Vol. 10, Issue 2, 2025

Summary

Diaspora Remittance and Enterprise Creation: The Nigerian Context

  • Page: 291
  • Authors: Idowu Emmanuel OLUBODUN, Emmanuel Abiodun OLAWUMI
  • Abstract: The impact of diaspora remittances to any economy has become an imperative such that its contribution is highly desired. This study examines the relationship between diaspora remittance and enterprise creation in Nigeria while controlling for GDP Per Capita, political stability, and exposure to entrepreneurship education. The study employs ex-post facto research design using data from the World Bank Database covering 17 years (2006-2022). The descriptive analysis explains the trend and pattern of the connection between diaspora remittance and enterprise creation, while regression technique ascertains the influence. The trend and pattern between diaspora remittance and enterprise creation shows that both exhibit overall parallel upward trends except in the year 2020-2022 where enterprise created exceeded inflow of remittances. Diaspora remittance does not have significant effect on enterprise creation in Nigeria. The study reveals that, to spur enterprise creation in Nigeria, remittances may be not sufficient. The study concludes that an improvement in business environment, provision of entrepreneurial education and training, and stable political atmosphere will be necessary to engender the impact of remittances on enterprise creation. Further studies can focus on other West Africa countries.
  • JEL Classification: F24, L26, O10.
  • Keywords: diaspora, enterprise creation, diaspora remittance, Nigerian context.
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.02-01
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Marketing and Innovation Process in Agri-Food Companies: Analysis via the Stage-Gate Model

  • Page: 306
  • Authors: Hakima SOUKI, Sabrina BOUKELLAL, Mohand CHITI
  • Abstract: The uncertainty that characterises the development of new products has become one of the major concerns of management professionals and researchers. A new marketing approach focusing on the synergy between creativity, innovation, and marketing skills has underlined the importance of marketing efforts in the success of new products throughout the innovation process. In this article, we highlight the innovation process adopted by agri-food companies by examining the deployment of marketing activities in their innovation process. For this purpose, we adopted the „Stage-Gate System” (SGS) model developed by Cooper et al. (2016), a proven method for managing product development projects in the manufacturing sector. In addition, by mobilising dependency and influence matrices, we situate the place given to marketing in the new product development process while emphasising the importance of cross-functional collaboration. To carry out this research, we opted for a qualitative exploratory method at six companies, and we used a triangulation of analysis methods: content analysis, cognitive content analysis, and processual analysis. For the modelling of process mapping, we drew inspiration from the Stage-Gate System innovation process model. The stages of the innovation process and the theoretical links identified in the SGS model are confirmed by the findings of the empirical study, except that economic profitability and cost optimisation take precedence over the needs of target customers, which may restrict the success of the new product launch.
  • JEL Classification: M31, Q12, O31.
  • Keywords: agri-food company, Algeria, innovation, marketing, SGS model.
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.02-02
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Do Geopolitical Risk and Market Conditions Drive JSE Sector Returns?

  • Page: 324
  • Authors: Thuto NKOMO, Fabian MOODLEY
  • Abstract: Although equity markets contribute immensely to economic growth, they are susceptible to various risks, including geopolitical risks. Despite this, emerging markets such as South Africa have failed to examine geopolitical risk as a determinant of equity market returns under various market conditions. On this basis, this study aims to investigate the effect of geopolitical risk on South African sector returns under changing market conditions from February 1996 to December 2023. This study introduces the Markov regime-switching model, and the findings demonstrate that geopolitical risk has a regime-specific effect on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) sector returns. Moreover, regardless of the effect of geopolitical risk, the consumable goods and consumables services index performed well. This implies that the JSE aggregated market can be used to track the performance of these two markets. The study concludes that the JSE All-share, Consumable goods, and Consumable services indices could be investors’ safe haven during geopolitical tension and equity market uncertainty. However, investors and portfolio managers should be strategic when investing in the JSE industrials and mining indices because they are highly volatile and produce the lowest returns.
  • JEL Classification: MG11, G14, G32.
  • Keywords: Markov model, geopolitical risk, stable regime, volatile regime, JSE
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.02-03
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Do Digitalisation and Entrepreneurship Influence Export Diversification in Oil-Exporting MENA Countries? A Panel Data Analysis

