Al-Kindi Center for Research and Development (KCRD) (E-Journals)
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A Comprehensive Optimization Approach on Financial Resource Allocation in Scale-Ups
No full textMany startups try to pass the transition phase and begin the scale-up phase successfully. However, few are able to survive during this phase. One of the most important factors that can assist these startups in the scale-up phase is managing their financial resource. By doing so, the startups can reduce the consumption of these resources and, at the same time, increase their productivity. Cash flow is considered the pillar of the financial resources in the transition phase, and by managing the cash flow consumption, the probability of surviving in the transition phase will increase. This study aims to propose a model for the startup’s transition to allocate the optimal cash flow at the beginning of the scale-up phase. The components of the proposed optimization model are constructed based on the Mean-Variance framework, which was established by Harry Markowitz in 1952, to find the best composition of the cash flow allocation at each stage (financial period ). According to the cash flow statement, cash flows are separated into three categories: investing, operations, and financing activities. Finally, the model’s mechanism is boosted by adopting the principles of the behavioral theory of the firm to form a reinforcement learning model for resource allocation at the edge of the transition/scale-up phase. Therefore, by utilizing the proposed model during the transition phase, entrepreneurs may plan for a successful scale-up before wasting financial resources to reach sustainable growth. This paper introduces a model that offers critical insights and a novel framework, paving the way for future research in this emerging area; the model serves as a significant foundation, highlighting key opportunities and setting a new direction for impactful advancements in the field
Cost Optimization in Supply Chain Management Leveraging Vendor Development and Sourcing Strategies
No full textIn the contemporary competitive business landscape, the optimization of costs within supply chain management has surfaced as a paramount focus for organizations endeavouring to augment operational efficiency and profitability. This paper delves into the multifaceted methodologies of cost optimization by harnessing vendor development and strategic sourcing tactics. It underscores the significance of nurturing robust vendor relationships that promote collaboration, innovation, and enhanced quality, ultimately culminating in considerable cost reductions. The study further scrutinizes diverse sourcing strategies that organizations may adopt to guarantee the selection of suppliers who deliver the most advantageous overall value, taking into account aspects such as total cost of ownership and supplier dependability. Moreover, the incorporation of advanced technologies and performance metrics is addressed as indispensable instruments for refining decision-making processes and assessing the effectiveness of cost optimization initiatives. Through the adoption of a comprehensive approach to vendor development and sourcing, organizations can streamline their operations, mitigate waste, and attain sustainable cost efficiencies, thereby positioning themselves for enduring success in an increasingly intricate market environment
Advanced AI-Driven Credit Risk Assessment for Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and E-Commerce Financing: Leveraging Machine Learning, Alternative Data, and Predictive Analytics for Enhanced Financial Scoring
No full textThe increasing adoption of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and other financing models in e-commerce presents new challenges in credit risk assessment. Traditional credit scoring models often fail to capture the financial behavior of unbanked or underbanked consumers, necessitating innovative AI-driven approaches (Abbott, 1991). This study explores the integration of deep learning, alternative data sources, and reinforcement learning to enhance credit risk analysis for BNPL financing. By leveraging non-traditional financial indicators such as transactional data, digital footprints, and behavioral analytics, AI-driven credit assessment models can improve predictive accuracy and mitigate default risks (Barakat et al., 1995). The research employs a hybrid methodology combining supervised deep learning techniques with reinforcement learning algorithms to refine credit decision-making (Medvec et al., 1999). Findings indicate that AI-powered financial scoring significantly enhances risk assessment precision compared to conventional models, reducing default rates and improving financial inclusivity. These insights contribute to the ongoing discourse on AI applications in financial technology, offering practical implications for e-commerce platforms, lenders, and regulatory bodies
The Future of Identity and Access Management: Leveraging AI for Enhanced Security and Efficiency
