bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CHALLENGES OF STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION BY INSURANCE COMPANIES IN KENYA
Authors: Munge Zipporah N , Kitiabi Dr. Regina
Published: September 2020

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine the challenges of strategy implementation by insurance companies in Kenya.Materials and methods: The study made use of primary data that was collected using questionnaires. Since the study involved the use of questionnaires, descriptive survey study was employed. The study population used included all the 46 insurance companies operating in Kenya as at August 2014. A list of the insurance companies in Kenya was obtained from the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA). A census of the 46 insurance companies was used.  Therefore, sampling was not applicable in this study. After data has been collected through questionnaires, it was prepared for readiness of analysis by editing, handling blank responses, coding, categorizing and keying into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software for analysis. SPSS was used to produce frequencies, descriptive statistics which were used to derive conclusions and generalizations regarding the population.Results: The results from the study showed that among that the macroeconomic factors considered to affect strategy implementation were; strict guidelines for compliance with legal, regulatory and capital requirements, high technology advancement, and high inflation rates and low purchasing power of customer whereas the industry specific challenges that affected strategy implementation included; threat of price wars, stiff competition, rivalry among insurance companies and  strong bargaining power from clients. Lack of staff involvement, bureaucratic structures and procedures in the company, poor communication of deliverables, and lack of clear guidelines in implementation, were among the internal factors that affected strategy implementation. The study also found out that strategy responses adopted by insurance companies in order to effectively implement their strategies included; rewards being linked to strategy implementation in order to enhance effective execution, lobbying through the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI) to address regulatory, economic, political and environmental challenges, reliance on support from the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) to address challenges in pricing and price wars.Recommendations: The study recommended that in order to address the strategy implementation challenges companies must first, avoid resistance by employees towards strategy implementation by ensuring employee involvement in the process, secondly, the companies should also work in lessening the bureaucratic structures and procedures, improving and ensuring effective communication  of deliverables to ensure they are well understood by the employees, and also ensuring that clear guidelines in implementation process are laid down before the strategies are implemented.
AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF PRICE CLUSTERING ON THE NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE
Authors: Wafula Lugongo Maurice , Kisaka Dr. Sifunjo E
Published: September 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to empirically investigate price clustering phenomenon on the Nairobi Securities Exchange for the period 2009 to 2013.Materials and methods: The study used secondary sources of data obtained from the Nairobi Securities exchange. The study revealed that there has been a preference by investors for stock whose prices end with the digit 5 and this accounted for 67.88 percent of all the stocks examined and was followed by stocks whose prices ended with the digit 0 which accounted for 4.55 percent. In order to establish the determinants of this observed behavior a multivariate regression model used by Harris (1991) was adopted where price clustering was regressed against stock volatility, number of trades, market capitalization, and own stock price.Results: The regression results indicated that the number of trades as well as Market Capitalization was positive and significantly related to price clustering. The study also found the stock price to be negative and significantly related to price clustering. On the other hand, Stock volatility was established to be an insignificant predictor of price clustering. The multivariate regression model was found to be significant in explaining the observed relationship and that 15.4 percent of the variance in price clustering was explained by number of trades, stock volatility, own stock price and the market capitalization. The study finds that there is a tendency of prices to cluster around certain numbers as evidenced by the 67.88 percent of numbers clustering around the number 5 and that price clustering is positively related to number of tradesRecommendations: It is thus recommended that if firms are to increase the number of trades of their shares they should consider pricing their shares according to the preferences of investors who prefer shares or stocks whose prices ends with 5 or 0.
THE EFFECT OF FINANCING SOURCES ON REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT IN KENYA
Authors: Mwathi Joseph , Karanja Dr. James M
Published: September 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the sources of financing real estate in Kenya. In specific terms the study reviewed whether financing in the real estate originates from; mortgage financing, savings, venture capital and equity financing.Materials and methods: This study employed descriptive survey design. The population of this study was all the real estate firms in Nairobi. This study used secondary data for five years. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and results were presented in frequency tables and charts. The data was then analyzed in terms of descriptive statistics like frequencies, means and percentages.Results: The findings indicated that mortgage financing is the most used source of financing, with equity and venture capital being the least source of financing used. The findings also indicated that there is a significantly positive relationship between mortgage financing and real estate development.Recommendations: The study recommended that to increase use of equity and venture capital as a source of financing will require businesses to sell their ideas to people who have money to invest. Equity and venture capital financing can be a good source of financing but with combining them with other sources of financing. Further research should be on the effects of sources of financing in unsuitable economic conditions, political instability and a global economic crisis and internal and external factors that affect the decision on sources of financing for real estate firms in Kenya.
A Comparative Study of the Returns of Quoted Sin and Non Sin Stocks at the Nairobi Securities Exchange
Authors: Njeru Paul Gachoki , Ondigo Dr. Herrick
Published: September 2020

