bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How middle-skilled workers adjust to immigration: the role of occupational skill specificity
Authors: Pregaldini Damiano , Backes-Gellner Uschi 
Published: July 2024

PurposeOur study explores the effects of immigration on the employment of native middle-skilled workers, focusing on how this effect varies with the specificity of their occupational skill bundles.Design/methodology/approachExploiting the 2002 opening of the Swiss labor market to EU workers and using register data on the location and occupation of these workers, our findings provide novel results on the labor market effects of immigration.FindingsWe show that the inflow of EU workers led to an increase in the employment of native middle-skilled workers with highly specific occupational skills. This finding could be attributed to immigrant workers reducing existing skill gaps, enhancing the quality of job-worker matches, and alleviating firms' capacity restrictions. This allowed firms to create new jobs, thereby providing increased employment options for middle-skilled workers with highly specialized skills.Originality/valuePrevious literature has predominantly highlighted the disadvantages of specific occupational skills compared to general skills in the context of labor market shocks. However, our findings reveal that workers with specific occupational skills can benefit from an immigration-driven labour market shock. These results suggest that policy conclusions regarding the role of specific occupational skills should be more nuanced.
Ageing risks in four Asian Tigers: global health crisis and implications for productive welfare regimes
Authors: Tian Zhen , Yuda Tauchid Komara , Hu Zhiming 
Published: July 2024

PurposeThis article focuses on the continuity and changes in the Productive Welfare Regimes and investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic and population ageing can influence the established systems in Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan.Design/methodology/approachOur research is based on document review, investigating intricate situations with numerous aspects and providing an excellent opportunity for innovation and examining theoretical presumptions in welfare regime theory, as well as exploring the complicated policy trajectories that varies among cases.FindingsOur findings reveal that social policy responses to COVID-19 have been characterized by adopting the market-conforming role of social policy for the elderly. This is shown by many policy measures focusing on self-sufficiency and an active labour market, signalling that the COVID-19 pandemic and population ageing pressure here are viewed as an economic issue over social rights. The economic-first was adopted to maintain their proximity to the global economy as key sources of their social policy development. We can conclude by emphasizing that the responses to COVID-19 have exposed deficiencies in certain existing social policies. Yet, they have not been sufficient to catalyse substantial policy changes across domains where such change had not already been initiated, thus allowing welfare regimes to remain within productivist boundaries.Originality/valueThis study responds to the current debate on the welfare regime continuity and adaptation in East Asia and suggests a new perspective of policy process in the times of insecurity.
Should the Internet of Things platform enter the smart device market?
Authors: Li Xiufeng , Ma Shaojun , Zhang Zhen 
Published: July 2024

PurposeThe Internet of Things (IoT) platform empowers the digital transformation of the manufacturing industry by providing information technology services. Simultaneously, it enters the market by offering smart products to consumers. In light of different service fee scenarios, this article explores the optimal decision-making for the platform. It investigates the pricing models and entry decisions of IoT platforms.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, we have formulated a game-theoretic model to scrutinize the influence of the IoT platform ventured into the smart device market on the pre-existing suppliers operating under subscription-based and usage-based pricing agreements.FindingsOur outcome shows that introducing an IoT platform’s smart device has a differential effect on manufacturers depending on their contract type. Notably, our research indicates that introducing the platform’s own smart device within the subscription-based model does not negatively impact the profitability of incumbent manufacturers, so long as there is a noticeable discrepancy in the quality of the smart devices. However, our findings within the usage-based model demonstrate that despite the variance in smart device quality differentiation, the platform’s resolution to launch their device and impose their pricing agreements adversely affects established manufacturers. Additionally, we obtain valuable Intel regarding the platform’s entry strategies and contractual inclinations. We demonstrate that the platform is incentivized to present its smart device when reasonable entry costs remain. Furthermore, the platform prefers subscription-based contracts when the subscription fee is relatively high in non-platform entry and entry cases.Originality/valueThese findings hold significant practical implications for firms operating in an IoT-based supply chain.
An obstacle avoidance method for robotic arm based on reinforcement learning
Authors: Wu Peng , Su Heng , Dong Hao , Liu Tengfei , Li Min , Chen Zhihao 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
Robotic arms play a crucial role in various industrial operations, such as sorting, assembly, handling and spraying. However, traditional robotic arm control algorithms often struggle to adapt when faced with the challenge of dynamic obstacles. This paper aims to propose a dynamic obstacle avoidance method based on reinforcement learning to address real-time processing of dynamic obstacles.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper introduces an innovative method that introduces a feature extraction network that integrates gating mechanisms on the basis of traditional reinforcement learning algorithms. Additionally, an adaptive dynamic reward mechanism is designed to optimize the obstacle avoidance strategy.

