Risk Management Strategies Research Articles

"We Could Hold Our Own Here at Home": Longitudinal Experience of COVID-19 Lockdowns in Parents With Children Affected With Interstitial Lung Disease.

The global health emergency of COVID-19 in early 2020 placed much of the population under quarantine. Interstitial Lung Disease in childhood (chILD) was recommended to be a pediatric clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) group in April 2020 for shielding due to the unknown health consequences of COVID-19 in children with chronic respiratory conditions. This qualitative longitudinal research study explores how chILD parents in the UK experienced COVID-19 lockdown from over two interview time points. Participants (n = 8) were recruited from chILD patient organizations and online communities. Interview one focused on the period between January 2020 to July 2020, gaining personal insight into respondent's experience of lockdowns, which included questions on support systems and media coverage of COVID-19. The second interview enquired how respondents managed further UK lockdowns between September 2020 and May 2021. The main themes were uncertainty and adaptation. Respondents described how they navigated the UK lockdowns and undertook various risk management strategies for pandemic isolation. Once these were established, routine and positive family bonding was reported, along with a reluctant acceptance of the COVID-19 virus and continued shielding. As new COVID-19 information emerged, risk management strategies changed or remained for some respondents, bringing a feeling of living with COVID-19 as a "new normal". (Understanding the unique insights people with rare diseases such as chILD face during a global pandemic adds to policy and healthcare literature. Recommendations include further study of caregiver traits and resilience, essential facets of positive pandemic adaptation.

The Intersection of Psoriasis and Neoplasia: Risk Factors, Therapeutic Approaches, and Management Strategies

The association between psoriasis and increased cancer risk is gaining recognition as studies reveal shared inflammatory and immune pathways. This review examines the relationship between psoriasis and neoplasia, focusing on cancer risk factors in psoriasis patients, the biological pathways underlying this connection, and the impact of various psoriasis treatments on cancer development. Psoriasis patients have a heightened incidence of certain cancers, such as lymphomas, skin cancers, and urological malignancies, potentially linked to immune dysregulation and chronic inflammation. Immunomodulatory treatments for psoriasis, including conventional systemic therapies and biologics, present varied cancer risks, with others, such as phototherapy, associated with an elevated risk of skin cancers. For oncologic patients with psoriasis, management necessitates a tailored approach, balancing effective psoriasis control with minimizing cancer progression risks. The emergence of IL-17 inhibitors, IL-23 inhibitors, and small-molecule therapies offers promising therapeutic alternatives with favorable safety profiles for these patients. This review underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize care for patients managing both psoriasis and malignancy.

Local institutional strategies and responses to climate change risks in the Indian Sundarbans: A political economic analysis

In this article, we use a political economic analysis in arguing that climate change risks and vulnerabilities are often produced and sustained through inappropriate, loosely designed and socially contested institutional mechanisms. Using ethnography, we contribute to the existing social science scholarship on climate vulnerability and risk by focusing on a political economic analysis of how risks are framed and responded at local institutional levels in the Indian Sundarbans. Our paper offers place-based nuances of climate politics to show how local institutions are characterised by power relations, economic incentives and political influences while facilitating and deploying climate risk management strategies. Empirical findings from our study highlight that neoliberal approaches to climate risk management facilitated by local institutions reveal predominant market mechanisms, patron–clientele relations and technologically engineered solutions to create local climate economies. From our findings, we conclude that political economy of climate change can explain why and how adaptation policies become ineffective in everyday experiences of precarious living.

Innovation Capacity as a Mediating Mechanism Between Strategic Risk Integration and ESG Performance: Evidence from Jordanian Banks

While prior research has established direct relationships between strategic risk integration and ESG performance in banking, critical gaps remain in understanding the transformation mechanisms, particularly in emerging markets. This study investigated how banking innovation capacity mediates the relationship between strategic risk integration and ESG performance in Jordanian banks. Drawing on dynamic capabilities theory and questionnaire data from 165 banking executives (71.7% response rate), the results revealed that strategic risk integration significantly influences ESG performance both directly and indirectly through banking innovation capacity. The multi-group analysis showed institutional invariance between commercial and Islamic banks, suggesting the generalizability of these relationships. The findings advance dynamic capabilities theory by demonstrating innovation capacity’s role as a transformative mechanism in banking sustainability and provide practical insights for emerging market banks seeking to enhance ESG performance through integrated risk management and innovation strategies.

