nation as well as the province could be healed through the better management of the cooperative’s fund and can achieve the goal of “Prosperous Nepal; Happy Nepali”, the slogan of the fifteenth plan. This study found that the cooperative movement is well practiced in the Gandaki province but the regulation and control of the cooperatives sector is very weak. If the proper database is maintained and thoroughly monitored, the aim of the cooperative movement can be achieved in a shorter period. It would wipe out the major unemployment problem of the country boost the national economy, and correct the unfavorable Balance of Trade. This study recommends the investment of cooperative funds in the productive sector rather than in the unproductive one. Moreover, cooperatives must be concerned to uplift the status of marginalized, deprived, women and weak sections of the society which assures the sustainable development of the society and the nation. Additionally, cooperatives must support and attract young people to the agricultural and cottage sector, and Small and Medium Enterprises.

Identifikasi Pengembangan Koperasi Di Jawa Barat Berdasarkan Persfektif Jenis Usaha Tahun 2020-2022

The role of cooperatives in supporting the economy is reflected in their contribution to GDP, which experiences a positive trend every year. The potential of each region is different, resulting in a classification of the types of cooperative businesses that exist in order to realize regional growth in accordance with the resources it has. This research uses descriptive research with a quantitative approach using the Location Quotient (LQ) method. The data used is secondary data obtained from the Ministry of Cooperatives and BPS West Java. The results of the Location Qoutient (LQ) method analysis show that two types of business are categorized as potential bases, namely the consumer cooperative and producer cooperative sectors, because they have an LQ value> 1. Meanwhile, the cooperative, service, marketing cooperative and savings and loan cooperative sectors are in a non-base position, because they have an LQ value <1.

The effect of COVID-19 epidemic to the sustainable operation of the Hungarian social cooperatives based on financial reports from 2019, 2020 and 2021

This paper measures the effect of Covid-19 crisis to the sustainable operation of the Hungarian social cooperatives based on financial reports between 2019 and 2021. Consequently, 740 financial reports were analysed, which covers the population of the whole social cooperative sector in Hungary. The purpose of research was to detect the effect of Covid crisis to the management of Hungarian social cooperatives sector that faced two challenges in this period – the draining out of state subsidies and the dramatic changes caused by the epidemic. The changes of net sales, value-added, operating profit, net profit, and the changes of investment were examined between 2019 and 2021. Rank correlation was used to detect the significance of sectors to the variables, where the sectors were identified by one digit depth (according to Nomenclature of Economic Activities, NACE). The overall ranking was determined by calculating the aggregate average ranking by each examined variable. Findings were the followings: The operational sustainability of social cooperatives is determined by the aptitude of the management, the local microeconomic environment, and the availability of financing sources, rather than the changes in macroeconomic climate. In the world of social cooperatives, the outperforming sectors were the accommodation and recreation ones, while the construction industry and information services performed poorly.

Strengthening the Shariah Governance Structure in Islamic Cooperative Sector

Strengthening the Shariah Governance Structure in Islamic Cooperative Sector

Strategic Financial Management for Housing Finance Companies in India: A Multivariate Approach

Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) have traditionally played a significant role in India's formal housing finance sector. However, their prominence has waned since the fiscal year 2003 when Commercial Banks (CBs) surpassed them in market share, holding over 70 percent of the market compared to HFCs' 28 percent. Cooperative sector institutions occupy a much smaller share, approximately 0.5 percent. Despite their specialization in housing finance, HFCs face increasing challenges to their market share and profitability, particularly the smaller ones. Many smaller HFCs have already succumbed to competitive pressures. The introduction of the 'Base Rate' by the Reserve Bank of India compelled commercial banks to charge higher lending rates to HFCs, placing additional cost pressures on these institutions. Given this evolving landscape, the financial performance of HFCs has become crucial for their survival and growth. In this context, this paper aims to achieve the following objectives: (i) provide an overview of the institutional housing finance system in India, (ii) conduct a comprehensive examination of the role of HFCs in the changing housing finance market, including their principal challenges, (iii) analyze the determinants of superior financial performance in HFCs using Multivariate Discriminant Analysis (MDA) methodology, and (iv) propose effective strategies to enhance the financial performance of HFCs in the context of financial management.