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to compare returns of quoted sin and non-sin stocks at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The major objective of the study was to establish whether stock returns of sin stocks outperform non sin stocks.Methodology: The study used explanatory research design with the population consisting of all firms listed in the NSE. The sample of the study consisted of the top 20 NSE firms. The study grouped 18 firms into the non-sin stock category and another 2 firms (BAT ad EABL) into the sin stock category. Secondary data sources were used in gathering data for analysis which was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20) to generate the descriptive statistics and also to generate inferential results.Results: The study found out that sin stocks have higher capital gains, high expected return and dividends than in non-sin stocksUnique contribution to theory, practice and policy:  The study recommended that Sin stocks have higher expected returns than comparable stocks; however, neglected they are by norm constrained investors. Therefore, investors should split their investment in sin stock and non-sin stocks.
EFFECTS OF EDUCATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SMALL ENTERPRISES IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY OF GIKOMBA MARKET, NAIROBI.
Authors: Olotch Michael
Published: September 2020

Purpose: The key objective of this research was to establish the relationship, if any, between education/training and the performance of small enterprises in Gikomba market.Methodology:This study adopted descriptive and regression analysis design and the target population for this study are the owners/managers of small business enterprises in Gikomba market, Nairobi. A sample of 68 respondents will be selected. Probability sampling was used whereby stratified random sampling will be grouped into two or more relevant strata. This study used both primary and secondary data collected using questionnaires and secondary data collection data guide. Primary data was collected for all variables for a period of 3 years (2010 to 2012). Data analysis was used using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Descriptive statistics will include; frequencies, mean and standard deviation. Data analysis output was presented using graphs and tables. Inferential statistics will include regression and ANOVA tests.Results:The results indicate that Education greatly influences the financial and non-financial factors in the SMEs sector. However the level of education is not the key factor to SME’s existence and success. If the business management training education is well implemented, all the small enterprise traders at Gikomba open air market should be in position to breakeven and also to manage their business performance as expected.Policy recommendation: The study recommends that policy makers should adopt the findings of this study. According to the results, exchange rates, public debt and interest rates were the significant determinant of market capitalisation of listed companies in Kenya during the study period. Macroeconomic variables should be factored when formulating policies on market capitalisation. This study recommended that, since the Kenyan stock market is not really exposed to the negative effects of currency volatility, government can use exchange rate as a policy tool to attract foreign portfolio investment.
AN ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF PRICING STRATEGIES ON PROFITABILITY OF INSURANCE FIRMS IN KENYA
Authors: Nyaga Perminus Kariuki , Muema Mr. Wilson
Published: September 2020

Purpose: The objectives of the study were to establish the effect of economy, skimming, penetration and premium pricing strategies on the profitability of insurance firms in Kenya.Methodology:The descriptive research design was preferred to other research designs because it reports the status of study variables. The population of study was the 45 insurance companies operating in Kenya as at 31st December 2012. Data was drawn from a period of five (5) years that is 2008-2012. The sample of this study was 10% of the sales workforce which comprised of 900 employees from the 45 insurance companies. The sample was generated by purposively sampling two employees from each insurance company.The researcher collected primary data with the help of a questionnaire. The primary data obtained from the questionnaires was summarized and analyzed by use of descriptive and inferential statistical techniques.Results:Regression and correlation results indicated that there was a statistically significant and positive relationship between economy pricing, skimming pricing, penetration pricing, premium pricing, price optimization strategies, strategies and profitability. Results show that economy pricing, skimming pricing, penetration pricing, premium pricing, price optimization strategies have a positive effect on the profitability of insurance companies. The correlation between profitability and penetration, premium and price optimization strategies was strong and positive. The regression results indicate that the variables; economy pricing, penetration pricing, premium pricing, price optimization strategy and skimming pricing were satisfactorily explaining profitability.Policy recommendation: The study recommends that insurance companies put in place measures assess the most effective pricing strategy to reduce product costs and thus increase profitability whenever such a strategy is used.
EFFECT OF ECONOMY PRICING STRATEGY ON THE PROFITABILITY OF INSURANCE FIRMS IN KENYA.
Authors: Nyaga Perminus Kariuki , Muema Mr. Wilson
Published: September 2020