  • Page: 342
  • Authors: Besma KIHAL
  • Abstract: This research uses panel data analysis to examine the impact of digitalisation and entrepreneurship on the diversification of non-oil exports in 11 oil-exporting MENA countries, including Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar and the UAE, from 2009 to 2022. Using a Generalised Least Squares (GLS) model, the findings reveal that digitalisation positively influences export diversification, while entrepreneurship and oil rent have a significantly negative effect. The study aims to provide policymakers with recommendations to better leverage these factors and promote sustainable economic growth through diversified exports.
  • JEL Classification: F14, O33, L26, Q32.
  • Keywords: impact, MENA region, non-oil exports, oil rent, panel data.
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.02-04
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Foreign Direct Investment and Environmental Degradation in Algeria: An ARDL Approach

  • Page: 352
  • Authors: Amine TAMMAR
  • Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and environmental degradation in Algeria from 1990 to 2022. Employing an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach, the research analyses the short- and long-run impacts of FDI, GDP growth, fossil fuel consumption, and manufacturing emissions on CO2 emissions per capita. The ARDL model reveals a weak positive short-run relationship between FDI and CO2 emissions, consistent with the pollution haven hypothesis. However, in the long run, no significant relationship exists. GDP growth significantly impacts CO2 emissions, aligning with the Environmental Kuznets Curve. Unexpectedly, manufacturing emissions show an inverse relationship with overall pollution, possibly due to Algeria’s less industrialised, rent-based economy. The study concludes that Algeria needs stronger institutional frameworks and sustainable policies to mitigate FDI’s environmental impact.
  • JEL Classification: F21, Q56, Q55, C22, F18.
  • Keywords: foreign direct investment, environmental degradation, Algeria, ARDL, CO2 emissions, Pollution Haven Hypothesis.
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.02-05
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Well-Being as a Bridge: Linking Self-Esteem and Adaptability to Organizational Change

  • Page: 365
  • Authors: Cătălina RADU, Miruna-Georgiana STAN
  • Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between self-esteem, well-being, and adaptability in the context of organisational change, with a focus on employees in the IT sector. Given the rapid technological advancements, the shift to remote working, and the frequent restructuring of teams in the IT industry, the ability to adapt to change is critical for both individual and organisational success. Six hypotheses were tested, examining direct associations, group differences, and the mediating role of well-being. Data was collected from a sample of 98 employees in the IT sector during March and April 2025. The findings revealed significant positive correlations between self-esteem, well-being, and adaptability to organisational change. Contrary to expectations, women reported higher self-esteem levels than men, and no significant gender differences were found in terms of well-being. Employees in managerial positions demonstrated significantly higher levels of both self-esteem and well-being compared to their non-managerial counterparts. Additionally, well-being was identified as a mediator in the relationship between self-esteem and adaptability, underscoring its crucial role in supporting employees’ ability to adjust to change in dynamic work environments. These findings have important implications for organisations, particularly in the IT sector, where change is constant. Interventions aimed at enhancing self-esteem and well-being could play a significant role in fostering employees’ adaptability, ultimately leading to more effective responses to organisational change. Furthermore, these insights may inform the development of support systems that help employees manage the psychological challenges associated with constant change, thereby improving both individual and organisational performance.
  • JEL Classification: D91, I31, M12, M15.
  • Keywords: well-being, organisational change, adaptability, self-esteem, management.
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.02-06
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Faith and Finance: The Role of Religiosity in Shaping Financial Development in US Counties