Health risk assessment of dietary aflatoxin B1 exposure in common food matrices in Vietnam

AbstractAflatoxins, potent carcinogenic mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus species, persist in various foods, posing significant health risks upon consumption. This study assesses dietary aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exposure in Vietnam using Margin of Exposure (MOE) and Hazard Index (HI) to evaluate risk levels in peanuts, chili powder, corn, and raisins. AFB1 levels were quantified by UPLC-FLD. AFB1 was detected in 71.5% of chili powder, 29.3% of peanuts, and 26.0% of corn samples, with no detectable levels in raisins. Peanuts and corn kernels were classified as high-risk, with MOE values below 10,000 (peanuts: 25.8–56.6; corn: 42.3–92.6) and HI values exceeding 1, potentially contributing to 20.4–44.7 and 12.5–27.3 liver cancer cases per 100,000 adults, respectively. In contrast, chili powder had MOE values between 3,208 and 7,021 and HI below 1, indicating a low public health risk. Raisins were deemed safe with MOE over 200,000 and HI at 0.01. Results also indicated higher cancer risk for women and lean individuals consuming the same AFB1 levels. These findings underscore the need for focused risk management strategies to mitigate AFB1 exposure and protect public health in Vietnam.

Exploring the silent epidemic: investigating the hidden burden of normal weight obesity in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in India - a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of Normal Weight Obesity (NWO) and evaluate its association with cardiometabolic risk factors among patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in Gujarat, India.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 432 adults with T2DM attending a Non-Communicable Disease clinic. Anthropometric measurements, body composition analysis using bioelectrical impedance, and clinical parameters were assessed. NWO was defined as normal BMI (18.5–24.9 kg/m²) with high body fat percentage (≥ 25% for men, ≥ 32% for women). Cardiometabolic risk factors, including blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipid profile, were evaluated. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multivariate logistic regression.ResultsThe prevalence of NWO was 33% among the study population. Significant discordance was observed between BMI classification and body fat percentage, with 91% of males and 51.8% of females with normal BMI having obese levels of body fat. Individuals with NWO demonstrated higher cardiometabolic risk profiles compared to non-obese counterparts, including elevated random blood glucose levels (290 ± 110 mg/dL vs. 180 ± 80 mg/dL, p < 0.001), higher systolic (148.8 ± 25.4 mmHg vs. 122.5 ± 19.5 mmHg, p < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (98.5 ± 55.6 mmHg vs. 78.6 ± 36.6 mmHg, p < 0.001), and increased prevalence of hypertension (61% vs. 15%, p < 0.001). A moderate positive correlation was found between body fat percentage and random blood sugar levels (r = 0.504, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified age, duration of diabetes, blood glucose levels, and blood pressure as independent factors associated with NWO.ConclusionThe high prevalence of NWO and its significant association with adverse cardiometabolic risk factors in T2DM patients underscores the limitations of using BMI alone for obesity assessment. These findings highlight the need for incorporating body composition analysis in routine clinical practice to improve risk stratification and management strategies in T2DM patients, particularly in the Asian Indian population.

Utilising factor analysis on political risks including strategies of managing firm-specific risk factors for multinational construction projects in Pakistan