Findings
Validation through the CoppeliaSim simulation environment and on-site testing has demonstrated the method's capability to effectively evade randomly moving obstacles, with a significant improvement in the convergence speed compared to traditional algorithms.

Originality/value
The proposed dynamic obstacle avoidance method based on Reinforcement Learning not only accomplishes the task of dynamic obstacle avoidance efficiently but also offers a distinct advantage in terms of convergence speed. This approach provides a novel solution to the obstacle avoidance methods for robotic arms.
Enterprise risk management, corporate governance and insurers risk-taking behaviour in South Africa: evidence from a linear and threshold analysis
Authors: Horvey Sylvester Senyo , Odei-Mensah Jones 
Published: July 2024

PurposeThis study examines the linear and non-linear effects of enterprise risk management (ERM) and corporate governance (CG) on insurers’ risk-taking behaviour.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed panel data of 63 insurers from South Africa over the period 2015 and 2019. The study used the generalised method of moments (GMM) to determine the direct relationship, while the dynamic panel threshold technique was utilised to discover whether there is non-linearity in the relationship and the threshold level at which ERM and CG stimulate insurance risk-taking.FindingsThe result from the GMM elicits a positive relationship between ERM and risk-taking, implying that insurers with a robust ERM system are more likely to pursue higher risks. The empirical evidence also suggests that board size and board independence improve insurers’ risk-taking. Contrarily, gender diversity shows an inverse relationship with risk-taking. The dynamic panel threshold regression confirms non-linearities between ERM, CG and risk-taking. The empirical evidence indicates a U-shaped relationship between ERM and risk-taking, implying that a robust ERM system increases insurers’ risk-taking and vice-versa. Further, board size and independence reveal an inverted U-shaped relationship, suggesting that larger boards and a higher proportion of independent directors exhibit lower risk-taking. However, gender diversity presents a negative relationship, demonstrating a strong impact at higher threshold levels. This tells that the presence of females on the board reduces insurers’ risk-taking preferences.Practical implicationsDue to the risk-bearing nature of the insurance business, it is required that they ensure a robust ERM system for prudent risk-taking decisions. This demands strict adherence to ERM principles and allocating sufficient resources for effective implementation. Also, there is a need for strong CG structures that pay more attention to diversity when selecting board members due to their influence in ensuring improved risk-taking choices.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into the under-researched role of ERM and CG in insurers’ risk-taking behaviour. The study further extends the literature by providing evidence on the non-linearity and threshold levels at which ERM and CG influence insurers’ risk-taking choices. The findings are unique and contribute to the growing body of literature documenting the need for strong ERM and CG systems in insurance companies.
Ranking the benefits of drone-based last-mile delivery due to adoption of its enablers
Authors: Kumbhani Chandresh , Kant Ravi 
Published: July 2024

