14129 research outputs found
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On the inclusion of sustainability and digitalisation in quality management : an overview from past to present
No full textThe aim of this study is to explore whether trends in sustainability and digitalisation from the 1980s until today have left any significant practical or epistemological footprints on the quality management paradigm. The study design consists of a mixed-methods approach that applies a data-mining methodology and content analysis to the digital archives of eight scientific journals: six within the quality management (QM) domain and two with a focus on operations management (OM). The data set contains an unbroken time series of over 12,000 research paper abstracts, the first of them published in 1980, giving the study a coverage of almost 40 years. The findings show that sustainability came onto the scholarly scene in 1996 and has since become an increasingly popular research area. In regard to digitalisation, the story is quite different, as the concept is currently absent from the scholarly QM and OM literatures. However, a search for information technology (IT) and information systems (IS) revealed that these topics have been gaining attention since the 1980s. However, it was found that QM research only addresses one part of digitalisation, omitting several interesting dimensions. One example is that the QM and OM literatures address IS mainly in relation to standardised guidelines and business processes within organisations. At the same time, we found a handful of studies combining QM and topics related to modern digitisation, like social media. Ahead-of-print fulltext changed to published version 250609. Number of downloads for ahead-of-print: 224. </p
Extreme risk spillovers and hedging strategies between Indonesia sectorial stocks and commodity markets
No full textPurpose
This study examines the risk spillovers between Indonesian sectorial stocks (Energy, Basic Materials, Industrials, Consumer Cyclicals, Consumer Non-cyclical and Financials), the aggregate index (IDX) and two commodities (gold and West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil [WTI] futures).
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses two methodologies: the TVP-VAR model of Antonakakis and Gabauer (2017) and the quantile connectedness approach of Ando et al. (2022). The data cover the period from October 04, 2010, to April 5, 2022.
Findings
The results show that the IDX, industrials and materials are net transmitters, while the financials, consumer noncyclical and energy sectors are the dominant shock receivers. Using the quantile connectedness approach, the role of each sector is heterogeneous and asymmetric, and the return spillover is stronger at lower and higher quantiles. Furthermore, the portfolio hedging results show that oil offers more diversification gains than gold, and hedging oil is more effective during the pandemic.
Practical implications
This study provides valuable insights for investors to diversify their portfolios and for policymakers to develop policies, regulations and risk management tools to promote stability in the Indonesian stock market. The results can inform the design of market regulations and the development of risk management tools to ensure the stability and resilience of the market.
Originality/value
This study is the first to examine the spillovers between commodities and Indonesian sectors, recognizing the presence of heterogeneity in the relationship under different market conditions. It provides important portfolio diversification insights for equity investors interested in the Indonesian stock market and policymakers.Publishe
From Wellbeing to Addiction: The Influence of Inclusive Beauty Brands on People With Physical Disabilities
No full textMany industries today acknowledge the unique needs of consumers with physical disabilities. The beauty industry, in particular, has been developing new offerings to cater to this specific market. This study aims to examine the effects of using inclusive beauty products on the psychological wellbeing of people with physical disabilities as well as on brand addiction. The study follows an exploratory qualitative approach. Data were collected from 215 online reviews and in-depth interviews with 24 consumers with different types of physical disability alongside 14 beauty and marketing experts. The study reveals that psychological wellbeing is the primary motivation for consumers with physical disabilities to use beauty products. However, over time, a strong emotional connection with these brands can form, potentially leading to addictive behaviors. To avoid brand addiction that could harm their emotional and financial wellbeing, beauty companies need to gain deeper insights into their customers, particularly those in vulnerable groups, and focus on creating effective marketing and advertising strategies to raise awareness among them. This research closely aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 10, which aims to create a more inclusive and equitable society.Publishe
Do Female CEOs Lead More Ethical Firms? ESG and Corporate Impact
No full textWe study how CEO gender affects ESG disclosures and their impact on corporate policies and performance. Our results highlight a positive association between female CEOs and ESG disclosures. We also show that the conduct of female CEOs aligns more closely with stakeholder theory and has favorable implications for the relationship between ESG activities and corporate policies. Specifically, female CEOs enhance the role of ESG disclosures in increasing accounting transparency and reducing corporate risk-taking. In addition, female-led ESG initiatives positively affect both accounting and market performance. Our results highlight the heightened ethical values of female CEOs compared to their male counterparts, emphasizing their fundamental role in shaping the impact and value of ESG activities. Morally-driven ESG activities, signaling an ethical and stakeholder-friendly corporate culture, set authentic sustainability initiatives apart from mere compliance or potential window-dressing practices
The Future Of Artificial Intelligence-AI-In Arbitration
No full textAI technologies have changed the debate by increasing efficiency, accuracy and flexibility from a static process to a more dynamic and adaptable system. AI-based tools simplify case management, legal research and decision-making, reducing delays and costs while ensuring the accuracy of operations.