  • Page: 379
  • Authors: Adham CHEHAB, Jeanny LIU
  • Abstract: In this paper, we evaluated the determinants of the degree of financial development in US counties. We proxied financial development as the number of new banks and as aggregate banking assets in a US county. Our main research variable was religiosity; our hypothesis was that increases in religiosity adherents in a US county would attract increased financial development. We also used a county’s level of social capital index, degree of education attainment, income per capita, population, population growth rate, and GDP per capita as control variables. Since education attainment was available starting in 2000 and the social capital index was available up to 2014, we limited our sample period to 2000 through 2014. The regression results showed that religiosity, social capital index, education attainment, income per capita, population, and GDP per capita were positive and statistically significant determinants of the number of new banks opened in a US county. At the same time, social capital index, education attainment, income per capita, population growth rate, and GDP per capita were positive and statistically significant determinants of the aggregate banking assets in a US county.
  • JEL Classification: G21, Z12.
  • Keywords: Religiosity, social capital, financial development.
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.02-07
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Ambidexterity and Firm Performance: A Literature Review

  • Page: 391
  • Authors: Feng ZHANG
  • Abstract: This study reviews extant literature on ambidextrous mechanisms, contingencies impacting the relationship between organisational learning activities and performance, and aggregation issues in studying ambidexterity. The review identifies a largely neglected factor by the extant literature in determining and clarifying the relationship between ambidextrous organisational learning and firm performance, namely, intra-firm distribution of organisational learning activities. Building upon the literature review, this study recommends future research directions associated with the intra-firm distribution of organisational learning activities to advance our understanding of firm strategic deployment of ambidexterity.
  • JEL Classification: D8, L2.
  • Keywords: ambidexterity, distribution, exploration, exploitation, organisational learning.
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.02-08
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Digital Training and Competency Development in Higher Education

  • Page: 407
  • Authors: Soumia BENCHOUAT, Meriem GHEZAL
  • Abstract: This study analyses the impact of investing in digital training on competency development within Algerian universities, focusing on digital infrastructure, training programs, and digital educational resources. It examines these dimensions for their role in enhancing the administrative staff’s technical, professional, and personal competencies. The research addresses a clear gap in the existing literature, specifically regarding limited evidence on how digital training influences competency development among administrative staff in Algerian higher education institutions. Digital training has become increasingly significant given rapid technological advancements and growing demands for sustainable institutional performance. A descriptive-analytical methodology was employed, and a questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of 50 administrative employees. Although this limited sample size was selected due to logistical and resource constraints and may affect the generalisability of findings, it provides valuable preliminary insights into digital training effectiveness in the studied context. The findings revealed significant positive relationships between investments in digital training and competency development. Digital educational resources had the most decisive impact, significantly improving technical and personal competencies. They were followed closely by training and development programs, which enhanced technical and professional skills. Although positively related, the digital infrastructure showed limited influence. The study recommends that universities, policymakers, and HR departments collaboratively implement an integrated strategy by investing in reliable digital infrastructure, designing specialised digital training programs tailored to staff needs, and expanding digital educational resources through innovative platforms. This strategic integration effectively promotes competency development, enhances institutional performance, and supports sustainable development.
  • JEL Classification: O15, I23, M53, O33
  • Keywords: digital training. competencies. digital infrastructure. digital training programs. digital educational resources.
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.02-09
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The Role of Gender Matching in Personal Selling of Embarrassing Products: An Empirical Study in Zimbabwean Fashion Boutiques