Performance Review of Dairy Cooperative Sector in Odisha: An Analysis

Performance Review of Dairy Cooperative Sector in Odisha: An Analysis

The Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): The Case Of The Brics Countries

This research study provides a comparative examination of several partnership types and looks at how well public-private partnerships (PPPs) benefit small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Finding the best strategies for fostering SME expansion is the goal. The paper examines how PPPs might support the development of SMEs, acknowledging their critical role in generating employment and economic progress. The research looks at governance structures, finance mechanisms, resource allocation, knowledge sharing, and capacity building as important elements influencing partnership success by analyzing several PPP models across different countries and industries. The report presents recommendations for decision-makers in government, business, and agency that support small and medium-sized enterprise development. It also sheds light on the advantages, disadvantages, and best practices of various partnership arrangements. The study adds to our understanding of PPPs and SME assistance while offering useful suggestions for improving public-private sector cooperation. The results have important ramifications for shaping public policy and directing the creation and execution of successful PPPs that assist SMEs and promote long-term economic growth and prosperity.

Penggunaan Metode Saw Dalam Mendukung Pengambilan Keputusan Penentuan Pemberian Pinjaman (Studi Kasus : Koperasi Hening Rahayu)

This research aims to implement the SAW (Simple Additive Weighting) method in supporting decision making for granting money loans to Savings and Loans Cooperatives. Hening Rahayu Savings and Loans Cooperative in Tabanan, Bali is the subject of this research. In this context, cooperatives face challenges in selecting customers who are worthy of loan services. The SAW method was chosen because of its ease of implementation and its ability to consider various relevant criteria. This method has advantages in terms of usability, error, interpretability, and computational efficiency. This research will involve collecting data on the profile of potential borrowers, loan eligibility, credit risk, and repayment capacity. This data will be analyzed using the SAW method to produce a final score for each prospective borrower. This score will be used as a basis for making decisions about granting loans. By using the SAW method, it is hoped that the Hening Rahayu Cooperative can speed up and simplify the decision-making process regarding granting loans. It is hoped that the results of this research can contribute to the development of technology in the savings and loan cooperative sector. Further research could involve developing other methods to support decision making or making the SAW method a system that can support decision making in different savings and loan cooperative contexts.

Legal Challenges for International Fintech Startups

Financial technology (Fintech) startups looking to scale globally often face complex regulations across jurisdictions inhibiting market access and rapid customer adoption. This research investigates legal obstacles frequently encountering international Fintech platforms through qualitative research methods. It aims to highlight recurring concerns like data sovereignty, interoperability, licensing barriers and talent acquisition issues for innovators attempting multi-country service availability. Though results indicate regulatory principles remain largely unharmonized currently, recommendations urge sectoral cooperation advancing unified standards spanning data management, oversight rules and open banking architectures. Phasing proportionate need-based compliances and controlled sandboxes can enable clearer policy signaling benefiting responsibly expanding startups. Effective policy incentives and dispute assistance schemes may ease market entry and sustain trust lacking today. However, truly unraveling Fintech possibilities requires expediting progressive, agile and internationally integrated legal systems protecting consumers while fostering inclusive innovation ecosystems.

ISSUES AND CHALLENGES IN DEVELOPING SHARIAH GOVERNANCE AND SHARIAH AUDIT IN ISLAMIC COOPERATIVES

The development of Shariah governance and audit in Islamic Cooperatives in Malaysia is one of the primary concerns since some issues were raised throughout the process. Islamic cooperatives in Malaysia are regulated by Suruhanjaya Koperasi Malaysia (SKM), which aims to encourage the growth of cooperatives that comply with Shariah. Islamic cooperatives operate their business under supervision from SKM regarding governance and Shariah perspective. The development of Shariah governance and Shariah audit support the Shariah compliance system that already operates in most Islamic institutions. During the Shariah governance and audit process, some issues are addressed during the development, which involves guidelines, Shariah auditor competency, staff skills, and governance and Shariah audit of the cooperative sector. The study’s approach included an interview with practitioners from cooperatives, auditors, and experts in the industry. This paper aims to identify the issues and challenges of Shariah governance and Shariah audit in the Islamic cooperative sector. The study will contribute to one of the key critical elements in strengthening the Shariah governance and Shariah audit in the cooperative sector.

