Search Results (46)

Trade credit is a crucial component of supply chain financing, enabling businesses to manage cash flow and optimize inventory levels. This study delves into the application and implications of multiple trade credit types with different repayment periods and financing costs in a supply chain, encompassing short-term trade credit concatenated with bank financing, long-term trade credit, and a trade credit portfolio. Using a two-stage newsvendor model, we analyze the impact of different trade credit types on supply chain profitability under various scenarios. When facing multiple trade credit types, the retailer prefers financing from the trade credit type that has a lower marginal cost, and the resulting form of financing ensures an equal expected cost of each financing type. The analysis shows that in the case of a monopoly supplier, a long-term credit supplier’s profit is higher than that of a short-term credit supplier. Meanwhile, when the bank interest rate is sufficiently high, the retailer’s profit is highest under the trade credit portfolio mode, whereas when the bank interest rate is sufficiently low, the retailer’s profit is highest under the single short-term credit model. Comparing the effects of different financing modes, we find that there is no optimal financing mode for the overall profit of the supply chain. Full article

P2MKP Alang-alang Tumbuh Subur is an MSME that produces various types of food made from catfish. Inventory recording in these MSMEs is still carried out using simple Excel, which causes various problems, such as differences in real stock and recording stock, longer recording time, and vulnerable data loss. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the recording system. This research aims to design a management information system that is informative and easily accessible, so that inventory and financial records in these MSMEs can be performed quickly and flexibly. The method used is the agile software development method, which prioritizes communication with related parties with several sprints. This method ensures that the system can be developed quickly, precisely, and in accordance with the wishes of the user. The result of this research is a system that contains product stock management pages, employee data, equipment, and business financial transactions. With CRUD (create, read, update, delete) and report printing features, users can easily change and print reports. In addition, there is an access code feature so that data security is guaranteed. With this system, it is expected that MSMEs can increase the efficiency and accuracy of inventory and financial records and support the smooth operation of the company as a whole. Full article

Efficient management of bankruptcy risk requires treating distant-to-default (DD) stochastically as long as historical stock prices move randomly and, thus, do not guarantee that history may repeat itself. Using long-term data that date back to 1952–2023, including the nonfinancial companies listed in the Dow Jones Industrial Average and National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations indexes, this study estimates the historical and stochastic DDs via the geometric Brownian motion (GBM). The results show that (a) the association between the debt-to-equity ratio and the stochastic DD can be used as an indicator of excessive debt financing; (b) debt tax savings have a positive effect on stochastic DD; (c) bankruptcy costs have negative effects on stochastic DD; (d) in terms of the size of the company being proxied by sales revenue and the equity market value of the company, the DD is a reliable measure of bankruptcy costs; (e) in terms of macroeconomic influences, increases in the percentage change in manufacturing output are associated with lower observed and stochastic DD; and (f) in terms of the influences of industry, the stochastic DD is affected by the industry average retail inventory to sales. This paper contributes to related studies in terms of focusing on the indicators that a company’s management can focus on to address the stochastic patterns inherent in the estimation of the DD. Full article

This study aims to explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in international trade, focusing on its key roles in optimizing trade operations, enhancing trade finance, and expanding market access. In trade optimization, AI leverages advanced machine learning and predictive analytics to enhance demand forecasting, route optimization, and customs procedures, leading to more efficient logistics and inventory management. In trade finance, AI can automate document processing and risk assessment, increasing access to finance and enhancing transactional transparency, particularly through integration with blockchain technology. In terms of market access, AI-driven analytics can identify consumer trends and competitive dynamics, enabling personalized marketing and overcoming linguistic and cultural barriers. Due to the lack of quantitative data, this study employed qualitative research methods, specifically a multiple-case-study approach. The case studies of leading companies such as Alibaba, DHL, and Maersk showcase how they leverage AI to optimize their trade operations, improve customer service, and achieve greater efficiency. These real-world examples demonstrate AI’s practical applications and significant benefits in the global trade landscape. However, the adoption of AI in international trade is not without challenges. These include issues around data quality, ethical concerns, technological complexity, and public perception. Policy recommendations highlight the need for a robust data infrastructure, establishing ethical AI guidelines, and fostering international cooperation to align data protection regulations. Full article