Purpose The purpose of this article is to investigate the influence that firm-specific characteristics, such as organisational capabilities, risk management methods and stakeholder relationships, have on political risks (PRs) that are associated with multinational construction projects in Pakistan.Design/methodology/approach The methodology employed in this investigation involved the acquisition of data through the use of questionnaires administered to experts in the construction industry. The research applied a quantitative method, and the sources of the data are from the Pakistani stakeholders. One hundred questionnaires were used for the data collection during field visits. Based on the data, it has been ensured that the valid questionnaires were utilised, and the data were tested for validity and reliability. The analysis tool utilised was SPSS software. For the questionnaire, a total of 15 firm-specific factors were considered in order to design the survey, which specifically targeted the identified features. The factors identified as risks were investigated using quantitative method to determine firm-specific risks.FindingsIt was found that when stakeholders have a better grasp of these dynamics, they are better able to strengthen their resilience and efficacy in managing PRs, which ultimately increases the likelihood that the project will be successful.Research limitations/implications International construction projects (ICPs) in emerging countries are substantially impacted by PRs, which can have a considerable impact on their success and sustainability. The study is localised and not generic as it is limited to Pakistan, and the risk factors considered are firm-specific but related to PRs.Practical implications By identifying key risk factors, these firms can develop targeted risk management strategies, leading to enhanced decision-making and more efficient resource allocation. Effective strategies include diversification, local partnerships and comprehensive risk assessments tailored to the unique challenges faced by international contracting firms in Pakistan.Social implications ICPs in emerging countries like Pakistan face critical problems, which include the presence of PRs. Although the larger political environment plays a significant part, the manner in which businesses navigate and mitigate PRs is also influenced by firm-specific elements.Originality/value The study is novel in terms of the factors looked at, the data, the conceptual framework and the findings of the study. The dynamic political scene, which is characterised by instability, policy changes, corruption and geopolitical conflicts, poses significant dangers to the timeliness of projects, the expenses of such projects and the investments that are made in those projects.

Climate risk analysis: Definitions, measurements, strategies, and sectoral impacts

AbstractThe paper reviews and integrates the definitions, measurement techniques of climate risk, and its economic, social, and financial impacts. It systematizes the various dimensions of climate risk, including climate transition risks and physical risks, and how these risks are defined and understood in the current literature. The paper compiles the methodologies used to measure climate risks, highlighting innovative approaches such as big data analytics, machine learning, and complex network models. Additionally, it assesses the societal impacts of climate change, examining how different sectors, including agriculture, energy, transportation, and finance, are affected. By synthesizing findings from a broad range of studies, this review provides a detailed understanding of the multifaceted nature of climate risk and offers insights into effective risk management strategies. Significantly, this research serves as a crucial theoretical foundation for policymakers in formulating policies to combat climate change and for industry practitioners in devising investment strategies, thus providing practical implications that are essential for mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on society. The paper aims to be a valuable resource for those working in this area.

Examination of Risk Management Strategies for the Use of Future and Spots Prices of Agricultural Commodities

This study examines risk management strategies for agricultural commodities using futures and spot markets. The research analyzes price trends, investigates the relationship between futures and spot prices, assesses the impact of futures contracts on risk management, and analyzes the risk-return tradeoff of using futures in selected agricultural commodities. Using 3-5 years of historical price data for cardamom, mentha oil, CPO bales, cotton, and natural rubber, the study employs quantitative analysis including descriptive statistics, regression, correlation, and Sharpe ratio calculations. Results show significant price volatility, strong positive correlations between futures and spot prices, and a significant positive effect of futures contracts on risk management metrics. Natural rubber and mentha oil offer the most attractive risk-adjusted returns. The findings highlight the importance of futures markets in managing agricultural price risks and provide insights for developing effective risk management strategies in the sector. Keywords: Agricultural commodities, futures markets, risk management, price volatility, hedging strategies

Organophosphate pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables in Nigeria: prevalence, environmental impact, and human health implications.

Pesticides have become indispensable in modern agriculture, aiding in crop protection, and ensuring food security. However, their extensive use has raised concerns about environmental contamination and human health risks. This manuscript reviews the prevalence of organophosphate pesticide (OPP) use in Nigerian agriculture and explores methods for detecting pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables. Despite the critical role of pesticides in safeguarding crop yields, the lack of regulatory enforcement and monitoring in Nigeria poses significant challenges. The review underscores the importance of understanding the health implications of pesticide residues in food. While acute and sub-chronic health effects of OPP exposure have been studied, there remains a need for a focused review of the long-term impacts, particularly in the context of limited regulatory oversight. Additionally, the manuscript highlights gaps in knowledge regarding the effects of pesticides on biodiversity, ecosystems, and vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Recommendations include longitudinal studies to assess cumulative and delayed health consequences, systematic reporting of poisoning incidents, and routine analysis of food products to ensure safety. By addressing these gaps, a more comprehensive understanding of the consequences of OPP usage in Nigeria can be achieved, facilitating the development of effective risk management strategies to protect both the environment and public health.

