Vol. 2 No. 1 (2024)

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 338

Bank depositors in Arab economies amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

by Abdulazeez Y.H. Saif-Alyousfi

Forum for Economic and Financial Studies, Vol.2, No.1, pp. 2(1), 338; , 2024; 68 Views, 93 PDF Downloads

This study investigates the multifaceted impacts of COVID-19, GDP, exchange rates, unemployment, and economic policy uncertainty on bank depositors in Arab economies: Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Palestine, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen, between 2017 and 2022. Using ordinary least square analysis, the research uncovers significant relationships between these variables and banking indicators. COVID-19 has emerged as a dominant force, displaying a substantial and adverse link to the number of deposit accounts and depositors. While GDP, exchange rates, unemployment, and economic policy uncertainty also exhibit influences on banking metrics, their effects are comparatively smaller. This underscores the pandemic’s exceptional sway over banking behaviors within the region, emphasizing the pressing need to address COVID-19’s implications for financial stability and strategies to reinforce banking resilience amidst diverse economic challenges.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 402

Efficiency of labor allocation: An observation in Indonesian Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC)

by Tongam Sihol Nababan, Elvis Fresly Purba

Forum for Economic and Financial Studies, Vol.2, No.1, pp. 2(1), 402; , 2024; 60 Views, 41 PDF Downloads

This study aims to analyze the efficiency and elasticity of the large and medium manufacturing industry sector in Indonesia from 2012 to 2020. The analysis focuses on the 24 subsectors within the 2-digit Indonesian Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) principal groups 10 to 33. The efficiency level of the manufacturing industry sector was analyzed using the Cobb-Douglas production function model with linear logarithmic transformation. During the period 2012–2020, the production efficiency of the 24 ISIC 2-digit subsectors increased by an average of 445%, or 4 times higher than before. The ISIC 2-digit subsector (24 subsectors) had output elasticity values smaller than one ( E L < 1) or inelastic 45 times. This indicates that the marginal value added of labor was lower than the average value added of labor. Therefore, the additional allocation of labor in large and medium industries tends to reduce the average value added of labor. The computer industry, electronic and optical goods computer, electronic and optical goods had the highest efficiency index in order, according to the data. This can be achieved by focusing on industries such as ISIC 17 (paper and paper goods industry), ISIC 31 (furniture industry), and ISIC 29 (motor vehicle, trailer and semi-trailer industry). To improve the efficiency of labor allocation, it is necessary to optimize the use of labor resources, increase productivity, and remain competitive in the market. To improve efficiency and elasticity, it is recommended to implement a robust workforce planning strategy that aligns labor resources with production needs. Additionally, matching the skills and abilities of the workforce with job roles is crucial. Finally, identifying tasks that can be automated using technology can also increase efficiency.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 437

Goliath vs. Goliath, IT product management at Amazon and IBM

by  Ilias  Georgousis

Forum for Economic and Financial Studies, Vol.2, No.1, pp. 2(1), 437; , 2024; 147 Views, 86 PDF Downloads

Product management (PM) is nearing its centennial. The father of modern PM Neil H. McElroy laid the foundation for this ever-expanding role. Since 1931, this role has undertaken many changes and additions; a lot of literature covers these aspects. However, two of the most interesting aspects of this role are the introduction of PM in technology and the new product development theory (NPD). The goal of this paper is to examine and compare the PM practices of two giant corporations, Amazon and IBM, that seemingly use different techniques and approaches when it comes to their PM implementation and strategy. The research methods applied are two case studies and a comparative analysis. Through examining relevant literature and publicly accessible information, the comparative analysis is performed and the specific practices of strategy, product development, validate customer needs, service innovation, portfolio management, new product development and diffusion or adoption are selected to provide a spherical approach and information for the two selected companies. A plethora of literature papers are reviewed, and more emphasis is of course given to the aforementioned practices that information is more available and for the other topics a brief introduction is accomplished and space for further research is set.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 343