These advances promote confidence in arbitration by promoting consistency, reducing bias, and addressing the evolving needs of international dispute resolution. Despite these benefits, AI in trial is still an evolving field, facing legal, ethical, and technical challenges. This article explores the role of AI in litigation, its benefits and limitations, and future implications for innovative dispute resolution, while considering the digital transformation accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through the analysis of AI applications and real-world case studies, this research aims to provide a roadmap for AI integration in litigation, leading legal practices towards a more efficient and technologically advanced system
Securitizing the Muslim Identity: Far-Right Rhetoric, Media Framing, and National Identity in France
No full textThis research examines the role of far-right wing political rhetoric in influencing the perceptions of the Muslim population in France, with a particular focus on the North African, especially Algerian community. In light of the changes following the Arab Spring and growing concerns about Islamic extremism, the rise of far-right movements—particularly the National Rally (Rassemblement National)—in France has significantly impacted political discourse and public opinion. By analyzing key figures such as Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, this thesis investigates how the far-right movement has politically securitized and weaponized fears surrounding terrorism and migration to frame Muslims as a cultural and political threat. Starting with a thorough analysis of speeches by Bardella as a prominent figure from the National Rally, both in the Media (such as BFMTV, CNews) and in the press conferences he led, this project reveals how their rhetoric reinforces the exclusionary notions of Frenchness. For the purpose of this study, we have selected speeches delivered within the two years preceding the 2024 French legislative elections; to analyze the evolvement of the right-wing voice and to ensure a focus on campaign rhetoric and strategic messaging aimed at influencing voter perceptions during the critical pre-elections period. The members of the National Rally (RN) tend to frequently position the French Muslim population, and migration descendant particularly of north African origins, as outsiders who challenge the cultural, religious, and national identity of France. The voices of this narratives have been amplified by media portrayals and coverage, which often echo far-right framing the Muslim community as inherently linked to extremism, deepening public fears and legitimizing discriminatory policies or hate speech. The analysis is rooted in the historical context of France’s colonial legacy, especially its historic relationship with Algeria, and the European demographic changes brought about by the Arab Spring. It critically delves into how the National Rally, as a far-right movement in Europe, has capitalized on incidents of extremist violence to generalize negative perceptions of the entire Muslim community, picturing them as incompatible with French values and the Republic. This study also investigates how this discourse intersects with broader debates on immigration, secularism (Laïcité) and the presumed French national identity. By emphasizing the interplay between political discourse and media representation, this thesis aims to provide a thorough understanding of how the far-right constructs and propagates a polarized national political identity. It highlights the implications of these narrative for the Algerian and Muslim communities in France, who are progressively being marginalized and portrayed as “political intruders”, as well as for the broader ripple effect on societal cohesion in a country struggling with its multicultural reality
Comparative Effect of Sodium Butyrate and Sodium Propionate on Ovarian Cancer Migration, Invasion, and Epithelial-To-Mesenchymal Transition
No full textIntroduction: Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have recently garnered considerable attention due to their anti-proliferative effect in various cancer types. However, the precise mechanisms underlying their inhibitory potential in ovarian cancer require further investigation.
Objectives: This study aims to explore the anti-metastatic properties of SCFAs by examining the effects of sodium butyrate (NaB) and sodium propionate (NaP) on the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. It also seeks to evaluate their role in Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) regulation and the signaling pathways that underlie their effects.
Methodology: The two ovarian cancer cell lines, SKOV-3 and PA-1, were treated with NaB and NaP for 24h. The anti-migratory and anti-invasive effects of both compounds were evaluated using wound healing, transwell migration, and transwell invasion assays. Real-Time PCR and Western Blot were performed to assess the effects of NaB and NaP on the expression profile of key EMT-related markers. The MEK-ERK signaling pathway was assessed through the evaluation of the total and phosphorylated levels of the proteins by western blot. Results: NaB and NaP were able to significantly inhibit migration and invasion of SKOV-3 and PA-1 cell lines in a dose-dependent manner following 24h and 31h of treatment, respectively. Moreover, treatment with both compounds resulted in a decrease in mRNA and protein expression levels of the mesenchymal markers vimentin and beta-catenin. Unlike SKOV-3 cells, which demonstrated a decrease in E-cadherin and an increase in N-cadherin after treatment, the E-cadherin/N-cadherin profile in PA-1 treated cells exhibited an inverse pattern. Finally, our results revealed a significant decrease in the ratios of P-ERK/ERK and P-MEK/MEK following treatment.