  • Page: 431
  • Authors: Paul MUKUCHA, Divaries Cosmas JARAVAZA, Philip DANGAISO, Forbes MAKUDZA
  • Abstract: Effective personal selling of embarrassing products, such as undergarments, seems to be a complex phenomenon in conservative societies, where sexuality is treated with higher levels of sacredness. This phenomenon is worsened by the gender mismatch between sales assistants and customers. Therefore, there is a need to determine whether gender matching between sales assistants and customers can improve customer-initiated sales interactions and sales conversion. To achieve this objective, an observation of personal selling encounters was conducted in fashion boutiques in Zimbabwe. A sample of 400 encounters was recorded, and a chi-square statistic was used to analyse the data. The results indicated that gender matching has a statistically significant effect on customer-initiated sales interactions and sales conversions. The findings of this study expanded the applicability of the role congruency theory to sales encounters for embarrassing products. The practical implications of this study suggested that gender matching should be considered when deploying sales assistants for embarrassing products so as to elicit customer-initiated sales interactions and sales conversions. Customer-initiated sales interactions play an important role in generating sales conversions. Gender matching tends to provide some comfort to the customers of embarrassing products, leading to pleasant shopping experiences.
  • JEL Classification: M30, M31, M37.
  • Keywords: sales assistants, sales interactions, sales conversion, gender congruency.
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.02-10
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Application of Fuzzy SIWEC and Rough MABAC Methods in the Evaluation of Trade Performance Dynamics in Serbia

  • Page: 448
  • Authors: Radojko LUKIC
  • Abstract: The issue of trade performance evaluation is very challenging, primarily when it is based on multi-criteria analysis. The goal of this study is to determine as realistically as possible the dynamics of trade performance in Serbia using multicriteria analysis, that is, Fuzzy SIWEC (Simple Weight Calculation) and Rough MABAC (Multi-attributive Border Approximation area Comparison) methods. According to the results of this study, the overall performance of the Serbian trade has been continuously improving. The best was in 2023. This was influenced by the effective management of human capital, assets, capital, sales, and profit. As well as effective control of all relevant macro and micro factors. Let’s mention only some of them. Foreign direct investments (i.e., foreign retail chains with new business models) had a positive effect on the continuous improvement of trade performance in Serbia. The digitisation of the entire business is a function of improving Serbia’s trade performance. Adequate adaptation to changes in the complex business environment had a positive effect on improving the performance of trade in Serbia.
  • JEL Classification: L81, M31, M41, O32.
  • Keywords: performance, trade, Serbia, Fuzzy SIWEC, Rough MABAC.
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.02-11
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FDI and the Innovation Ecosystem in Bangladesh: Evaluating the Spillover Effects of Foreign R&D on SMEs’ Innovation Capacity

  • Page: 457
  • Authors: Amitavo BAIRAGI
  • Abstract: This study examines the transformative role of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in enhancing the innovation capacity of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh through knowledge spillovers from foreign research and development (R&D) activities. By leveraging a mixed-methods approach, the research explores mechanisms such as technology adoption, skill enhancement, and collaborative projects that facilitate knowledge transfer to local SMEs. Empirical findings underscore that high-technology sectors benefit the most from FDI-driven innovation. At the same time, resource limitations, regulatory barriers, and insufficient absorptive capacity hinder SMEs from fully leveraging these opportunities. The study also identifies critical factors, including government policy support and infrastructure development, that influence the effectiveness of FDI spillovers. Recommendations include targeted policy interventions, enhanced training programs, and fostering foreign-local firm collaborations to optimise FDI’s impact on the innovation ecosystem. These insights provide a framework for sustainable and innovation-led economic growth in Bangladesh and similar emerging markets.
  • JEL Classification: F21, O31, O33, L25, P33.
  • Keywords: foreign direct investment (FDI), innovation ecosystem, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), knowledge spillovers, Research and development (R&D).
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.02-12
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Algorithms and Employment: A Review of AI’s Impact on the Labour Market