This systematic review critically examines the diverse applications of Blockchain technology in the food supply chain and identifies areas where its potential remains underutilized. By analysing 60 Blockchain-based frameworks, the study highlights the most frequently employed drivers such as transparency, traceability, and security within food supply chains. Additionally, underexplored applications such as food donation and redistribution, supply chain financing, animal welfare, food waste management, and data analysis are identified, revealing opportunities for further innovation. The research employed NVivo 14 to analyze the extent of Blockchain’s implementation in various food supply chain drivers, and the findings informed the development of a more diverse framework for Blockchain integration. Key insights demonstrate Blockchain’s transformative potential, particularly in enhancing data integrity, trust, and operational efficiency through its immutable ledger and smart contracts, which streamline transactions, cut administrative costs, and reduce fraud. In terms of sustainability and safety, Blockchain improves traceability, accelerates safety responses, promotes environmental sustainability by tracking resource usage, and enhances humanitarian efforts with transparent, efficient resource distribution. Additionally, Blockchain facilitates food waste reduction by optimizing inventory and distribution, while ensuring surplus food reaches those in need. The study concludes by offering a roadmap for future research, pointing toward untapped dimensions of Blockchain’s application in food traceability, sustainable supply chain management, and environmental & social impact. While the review provides a comprehensive understanding of Blockchain’s current usage in food supply chains, the scope is limited by the systematic review process and specific inclusion criteria. This study serves as a foundation for exploring Blockchain’s broader potential in shaping the future of food supply chains. Full article

This study evaluates the impact of green finance on agricultural non-point source pollution control and emission reduction in 30 Chinese provinces from 2005 to 2022. Utilizing the entropy value method and the unit survey inventory method, the research measures the levels of green finance development and agricultural non-point source pollution. It employs a mediation effect model to empirically assess the pollution control efficacy of green finance and to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its influence. The findings indicate that green finance development significantly curtails agricultural non-point source pollution emissions. This conclusion is still valid after a series of robustness tests. The results of mechanism analysis show that environmental regulation and land transfer are important channels for green finance to reduce agricultural non-point source pollution. However, the slowing effect of green finance is stronger in provinces where the economic development level is still in the catch-up zone. Consequently, this study suggests strengthening green finance infrastructure in rural areas, coordinating green finance and environmental regulation policies, optimizing land transfer systems to promote scale management, and developing differentiated green finance policies based on regional economic development levels. These measures aim to augment the role of green finance in pollution treatment and emission reduction, thereby optimizing the green financial system, advancing environmental protection, and fostering sustainable development in China’s agricultural sector. Full article

The greenhouse effect of atmospheric pollution is globally concerning. China is transitioning to market-driven emission reduction from policy-driven efforts. In 2021, key power industry emitters were included in the national carbon trading market. However, many companies lack willingness and understanding of carbon assets, hindering progress. Research on power companies in Beijing, a political and carbon market pilot region, is valuable. This study obtained data on the participation of Beijing’s power generation companies in the carbon market and the construction of their carbon management systems during the first compliance period through the distribution of surveys. The findings revealed that the implementation and preparation of carbon inventory, Chinese Certified Emission Reduction (CCER) development, the allocation of carbon management personnel, and training are key factors influencing the actual effectiveness of carbon management within companies. Based on the survey results and the impact pathways, this study outlines the preparatory work, system content, and construction steps for power companies to build a carbon management system. It summarizes five key areas of work for power companies in managing carbon assets: carbon inventory, carbon management personnel and mechanisms, carbon trading, carbon emission reduction, and carbon finance. This provides guidance to help power companies fulfill their obligations smoothly, add value to their carbon assets, and achieve low-carbon development goals. Additionally, it offers a reference for other industry enterprises that are about to enter carbon trading. Full article

The fashion apparel industry is facing an increasingly growing demand, compounded by the short sales lifecycle and strong seasonality of clothing, posing significant challenges to inventory management in the retail sector. Despite some retailers like Uniqlo and Zara implementing inventory management and dynamic pricing strategies, challenges persist due to the dynamic nature of fashion trends and the stochastic factors affecting inventory. To address these issues, we construct a mathematical model based on the mathematical expression of the deterministic fashion level function, where the geometric Brownian motion, widely applied in finance, is initially utilized in the stochastic fashion level function. Drawing on research findings from deteriorating inventory management and stochastic optimization, we investigate the fluctuation of inventory levels, optimal dynamic pricing, optimal production rates, and profits—four crucial indicators—via Pontryagin’s maximum principle. Analytical solutions are derived, and the numerical simulation is provided to verify and compare the proposed model with deterministic fashion level function models. The model emphasizes the importance of considering stochastic factors in decision-making processes and provides insights to enhance profitability, inventory management, and sustainable consumption in the fashion product industry. Full article