PurposeStrategic integration of enablers and the realization of drone delivery benefits emerge as essential strategies for business organizations to enhance operational efficiency and stay competitive in last-mile logistics. This paper aims to explore the benefits of drone-based last-mile delivery in the Indian logistic sector by providing a framework for ranking drone delivery benefits (DDBs) due to the adoption of its enablers.Design/methodology/approachThis study proposes a novel hybrid framework applied in the Indian logistic sector by integrating a sentence boundary extraction algorithm for extracting benefits from literature, a spherical fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (SF-AHP) for evaluating primary enablers, unsupervised fuzzy C-means clustering (FCM) for clustering benefits and a spherical combined compromised solution (SF-CoCoSo) for ranking benefits with respect to primary enablers.FindingsThe results reveal that technological and infrastructure enablers (TIE), government and legislation enablers (GLE) and operational and service quality enablers (OSE) are the most significant enablers for drone implementation in logistics. Top-ranked benefits increase the efficiency of last-mile delivery (DDB10), foster supply chain management and logistic sustainability (DDB16) and increase delivery access to rural area and vulnerable people (DDB17).Practical implicationsThis research assists scholars, entrepreneurs and policymakers in the sustainable deployment of drone delivery in the logistics sector. This study facilitates the use of drones in delivery services and provides a foundation for all stakeholders in logistics.Originality/valueThe assessments involve considering judgment from a highly knowledgeable and experienced group in India, characterized by a large volume of inputs and a high level of expertise.
Enhancing inclusive entrepreneurial activity through community engagement led by higher education institutions
Authors: O'Brien Emma , Cooney Thomas M. 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
While supporting entrepreneurship through government intervention has become a global phenomenon, the OECD (2021) has identified that several communities (including women, youth, seniors, unemployed and immigrants) remain under-represented in terms of entrepreneurial activity. Inclusive entrepreneurship policies seek to enhance economic and social inclusion and emphasise the significant contribution that people from within these communities could make to local and regional development if appropriate support was offered. The purpose of this study is to examine how higher education institutions (HEIs) can co-create inclusive entrepreneurial training initiatives with local communities that support economic and social inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach
This in-depth qualitative study draws on the experiences of multiple stakeholders to highlight how an HEI can enhance entrepreneurial activity within under-represented and disadvantaged communities through its community engagement initiatives. The research was conducted through a revelatory case study of an Irish HEI that is newly constituted and is developing an inner-city campus with a focus on community benefit. Rich qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews and participant observation of an HEI community engagement initiative with disadvantaged communities. Thematic analysis methods were used in the processes of generating codes, categories and themes leading to the findings of this study.

Findings
The study identified that broadening the interpretation of entrepreneurial activity to value creation and developing enterprising behaviour has significant relevance for disadvantaged communities. These communities may not have the capacity to start a business yet might benefit from the personal development aspects of entrepreneurial education. Moreover, findings indicate how HEIs are uniquely positioned to develop inclusive entrepreneurial education initiatives to redress social inequalities in their regions.

Originality/value
As an original contribution to knowledge, this paper extends traditional education frameworks to identify individual, collective and system-level considerations in the design and development of inclusive entrepreneurial education initiatives. This study contributes an evidence-based framework to guide HEIs and their regional partners in the future development of inclusive, tailored support through entrepreneurial education.
Self-employment, financial access and economic welfare: empirical evidence from Africa
Authors: Kunawotor Mark , Ahiabor Godson 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the empirical linkages between self-employment, financial access and economic welfare in Africa. It particularly examines the moderating role of financial access in the self-employment-economic welfare nexus and determines relevant thresholds.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper samples 52 African economies from 2000 to 2018 and deploys the fixed effects and bootstrap quantile regression estimators.

Findings
The results show that self-employment has a negative and significant relationship with economic welfare, while access to finance has a positive and significant relationship with welfare. More notably, the conditional effect of self-employment and finance is significant and positive, confirming a synergetic effect. The result suggests that pushing more people into self-employment does not necessarily enhance economic welfare, other than the avoidance of unemployment, due to the large number of replicative and necessity entrepreneurs. However, granting the self-employed more access to affordable finance that boosts entrepreneurial activities enhances economic welfare.

Practical implications
African governments and relevant policymakers must recognize that deepening the financial sector is crucial in creating sustainable opportunity entrepreneurs and boosting general economic welfare.

Originality/value
The uniqueness of this paper centers on the exposé of the relevance of financial access/development in promoting the economic welfare of self-employed persons and entrepreneurs. It also determines relevant thresholds at which finance is most significant in procuring positive impacts on economic welfare. In addition, the simultaneous quantile regression is used to show snapshots of human development index at which this impact is paramount.
Analysis of key influencing factors on the financial performance of Jakarta Islamic Index 30 industrial firms
Authors: Kismawadi Early Ridho 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of size, asset quality, asset management, financial risk, gross domestic product and inflation rate on the financial performance of companies listed on the Jakarta Islamic Index of 30 industrial firms.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on the selected criteria, this study analysed an unbalanced panel of data from 30 industrial companies on the Indonesian capital market that are members of the Jakarta Islamic index. Profitability is measured using the dependent variables return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and stock prices. The influence of explanatory variables of internal factors, namely, size, asset quality, asset management, financial risk, gross domestic product and inflation is investigated using pooled OLS, fixed and random effect estimation.

