Vol. 8, Issue 3, 2023

Summary

The Forward-Looking Studies on Green Human Resources Management: A Content Analysis

  • Page: 259
  • Authors: Benziane ROUCHAM, Abdelhak LEFILEF, Houcine MAHMOUDI
  • Abstract: The present study offers a comprehensive content analysis of the Forward-Looking on Green Human Resources Management (GHRM) research, providing insights into significant findings, determinants, challenges, and future trends of GHRM. The role of GHRM in developing green behaviour and improving environmental performance is becoming increasingly important, with evidence of positive effects on competitive advantage, company sustainability, and employee engagement. In addition, the study underscores the relevance of GHRM for organisational sustainability, focusing on different HRM practices such as recruitment, the Rewards System, and employee involvement. Furthermore, it identifies vital determinants of GHRM, such as integration of technology, effective green HRM policies, employee environmental awareness, top management support, and the promotion of a sustainable organisational culture. In parallel, challenges such as lack of awareness, need for practice change, insufficient training, absence of standard metrics, and cultural boundaries, are recognised. The study delineates promising trends for the future of GHRM, such as technological integration, a stronger focus on training and development, strategic integration of GHRM, broader application across different sectors, increased regulatory compliance, and an emphasis on green employee behaviour. Importantly, the study concludes by acknowledging the critical role of GHRM in promoting environmental sustainability within organisations while advancing employee engagement and performance, underlining the need for further research to solidify the business case for GHRM and contribute to a more sustainable future.
  • JEL Classification: M12, J2, Q56
  • Keywords: green human resource management, sustainability, literature review, content analysis, future research
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2023.10-01
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Applying the Multi-Layer Perceptron Neural Network Model to Predicting School Closures: An Example of Taipei City

  • Page: 276
  • Authors: Mei-Mei LIN, Fu-Hsiang KUO
  • Abstract: In this study, we utilised multi-layer perceptron neural networks (MLPNNs) to assess the issue of school closures. Specifically, this study uses the MLPNN model to conduct learning assessments to identify schools that may suffer from poor management. The empirical findings are briefly summarised as follows: (1) The research shows that more than half of the private schools in this study will face bankruptcy. In Taipei City, out of the 23 existing private schools, only four operate normally, while the remaining 19 private vocational high schools require assistance. About 12 schools face severe problems in terms of poor management, accounting for 63% of the total, while seven schools had a prediction value below 50, indicating a severe problem. These schools have expressed an immediate need for government assistance. (2) According to the MLPNN model in this study, reducing the number of full-time teachers is a primary factor contributing to school closures. First, since full-time teachers are a fixed cost, the dismissal of teachers tends to be prioritised to bring down school management costs. This, in turn, reduces the teacher-student ratio. Other factors that contribute to school bankruptcy are dismissing staff and part-time teachers, reducing expenditure, and poor operational maintenance. When the above policies are implemented in schools with poor management, a vicious cycle is created, leading to the bankruptcy of schools.
  • JEL Classification: C45, D61, I21, I28
  • Keywords: multilayer perceptron neural networks, predicting school closure; school closures, high education, population decline
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2023.10-02
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Managing the Dynamics of the US Gas and Oil Market: An In-depth Analysis

  • Page: 288
  • Authors: Stelian GRASU
  • Abstract: The United States of America (US) has long been a key player in the global energy landscape, with its gas and oil market serving as a critical component of both its domestic economy and international relations. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the US’s gas and oil market, analysing its historical evolution, current state, and prospects. The paper begins by tracing the historical developments that have shaped the US’s gas and oil industry, including key milestones such as the discovery of major oil fields, the growth of shale gas production, and the impact of geopolitical events on market dynamics. It then delves into the contemporary landscape, examining the major players in the industry, production and consumption trends, infrastructure, and distribution networks, as well as the regulatory frameworks that govern exploration, extraction, and trade. In this article, the author tries to make an overview of the US gas and oil market from the market from its appearance until today. The gas and oil market legislation and the authorities that regulate and supervise the market are identified and presented. The federal and states transport and distribution system is an overview and their connection. This article also offers a comprehensive analysis of the US gas and oil market, encompassing its historical trajectory, current landscape, economic significance, environmental challenges, and future directions. By examining these facets, it will be provided valuable insights into the complex interplay between energy resources, economic development, and environmental sustainability within the context of a rapidly evolving global energy landscape.
  • JEL Classification: K32, L94, L95
  • Keywords: US, gas and oil market, energy price evolution, transport system, distribution system
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2023.10.03
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The Impact of Personality Traits on Turnover Intention: The Mediating Effect of Job Insecurity

