This paper investigates the impact of financial inclusion on financial stability in BRICS countries from 2004 to 2020. Using a panel smooth transition regression model, the results reveal a U-shaped relationship between financial inclusion and financial stability. Financial inclusion reduces financial stability up to a threshold of 44.7%. Beyond this point, financial inclusion contributes to greater financial stability, through gradual transitions. Enhanced financial inclusion supports banks in stabilizing their deposit funding by facilitating access to more stable, long-term funds and alleviating the negative impacts of fluctuations in returns. Furthermore, the study examines the role of institutional quality in shaping the financial inclusion-financial stability nexus, indicating a significant positive effect, especially in the upper regime. These findings provide valuable insights for financial regulatory authorities, highlighting the importance of promoting financial inclusion in BRICS economies and adapting regulations to mitigate potential risks to global financial stability.
This study aimed to gain insights into the attitudes and strategies of top management regarding workplace happiness within a semi-government organization in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Six senior managers at the organization were interviewed to explore their perspectives on employee happiness and the initiatives implemented to enhance it. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts revealed several key findings. Top managers demonstrated strong commitment and willingness to prioritize employee well-being through long-term research-driven improvements. A variety of strategies incorporating personal, organizational, and Human Resources Management (HRM) factors known to impact happiness were utilized. Religious considerations and empowerment initiatives respect personal values while fostering intrinsic motivation. Top leaders modeled strategic priorities through their conduct, emphasizing visible support. The organization balanced individual needs with organizational goals respectfully. The findings provide practical implications for optimizing retention and performance outcomes through dedicated strategic happiness efforts guided by empirical research. However, more extensive research across diverse populations could further advance understanding in this field.
In the present and future of education, fostering complex thinking, especially in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is critical to lifelong learning. This study aimed to analyze learning scenarios within the framework of a model that promotes complex thinking and integrated design analysis, to identify the contributions of linking design models to the SDGs. The research question was: How does the open educational model of complex thinking link to the SDGs and scenario design? The analysis examined a pedagogical approach that introduced 33 participants to the instructional design of real-life or simulated situations to develop complex thinking skills. The categories of analysis were the model components, the SDGs, and scenario designs. The findings considered (a) innovative design capacity linked to SDG challenges, (b) linking theory and practice to foster complex thinking, and (c) the critical supporting tools for scenario design. The study intends to be of value to academic, social, and business communities interested in mobilizing complex thinking to support lifelong learning.
The competition for financial support among non-profit organizations (NPOs) has been intense for quite some time. It is crucial for these organizations to boost their competitive edge by gaining a deep understanding of donor behavior and fostering ongoing interactions with them. In today’s world, where convenience and efficiency are highly valued, factors such as the timing and location of donations can deter potential donors from contributing. Rigid and inconvenient donation methods can also hinder the donation process. As a result, this study aims to explore the role of convenience within the donation process, specifically investigating whether the convenience of online donation platforms provided by non-profit organizations significantly influences donors’ propensity to make contributions. This research differentiates the range of services offered by non-profit organizations and employs a questionnaire survey to examine the websites of the NPOs. A total of 466 valid responses were gathered. The empirical findings indicate that donors prioritize simplicity and speed in the online donation process. Additionally, donors prefer websites where they can easily locate necessary information and various details about the donation process, with relevant links that minimize time waste and complexity in navigating the website. The study also reveals that the convenience factor significantly influences donation behavior. Based on these insights, the study offers recommendations for non-profit organizations on how to provide donor-centric services by focusing on the aspects of convenience that donors value most in the donation process.
This paper aims to investigate the impact of China’s central state-owned enterprises (SOEs) relocation policy from the capital city of Beijing on the economy and local fiscal revenue. We find that these enterprises play a critical role in implementing national strategies, promoting industrial upgrading, and enhancing the competitiveness of the industry chain. At the same time, their relocation has also dispersed the pressure of economic development in Beijing, promoted regional economic coordination and development, and increased local fiscal revenue. However, attention should be paid to the particularity and diversity of local areas in the process of policy formulation to avoid “one-size-fits-all” solutions. Therefore, when formulating corresponding policies, the central government should guide enterprises to handle relocation issues correctly and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of employees and their families. Meanwhile, local governments should also formulate corresponding support policies to facilitate enterprise settlement. The ultimate goal is to solve problems and contradictions through development and achieve common prosperity. Therefore, we suggest that the government and enterprises work together to bring prosperity to everyone and jointly promote the sustainable development of the Chinese economy.
Background: The prevalence of anxiety among college students is a growing global concern, with a median prevalence of 32%. This study addresses the need for effective interventions within an educational policy framework to alleviate anxiety and promote mental health among college students. Objective: The study aims to evaluate the impact of breathing relaxation exercises and tactile art therapy on college students’ self-understanding and psychological well-being, providing reference information for policies and practices in mental health education. Methods: We enrolled 10 college students from X University in South Korea, dividing them into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group underwent 10 sessions of breathing exercises and tactile art therapy, while the control group received standard psychological counseling. Pre- and post-tests assessed breathing function, self-understanding, and psychological well-being. Results: The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in breathing function, particularly in forced vital capacity (FVC), and in psychological well-being, as measured by the Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS). Sub-factors such as safety, goal orientation, and self-acceptance within self-understanding, self-acceptance, positive relationships, purpose in life, and environmental mastery within psychological well-being, showed notable enhancements. In contrast, the control group did not show significant effects in terms of FVC and FEV1(p > 0.05), and there were no statistically significant differences in the various sub-factors of self-understanding and psychological well-being. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that integrating breathing relaxation exercises and tactile art therapy into educational policy can significantly reduce anxiety and enhance the psychological well-being of college students. These findings suggest that such interventions can be effective components of a comprehensive educational policy aimed at improving student mental health.
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