US-EU trade and economic relationship in the age of global rivalry

The erosion of the U.S.-centric global order, heightened confrontation with Russia, and escalating rivalry with China are propelling the United States and the EU towards more intensive cooperation in economic and technological sectors. Coordinating sanctions and other punitive measures against 'revisionist powers' has become a key area of interaction between Washington and Brussels. Remarkably, the US-EU trade and economic relationship has advanced during the Biden presidency, contrasting sharply with the tariff and trade wars of the Trump era. Following a brief decline during the pandemic, US-EU bilateral trade has resumed growing at a rapid pace. Efforts by Washington and Brussels to address challenges posed by emerging technologies coincide with their individual pursuits of unilateral advantages in the race for technological supremacy and a transition to a green economy. While the transatlantic partners are striving for cooperation, this does not preclude potential clashes in their trade and economic interests, especially where there are foundational reasons for intense competition.

Analysis of Influential Factors in the Agricultural Sector Cooperatives Success in Lampung Province

Cooperatives can potentially have a broad impact on the economic order. The success of cooperatives can benefit members, the surrounding environment, and even the broader scope. The agricultural sector is the third largest number of cooperatives in Lampung Province. This research aimed to analyze the factors that affect cooperative business volume, and net income (SHU) of agricultural sector cooperatives in Lampung Province. The number of samples in this study was 33 cooperatives. The samples are cooperatives that run agricultural related businesses and cooperatives whose members are agricultural business actors in Lampung Province. The multiple linear regression was used to analyze factors that influenced the business volume and the net income (SHU). It was found the number of members and business units have a negative effect on business volume, while capital and loan capital have a positive effect on business volume. At the same time, the variables of managers' availability and the chairman's education level do not affect the business volume of agricultural sector cooperatives in Lampung Province. Self-capital, loan capital, and the chairman's high level of education have a positive effect on business rest, and the number of members and business units have a negative effect on the net income (SHU). In contrast, the manager availability and the chairman’s education level at imtermediate and low levels have no effect on the net income (SHU) of agricultural sector cooperatives in Lampung Province.
 
 Keywords: agricultural cooperatives, business volume, net income (SHU)

CREATIVE ECONOMY: SUPPORT OF CREATIVE HUBS BY THE PUBLIC SECTOR IN THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT

Creative hubs are institutional organization of newly emerging creative industries. Economic activities associated with creative industries are very often business-oriented and strongly independent. However, there are often needs for public sector. The aim of paper is to analyze the situation in the Czech Republic and assess the involvement and benefits of the public sector towards the support of these business activities. Methodologically, the work is based on several approaches. Primarily, a database of Czech creative hubs was created as part of desk research. This was followed by quantitative questionnaire survey with representatives of creative hubs and qualitative research in the form of structured interviews with representatives of hubs and the public sector. It was found that without public finances and interest, Czech creative hubs cannot function in the long term. Financial support is therefore the most common form of public support. The main strength of hubs lies in the built community of members, offered services and networking. Conversely, the main weakness is the inability to secure sufficient funds and sponsors. Although public sector cooperation in the Czech Republic is still limited, many public representatives are beginning to realize the benefits of the creative economy and gradually implement it into policies.

Regulating informal housing for the Syrian reconstruction. Between urban renewal and upgrading

PurposeInformal housing stands out as a major challenge surrounding the massive reconstruction of Syrian cities, devastated by a bloody war and a terrible earthquake. The purpose of this article is to assess the adequacy of the Syrian Law to adequate provide a solution to this problem.Design/methodology/approachWith the purpose of informing the question, this paper offers a legal-institutional analysis of the informal housing phenomenon and the corresponding regulatory responses in Syria. A literature review is conducted, and functional analysis of the legal texts and their effective implementation is provided.FindingsFirst, informal housing in Syria has been fostered by the existence of an erratic regulation, particularly burdened by the incoherence of passing repressive provisions against informal housing while master plans were conspicuously absent or incomplete. Second, the regulatory policy seems to be leaning toward the urban renewal option, indicating a supply-oriented housing approach that may face serious challenges due to the scarcity of capital. In this context, regulation should not underestimate any policy tools at hand (renewal and upgrading; with the contribution of public, private and cooperative sectors).Originality/valueAlthough there have been several studies on informal housing in Syria, none has taken a legal institutionalist approach. Furthermore, this study offers an up-to-date account of the problem, taking into account the problematic after the 2023 earthquake and the content of Law 2/2023.