  • Page: 300
  • Authors: Sahar ALAYLI
  • Abstract: Previous literature has acknowledged that it is essential to examine how employees’ personality traits affect employment outcomes, particularly disparities in job performance. This study investigates the mediating effect of job insecurity on the individual’s personality traits and turnover intention. The questionnaires were collected online between March and April of the same year. In addition, the study’s intended audience included entry-level and mid-level workers. The survey was circulated using Google Forms, emails, and social media to gather the data. As a result of the questionnaires being distributed among the participants, the study took a snowball approach. This study also uses a sample size of 299 employees (N=299). Job Insecurity would mediate between Big Five personality characteristics and turnover intention, which would have a detrimental impact on employees’ willingness to leave their jobs. It was shown that the Big Five personality qualities adversely predicted turnover intention, while job insecurity mediates the relationship between the Big Five personality traits and turnover intention. For Thai employees who voluntarily quit, traits such as affected feelings, toughness of mind, and shyness were found to be predictive of leaving; commitment was found to be associated with turnover intentions for low self-monitors, and external locus of control was found to be associated with intentions to leave.
  • JEL Classification: J1, J6, J28
  • Keywords: agreeableness, openness to experience, extraversion, neuroticism, conscientiousness, job insecurity, turnover intention
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2023.10-04
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Earlier Management Practice and Thinking: Hediya Peoples’ Indigenous Management Philosophy in the Construction of “Mud-Hut” In Central Ethiopia Regional State

  • Page: 316
  • Authors: Sheref BETABO GOGSIDO
  • Abstract: The main problems of research are: the impact of social environment on human behaviour has contributed to the debate against the management view of universal applicability, and also there are multiple challenges for the African indigenous management theories development. The research aims to have an indigenous management philosophy of the Hediya people in Ethiopia in their mud-hut construction. The study is carried out using the metaphoric method of the qualitative research approach. The researcher collected metaphoric data from the Hediy-nefra of Lemo community where researcher was born, and through his observation while living in his lifetime. The findings include the strongest essence of team work, strategic recruitment and selections, motivating of employees through financial and non-financial factors such as team environment and work design. Particularly, the finding includes: continuing of employees’ benefit for the ex-employees is important not only for them but also for the organisation on the future; employees are enforced to give focus on the work quality not to have current work related benefits but also it is a means of getting employment and finance in the future. In the management idea of Hediya peoples’ indigenous hut building system, the relationship of an organisation with competitors was being practiced positively and helping each other, so that it needs to be enforced. Besides, the good quality of current work will attract a lot of employers other than current workers/organisation with referent of previous hut construction quality. The hut construction concept of Ethiopians’ management practices should be verified.
  • JEL Classification: M12
  • Keywords: Rounded Mud-Hut, Base construction, Pole/pillar, Hatch/thatch, Beam
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2023.10-05
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Assessment of the Attractiveness of the Algerian Banking Market through the Application of Porter’s Five Forces Model

  • Page: 332
  • Authors: Aboubaker Khoualed, Khayreddine Bouzerb
  • Abstract: This study aims to analyse the competitiveness of the Algerian banking sector by attempting to apply Porter’s Five Forces model. Additionally, it examines the attractiveness of the Algerian banking market. To achieve these objectives, a descriptive approach was adopted by analysing statistics from the Algerian Central Bank and the results of previous studies. An inductive method was also used to apply Porter’s Five Forces model to the Algerian banking sector. The study concluded that the banking industry in Algeria is unattractive due to the weakness and lack of implementation of all five competitive forces in Porter’s model within the Algerian banking sector. However, despite this, entering the Algerian banking market could be profitable if the focus is on improving the weaknesses in the market, such as electronic banking services, financing for freelancers and startups, foreign trade, and Islamic banking services.
  • JEL Classification: G21, L1, M1
  • Keywords: banking industry, market, competition, strategy, Porter’s Five Forces model
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2023.10-06
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Public Entrepreneurship: A Literature Review

