Institutional Repository of Academic Research University of Macedonia
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2215 research outputs found
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Exploring the relationship between quality management and risks in closed-loop supply chains
No full textSupply chain risks are highly unpredictable and may affect the entire spectrum of supply chain actors, with direct implications on cost, product/process quality, lead time, company’s image and profitability. Existing literature in supply chain risk management (SCRM) has not sufficiently addressed risk management in the context of closed-loop supply chains (CLSC) and has not thoroughly investigated potential linkages between risks and quality management (QM). In our paper, we develop a typology of CLSC risks and explore the potential contribution of QM systems, principles and practices in dealing with CLSC risks. Various QM tools can be employed to reduce the occurrence or impact of risks associated with reconditioned or returned products. Unfortunately, certain important risk categories are difficult to mitigate by means of QM. Indicative examples are the consolidation of return flows to remanufacturers, inefficient marketing techniques for recovered products, as well as uncertainties related to quantity and timing of returns.44443145
Measuring the efficiency of mutual funds: Does ESG controversies score affect the mutual fund performance during the COVID-19 pandemic?
No full textThis research investigates the influence of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance on mutual fund efficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employing Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and hypothesis testing, we examine the effect of ESG controversies scores on mutual fund performance. Our sample comprises 17,961 mutual funds worldwide, with available data during the later phase of the pandemic. Mutual fund performance is evaluated using the DEA methodology, and efficiency scores are derived from the DEA portfolio efficiency index. To explore the impact of ESG controversies scores on mutual fund performance, the sample is divided into two categories based on the ESG controversies score quartile. The findings demonstrate that mutual funds with higher ESG controversies scores, which indicate fewer ESG controversies, outperformed those with lower scores. Specifically, mutual funds embroiled in fewer ESG controversies exhibited higher financial efficiency, regardless of their geographical investment area. These findings offer essential insights for both investors and mutual fund managers. Retail and institutional investors could recognize the potential performance gains associated with investing in socially responsible mutual funds during crisis periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, mutual fund managers should consider avoiding securities with more ESG controversies in their portfolios, considering that ESG controversies could have an adverse impact on financial efficiency during periods of health, environmental, or market crises. While our study contributes valuable insights, it is subject to limitations due to the unavailability of time-series data for mutual funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, it represents the first attempt to utilize the ESG controversies score as a determinant of mutual fund financial efficiency during the pandemic era.2335
Fronesis: Digital Forensics-Based Early Detection of Ongoing Cyber-Attacks
No full textTraditional attack detection approaches utilize predefined databases of known signatures about already-seen tools and malicious activities observed in past cyber-attacks to detect future attacks. More sophisticated approaches apply machine learning to detect abnormal behavior. Nevertheless, a growing number of successful attacks and the increasing ingenuity of attackers prove that these approaches are insufficient. This paper introduces an approach for digital forensics-based early detection of ongoing cyber-attacks called Fronesis. The approach combines ontological reasoning with the MITRE ATT&CK framework, the Cyber Kill Chain model, and the digital artifacts acquired continuously from the monitored computer system. Fronesis examines the collected digital artifacts by applying rule-based reasoning on the Fronesis cyber-attack detection ontology to identify traces of adversarial techniques. The identified techniques are correlated to tactics, which are then mapped to corresponding phases of the Cyber Kill Chain model, resulting in the detection of an ongoing cyber-attack. Finally, the proposed approach is demonstrated through an email phishing attack scenario.1172874
COVID-19 anti-contagion policies and economic support measures in the USA
No full textCurrent literature assumes that non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) reduce COVID-19 infections uniformly, that is, irrespectively of their strength. The role of economic support measures (ESM) in controlling the virus is also overlooked. Using a panel threshold model of COVID-19 cases in the US states, we identify three distinct regimes of ‘low’, ‘medium’, and ‘high’ severity interventions; the latter being more effective towards reducing infections growth. ESM increase the efficacy of NPIs through a behavioural channel that lowers the workplace hours supplied by individuals. Nonetheless, when containment policies are not very stringent (‘low’ regime) or are too draconian (‘high’ regime), ESM are less effective towards suppressing the pandemic. Finally, we find that the largest impact towards reducing the growth of infections comes jointly from school closures, workplace closures, cancelation of public events, and restrictions on internal movement, followed by the stay-at-home requirements, and the closure of public transport.75361363
Analysing Gaming Behaviour: Insights on Personality Traits
No full textEducational games have become an integral part of the educational process at various levels, with their usage rapidly increasing as innovative e-learning methods. These games have proven to be highly engaging and effective in knowledge retention. Previous research primarily focused on the impact of violent video games on behaviour and the correlation between game behaviour and personality. Traditionally personality assessment relies on psychometric questionnaires, with the Big Five Inventory (BFI) being a widely used tool. However, these approaches often have certain drawbacks as respondents tend to carefully consider their answers, prioritizing correctness over authenticity. To address these limitations, novel approaches are being developed that incorporate gaming elements to indirectly measure personality. Therefore, an intriguing question arises: Can the subconscious moves, choices, and behaviours exhibited during gameplay serve as indicators of players' personality? In this case study, we developed an educational game focused on Databases courses for university students. The game aims to capture everyday life experiences at the university such as social connections and curiosity or willingness to try new things, based on the Five-Factor Model (OCEAN). The educational content is presented in the form of a quiz with four possible answers, providing appropriate feedback based on the selected responses. The objectives were to strengthen the knowledge and comprehension of Databases subject and also to gather information about players' gaming behaviour and thus predict their scores on two personality traits: Extraversion and Openness to Experience, based on the Five-Factor Model. A total of 149 computer science students of the University of Macedonia participated in the study by playing the game and completing the BFI questionnaire. We utilized classification algorithms to develop a model to predict student's personality. The goodness of the model was assessed using different metrics and the results showed that it is effective to model both the extraversion and openness personality dimensions using serious games instead of questionnaires. These findings can be used by educators and game designers to develop personalized educational games taking into account learner's personality and thus provide valuable insights for future research in this domain.22616
In the pursuit of “Quality Education”: From ancient times to the digital era, can there be a consensus?