Purpose: The objectives of the study were to establish the effect of economy pricing strategy on the profitability of insurance firms in KenyaMethodology:The descriptive research design was preferred to other research designs because it reports the status of study variables. The population of study was the 45 insurance companies operating in Kenya as at 31st December 2012. Data was drawn from a period of five (5) years that is 2008-2012. The sample of this study was 10% of the sales workforce which comprised of 900 employees from the 45 insurance companies. The sample was generated by purposively sampling two employees from each insurance company.The researcher collected primary data with the help of a questionnaire. The primary data obtained from the questionnaires was summarized and analyzed by use of descriptive and inferential statistical techniques.Results:Regression and correlation results indicated that there was a statistically significant and positive relationship between economy pricing strategies and profitability. These results implied that economy pricing has a positive effect on the profitability of insurance companiesPolicy recommendation: The study recommends that insurance companies put in place measures assess the most effective pricing strategy to reduce product costs and thus increase profitability whenever such a strategy is used.
INVESTIGATION OF EFFECTIVENESS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ON THE OPERATIONS OF THE SAVINGS AND CREDIT COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN NAIROBI, KENYA
Authors: Kandia Dennis Ireri , Idowu Prof. Abraham , Lisso Mr. Tumaini
Published: September 2020

Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of information technology on the operations of SACCO’s within Nairobi.Methodology: The study utilized a descriptive survey research design.Findings: Results revealed that effectiveness of ATM system influenced the operations of savings and credit cooperative societies. Results also revealed that effectiveness of asset loan management system influenced the operations of savings and credit cooperative societies. Results also revealed that effectiveness of liability/saving management system influenced the operations of savings and credit cooperative societies. Further, results revealed that effectiveness of financial management system influenced the operations of savings and credit cooperative societies.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study will be of importance to the researchers, SACCO’s, the society at large and the government in the following ways; First of all, the study will be of benefit to the management of cooperative societies in that they will be able to gain insight of the importance of IT in enhancing the effectiveness of their organizations. The study may help them address some of the challenges with regard to IT. The study will be of benefit to the government and particularly the policy makers as they will be in a position to make informed policies decisions regarding the use of IT in cooperative societies. Finally, the study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the area of the effectiveness of information technology on the operations of savings and credit cooperative societies in Nairobi, Kenya.
DETERMINANTS OF INTEREST RATE SPREAD AMONG COMMERCIAL BANKS IN KENYA
Authors: Njoroge Leah , Warui Mercy , Mbogo Catherine , Chiera Margaret , Chogii Dr.
Published: September 2020

Purpose: To establish the determinants of interest rate spread among commercial banks in Kenya.

Methodology: The study utilized a descriptive survey research design.

Findings: The results indicated that the commercial banking sector has witnessed a gradual rise in the Interest rate spread. Results also showed that the mean of market structure has been fluctuating with year (2010) being the lowest with mean of 4 and year (2012) being the highest with mean 12. Results also showed that there was no regulation from the year (2005) to the year (2009) but it was later adopted whereas regulations shoot steadily to mean of 1.0 in the year (2009) and remained in the same level the rest of the years. The regression results indicate that there is a positive and significant relationship between market structure, credit risk and interest spread. The regression results also indicated that there is a positive but insignificant relationship between access to information and interest spread. Further, the results indicated that there is a negative and significant relationship between regulation and interest spread.

Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study is important to the management of Commercial banks as it will provide an insight on the factors influencing interest rate spread among commercial banks in Kenya. The results of this study will provide information to policy makers and other stakeholders in the financial sector (especially the banks) to come up with strategies that help in dealing with the high interest rate spread experience in the banking sector and thus improve on the financial performance of the organisations. It may be used as a tool for persuading commercial banks to reduce their interest rates spread and hence increase their volume of business, which of course would compensate the loss in the interest rate spread. The study will also be invaluable to the government and CBK. This is because the monetary policy framework of Central Bank of Kenya and its implementation will be guided by a need to ensure, among others: realistic interest rate spreads that encourage financial deepening and a safe, sound, efficient and competitive banking system through discreet risk management. These findings therefore might influence the effectiveness of economic policies. The research results will also be important to scholars and researchers as it will add to the existing pool of knowledge.
FIXED COSTS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF REAL ESTATE IN MOMBASA COUNTY, KENYA
Authors: Mulli Brian Kitheka , Kaplelach Mr. Samson
Published: September 2020

Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to examine how fixed costs affect developments of real estate in Mombasa County, Kenya.