The Impact of Female Director Background on the ESG Performance of Chinese Technology Firms: A Moderating Effect Based on Risk Appetite

As global focus persists on gender variety and corporate social responsibility, the participation and influence of women in corporate governance, particularly their effect on the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of corporations, have garnered extensive scrutiny. Given the significant differences between China and the West in terms of institutions and culture, it is highly valuable to explore the unique relationship between gender diversity and ESG performance in the Chinese context, especially in the high-risk and fast-growing technology industry. This study explores the impact of female director background on ESG performance and the moderating effect of risk appetite. The findings suggest that the proportion of female directors has a significant positive impact on the ESG performance of Chinese technology companies. Furthermore, the corporate risk appetite has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between the proportion of female directors and ESG performance. Female directors with higher education levels, financial professional background, and long-term tenure can more effectively promote the company’s ESG performance. This study enhances the theoretical framework of corporate governance and ESG studies while also offering innovative guidance for firms to enhance their ESG scores and develop effective risk management strategies.

Business risks in managing the economic development of an agro-industrial complex enterprise

Relevance. This scientific article examines the key aspects of financial risk management in the agro-industrial complex. The study is based on an analysis of the price volatility of grain, fertilizers and fuel over the past five years. The results obtained make it possible to identify effective risk management strategies, including the use of financial instruments, and provide practical recommendations for agricultural enterprises. The conclusions of the study can contribute to increasing the stability of the profitability of agribusiness with the variability of prices for raw materials.The purpose of the scientific article is to conduct a comprehensive study to assess financial risks in the agroindustrial complex. The research is aimed at analyzing the price volatility of key raw materials, developing effective risk management strategies, as well as providing practical recommendations for agricultural enterprises.Objectives: development of a model for assessing financial risks in agribusiness based on the analysis of price volatility of grain, fertilizers and fuel over the past five years; research on the effectiveness of financial instruments, such as grain options, to mitigate risks when investing in agricultural production; development of practical recommendations for agricultural enterprises, including diversification of the investment portfolio and the use of financial instruments based on calculations and analysis;Methodology. The methods used in the course of the study include a variety of bibliographic sources, data collection tools, as well as expert approaches.Results. The results of the study include a comprehensive assessment of financial risks in agribusiness based on the analysis of price volatility of key raw materials. This made it possible to identify effective risk management strategies, such as the use of grain options, to ensure stable profitability while reducing the level of financial risk.Conclusions. The results obtained in the course of the study provide practical recommendations for agricultural enterprises on effective financial risk management. Developed strategies, such as the use of grain options, can help reduce the impact of price volatility on profitability, ensuring a more stable financial position of the enterprise.

Conservation Under Siege: The Intersection of Tourism and Environmental Threats in Croatian Protected Areas

This paper investigates the illegal activities that may negatively impact the environment in Croatia’s protected areas, particularly those associated with tourism. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and sensitivity analysis are used to identify distinct high-risk activities specific to different park types. Coastal parks are found to be particularly vulnerable to maritime-related illegal activities, with high risk exposure from mooring vessels and swimming in prohibited areas. These parks also face significant risks from illegal fishing and the capture of strictly protected plants and animals, highlighting the need for enhanced marine ecosystem protection. Mountainous and forest parks face significant risks from fire-related activities, while wetland parks are sensitive to poaching and illegal fishing. Additionally, diverse landscape parks show increased vulnerability to littering, poaching, and the collection or harvesting of strictly protected plants and animals. The results underscore the necessity for tailored risk-management strategies that prioritize interventions based on park-specific challenges. By addressing the unique vulnerabilities of each park type, this study contributes insights into mitigating environmental threats posed by tourism and emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptive management in protected areas.