Supply chain disruptions and their effect on suppliers and consumers in the marketplace

by Dena Bateh

Forum for Economic and Financial Studies, Vol.2, No.1, pp. 2(1), 343; , 2024; 35 Views, 24 PDF Downloads

Supply chains are essential for businesses to stay afloat and to create operational efficiency. Without them, it becomes difficult to maintain customer value and to serve with a competitive advantage. Supply chain disruptions are always expected to occur due to the demand for certain products either decreasing or increasing. In recent years, we have experienced a mass supply chain disruption that has affected businesses worldwide. The Covid-19 pandemic took the economy by storm and has changed the way business owners view the marketplace. Market uncertainty was at an all-time high, leading business owner to re-assess their operations. Both consumer and supplier behavior were changing the way these markets were fluctuating. The intensity of consumer purchasing behaviors was beginning to shift the demand curve. Localization of supply became a more seemingly popular way to counteract product shortages. The creation of new technologies will also help industries to be more prepared and manufacture products more efficiently. Furthermore, supply chains can be unpredictable and there are many ways in which the marketplace can be ready for those moments of uncertainty. The past few years have really opened a new lens and gave businesses a new point of view on what can be expected. As for now, preparing for the future is a great place to start and will help us continue a path to a successful economy.  Thus, the goal of this research is to identify and explore different businesses tactics and procedures to help explore the effects of the supply chain disruptions on the public.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 428

Money market insights in China: Evidence from visual analytics approach

by Qisheng Guo, Xiaoming Li, Qiyuan Li, Shenghui Cheng

Forum for Economic and Financial Studies, Vol.2, No.1, pp. 2(1), 428; , 2024; 25 Views, 31 PDF Downloads

This research employs visual analytics approaches to demystify the complex dynamics of China’s money market, spanning from 1984 to 2020. Our objective is to transform intricate financial data into intuitive visual representations, thereby enhancing understanding and decision-making. We utilize advanced visual analytics techniques to analyze key aspects like Money Supply, Deposits, Loans, and Foreign Exchange. The study reveals significant trends and insights, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of financial dynamics in China. These findings serve as valuable tools for economists and policymakers, guiding more informed decisions in financial governance.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 458

Do medical spending and income reduce the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus and tuberculosis? A study on Sub-Saharan Africa

by Murad A. Bein, Galip E. Erdil

Forum for Economic and Financial Studies, Vol.2, No.1, pp. 2(1), 458; , 2024; 27 Views, 8 PDF Downloads

Several countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) suffer from economic hardship and high unemployment rates; furthermore, this region has higher rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB). This study examined the relationships between HIV and TB, income and total medical spending and its components private, and public healthcare expenditure, for 41 SSA countries. Random and fixed-effects models were utilized in this study to explore relationships by studying time series and cross-sectional panel data obtained from the World Bank. Results demonstrated that there is a positive relationship between HIV and unemployment and a negative relationship with income and medical spending. We also observed that, when private and public medical expenditures are compared, private medical expenditures alleviate the HIV epidemic. Considering the association with TB, income, total, and its components private and public medical expenditures are negatively related. Since prevention of such life-threatening diseases like HIV and TB become vital to find remedy for, there is a need for more government initiatives including, job creation, increased productivity and increased income levels can be seen as preconditions, in fighting and controlling HIV and TB.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 1276

The impact of ESG on management tone: Empirical evidence from China

by Ying Hu, Xuanming Zhang

Forum for Economic and Financial Studies, Vol.2, No.1, pp. 2(1), 1276; , 2024; 44 Views, 22 PDF Downloads

This paper examines the effect and mechanism of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance on management tone from the perspective of psychology and behavioral finance. The study found that ESG performance can significantly improve the enthusiasm of managers’ intonation, which is more obvious when the population density of the enterprise is higher. The mechanism analysis shows that the ESG performance of enterprises mainly affects the tone of managers through two channels: reducing financing constraints and improving financial performance. This paper examines the internal logic of ESG practice on managers’ emotional tendencies from the perspective of psychology and behavioral finance, and reveals that ESG practice does not make managers become negative.