Methodology: The study adopted the explanatory research design. The target population was the real estate developing firms in Mombasa County Kenya. According to Kenya Statistical Abstracts Issues, there are 25 Property development companies in Mombasa County, Kenya. Sample size comprised of 25 finance managers and 25 marketing managers from the real estate development firms. The study used questionnaires to collect the required data. Descriptive statistics was used mainly to summarize the data. SPSS was used for analysing complex data. The descriptive analysis involved the use cross tabulation and frequency distribution tables. Regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

Results: The study findings revealed that there was a positive association between financing costs, legal costs, labour costs and administrative costs and the development of real estate in Mombasa County. The study results finally indicate that only labor cost had a significant influence on the development of real estate

Policy recommendation: The study recommends that there is a need for the government to come up with policies that will reduce the cost of labour in real estate; this will help in improving the development of real estate generally and attractive to investors
DETERMINANTS OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AMONG SAVINGS AND CREDIT CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN KAKAMEGA COUNTY KENYA
Authors: Esokomi Emily , Mutua Dr.  Mbithi
Published: September 2020

Purpose: The main objective of this study was to investigate determinants of financial performance of Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies in Kakamega County.

Methodology: This study used a descriptive survey design. The target population for this study was 44 SACCOs in Kakamega County. The study used census sampling technique. Secondary data was obtained from Audited Annual Reports of the 44 SACCOs in Kakamega County- Kenya. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS). Analysis of the data collected focused on both the descriptive statistics (trends) and inferential statistics (Pearson Correlation Coefficients and multiple regression coefficients. The analyzed data was presented in frequency tables and graphs. Regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

Results: The study findings revealed that liquidity and return on equity were positively and significantly related, results further indicate that capital structure and return on equity were positively and significantly related. It was further established that assets quality was negatively and significantly related to return on equity. Similarly, results showed that income diversification was positively and significantly related to return on equity

Policy recommendation: The study recommends that all SACCO’s managers should be trained on the deployment of efficient systems to strengthen liquidity risk control fundamentals, that SACCOs should capitalize on efficient mobilization of members’ savings and borrow less, unless they get cheap sources of external funds such as soft loans, that the Saccos should improve their investment assets levels and improve assets quality by reducing the rate of nonperforming loans through credit risk identification.
The Effect of Financial Innovations on the Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya
Authors: Mugane Catherine , Ondigo Herick
Published: September 2020

Purpose: The study sought to investigate the effect of financial innovations on financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The main problem was that there is an increase in the number of financial innovations, but whether the innovations in banking industry are the main determinants of financial performance is a hard to tell. Despite the significance of financial innovation, the effect of innovation on financial performance is still misunderstood.Methodology: The study adopted an explanatory research design. The population of the study was all the 43 commercial banks operating in Kenya in the study period. The study conducted a census on all the 43 commercial banks. The study used primary data. An ordinary linear regression model was used. The regressions were conducted using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.Results: The study findings indicated that there is a negative and significant relationship between product innovation and ROA. The relationship between service innovation and ROA and also organizational innovation and ROA was found to be positive and significant. Based on the findings, the study concluded that commercial banks in Kenya in the study period had unsteady trends in ROA despite the fact that more financial innovations were taking place in the sector. The study also concluded that the relationship between product innovation and financial performance of commercial banks is negative and significant. Based on the study findings, the study also concluded that the relationship between service innovation and ROA and also organizational innovation and ROA is positive and significant.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended that Commercial banks should implement effective product innovation strategies that won’t increase their operational risks which in turn affects their financial performance. The study also recommended that commercial banks should focus more and invest more in both service and organization innovation as the two will lead to better financial performance.
EFFECT OF FINANCIAL PLANNING AND WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF FRUIT FARMING IN KENYA: A CASE OF MACHAKOS COUNTY
Authors: Nyamai Luciana Muthoki
Published: September 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of financial planning and working capital management on the performance of fruit farming.

Methodology: Descriptive research and correlation research design were used in this study. The target population in this study was fruit farmers in Mwala Sub County in Machakos County who were 2702. Quota sampling technique was used and the sample size was 348. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire. Quantitative data was analyzed by use of descriptive and inferential statistics (correlation). Qualitative data collected was analyzed using content analysis technique. The findings of this study were presented in tables, charts and graphs.