  • Page: 471
  • Authors: Maria Alexandra CRACIUN, Irina Carmen BĂLUȚ GABOROI
  • Abstract: This paper investigates the economic implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the global labour market through a systematic literature review of highly cited literature published within the past decade – a period characterised by significant scholarly attention to AI’s development and its economic consequences. By examining labour market dynamics, this study synthesises existing research to address the central question: How does AI impact labour markets on a global scale? The employed methodology enabled the identification of key themes, including the transformation of employment structures, evolving skill requirements, and automation’s differential effects across occupational categories and geographic regions. This paper contributes to the scholarly discourse by offering a comprehensive synthesis of empirical findings and theoretical frameworks concerning AI’s economic ramifications. The analysis reveals future research trajectories and underscores the imperative for evidence-based policy interventions designed to maximise AI’s socioeconomic benefits while mitigating potential labour market disruptions. The findings have significant implications for policymakers, industry stakeholders and educational institutions as they navigate the complexities of this technological progress in the labour markets.
  • JEL Classification: A12, O10, O32, O39, O40.
  • Keywords: artificial intelligence, economic, economic impact, labour market, productivity.
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.02-13
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The Influence of Remote Work Factors on Project Timeline Completion: Moderating Role of Management Support at Fidelity Bank Ghana

  • Page: 485
  • Authors: Zachariah BISSAHE, Juliana Owusu ANSAH, Cornellius BOTCHWAY
  • Abstract: The swift transition to remote work has brought new challenges in meeting project deadlines. This research explores how three primary factors of remote work – availability of digital tools, quality of internet access, and technology usability – impact the Schedule Performance Index (SPI) among employees at Fidelity Bank Ghana, and investigates whether management support (including budget allocation, employee training, and openness to feedback) influences these relationships. Utilising a quantitative approach, a sample of 169 employees was drawn using stratified random sampling, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. Hierarchical regression analysis conducted with SPSS indicated that accessibility (B = 0.658, β = 0.643, p < 0.001), connectivity (B = 0.601, β = 0.592, p < 0.001), and usability (B = 0.685, β = 0.648, p < 0.001) each have significant positive impacts on SPI, explaining up to 42.0% of its variation individually. When management support was added to the model, the explained variance rose by 10.2% (ΔR² = 0.102, p < 0.001), and the interaction term (Remote Work × Management Support) further improved the model fit (ΔR² = 0.039, p = 0.005), confirming a moderating role. These results highlight the significance of providing accessible, reliable, and user-friendly digital resources and proactive managerial support to enhance project schedule compliance in remote settings. This study provides practical recommendations for organisations aiming to maintain remote work performance and suggests directions for future research on additional organisational and individual factors.
  • JEL Classification: M41, M48, M49.
  • Keywords: remote work, management support, Schedule Performance Index.
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.02-14
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An Analysis of the Impact of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) on the Firm Performance of Indonesia State-Owned Enterprises

  • Page: 503
  • Authors: Dinda Amalia CANDELA, Machmudin Eka PRASETYA
  • Abstract: This study aims to determine the impact of enterprise risk management (ERM) on company performance in Indonesia’s state-owned enterprises (SOE). This study took a sample of 40 Indonesia SOEs from 2021-2023, with 100 observations. The ERM aspects consist of the Directors of Risk Management, Risk Management Committee, Reporting between Directors to the Risk Management Committee, Risk Assessment, Risk Management Framework, and Risk Management Maturity. At the same time, Company performance is measured by Return on Assets (ROA). Hypothesis testing was carried out using the Ordinary Least Square method, and it showed that the Directors of Risk Management aspect had a significant positive effect on ROA. The Risk Management Committee aspect, reporting between Directors to the Risk Management Committee, Risk Assessment, and Risk Management Framework had no significant effect on ROA. In contrast, the overall implementation of ERM, as measured by RMI, had a significant positive effect on ROA.
  • JEL Classification: M41, M48, M49.
  • Keywords: enterprise risk management, risk maturity index, firm performance, state-owned enterprise.
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.02-15
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Book Review: “THE RETURN OF BARBARIC TIMES”, by Thierry Wolton

  • Page: 517
  • Authors: Ana SCALCĂU
  • JEL Classification: F52, F55, F59.
  • Keywords: geopolitics, international relations.
  • DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.02-16
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