Do economic uncertainty and political risk steer CDS dynamics? An analysis of the Türkiye CDS

Purpose This study aims to identify critical determinants of sovereign credit risk by examining the influence of oil prices, gold prices, geopolitical risk, market volatility, exchange rates, inflation and non-performing loans on Türkiye’s credit default swap (CDS) spreads. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of how economic uncertainty and political risk impact Türkiye’s financial stability, as reflected in its CDS market. This study investigates the importance of ex ante proxies in explaining changes in CDS spread by financial and economic indicators in Türkiye. Design/methodology/approach This research explores the connections between critical financial and economic indicators and the credit risk of Türkiye between 2009 and 2022 by using advanced econometric techniques such as ARDL bound tests, fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS), dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS), Johansen co-integration tests and VECM Granger causality analyses. Findings ARDL bound test results reveal significant negative impacts of BIST and non-performing loans on CDS, and positive associations with inflation, VIX and geopolitical risk on CDSs. The short-term results show that BIST, INFL, NPL, USD, VIX and GPRT have negative coefficients. Johansen co-integration, FMOLS and DOLS results reinforce the ARDL findings. Moreover, BIST is a significant Granger cause of CDS. Originality/value This study is significant, as it jointly considers economic and political risk factors, thereby integrating multiple econometric models to provide more robust, meaningful and comparable results. By examining these factors together, the analysis offers a more comprehensive understanding of risk dynamics, yielding insights relevant to Türkiye. Although the findings are specific to Türkiye, they have broader implications, enriching the understanding of emerging economies. Türkiye’s status as a key representative of emerging markets strengthens the study’s value, as the results can serve as a reference point for other countries with similar economic structures. The importance of this study is also underscored by its potential to inform risk management strategies, guide policy decisions and offer insights to investors and financial analysts. By elucidating the intricate relationships among a broad spectrum of macroeconomic variables, this research contributes to a more comprehensive risk assessment framework. It equips stakeholders with a more informed perspective on the factors influencing credit risk in Türkiye’s economic landscape.

THE EFFECT OF INFLATION ON SBI BANK

The relationship between inflation and the performance of major Indian banks, particularly the State Bank of India (SBI), reveals significant insights into macroeconomic stability and banking sector resilience. High inflation affects SBI's cost structures, loan demand, and non-performing asset (NPA) rates, with adverse impacts on profitability and asset quality. Elevated inflation rates often drive the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to raise interest rates, indirectly impacting SBI’sloan growth and deposit mobilization.Higher interest rates increase loan costs for customers, suppressing credit demand and increasing default risks. SBI also faces higher operational costs and reduced profit margins under inflationary pressures. However, the bank’s large deposit base and robust capital position offer some resilience against inflationary shocks. Additionally, SBI's adoption of advanced risk management strategies and digitalization helps mitigate inflationary impacts, though prolonged inflationary phases can still strain its financial stability. Addressing these inflation-induced challenges requires active regulatory oversight, efficient risk management, and adaptive fiscal policies to ensure SBI’s sustained growth and stability. Keywords: Inflation, State Bank of India, non-performing assets, Reserve Bank of India, banking sector resilience,macroeconomic stability

Factors Shaping Organizational Contingency Plans: Insights into Risk Management and Preparedness

Contingency planning is vital for organizations to sustain operations amidst unforeseen challenges, particularly in the volatile and uncertain business landscape of today. This study explores the factors influencing the contingency planning process, focusing on internal elements such as leadership and organizational culture, alongside external factors like technological advancements and market conditions. Using a quantitative methodology, data were collected from 139 participants in IT companies based in Erbil, Kurdistan. The findings reveal significant relationships between organizational culture, leadership, risk management strategies, and external factors in shaping effective contingency plans. Practical recommendations are provided to enhance preparedness and resilience in the IT sector. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on risk management and business continuity, offering actionable insights for organizations striving to navigate complexities in a dynamic environment.