Results: The study established that financial plans have a positive and significant correlation with performance of fruit farming. Working capital management, too, was found to have a positive and significant correlation with performance of fruit farming.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: Based on these findings, the researcher recommended that the agricultural ministry in the county government need to train mango farmers on financial planning and have follow-up programs on the same. The study also recommended that the government, NGOS and investors whose interest lies in supporting farmers need to extend their training support to them. Further, financial institutions need to implement mechanisms for supporting the mango farmers financially.
Tourism Development Strategy
Authors: Kaikara Ochieng
Published: September 2020

This study reviews the strategy in developing tourism. The literature indicates that an effective strategy is a strategy that encourages the creation of perfect harmony between an organization and its environment and with the achievement of its strategic objectives. All stakeholders are expected to grow support so that the entire tourism development process runs properly. In order to maximize the expected results, it is very important to make the best use of the resources. Environmental and sustainable development approach, tourism is planned, developed, and managed in a way where natural and cultural resources do not experience quality degradation and are expected to remain sustainable so that an analysis of environmental carrying capacity needs to be applied to this approach.
CRI-HOM: A novel chemical mechanism for simulating highly oxygenated organic molecules (HOMs) in global chemistry–aerosol–climate models
Authors: Weber James , Archer-Nicholls Scott , Griffiths Paul , Berndt Torsten , Jenkin Michael , Gordon Hamish , Knote Christoph , Archibald Alexander T.
Published: September 2020

Abstract. We present here results from a new mechanism, CRI-HOM, which we have developed to simulate the formation of highly oxygenated organic molecules (HOMs) from the gas-phase oxidation of α-pinene, one of the most widely emitted biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) by mass. This concise scheme adds 12 species and 66 reactions to the Common Representative Intermediates (CRI) mechanism v2.2 Reduction 5 and enables the representation of semi-explicit HOM treatment suitable for long-term global chemistry–aerosol–climate modelling, within a comprehensive tropospheric chemical mechanism. The key features of the new mechanism are (i) representation of the autoxidation of peroxy radicals from the hydroxyl radical and ozone initiated reactions of α-pinene, (ii) formation of multiple generations of peroxy radicals, (iii) formation of accretion products (dimers), and (iv) isoprene-driven suppression of accretion product formation, as observed in experiments. The mechanism has been constructed through optimisation against a series of flow tube laboratory experiments. The mechanism predicts a HOM yield of 2 %–4.5 % under conditions of low to moderate NOx, in line with experimental observations, and reproduces qualitatively the decline in HOM yield and concentration at higher NOx levels. The mechanism gives a HOM yield that also increases with temperature, in line with observations, and our mechanism compares favourably to some of the limited observations of [HOM] observed in the boreal forest in Finland and in the southeast USA. The reproduction of isoprene-driven suppression of HOMs is a key step forward as it enables global climate models to capture the interaction between the major BVOC species, along with the potential climatic feedbacks. This suppression is demonstrated when the mechanism is used to simulate atmospheric profiles over the boreal forest and rainforest; different isoprene concentrations result in different [HOM] distributions, illustrating the importance of BVOC interactions in atmospheric composition and climate. Finally particle nucleation rates calculated from [HOM] in present-day and pre-industrial atmospheres suggest that “sulfuric-acid-free” nucleation can compete effectively with other nucleation pathways in the boreal forest, particularly in the pre-industrial period, with important implications for the aerosol budget and radiative forcing.
Tropospheric ozone radiative forcing uncertainty due to pre-industrial fire and biogenic emissions
Authors: Rowlinson Matthew J. , Rap Alexandru , Hamilton Douglas S. , Pope Richard J. , Hantson Stijn , Arnold Steve R. , Kaplan Jed O. , Arneth Almut , Chipperfield Martyn P. , Forster Piers M. , Nieradzik Lars
Published: September 2020

Abstract. Tropospheric ozone concentrations are sensitive to natural
emissions of precursor compounds. In contrast to existing assumptions,
recent evidence indicates that terrestrial vegetation emissions in the
pre-industrial era were larger than in the present day. We use a chemical
transport model and a radiative transfer model to show that revised
inventories of pre-industrial fire and biogenic emissions lead to an
increase in simulated pre-industrial ozone concentrations, decreasing the
estimated pre-industrial to present-day tropospheric ozone radiative forcing
by up to 34 % (0.38 to 0.25 W m−2). We find that this change
is sensitive to employing biomass burning and biogenic emissions inventories
based on matching vegetation patterns, as the co-location of emission sources
enhances the effect on ozone formation. Our forcing estimates are at the
lower end of existing uncertainty range estimates (0.2–0.6 W m−2),
without accounting for other sources of uncertainty. Thus, future work
should focus on reassessing the uncertainty range of tropospheric ozone
radiative forcing.
Atlantic Hurricane response to Sahara greening and reduced dust emissions during the mid-Holocene
Authors: Dandoy Samuel , S.R. Pausata Francesco , J. Camargo Suzana , Laprise René , Winger Katja , Emanuel Kerry
Published: September 2020

