Economy

Towards the development of the tourism sector in Palestine: Challenges and recommendations

Ahd Hinnawi, Nurul Zarirah — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores the challenges facing the Palestinian tourism sector and provides recommendations for its development. A systematic review methodology was used to analyze relevant studies, categorizing challenges into three areas: (1) occupation-related barriers, (2) internal structural obstacles, and (3) marketing and technological limitations. Key recommendations were extracted and synthesized. Findings indicate that the Israeli occupation imposes severe movement restrictions, site destruction, and misinformation campaigns. Internal obstacles include weak infrastructure, economic constraints, and inadequate professional capacity. Marketing and technological limitations hinder global visibility. Addressing these challenges requires political advocacy, infrastructure development, economic investment, and digital marketing strategies. Palestinian tourism has strong potential but is hindered by political, economic, and marketing barriers. A comprehensive strategy integrating political resolutions, economic development, and modern marketing approaches is essential for sustainable growth. The study provides actionable insights for policymakers and tourism stakeholders, emphasizing infrastructure improvement, digital marketing, and global advocacy to enhance the sector’s sustainability.

Assessing the effect of use of computerized accounting systems on organizational performance: A focus on selected (NGOs) on the Copperbelt of Zambia

Chalenga Laskey Mwila, Danny Leza — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of the use of computerized accounting systems on organizational performance and the effect it has on the performance of Non-governmental organization on the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. The study uses a simple random sampling technique and employed a mixed method approach, quantitative and qualitative research design methodologies. This study employed a correlation analysis and a combination of data collection methods such as interviews, direct observation and questionnaires to gather the needed data to ascertain the relationship between variables. The findings showed 80% adoption rate; also confirmed that the use of computerized accounting systems in NGOs contributed positively to financial reporting practices that are required by funders. The results from correlation tests indicated that; there is a highly significant positive relationship between computerized accounting system (X) and performance (Y) in NGO’s with (r = 0.730, p = 0.022). It was concluded that, the use of computerized accounting system in these non-governmental organizations simplified a lot of tiresome work, such as invoicing and inventory management. If the adoption rate would move to a rate of 100%, there would be efficiency, transparency and appropriateness in the financial reporting structures in NGO’s.

Internal corporate social responsibility and employees’ performance of selected deposit money banks in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the impact of Internal Corporate Social Responsibility (ICSR) on employee performance in selected deposit money banks in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Four research objectives, research questions and five hypotheses were considered for the study respectively. Four key components of ICSR which are skill development, working conditions, empowerment, and employment stability were analyzed in relation to employee performance metrics such as job satisfaction, commitment, and engagement. A descriptive and explanatory research design was adopted, and data were collected from a sample of 303 bank employees using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis, employing both descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis to test five hypotheses. The study is anchored on Stakeholder Theory and Social Exchange Theory, which explains the relationship between organizational care and employee outcomes. Results showed that all ICSR variables significantly and positively influence employee performance, with empowerment having the strongest effect and employment stability the least. The study concludes that strategic investment in internal CSR initiatives leads to enhanced employee outcomes. It recommends that banks adopt consistent skill development programs, prioritize healthy work environments, involve employees in decision-making, and ensure job stability through transparent employment practices.

Role of digital tax platforms adoption in enhancing revenue generation and capital projects funding in emerging markets

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Tax revenue plays a significant role in funding government activities, especially in emerging economies where public investment is essential for infrastructure development and economic progress. This paper assessed the effectiveness of digital tax platforms, specifically electronic tax filing, automated tax payment systems, and blockchain-based tax solutions on revenue generation and capital projects funding in Nigeria. This study employed survey research design using primary data collected via structured questionnaires. The sample included 4,352 individuals comprising tax officials from FIRS, federal government officials in finance and infrastructure, and IT experts involved in digital tax platforms. A multistage sampling method, combining purposive and random techniques, was used to arrive at 384 respondents as sample size. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and multivariable regression. This found that digital tax platforms which comprised of electronic tax filing, automated tax payment systems, and blockchain-based tax solutions had a positive and significant effects on revenue generation and capital projects funding in Nigeria. This study concluded that digital tax platforms significantly improve both revenue generation and capital project funding in Nigeria. It was therefore recommended that the government should expand and modernize its digital tax infrastructure nationwide to ensure broader adoption among taxpayers and administrators.

Modelling asymetric response of stock market volatility to monetary policy: Empirical evidence from Nigeria

Zainab Said Suwaid, Lawal Wasiu Omotayo — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper analyses how stock market volatility responds to monetary policy during bull and bear market phases in the period from the first quarter of 1990Q1 to the fourth quarter of 2023Q4 using MS-VAR model. It investigated stock market fluctuation in both the bull and bear periods using the composite index of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the All Share Index and the most appropriate monetary policy indicator, the interest rates. The monetary policy shocks were found to positively respond to the stock market volatility with relatively small volatility in the first regime. For the second regime, the graph shows that an increase in monetary policy shock positively affects volatility at the onset before afterwards turning the move into the negative side of volatility. This policy advice is that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should be extra cautious when setting and enforcing fiscal measures. Furthermore, due to the erratic performance by Nigeria stock market, the government and the relevant authorities should avoid interfering with the market during these situations as such interferences may trigger further instabilities to the market, because such measures merely slow the causes down, and do not bring lasting solutions.