Impact of Macroeconomic Shocks on Financial Performance and Risk Management: A Case Study of LPP SA During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Ukraine War

This study analyses the impact of two major macroeconomic shocks—the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war—on the financial stability of LPP SA, a leading apparel company in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe. This research uses the coefficient of variation to assess changes in financial volatility and evaluates the effectiveness of LPP SA’s risk management strategies. The findings reveal that, while the COVID-19 pandemic had a more destabilising effect on the company’s performance, the Ukraine war’s impact was mitigated by strategic diversification and resource reallocation. The study’s implications are relevant for risk management practices in the apparel industry and other consumer-driven sectors.

Enhancing Sustainable Decision Making: The Impact of Emotional Valence, Arousal, and Personality on Risk Recognition During Contract Review

The capacity to identify risks during the pre-contract phase is crucial for effective contract management. Among the various factors that can influence this ability, emotions play a significant role in determining the risk recognition capabilities of individuals. This study aims to investigate the complex interplay between emotional states, personality traits, learning styles, and risk recognition during contract review with physiological and psychological responses. Firstly, a theoretical framework that delineates the relationship among the demographic and emotional factors and risk recognition performance during contract review is proposed. Secondly, an experiment is conducted to record the physiological and psychological responses. Finally, a hierarchical regression model is employed. The results indicated that emotional valence and arousal significantly influence risk recognition performance (p &lt; 0.001), while individual factors such as personality traits and risk propensity indirectly affect risk recognition performance through the mediating role of emotions (p &lt; 0.01). The research contributes to the existing literature by elucidating the indirect pathways through which individual characteristics influence risk perception. These insights can inform sustainable risk management strategies, helping organizations and individuals make more informed and effective decisions in contract management.

Improving realised volatility forecast for emerging markets

AbstractAccurate forecasting of realised volatility is essential for financial risk management and investment decision-making in emerging markets, taking the South African financial market as a benchmark. This study examines the predictive performance of four prominent models: HAR (Heterogeneous AutoRegressive), realised GARCH (Generalized AutoRegressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity), Recurrent Conditional Heteroskedasticity (RECH), and the Rough Fractional Stochastic Volatility (RFSV) models. These models are specifically tailored to capture the complex dynamics and long-range dependence observed in financial time series. We illustrate the challenges and limitations of these models outside the context of established markets. Our empirical findings reveal unique strengths for each model. The HAR model excels in capturing long-term volatility patterns, while realised GARCH models effectively capture volatility clustering and persistence. RECH model showcases their ability to forecast Value-at-Risk, while the RFSV model successfully captures irregular and long-memory characteristics. We provide empirical evidence that the South African financial market is rough. Moreover, this study provides valuable insights into forecasting realised volatility in the South African market, and the findings can assist practitioners and investors in making informed decisions and developing robust risk management strategies.

Strategic Insights into Bank Performance: CAMELS Analysis of Indian Banks

The banking sector is a cornerstone of the global economy, driving economic growth, financial sta-bility, and efficient resource allocation. Assessing the financial health and operational effectiveness of banks is crucial for maintaining the stability of the broader financial system. The CAMEL model, a well-established analytical framework, provides a comprehensive approach to evaluating key aspects of bank-ing performance, including Capital Adequacy, Asset Quality, Management Efficiency, Earnings Quality, and Liquidity. This model highlights areas for improvement and ensures a thorough assessment of a bank’s financial soundness. Extensive research has confirmed the model's applicability across various global contexts, including India, Nepal, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Sri Lanka, consistently identifying asset quality, capital adequacy, and earnings as essential drivers of profitability. The model also reveals that private banks generally outperform public banks in most parameters. Moreover, the CAMEL model has proven to be a valuable tool in promoting financial inclusion, particularly through the analysis of Small Finance Banks, and its adaptability to emerging markets further underscores its relevance. Despite its broad applicability, gaps exist in the literature, particularly regarding the model’s adaptation to diverse regulatory environments and market dynamics. Addressing these gaps will enable more customized strategies for financial analysis and risk management, enhancing the resilience of the global banking system. This study aims to contribute to this discourse by exploring the nuanced use of the CAMEL model in assessing the financial performance of banks in varied contexts. The findings aim to offer ac-tionable insights for improving financial performance, managing risks, and fostering sustainable growth in the banking industry.