No full text102228681
The adoption of Lean in the Greek public sector: An employee perspective
No full textPurpose: In times of strong global competition and worldwide economic downturn, there is an imperative need for public services organizations to reform and improve their quality. These organizations can base their improvement efforts on Lean philosophy. The purpose of this study is to assess the employees’ perceived degree of adoption of Lean principles by public services organizations in Greece. Determining the differences in the perceptions of groups of employees with regard to the adoption of Lean principles by public organizations is also an aim of the study. Design/methodology/approach: A questionnaire survey was published online, inviting employees of Greek public services organizations to assess the degree of Lean adoption by their organizations, specified on the basis of general principles. A total of 1,022 employees completed the structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were applied to assess the degree of adoption of Lean principles by public organizations. The nonparametric Mann–Whitney U Test and Kruskal–Wallis Test were also applied to determine whether there are statistically significant differences in the perceptions of groups of employees with regard to the adoption of Lean principles by public organizations. Findings: According to the perceptions of employees, Greek public organizations adopt Lean principles to a high extent. However, there is room for further improvement in the degree to which Lean is adopted. Statistically significant differences are observed in the perceptions of groups of employees from different sized organizations, hierarchical levels, skill sets and service subsectors, with regard to the degree of adoption of Lean principles by their organizations. Research limitations/implications: The employees of the public sector who were invited to respond to the survey through social media, the subjective nature of the data collected and the fact that this is a country-specific study constitute the main limitations of the present study, based on which future studies can be designed. Practical implications: By determining the strong and weak points of the adoption of Lean principles by Greek public services organizations, suitable managerial initiatives can be undertaken by these organizations to fully adopt Lean, eliminate waste and enhance quality management. Social implications: Understanding and improving the current status of the adoption of Lean principles by Greek public organizations will influence the services provided to the citizens in terms of time, quality and delivery. Originality/value: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study which provides insights, based on employees’ perceptions, into the adoption of Lean by the public services sector.1471518154
Asymmetric effects of fair value adjustments on dividend policy
No full textWe examine the effect of unrealized fair value adjustments resulting from derivatives classified as cash flow hedges on the dividend policy of UK firms. We theorise and empirically demonstrate that companies differentiate between positive and negative fair value adjustments. When unrealised gains are recorded under ‘Other comprehensive income’ firms do not increase dividend payouts; as such it can be argued that legal requirements surpass potential signaling considerations. However, for unrealized losses, firms reduce their dividend payouts, even when regulatory arrangements do not necessarily mandate this. Furthermore, firms adjust their dividends based on unrealized losses under different levels of firm risk, future growth opportunities and financial distress. Overall, our findings suggest that managers display a conservative behavior aiming to safeguard company assets, by effectively treating unrealized gains as ‘transitory’ and unrealised losses as ‘persistent’.9010293
Influencing Green Purchase Intention through Eco Labels and User-Generated Content
No full textThe purpose of the study is to investigate how environmental concern, eco-labelling, influencers and user-generated content affect Generation Z’s green purchase intention. The objective of this study is to contribute with a new scope that combines influencers and user-generated content on digital platforms with environmental concern for Generation Z. The study also aims to add new value in predicting Generation Z’s green purchase intention and results that can be implemented in future marketing strategies. To test the framework, a quantitative research approach, with an online survey, was applied to collect data from Generation Z. The sample size consisted of 393 individuals from Generation Z. Structural Equation Modelling was applied to test the hypothesized framework. All hypotheses were accepted, and hence, this research has identified key variables to predict Generation Z’s green purchase intention. Additionally, this paper found that environmental concern has a significant positive impact on Generation Z’s user-generated content and eco-labelling, and influencers positively affect Generation Z’s user-generated content. This study can aid companies that employ an influencer marketing approach to comprehend how they can motivate customers to buy sustainable products more frequently. This study provides crucial and valuable insights into further understanding how the sustainable consumption behavior of Generation Z can be impacted by the utilization of influencer marketing and their concern for the environment. It also provides a deeper understanding of how influencers and their perceived concerns for the environment can be combined with user-generated content and eco-labelling, as well as subsequent effects on the green purchase intention of members of Generation Z.15176