Findings
The empirical findings indicate that the scale of a company has a significant impact on its performance, asset quality, asset management and financial risk. GDP has a substantial impact on financial performance, particularly as measured by ROA and ROE. This study’s ramifications have substantial effects on a broad spectrum of stakeholders. The results of this study provide the general public and investors with a greater understanding of the factors that influence a company’s performance on the Jakarta Islamic Index 30.

Research limitations/implications
The implication of this research is that a deeper comprehension of the factors that influence the financial performance of companies within industrial sectors that follow Islamic finance principles can help design more effective strategies and policies.

Practical implications
This research has significant practical implications in a number of crucial areas. First, it provides a comprehensive comprehension of the company’s financial performance in the industrial sector in accordance with Islamic finance principles. Second, the research findings provide more precise guidance on how company size, asset quality and macroeconomic variables influence the performance of Indonesia's financial market.

Originality/value
The study’s authenticity and value hold considerable importance. This study introduces novel perspectives on the assessment of corporate financial performance within industrial sectors through the lens of Islamic finance principles. It offers valuable insights that have not yet been extensively investigated by scholars in the field.
Assessing individuals’ attitude and behavioural intention to use dietary and fitness mobile applications: evidence from India
Authors: Dahiya Himani , Saini A.K. 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify and examine the determinants of individuals’ attitude (ATT) and behavioural intention (BI) to use dietary and fitness mobile apps in the context of India.

Design/methodology/approach
The present study develops a conceptual model by incorporating additional variables such as health consciousness (HC), perceived trust (PT), social influence (SI) and personal innovativeness (PI) into the original technology acceptance model (TAM). These constructs were extracted from existing theories and literature on technology adoption, individuals’ health beliefs and personality traits. The conceptual model has been empirically tested and validated by applying structural equation modelling using STATA version 15. The data was collected from both potential and actual users of dietary and fitness mobile apps through a structured questionnaire, both online and manually. Following a convenience sampling approach, a total of 450 respondents from Delhi national capital region (NCR) were contacted, of which 264 valid responses were considered for final analysis.

Findings
The results revealed that of all the factors predicting individuals’ “attitude” towards the use of dietary and fitness apps, perceived usefulness was found to be the most significant followed by PI and PT. Similarly, behavioural “intention to use” was most strongly determined by an individual’s attitude towards the usage of dietary and fitness apps followed by SI.

Practical implications
Findings of the study offer meaningful insights and implications for academics and practitioners. Mobile app developers and service providers can gain an understanding of the consumer’s behaviour towards adoption of dietary and fitness apps and improve the app’s utility, service quality, interface and features in view of the empirically validated determinants of such behaviour. Furthermore, it is essential for the service providers to undertake promotional efforts to not only create awareness of the availability of such apps but also at the same time educate people on the needs, functionalities and utilities they offer. Also, to gain a wider acceptance of the apps, focus on more communication and gamification/ entertainment features is required.

Originality/value
This study adds value by identifying the factors from varied perspectives (technical, social, health and personal) impacting individuals’ attitude and BI to use an innovative health intervention i.e. dietary and fitness mobile apps in a developing economy. Furthermore, the study proved the robustness of extended TAM in the area of healthcare. Lastly, this paper is among the few papers in the Indian context that assessed the adoption of dietary and fitness mobile apps.
Becoming both: “students” and “experts” of race in Australian higher education contexts
Authors: Gatwiri Kathomi , Udah Hyacinth 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to highlight how Black African academics who live and work under coloniality are systematically seen as “out of place” and how this positioning compounds their experiences of interpersonal and systemic marginalisation within predominantly white universities.

Design/methodology/approach
This is a conceptual paper that theorises the experiences of two Black African academics in Australian higher education. It takes a form of autoethnography, to demonstrate the intersectional barriers and setbacks within white academia that interact with gender, class and migranthood, potentially undermining their academic progression and/or professional well-being.

Findings
Black African academics in white-majority workplaces repeatedly report experiences of microaggressions, hyper-surveillance and epistemic Othering. This is characterised by research alienation, funding gaps and being passed over for promotion leading to feelings of exclusion and fractured belonging within academia.

Originality/value
The paper argues that while the Coloniality of Power within institutions of higher learning continues to racialise Black African academics as Other, the Coloniality of Knowledge marginalises their intellectual, theoretical and experiential perspectives and contributions. The power of Coloniality and white supremacy are implicated in the epistemic impositions, erasures and negations of the ontological legitimacy and contributions of Black academics in higher education institutions.