Abstract. We use a high-resolution regional climate model to investigate the changes in Atlantic tropical cyclone (TC) activity during a warm climate state, the mid-Holocene (MH: 6,000 yrs BP). This period was characterized by increased boreal summer insolation, a vegetated Sahara, and reduced airborne dust concentrations. A set of sensitivity experiments were conducted in which solar insolation, vegetation and dust concentrations were changed in turn to disentangle their impacts on TC activity. Results show that the greening of the Sahara and reduced dust loadings (MHGS+RD) lead to a larger increase in the number of Atlantic TCs (27 %) relative to the pre-industrial climate (PI) than the orbital forcing alone (MHPMIP; 9 %). The TC seasonality is also highly modified in the MH climate, showing a decrease in TC activity during the beginning of the hurricane season (June to August), with a shift of its maximum towards October and November in the MHGS+RD experiment relative to PI. MH experiments simulate stronger hurricanes compared to PI, similar to future projections. Moreover, they suggest longer lasting cyclones relative to PI. Our results also show that changes in the African Easterly Waves are not relevant in altering the frequency and intensity of TCs, but they may shift the location of their genesis. This work highlights the importance of considering vegetation and dust changes over the Sahara region when investigating TC activity under a different climate state.
An uncertainty partition approach for inferring interactive hydrologic risks
Authors: Fan Yurui , Huang Kai , Huang Guohe , Li Yongping , Wang Feng
Published: September 2020

Abstract. Extensive uncertainties exist in hydrologic risk analysis. Particularly for interdependent hydrometeorological extremes, the random features in individual variables and their dependence structures may lead to bias and
uncertainty in future risk inferences. In this study, an iterative factorial
copula (IFC) approach is proposed to quantify parameter uncertainties and
further reveal their contributions to predictive uncertainties in risk
inferences. Specifically, an iterative factorial analysis (IFA) approach is
developed to diminish the effect of the sample size and provide reliable
characterization for parameters' contributions to the resulting risk
inferences. The proposed approach is applied to multivariate flood risk
inference for the Wei River basin to demonstrate the applicability of IFC
for tracking the major contributors to resulting uncertainty in a
multivariate risk analysis framework. In detail, the multivariate risk model
associated with flood peak and volume will be established and further
introduced into the proposed iterative factorial analysis framework to
reveal the individual and interactive effects of parameter uncertainties on
the predictive uncertainties in the resulting risk inferences. The results
suggest that uncertainties in risk inferences would mainly be attributed to
some parameters of the marginal distributions, while the parameter of the dependence structure (i.e. copula function) would not produce noticeable
effects. Moreover, compared with traditional factorial analysis (FA), the
proposed IFA approach would produce a more reliable visualization for
parameters' impacts on risk inferences, while the traditional FA would
remarkably overestimate the contribution of parameters' interaction to the
failure probability in AND (i.e. all variables would exceed the
corresponding thresholds) and at the same time underestimate the contribution of parameters' interaction to the failure probabilities in OR
(i.e. one variable would exceed its corresponding threshold) and Kendall
(i.e. the correlated variables would exceed a critical multivariate
threshold).
Resource Review: Project Learning Tree PreK-8 Environmental Education Activity Guide
Authors: Bayer Rachel
Published: September 2020

Given growing environmental concerns such as climate change, identifying high-quality environmental education materials that can be used by youth development professionals to meet their educational goals is critical. The Project Learning Tree (PLT) PreK-8 Environmental Education Activity Guide is designed for individuals to develop the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions and take action on environmental issues. The curriculum has activities that youth development professionals can use to teach a wide variety of environmental topics ranging from air quality to food chains, habitats, recycling, and watersheds, to name a few. In addition, as a high-quality environmental education curriculum, the guide assists those who desire to develop skills in youth such as critical thinking, communication, and civic engagement. This review of the PLT PreK-8 Environmental Education Activity Guide provides an overview of the curriculum and how the activities are structured and outlines considerations for its use by youth development professionals.
Native Title—A New Wave of Dispossession
Authors: McLean Adam
Published: September 2020