Social Resources and Cooperative Resilience: Findings from the Canadian Cooperative Sector During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Social Resources and Cooperative Resilience: Findings from the Canadian Cooperative Sector During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Sustainability and Net Zero climate agreements – a transatlantic antitrust perspective

The climate crisis requires a transition to a Net Zero economy. Such a transition is possible only through concerted public and private action. While a number of financial institutions and insurance companies had agreed to align their activities with Net Zero targets, reconsidering support for new coal and fossil fuel projects, these initiatives have come under attack from political groups in the US, who have labelled such agreements ‘collective boycotts’. Such accusations feed a collective action problem, and thus hinder private sector cooperation. This article discusses the background to Net Zero Agreements, and the recent antitrust criticisms, under US, EU and UK antitrust law and precedent. Net Zero Agreements can alleviate market failures, resolve collective action problems, and improve consumer welfare by lowering the potentially huge costs to consumers of an unmitigated climate crisis. Under a rule of reason, antitrust authorities and courts in the US, EU, and UK can and should give room for private sector cooperation between companies pursuing an effective transition to a clean economy, where these agreements correct market failures and resolve collective action problems.

Strengthening local economies through social capital: The role of cooperative firms in driving economic growth in Italy

AbstractThis paper aims to empirically explore the linkage between the cooperative sector and economic growth in Italian provinces (NUTS‐3), through a panel analysis covering the period between 2013 and 2019. We hypothesize that the cooperative sector can contribute to economic growth through its ability to generate social capital, thereby helping to mitigate market failures. The empirical analysis does not provide us with robust evidence of the positive connection between the cooperative sector as a whole and local economic growth. However, when we disaggregate the cooperative sector into ordinary and social cooperatives, we find intriguing results. Indeed, there is robust evidence of a negative relationship between the territorial distribution of ordinary cooperatives and economic growth, while for social cooperatives we find a positive relationship. We interpret these results as showing that the pursuit of general interest objectives, which allows the principle of mutuality to be extended to indirect forms of reciprocity, could make cooperative firms more effective in promoting the economic performance of territories. This is because they are more likely to generate bridging social capital that encourages the spread of generalized trust, a key factor in the advancement of modern market economies.

The way forward from Guild Socialism: a comment on Hodgson

Abstract This note starts from Hodgson’s (2023) thorough review and critique of Guild Socialism and argues that his proposed way forward—a decentralised producer cooperative sector embedded in a competitive market economy—is likely to be a political impossibility. A political economy model of a system of labour-managed firms is outlined which shows that laissez-faire on investment decisions is likely to be outvoted by a capital tax/subsidy scheme that redistributes income from rich coops to poor coops.

Políticas para disminuir el riesgo crediticio en las Cooperativas de Ahorro y Crédito en el distrito turístico y cultural de Riohacha

In the tourist and cultural district of Riohacha, department of La Guajira, savings and credit cooperatives are a source of resources that serve to finance various business projects that improve people's income and quality of life. That is why these cooperatives are social assets that must be protected in order for them to maintain their operations normally. It should be a concern and a task of the academy to provide conceptual theoretical tools to define a better implementation of the policy for credit risk management in these entities. Methodologically, the research is classified as a descriptive field study, with a population of members of the credit and portfolio area of the savings and credit cooperatives in the district of Riohacha. A questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument, which was reviewed by five (5) experts in the area. Cronbach's Alpha coefficient was used to determine its reliability. The objective is to analyze the policies applied in credit risk management in the savings and credit cooperative sector in the tourist and cultural district of Riohacha. Theoretically supported by the postulates of the authors Lara (2005), Elizondo, A. (2004). Credit risk, Elizondo, A. and Altman, E, Gasol, M (2017), Gitman (2019), Sanchez, Inocencio (2016), Sebastian and Lopez (2020), Soley and Rahenma (2021). The objective of this study is to determine the policies for credit risk management in savings and credit cooperatives in the tourist and cultural district of Riohacha.