No full textAs organizations face increasingly complex security challenges, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Identity and Access Management (IAM) systems has emerged as a transformative solution. This paper explores the multifaceted role of AI in enhancing IAM systems, focusing on key capabilities such as anomaly detection, continuous improvement, scalability, regulatory compliance, and access management processes. AI-driven systems enhance security by enabling real-time anomaly detection, adaptive learning, and automated responses to evolving threats. They improve scalability and performance, ensuring IAM systems can handle the growing demands of large, dynamic environments. Additionally, AI facilitates regulatory compliance by providing robust audit trails and enhancing the approval processes for access management. However, the adoption of AI in IAM systems also presents significant challenges, including data privacy concerns, integration with legacy systems, and potential biases in AI models. The paper concludes by outlining future research directions, emphasizing the need for explainable, ethical, and adaptable AI solutions. Overall, AI-driven IAM systems offer promising advancements in securing digital infrastructures, improving operational efficiency, and fostering regulatory compliance, while also presenting new avenues for innovation and research
The Electronic Boycott of Foreign Products and its Impact on the Purchasing Rate of the Jordanian Consumer for Products from Beirut Lights Company for Hygienic Paper Manufacturing
No full textThis study investigated the effect of an electronic boycott of foreign products on the purchasing rate of Jordanian consumers for products from Beirut Lights company for hygienic paper manufacturing. This study collected data from 310 consumers purchasing products from Beirut Lights Company for Hygienic Paper Manufacturing using questionnaires. This study employed the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) approach and analysed the data. The results revealed that electronic boycotts (consumer animosity, consumer ethnocentrism, consumer efficacy, and product judgment) have significant and positive effects on purchasing rates. The results revealed that a 1% increase in Consumer Animosity would lead to an 18.5% increase in Purchasing Rate. Additionally, the results demonstrated that Purchasing Rate would increase by 15.2 percent with a 1% increase in Consumer Efficacy. Also, the results revealed that a 1% increase in Consumer Ethnocentrism would lead to a 23.5% increase in Purchasing Rate. Similarly, the results revealed that a 1% increase in Product Judgement would lead to a 44.1% increase in Purchasing Rate. For Western multinational corporations focused on expanding their foothold in the world\u27s biggest consumer market, this study\u27s conclusions have crucial consequences for decision-makers and management. The suppressed and intense emotion of hostility, which is a remnant of past hostilities, needs much more attention from the Beirut lights firm, which manufactures hygiene paper in Jordan. In other hostile market scenarios, the conclusions of this examination may be applicable to a strategic study of the boycott model
Challenges and Recommendations for the Pension Tourism Market in the Era of Internet Plus
No full textWith the rise of "Internet Plus", the integration of the pension industry and the tourism market is facing unprecedented challenges while also presenting boundless opportunities. This study aims to explore the underlying motivations, analyze the difficulties encountered in the development of the pension tourism market, and put forward countermeasures. Moreover, the operation mode and promotion mode of the pension tourism market in the era of the "Internet Plus" are analyzed in this research through the combination of supply-demand analysis, literature review, and case analysis. The result shows that the changes in Internet technology and market demand pose challenges to the traditional pension tourism market; however, they also provide new opportunities for industry integration and market segmentation. Our research conclusion emphasizes that the industry needs to cultivate talent, introduce intelligent management, strengthen personalized services, simplify service processes, and protect information security to adapt to the changes in the Internet era so as to achieve sustainable development
An Investigation into the Leadership Traits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi: A Conceptual Framework
No full textThe purpose of this research is i) to find out what unique traits make PM Modi an inspiring leader, ii) to assess if respondents\u27 perceptions differ significantly, and iii) to create a conceptual framework of leadership traits so that we can better comprehend PM Modi\u27s leadership styles. The study includes 19 leadership traits relevant to PM Modi\u27s leadership styles, extracted from previous articles and expert discussions. This study collected quantitative data from LinkedIn connections using a random sampling procedure. A self-designed questionnaire was sent to 700 people from various backgrounds to rate their agreement or disagreement with 19 leadership traits. The study was conducted in March and February 2024, with 29% of the responses (203) available for analysis. The study reveals that the top ten leadership traits in ranking order include strong \u27network building, \u27\u27self-motivation,’ ‘global perspective,’ ‘visionary leadership,’ ‘determination and result-orientation,’ ‘public direction communication skills,’ ‘proactive approach,’ ‘being organized (detailed-oriented),’ ‘integrity in the workplace,’ and ‘creative thoughts and thinking.’ The results of the Mann-Whitney test revealed differences in respondents\u27 assessments of PM Modi\u27s leadership abilities in India and other countries. There are significant differences in the perceptions of educators and other groups regarding the five leadership traits that may be linked to the lack of trust in Indian society and culture. Additionally, the factor analysis produced a five-factor model: visionary and transformative; humanistic and value-driven; decisive and result-oriented; social influencer and opinion leader; and flexibility, adaptability, and dynamic. It appears that PM Modi\u27s personality and leadership style are a perfect fit for the extended version of the Greatman hypothesis, which is the trait theory