Financial signaling and stock return synchronicity may not be at crossroads. This paper optimizes the signaling effect of firms’ financial indicators on stock return synchronicity. The ultimate objective is to align firms’ financial signaling and stock return synchronicity, which implies a benefit of hedging against fluctuations in the stock market index. The data cover quarterly periods from June 1992 to March 2022 for the non-financial firms listed in the DJIA30 and NASDAQ100. This paper examines the observed return synchronicity as the dependent variable. The independent variables are classified into six groups namely, Solvency (or Liquidity) ratios, Assets Efficiency ratios, Expense Control ratios, Debt (or Leverage) ratios, Profitability ratios, and Dividend ratios. The analysis is conducted on two different groups. The first group examines the observed firms’ financials that affect observed stock return synchronicity. The second group examines optimal firms’ financials that help optimize stock return synchronicity. The final results show that (a) current stock return synchronicity is affected positively by cash ratio, and negatively by receivables and historical growth of earnings; (b) optimal stock return synchronicity can be elevated using significant financial indicators namely, Inventory/Current Assets, Net Working Capital/Total Assets, Net worth/Fixed Assets, and Sales Annual Growth; (c) agency conflicts between managers and shareholders can be mitigated by the aforementioned financial indicators, which do not include debt financing being the common source of agency conflicts; and (d) dividends are still insignificant to stock return synchronization. Full article

Blue carbon has been proposed as a nature-based solution for climate change mitigation; however, a limited number of published works and data and knowledge gaps hinder the development of small island developing states’ (SIDS) national blue carbon resources globally. This paper reviews the blue carbon ecosystems of Seychelles as a case study in the context of SIDS, comparing estimations by the Blue Carbon Lab and recent blue carbon (mangrove and seagrass) evaluations submitted to the Seychelles national government. Mangroves (2195 ha, 80% in Aldabra Atoll) and seagrasses (142,065 ha) dominate in Seychelles, with coral reefs having the potential for carbon sequestration (169,000 ha). Seychelles is on track to protecting its blue carbon, but these systems are threatened by rising sea levels, coastal squeeze, erosion, severe storms, and human activities. The importance of carbon inventories, accounting institutions, and continuous monitoring of blue carbon systems is discussed. Blue accounting is necessary for accurate accounting of carbon sequestration and carbon storage, generating carbon credits, and representing impactful reductions in greenhouse gases for NDCs. Challenges and opportunities include policy legislation regarding ownership rights, accreditation and certification for carbon credits, sustainable financing mechanisms like natural asset companies and blue tokens, local engagement for long-term success, and carbon market dynamics following COP27. The restoration and regulation of blue carbon resources for optimal ecosystem services delivery, carbon inventories, and blue carbon policy are recommended development priorities. Blue carbon ecosystems have the potential to contribute to NDCs of SIDS while simultaneously offering sustainable development pathways for local communities through the multiple ecosystem services they provide. Full article

As a means of enhancing food security, efficient agricultural processing and the maintenance of a smooth supply chain are essential for ensuring food quality and reducing food wastage. Agricultural enterprises play a crucial role in the processing and transportation of food from farms to dinner tables. Operating income growth plays the vital role of ensuring that agricultural enterprises function in a stable manner while also indicating the quantity and quality of market food supply. Therefore, the objective of this study is to explore the impact of digital inclusive finance on food security by analyzing the effect of digital inclusive finance on the operating income of agricultural enterprises in China. By applying pooled OLS analysis to Chinese agricultural enterprises that are listed in the National Equities Exchange and Quotations, this study finds that digital inclusive finance can help improve agricultural operating income. The results reveal that digital inclusive finance can facilitate the promotion of agricultural operating income by increasing the supply of financing, accelerating inventory liquidity, and supporting investment in research and development. In addition, this study concludes that digital inclusive finance is more effective for increasing agricultural operating income as a result of its wider coverage and deeper utilization. Furthermore, the development of traditional finance is still necessary for the digitization of digital inclusive finance to be effective. Full article