  • Page: 342
  • Authors: Engida BIRU, Shimels ZEWDIE
  • Abstract: In many writings the concept of entrepreneurship is frequently associated with the private sector, and with small and medium sized enterprises, and start-ups. However, the public sector also frequently participates in entrepreneurial action, sometimes providing some of the most important services for the economy. Nowadays, the issue of Public Entrepreneurship need to get more attention by researchers, academicians and practitioners, especially in developing countries like Ethiopia. Because it helps to create value for the citizens of a state by bringing together unique combinations of public and/or private resources to exploit social opportunities, and provides many more advantages. At a minimum, public entrepreneurship involves the production, distribution, or innovation of goods/ services for the public. This makes it crucial to the lives of billions of people around the world. For example, entrepreneurial initiatives by public entities include the provision of health care services, water services, emergency services, transportation, and recycling/climate initiatives, among others. The purpose of this review work was to develop a literature review on the mission, key characteristics, types of public entrepreneurship, difference between public and private sector entrepreneurship, and public entrepreneurship strategy to overcome public sector barriers to entrepreneurship and come up with pertinent points. So, to carry on this review work, only 69 articles were chosen based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the reviewer.
  • JEL Classification: M10, M20, M31
  • Keywords: Public Entrepreneurship, Public sector, Private sector, Criteria
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2023.10-07
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Focusing on the Exchange Rate Volatility and International Trade Relationship: Evidence from South Africa

  • Page: 354
  • Authors: Ntokozo HADEBE, Simiso MSOMI
  • Abstract: Despite the extensive literature on the exchange rates volatility and international trade, there is no consensus in the literature. This study examines how South African exports demand is affected by exchange rate volatility. The sample period covers the period from the year 2000 first quarter to the beginning of 2021 first quarter. To estimate the volatility of the exchange rates, in this study, we have used the Generalised Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedastic (GARCH) mode. While we use Autoregressive Distributed lags (ARDL) models to estimate the impact of exchange rates volatility on domestic exports. The findings suggested that there is a positive relationship between exchange rate volatility and exports. Hence, policies such as bilateral trade agreements are important to promote export growth.
  • JEL Classification: E52
  • Keywords: exchange rate, volatility, exports, GDP
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2023.10-08
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The Role of Gold as a Hedge or Safe Haven in African Stock Markets during the COVID-19 Pandemic

  • Page: 368
  • Authors: Damien KUNJAL, Delane Deborah NAIDU
  • Abstract: This study seeks to investigate the role of gold as a hedge or safe haven against African stock movements during the COVID-19 pandemic by using a two-state Markov Regime-Switching approach. The findings suggest that gold serves as a weak hedge in Malawi, Morocco, Nigeria, Tunisia, and Zambia, a weak safe haven in Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, and a strong safe haven in Botswana and Tanzania. Furthermore, the findings reveal that gold co-moves with the South African stock market regardless of the market regime. These findings imply that, on average, gold offers limited protection for African equity investors.
  • JEL Classification: G01, G11, G15
  • Keywords: COVID-19, gold, hedge, Safe Haven, stock market
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2023.10-09
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Leveraging Opportunities for Public Sector Digitalisation: A Macroeconomic Analysis

  • Page: 387
  • Authors: Claudiu CICEA, Cezar Petre SIMION, Corina MARINESCU
  • Abstract: The aim of this study is to explain from an econometric point of view, the relationship between digitalisation in the public domain and opportunities in the environment of public sector organisations. The analysis is carried out on a set of 29 European countries, and the EU-27 average, on a specific period of time. The panel data regression analysis reveals both positive and negative relationships, as well as direct and indirect connections between variables of interest. After presenting the regression results, one can conclude that changes in the level of opportunities may influence changes in the digitisation process at the level of each country included in the analysis. Six hypotheses were tested by the econometric model. Among them, only one has been validated for 26 out of 30 cases. It is the one testing the positive link between digitisation in the public sector and the way the Internet is being used, respectively, for goods and services search activities.
  • JEL Classification: C23, L86, P35
  • Keywords: broadband coverage, cloud services, digitisation, digital skills, internet use
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2023.10-10
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Cultivating Connections: Crafting a Unique Identity in the Competitive Wine Market

  • Page: 397
  • Authors: Anca Alexandra DUCMAN
  • Abstract: This article offers a detailed look at current marketing strategies and their crucial role in building brand and engaging consumers. It starts by discussing the shift towards more empathetic and innovative marketing, emphasising the importance of creating real connections and understanding consumer desires. The focus then moves to the use of Social Networks and Social Media Marketing, explaining the various strategies, benefits, and potential issues of using these digital platforms. The discussion continues with an exploration of Digital Content Marketing, highlighting the need for a balance between informative and engaging content and how different characteristics affect brand popularity. The last section provides a tailored marketing strategy for the Romanian wine industry, covering aspects such as identifying target markets, developing a strong brand identity, online promotion, and fostering collaborations. This article acts as a comprehensive guide, combining theory and practical advice, to understand modern marketing and specifically improve the international profile of Romanian wines.
  • JEL Classification: M31, Q13, L66, O32
  • Keywords: wine marketing, social media strategies, consumer engagement
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2023.10-11
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