Live Experiences of Former Gang Members in Cebu City, Philippines
No full textThis paper explores the lived experiences of former gang members in Cebu City. Specifically, it determined the following: experiences of the informants as former gang members, including the reasons why they join, stay and leave the group and the impact of gang membership of the informants as former gang members. This study employed a qualitative method of research employing a phenomenological approach that involves qualitative analysis and assessment of themes derived from semi-structured interviews and follow up questions has been made and with an aid with interview guide, observation and exploring the lived experiences of former gang members. The study was conducted in highly urbanized cities, namely Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City and Talisay City. A purposive convenient sampling was employed to select the informants. There were fourteen (14) informants in the study. Fifteen (6) emergent themes were created. For the experiences of former gang members on reasons why they join the gang, three themes emerged, namely: Personal Safety, Peer pressure, and lastly, Broken Homes. For the reasons why they stay in the gang, two themes emerged, namely: Give and Earn Money, The Thug Lifestyle, and More Fun and Happiness. For the reasons why they leave the group, three themes emerged, namely: Family and Job Responsibilities, Realization to Have a Happy and Peaceful life; and In-group Rivalry. Regarding the impact of gang membership and the positive experiences of the informants as former gang members, three themes emerged: A sense of Belongingness, Develop Respect and Trust, and School Achiever. Regarding the negative experiences, three themes emerged: Gang War and Violence, Crime Involvement, and Incarceration. The community must create and sustain a collaborative process for working toward a community free of gang membership and violence. This includes providing a clearinghouse for information on resources, strategies, services, best practices, and funding to prevent, intervene and suppress gang violence
Thorns of Failures: Views of Non-Passers of Criminology Board Examination
No full textPhilippine Regulation Commission (PRC) records show that the national passing percentage in the Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE) is deteriorating. The number of unlicensed Criminology graduates throughout the country is increasing. This study explored the lived experiences of non-passers of the Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE) through a qualitative research method. The informants of this study were 10 board exam flunkers throughout the Province of Cebu. Four informants were used for the in-depth interview, and six were used for the focus group discussion. Eight (8) emergent themes described the positive and negative experiences of the informants before, during, and after the board exam. For the positive experiences, four (4) themes were developed, namely: Take a Trip Down Memory Lane, Licensure Examination: The Main Event, Acceptance and Moving Forward and Contingency Plan: Look for a Job. For the negative experiences, four (4) themes were formulated, namely: The Chronicles of Review, Test Anxiety: The Feeling of Taking the Licensure Examination, Board Exam Result: A Flunker’s Nightmare and Mission Unsuccessful. For the plights of the informants before, during, and after taking the licensure examination, eight (8) emergent themes were formulated, namely: Procrastination and Idleness, Indiscretion of Reviewees, Financial Struggle: A Dilemma to Board Exam Takers, Family Problems: A Heavy Load to Carry, The Answer Sheet: A Fragile Piece of Paper, Bad Luck: In the Wrong Place at the Wrong Time, Examinee’s Inability to Comprehend Questions: A Tough Assignment, The Fallen Leaves, and Disappointments and Failure to Meet Expectations: Adding Insult to Injury. For the reasons of the informants for not retaking the exam, two (2) themes were developed, namely: Age Limit in the Tri-Bureau: Crashing the Flunker’s Aspirations and Making a Fresh Start
The Role of Green Technological Innovation, Fintech, and Financial Development in Environmental Sustainability: A Study on Selected Asian Countries
No full textThis study intends to explore the nexus of green technological innovations, financial development, and Fintech with environmental sustainability. It employs data from Asian economies spanning from 2012 to 2021. We intend to examine the impact of green innovations, Fintech, and financial development (measured through access to financial institutions and efficiency of financial markets) on Environmental Sustainability (measured through carbon emissions). After addressing the issues of slope heterogeneity, cointegration, and CSD, this study employs the CS-ARDL model to explore the connectedness between proposed variables. We find that Fintech and the efficiency of financial markets enhance carbon emissions, thus deteriorating environmental sustainability. On the other hand, access to financial institutions and green technological innovations improves ecological sustainability. The findings are essential for Asian economies and policymakers to attain better environmental quality