Conclusion: Our study underscores the promising therapeutic potential of NaB and NaP, offering insights into their ability to inhibit migration and invasion by regulating EMT and deactivating MEK/ERK signaling in ovarian cancer
Exploring the Role of Perceived Organizational Injustice and Organizational Identification in the Impact of Discretionary HR Practices on Counterproductive Behaviors: Evidence from Lebanese Firms
No full textThis thesis applies the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory to analyze how discretionary human resource (HR) practices affect counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs) in Lebanese firms. The study investigates how HR strategies affect employee responses through perceived organizational injustice as a mediating factor while organizational identification acts as a moderating element. It investigates how customized, flexible HR practices are resource-enhancing tools that decrease workplace deviant behaviors. The study uses survey responses from 214 Lebanese employees working in different sectors to fill a significant knowledge gap in HR studies, primarily focusing on Western business settings. The study indicates that HR practices implemented at the manager’s discretion led to decreased CWBs, while employee perceptions of organizational injustice may partially explain this relationship. However, a formal mediation analysis was not conducted, so this remains a suggested pathway. Organizational identification failed to influence the relationship between injustice and CWBs, nor did it significantly lower the likelihood of harmful workplace conduct. This contradicts the initial expectation that organizational identification might play an independent protective role. The study provides essential knowledge to HR managers and organizational leaders who want to develop workplace environments that are fair and supportive while respecting cultural differences to reduce counterproductive workplace behavior
Gender and Statelessness in Lebanon: The Missing Conversation in Protection and Humanitarian Programming
No full textThis thesis explores the intersection of gender and statelessness in Lebanon. Through a qualitative, expert-informed research design, the study asks “How does gender influence protection for stateless people in Lebanon?” This overarching question is addressed by investigating the following three issues: (1) the extent to which organizations working on statelessness incorporate gender considerations into their programming; (2) whether gender is seen as a significant factor in the protection of stateless individuals; and (3) the presence or absence of collaboration between statelessness-focused and gender-focused organizations. The research draws on 15 semi-structured interviews with program managers, legal advocates, gender experts, and caseworkers from organizations operating in Lebanon, as well as a review of organizational documents and publications such as program brochures and project reports. The results showed that gender is predominantly absent as both consideration and intervention in stateless-focused interviews. In addition, key findings revealed that most statelessness-focused actors frame statelessness primarily as a technical or legal issue, resulting in gender being deprioritized or treated as a secondary concern. While some practitioners acknowledged the gendered impact of statelessness, these insights rarely translated into gender-sensitive program design. Findings also highlighted the lack of formal referral pathways, sectoral coordination, or shared frameworks between gender and statelessness actors, reinforcing what this study terms a “missing conversation”. The thesis concludes that addressing statelessness without integrating gender considerations perpetuates exclusion and limits the effectiveness of protection responses. It calls for intentional, cross-sectoral collaboration and the incorporation of intersectional approaches to ensure more inclusive and responsive humanitarian programming
Mapping marketing’s contribution to under-researched Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): a well-being centric approach
No full textBusinesses possess great potential to tackle global challenges and promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, marketing – a crucial part of business strategy – has often been criticized for its harmful effects on society and the environment. Despite such criticisms, there remains a need for research that emphasizes its possible positive contributions to the SDGs. This review paper investigates the largely overlooked relationship between marketing and specific SDGs, focusing on individual and stakeholder well-being. Specifically, we systematically analyze the marketing literature on all the SDGs guided by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs; we identify four that are among the least researched yet potentially impactful: Affordable and Clean Energy, Climate Action, Zero Hunger, and Partnerships for the Goals (SDGs 2, 7, 13, and 17). We lay the groundwork for understanding the interaction between marketing and these under-explored SDGs, their influence on well-being, and what they mean for marketing theory and practice. We also strive to support other SDGs indirectly. This study aims to provide a foundation for future research in this field.Publishe