In 2003, anthropologist Professor Peter Sutton wrote, “To demand of a kin-based society that it produce simple, stable and definitive lists of rights and rights-holders in land and waters is ethnocentric,” and “codification, at least for many such groups, is itself contrary to their own laws and customs.” However, despite warnings by Sutton and others, the structuring of native title and related claims and determinations have continued just as warned against. It is argued here that this phenomenon is the result of attempts to accommodate the demands of non-Indigenous political, legal, and economic structures to have simply defined groups and consequent corporate identities that are recognizable to, and controllable by, dominant non-Indigenous structures. The consequent corporate identities, the Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBC), are a modern version of the system of king plates of old and more needs to be done to ensure recognition of complex traditional law systems.
Risk Governance and Performance: Evidence From Eurozone’s Large Banks
Authors: Agnese Paolo , Capuano Paolo
Published: September 2020

In this paper, by means of econometric models, we investigate the relationship between risk governance and performance of the Eurozone’s Global Systemically Important Banks (G-SIBs), over the period 2014-2018. The results of the quantitative analysis show that the choice to appoint a Chief Risk Officer (CRO) can be useful to shrink the bank risk-taking. Furthermore, we find that the importance attributed by the bank to the CRO – in terms of membership of the board of directors and in terms of remuneration – is positively correlated to both profitability and bank risk-taking. In addition, the analysis shows that the activity carried out by the Risk committee can be helpful to break down the risks.
Strikes in Foreign Direct Investment Enterprises in the Southern Key Economic Region of Vietnam
Authors: Tran Hung Van
Published: September 2020

The transition from a centrally planned economy to a market economy has created favorable conditions for many businesses, especially foreign direct invested enterprises. This process has created a completely different environment for labor relations in enterprises. Accordingly, the relations between employees and employers are no longer in similar forms or can be adjusted by state administrative interventions as before. The difference in benefits between employers and employees is becoming more and more significant, which is reflected the most in the number of strikes and labor disputes that have been continuously increasing and happening throughout the country over the recent years. Strikes have been happening continuously and increasing in terms of quantity, scale and complexity over the past few years and they have greatly affected business results of enterprises as well as have reversed employees' lives and caused other social problems. According to the Ministry of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs, Vietnam, since 1995, when the Labor Code took effect, so far, the country has had more than 6,400 strikes, of which those of FDI enterprises account for more than 70%. Among the strikes taken place in FDI enterprises, those occurred in the Southern Key Economic Zone represented 70% of those that happened in FDI enterprises nationwide.
Globalization and University Rankings: Consequences and Prospects
Authors: Khan Hira , Mohammad Shah Khairul Anuar , Khalid Jamshed , Harnmal Majed Ageel A , Ali Anees Janee
Published: September 2020

This study focuses on the effect of globalization on university ranking and current developments and challenges that HEIs face in the global higher education market. It provides detailed information about the origins of international ranking systems, diversification of university rankings and strategic planning of higher education institutes. Moreover, this study describes the global university classification, continuous exposure to elite universities, neglect of the humanities, arts and the social sciences researches, limited description of methods and indigent metrics. The expected effects on ranking system amid the COVID-19 crisis are mentioned which are widely being discussed by the researchers. The study concludes that there is a threat that universities which are investing time and money in accumulating and using statistics and data for the sake of improvement in their performance for the rankings may destabilize themselves from the development in other areas such as learning, teaching or community involvement.
La adaptación al uso turístico del patrimonio cultural. Una propuesta metodológica de evaluación
Authors: Arnandis-i-Agramunt Ruben , Yagüe Perales Rosa M. , Pitarch Garrido María Dolores
Published: September 2020

El patrimonio es una construcción sociocultural cuya función depende de los valores, intereses, tradiciones e identidades de cada sociedad y de cada momento, por lo que queda sujeta tanto a su valor intrínseco como a lo que representa. Cuando ese patrimonio despierta el interés en el turismo, se vislumbra una nueva función, pero, puesto que ningún patrimonio ha nacido con esa finalidad de ocio, su acondicionamiento resulta una tarea indiscutible. Esta investigación se centra en ese proceso de transformación para el uso turístico del patrimonio cultural inmueble, con el ánimo de identificar qué elementos son necesarios para que la actividad turística sea adecuada. La academia (vía Delphi) y los visitantes culturales (vía encuesta) han sido los grupos intervinientes mediante un cuestionario. Los resultados muestran consenso en ambos grupos con relación a los ítems propuestos para la metodología de evaluación, aunque también se evidencian algunas diferencias significativas que abren las puertas a futuras vías de investigación.
CHANGES IN THE CONCENTRATION OF ANIMAL PRODUCTION IN POLAND
Authors: Rokicki Tomasz , Perkowska Aleksandra , Ziółkowska Paulina
Published: September 2020

