The new oil derivatives transportation scheme proposed by the 2013 Mexican Energy Reform allowed new participants to enter the sector. The new legal framework requires fulfilling many requirements and corresponding duties for the transportation of oil products. The Mexican government already has an institution dedicated to measuring the regulatory cost of each federal procedure. This work aims to quantify the regulatory costs associated with the procedures and their compliance to obtain permits for transporting oil products by truck. We use the standard cost method to measure these costs, considering all associated costs. The results showed that two government offices did not adequately measure these costs. They did not consider relevant information on frequency and opportunity costs, resulting in undervaluation and leading to wrong expectations. As a result of this research, we provide a more accurate way of estimating these costs, which brings greater certainty in the budgeting of these projects and, therefore, increases the probability of survival and success.

Research issue: The study is driven by contemporary global challenges regarding the stability and efficiency of production processes, the necessity to enhance competitiveness, and ensuring workplace safety, which demands a systematic approach to monitoring and supervising adherence to labour discipline. The research is theoretical in nature. The aim/objective of the study is to analyse the specifics of state policy on supervision and control over employees’ adherence to labour discipline, the peculiarities of its practical implementation, and perspectives for improvement. Method: The study employed a logical-semantic method, analytical and documentary methods of analysis, and the method of expert assessment of labour discipline of employees and employers based on their evaluation of certain aspects of labour discipline. The research methodology included a sample size of 30 respondents, and the research instrument was expert evaluation. Data collection was conducted through surveys, and the calculation method was quantitative. Results: The article examines the impact of the main incentives and methods on ensuring labour discipline, determining their essence and forms of manifestation. It also considers the extent of application of each method in enterprise practices. It was found that economic methods are widely used and aimed at increasing employee motivation and maintaining their labour discipline. The analysis revealed that the main manifestations of employee labour discipline and managerial duties are differences in the perception of labour discipline by both parties. It was found that employers underestimate the productivity and abilities of employees, indicating potential systemic deficiencies in human resource management. Conversely, employees note that managers ignore their needs and problems. The results of the expert evaluation showed that employees rated their discipline higher than employers did. These discrepancies in evaluations could affect internal relations within the team and require managerial attention to improve interaction and cooperation. Conclusion: Based on the assessment of labour discipline, systemic deficiencies in human resource management were identified, highlighting the need for appropriate monitoring and employee motivation mechanisms. The study proposes innovative personnel management methods to ensure labour discipline in enterprises, including HR branding, team building, mentoring, and grading. It is proven that these approaches allow for the creation of a fundamentally new management system to ensure compliance with labour discipline and the development of professionalism and employee motivation.

In engineering, a design is best described based on its alternative performance operation. In this paper, an electric power plant is analysed based on its effective operational performance even during critical situation or crisis. Data is generated and analysed using both quantitative and qualitative research approach. During maintenance operation of an electric power plant, some components are susceptible to wide range of issues or crises. These includes natural disasters, supply chain disruptions, cyberattacks, and economic downturns. These crises significantly impact power plant operations and its maintenance strategies. Also, the reliable operation of power plants is often challenged by various technical, operational, and environmental issues. In this research, an investigation is conducted on the problems associated with electric power plants by proposing a comprehensive and novel framework to maintenance the power plant during crises. Based on the achieved results discussed, the framework impact and contribution are the integration of proactive maintenance planning, resilient maintenance strategies, advanced technologies, and adaptive measures to ensure the reliability and resilience of electric power plant during power generation operations in the face of unforeseen challenges/crisis. Hypothetical inferences are used ranging from mechanical failures to environmental constraints. The research also presents a structured approach to ensure continuous operation and effective maintenance in the electric power plant, particularly during crisis (such as environmental issues and COVID-19 pandemic issues).

This paper provides a comprehensive review of equity trading simulators, focusing on their performance in assuring pre-trade compliance and portfolio investment management. A systematic search was conducted that covered the period of January 2000 to May 2023 and used keywords related to equity trade simulators, portfolio management, pre-trade compliance, online trading, and artificial intelligence. Studies demonstrating the use of simulators and online platforms specific to portfolio investment management, written in English, and matching the specified query were included. Abstracts, commentaries, editorials, and studies unrelated to finance and investments were excluded. The data extraction process included data related to challenges in modern portfolio trading, online stock trading strategies, the utilization of deep learning, the features of equity trade simulators, and examples of equity trade simulators. A total of 32 studies were included in the systematic review and were approved for qualitative analysis. The challenges identified for portfolio trading included the subjective nature of the inputs, variations in the return distributions, the complexity of blending different investments, considerations of liquidity, trading illiquid securities, optimal portfolio execution, clustering and classification, the handling of special trading days, the real-time pricing of derivatives, and transaction cost models (TCMs). Portfolio optimization techniques have evolved to maximize portfolio returns and minimize risk through optimal asset allocation. Equity trade simulators have become vital tools for portfolio managers, enabling them to assess investment strategies, ensure pre-trade compliance, and mitigate risks. Through simulations, portfolio managers can test investment scenarios, identify potential hazards, and improve their decision-making process.

Islamabad’s 2019 ban on single-use plastic shopping bags aimed to reduce plastic waste, but compliance is limited. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the ban as well as other factors in curtailing plastic bag use in Islamabad. Regression modeling within a rational choice framework analyzed survey data from 406 retailers across 18 selected urban and rural markets. We found that the subjective belief that a fine was unlikely (β = −16.10; t = −3.90; p < 0.001), likely (β = −24.99; t = −4.95; p < 0.001), or very likely (β = −43.84; t = −4.07; p < 0.001) for selling bags versus very unlikely was significantly associated with lower usage. Additionally, older retailer age (β = −0.25; p < 0.001) and more education (β = −0.77; p < 0.01) were associated with lower plastic bag usage. Business registration (β = −3.94; p < 0.10) and trade membership (β = −4.04; p < 0.05) also decreased use. Rural location (zone II: β = 13.28; p < 0.001) and plastic bags stock availability (β = 16.75; p < 0.001) increased use. Awareness, viewing bags as “Good”, unlikely fines and lack of substitutes lowered use. Results provide insights to inform more effective policies for reducing plastic waste.