Bridging Finance and Marketing: The role of psychological traits and social factors in investment decisions and positive word-of-mouth

Poltak Sinaga, Deddy Marciano, Amelia Amelia — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the various factors that influence investment decision-making, specifically focusing on five key variables: Family Influence, Innovation, Need for Achievement, Risk-Taking, and the relationship between Investment Decisions and Positive Word of Mouth. A quantitative research approach was employed, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. The study surveyed 250 respondents, consisting mostly of e-commerce users in Indonesia. The purpose was to examine how psychological and social variables impact individuals’ investment behaviors and how these behaviors contribute to subsequent outcomes such as word-of-mouth promotion. Five hypotheses were formulated and tested to determine the significance of each factor. The findings revealed that four out of the five hypotheses were supported. Family Influence, Innovation, and Need for Achievement were found to have a significant and positive effect on investment decision-making. In contrast, Risk-Taking showed no significant effect. Furthermore, Investment Decisions were shown to have a meaningful and positive relationship with Positive Word of Mouth, suggesting that confident and well-informed investment behavior can lead to increased consumer advocacy. The results underscore the importance for marketers and business strategists to understand and enhance the key drivers of investment behavior. By addressing these factors effectively, companies can encourage more favorable consumer decisions and foster stronger brand loyalty through word-of-mouth communication.

Recession worries and management in America: Do’s and don’ts for workers, jobs, leaders, and organizations to go into economic downturns with open eyes

Bahaudin G. Mujtaba, Rochelle Parrino — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Recessionary periods are recurring challenges in any economy, particularly during times marked by high inflation, political instability, trade conflicts, global pandemics, rising consumer costs, and stagnating wages. This study aims to explore how organizations, managers, and workers can navigate and adapt to the complex realities of economic downturns. Using a qualitative methodology, data were collected through in-depth interviews with eight senior executives and business experts who collectively possess nearly 300 years of professional experience in the United States. Their insights offer a nuanced understanding of how recessions affect employment, organizational strategy, and workforce resilience. The findings reveal that, while recessions present significant threats, they also offer strategic opportunities for reinvention and growth. Workers and organizations that approach these periods with preparation, adaptability, and empathy are better positioned to endure economic hardship and even emerge stronger. Practical recommendations include preparing for economic disruptions with strategic foresight, maintaining transparent communication, supporting employee well-being, and identifying new market opportunities. These insights equip working professionals and organizational leaders to face recessions with clarity and resilience, enabling them to remain agile and thrive amid uncertainty. Today’s working adults, managers, and organizations should be prepared to enter a recession with “open eyes” while having contingent plans for the worst, empathizing with employees’ concerns, and taking advantage of upcoming opportunities to keep the organization afloat.

Multivariate GARCH estimations of volatility spillover amongst oil prices, exchange rates and news-based uncertainty in the CEE - 3 countries

David Umoru, Timothy Igbafe Aliu, Shehu S. Umar, Beauty Igbinovia — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study empirically examined the comparative difference in the outcomes of multivariate GARCH estimations in the volatility transmission amongst oil prices, new-based policy uncertainty and exchange rates of the CEE-3 countries. The methodological scope is restricted to BEKK-GARCH, Constant CCC-GARCH and VEC-GARCH. The results of this research indicate significant transfer of volatility from the HUF/EUR, PLN/EUR, and CZK/EUR exchange rates to the price of Brent oil. The BEKK-GARCH results uphold the co-volatility with relation to exchange rates and oil prices in the CEE-3 countries and this was found as highly reciprocating and interdependent. The research also established a reciprocating transmission of volatility between the fluctuating price of oil and news based economic policy uncertainties in Hungary and Czech. The CCC-GARCH model sufficiently estimated oil price volatility spillover on currency rate and its volatility spillover on oil price fluctuation in Czech while VEC-GARCH model estimations sufficiently estimated oil price volatility transmission to exchange rates. The Polish and Czech news-based policy uncertainties were significant in influencing the PLN/EUR and CZK/EUR exchange rates respectively. The BEKK-GARCH and VECH-GARCH model estimations are efficient and hence highly recommended for ascertaining the volatility transmission within the financial markets in the CEE-3 countries.

Cultural diplomacy and soft power of China: Theory, strategy and application in South East Asia

Nguyen Minh Trang, Wu Tuan Dat — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper examines the expansion of China's influence beyond economics into culture and ideology, focusing on its state-led cultural diplomacy in Southeast Asia, a region of critical strategic importance. Adopting a qualitative approach that utilizes case studies and empirical data, the research analyzes the mechanisms and motivations behind China's soft power strategy. The findings reveal that these initiatives are distinctly state-centric and frequently aligned with immediate economic or political goals. While this strategy has successfully established a notable cultural presence for China in the region, it is simultaneously hampered by significant challenges in building genuine trust and persuasive appeal. The paper concludes that the effectiveness of China's soft power is ultimately constrained by these issues, casting doubt on the long-term sustainability of its approach. These findings offer crucial insights for policymakers, suggesting that a more organic, trust-based approach is necessary for long-term success and informing how regional nations can formulate effective engagement strategies.