Planning for integrated nuclear waste management (INWM) entails consideration of all generated waste from energy generation, nuclear fuel cycle and institutional facilities as well as waste from decommissioning and remediation of nuclear facilities, legacy waste, and eventual accident waste and requires establishment of different planning scenarios as well as control milestones to allow for adequate flexibility to address inevitable changes. An early assessment of waste management needs from development and use of advanced reactors and innovative nuclear fuel cycles is required to aid design and operation of such facilities as well as to understand their impact to overall waste management planning. Major prerequisites for approach to planning and establishment of INWM plans are discussed briefly. It is pointed out that five most important challenges in establishing and implementing the INWM plan needs to be addressed: (i) inventory; (ii) time frame for an integrated plan; (iii) assessment of facility needs; (iv) costs estimation (life-cycle cost analyses) and (v) funding and financing. The INWM has to promote strategic thinking within a broad framework resulting in a sustainable and sensible outcome for nuclear waste management at a strategic and national level. Full article

The present study was undertaken to assess the current supply chain system of pharmaceuticals and vaccines in Pakistan in terms of structure, process, and outcomes, as well as related barriers and solutions for an effective supply chain system. A qualitative study was designed to explore stakeholders’ perceptions selected using the snowball sampling technique. A semi-structured interview guide was used to interview these respondents at a convenient time and place. After data collection, recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic analysis. The results highlighted that the standard operating procedures (SOPs), checklists, and government guidelines were available at different levels, except for community pharmacies. Timely delivery of quality products and services along with market reputation, experience, and authorization were the key criteria used for supplier selection and evaluation. Good inventory management, financial models, effective coordination, training, and skill development programs were identified as key factors responsible for an efficient supply chain process. Availability of vaccines, their appropriate temperature monitoring, and transportation are also highly compromised in Pakistan. The results of the present study concluded that the current supply chain system in Pakistan is not up to the mark; major factors include poor forecasting and inventory control, delayed order placement, lack of training, inadequate involvement of professionally qualified staff, inadequate financing and procurement processes, and poor coordination and integration among all stakeholders. Full article

Since 1998, the land finance model based on residential and commercial land transfer revenue has played an important role in Chinese social and economic growth, especially in urban infrastructure construction. With China’s population peak and stable urbanization, the “incremental” land-transfer-heavy development paradigm is unsustainable. At the same time, as a developing country, local governments in China must have enough fiscal revenue to encourage high-quality growth. The transformation of land finance is a practical issue that needs to be explored urgently. This article, which was based on the local government financial balance theory, proposed supporting the optimization of the land finance incremental model with the reform of the property tax system. A local land finance transformation mechanism with increment and inventory synergy was then created. Specifically, to avoid a cliff-like fall in the local government’s land-transfer fee, it was proposed that the land-transfer fee change from the original collection, from ordinary commercial housing to improved housing. The property tax should be levied on the second set of ordinary commercial housing to obtain fiscal revenue from the “inventory”. Concurrently, the fiscal money from property taxes could be utilized to build cheap rental housing or to support housing vouchers for new urban residents and young people. Full article

Working capital management is one of the decisive factors in increasing business performance through the efficient use of current assets such as inventories, receivables, funds, and current liabilities. The primary aim is to identify how working capital management using a wide range of liquidity and activity indicators affects the corporate performance of transport companies broken down by company size into small, medium, large, and very large companies in Slovakia and the Czech Republic using multiple linear regression analysis with achieving competitive R-square as a relevant statistical metric compared to other models from previous research. Our research focuses on a different industry than the traditional production industry. Descriptive statistics show that more than half of the assets are impelled assets in the corporate finances of transport companies. We deal with the impact of working capital management on corporate performance, considering the corporate size. This output delivers specific findings for small, medium, large, and very large businesses separately. All multiple linear regression models for estimating corporate performance are proposed for transport companies in the Czech and Slovak Republics. The results show that liquidity has a negative impact, in contrast to activity indicators except for DPO, on corporate performance in Czech transport companies. On the other hand, Slovak small, medium, and large enterprises must effectively manage free cash and cash equivalents, too. However, activity indicators, except DRO for an aggregated group of large and very large enterprises, also harm business performance. These outputs are beneficial for business management and making relevant decisions to increase business performance, the models identify the strengths and weaknesses of working capital management. In general, this research helps to make specific decisions focused on receivables, inventory management, and cash management as part of working capital management. Full article