Asymmetric Nonlinear Impact of Oil Prices and Inflation on Residential Property Prices: a Case of US,UK and Canada

The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics - This paper examines the nonlinear impact of oil prices and inflation on residential prices in the US, the UK and Canada using quarterly data from...     

A comparative study of the application of systems thinking in achieving organizational effectiveness in Malaysian and Pakistani banks

The present work is a comparative study of the banking industry of Malaysia and Pakistan. The paper aims to measure the impact of individual systems thinking on the overall organizational effectiveness. Skilled individuals are considered as an asset of the organization especially when these individuals exhibit systems thinking capabilities that helps in achieving effectiveness. The sample consisted of 368 respondents belonging to lower and middle tier levels in the banking sector of both countries. The results indicate that Malaysian banking employees are ahead of their counterparts in Pakistan while applying systems thinking. The study is significant in enhancing the understanding of the importance of systems thinking for organizational effectiveness. The study has managerial implications for the top management of banks.     

Impact of corporate performance on stock price predictions in the UAE markets: Neuro-fuzzy model

Predicting stock price remains one of the challenges for investors' investment strategies. This study helps with accurate prediction and the main factors affecting variations in stock prices. It applies an adaptive neuro-fuzzy model on 58 listed firms from both the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and the Dubai Financial Market for the period 2014–2018 to estimate the predictive power of corporate performance measures and their significance. After examining four performance predictors—return on asset (ROA), return on equity (ROE), earning per share (EPS), and profit margin (PM)—the study finds that ROE is the most significant predictor and ROA is the least. EPS is the most influential profitability measure and PM the least.     

Measuring country image in terrorism reports: evidence from Pakistan

Since 2001, global terrorism has become one of the principal international challenges of the world. According to United Nations; on average, there were 981 terrorist attacks, triggering 2361 deaths, and wounding 2943 people per month, internationally in 2015. Pakistan stranded the third most terrorist attack country in 2015 with 1009 terrorist attacks and 1081 deaths (https://www.state.gov/j/ct/rls/crt/2015/257526.htm). Terrorist attacks damage the countries tangible and intangible assets. After a terrorist attack every country tries to manage its country image through terrorism reports/news. Though, there is no logical evaluation model to measure whether the country image is effectively made through terrorism reports or not. This study undergoes with the expert respondent interviews to define the levels of elements which affect the country image in terrorism reports. By taking Pakistan as a case study and founded on Analytic Hierarchy Process techniques the country image mathematical and conceptual model for terrorism reports has been developed along with evaluation impact indexes. Thus, this study provides a significant and quantitative way to measure the country image in terrorism reports, and it will also help the future researchers to remove the biases while measuring significant country image quantitatively; which they face in qualitative research.     

Evaluating training effectiveness in India: Exploring the relationship between training components,metacognition and learning outcomes

This study aims to examine the key training factors that significantly impact the learning outcomes of trainees. A comprehensive framework is proposed to investigate the interrelationships among various training components, trainer performance, training usefulness, and their effects on metacognition and learning. Empirical testing of the model is conducted using the partial least squares structural equation modelling approach, analyzing data collected from 322 public servants in North India. The findings reveal that almost all the focal factors comprising a training programme, such as the usefulness of training, trainer performance and metacognition, positively influence trainees' learning. While training agencies should consider all components of the training programme, the perceived usefulness, trainer performance and trainees' metacognition are particularly influential factors in facilitating learning. Training components and trainer performance predict the usefulness of training. This study integrates all focal factors of a training programme into a comprehensive framework using employee data, explaining a significant portion (45%–64%) of the variance in trainees' learning. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing these focal factors thoughtfully when designing and implementing effective training programmes.     

Landowner knowledge and willingness to supply woody biomass for wood-based bioenergy: Sample selection approach

Nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) landowners’ willingness to harvest woody biomass for wood-based bioenergy is important if sustainable feedstock supplies are to be realized in the U.S. However, a significant number of them do not know that unused logging residues could be used to produce wood-based bioenergy. Therefore, this study analyzed landowner willingness to harvest woody biomass in Mississippi contingent upon their knowledge of wood-based bioenergy. The requisite data were analyzed in accordance with the Heckman approach. Results indicated that elderly, male, and resident landowners, having larger tracts of pine plantations were more likely to be aware of wood-based bioenergy. The results further revealed the need for bioenergy related extension education focusing on female landowners and those having small tracts of forest land.     

Lead indicator models and UK analysts' earnings forecasts

This study examines the predictive ability of models which adjust random walk forecasts of corporate earnings, to incorporate past changes in economic lead indicators. The results suggest that changes in the broad money supply measure M4 contain predictive ability, beyond equivalent changes in other lead indicators or an individual firm's earnings. When forecasts from the broad-money model are compared with forecasts generated by financial analysts a size effect is evident: the superiority of analysts' forecasts is apparent much earlier for large firms than for small firms. This result is consistent with studies suggesting a size-related differential in the collection and dissemination of information by market participants.     

Determinants of muslim consumers’ Halal meat consumption: applying and extending the theory of planned behavior

The purpose of this study is to investigate the determinants of Halal meat consumption within Turkish Muslim immigrants in Germany using the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as a conceptual framework. The role of self-identity as a Muslim, dietary acculturation in the host culture, moral obligation to purchase Halal meat, and trust on the authenticity of Halal meat is explored. A quantitative research methodology using an online questionnaire survey was used. Cross-sectional data were collected through a survey of 464 Muslims originating from Turkey and currently living in Germany. A positive personal attitude toward the consumption of Halal meat, motivation to comply others, the perceived control over consuming Halal meat, and the availability of Halal meat predict the intention to eat Halal meat among Muslims. This study is one of the few studies investigating the determinants of Halal meat consumption in a Muslim population in Germany using the TPB within a food, religion, and migration context.