The main purpose of the paper was to present changes in the concentration level of individual animal production in Poland. All Polish voivodships were selected for research purposefully. The research period concerned the years 2005-2019. The source of material was the literature on the subject and data from the Central Statistical Office. For the analysis and presentation of materials, descriptive, tabular and graphic methods as well as dynamics based on a constant basis, the Gini concentration factor and concentration analysis using the Lorenz curve were used. Specialization in animal production was found in several voivodships, such as Mazowieckie and Wielkopolskie. There were also voivodships focused on a given type of animal production, like Podlaskie on milk production. The concentration of animal production increased, which meant an even greater concentration of activities in several voivodships. The exception was sheep production, for which a decrease in the concentration of the sheep population and lamb production was noted. A reduction in the concentration of production also occurred in the production of veal meat. It should be noted that, as a rule, the dominant voivodships in given animal production increased the number of animals and the production of products obtained from these groups of farm animals the most.
PRECISION FARMING AS AN ELEMENT OF THE 4.0 INDUSTRY ECONOMY
Authors: Klepacki Bogdan
Published: September 2020

The study attempts to determine the place of precision farming in Poland, in conditions of the emergence of new megatrends in a globalizing, digital society and the economy entering the industry 4.0 era. The understanding of the concept of megatrends by various authors, their main types, as well as the basic technologies relevant to the 4.0 economy are presented. The concept and scope of precision farming as well as the necessary conditions and benefits of its use are briefly discussed. It was found that at present, the dissemination of solutions of this agriculture in Poland is still limited. This is due, inter alia, to the small share of large-scale farms (especially large agricultural land), which is a condition for obtaining favorable economic effects from using this form of farming. Progressive improvement in the area structure of agricultural enterprises, the growing concentration of production in them and the relatively lower prices of machinery and equipment for precision farming will, however, be conducive to its expansion in scope. The technological knowledge of producers is also improving. Therefore, it can be expected that the importance of this type of farming will increase in the near future.
Non-financial reporting of banks from a socially responsible perspective – examples from WIG-ESG
Authors: Wójcik-Jurkiewicz Magdalena
Published: September 2020

The purpose of the article is to assess the non-financial reporting practices used by banks belonging to the new WIG-ESG stock index on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, indicating the scope, form, and mandatory standards. Until 2017, non-financial reporting in EU countries, including Poland, was established on a voluntary basis and was not regulated by law. Directive 2014/95/EU on the disclosure of non-financial and diversity information (effective from 1 January 2017) and its transposition into the Accounting Act are considered a turning point. The article follows previous research conducted by the author (nearly 100 reports of non-financial banks), which resulted in an attempt to assess the current state of affairs, starting with banks. The author decided to analyze eight reports of non-financial banks included in the WIG-ESG index for 2019, considering those banks to be "socially responsible", and treating this sample as representative. The research methods used include a literature review, content analysis, comparative anal-ysis, and the deduction method. The article is one of the first studies to assess banks' non-financial reports after January 1, 2017, and thus it fills the research gap in this area. The three parameters proposed by the author in the area of social responsibility were selected correctly and will constitute a significant contribu-tion to further, extended research in the field of non-financial reporting, adding further criteria for the as-sessment of companies in the area of social responsibility.
ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF DAIRY FARMS IN SELECTED EUROPEAN UNION COUNTRIES
Authors: Kołoszycz Ewa
Published: September 2020

The aim of the study was to assess the economic viability of farms specializing in dairy cattle breeding in countries with the highest share of milk production in the EU. Viability was measured using two models based on the opportunity cost of unpaid labour and equity. The study used a comparative analysis of farm viability indicators calculated on the basis of data collected in the FADN system in 2008-2017, taking changes in income in the short and long term into account. The research indicates that farms with greater economic potential were characterized by higher economic viability. Italian and Polish farms with an economic size of EUR 100,000-500,000 were considered viable and developing, as well as Italian and German farms from the group of over EUR 500,000. British and French farms were characterized by a lack of viability. The results were largely influenced by differences in the level of average wages in the national economy of the analysed countries, inputs of unpaid labour and the level and volatility of income.