Journal of Business Economics and Management

Detecting bubbles in world aluminum prices: Evidence from GSADF test

Menglin Ni — 2024-12-04

The aim of this research is to assess the existence of multiple bubbles in the global aluminum market by employing the Generalized Supremum Augmented Dickey-Fuller (GSADF) methodology. This method offers practical time series analysis tools for identifying periods of rapid price escalation, followed by subsequent collapses. Findings indicate the identification of six explosive bubbles occurring between January 1980 and March 2023, during which the aluminum price strayed from its underlying fundamental value. Additionally, this finding is consistent with the asset pricing model, which generally considers both fundamental and bubble components. Based on the empirical results, the aluminum price bubbles are positively influenced by the copper price, GDP, the U. S dollar index, industrialization of China, China’s urbanization rate, whereas the global aluminum production, oil price, and base metal price index have a negative explanatory effect on the aluminum price bubbles. To effectively stabilize the international aluminum price, policymakers are suggested to be vigilant in identifying bubble episodes and monitoring their progression. Additionally, regulatory authorities should implement measures to curb excessive speculative activity during periods of extreme market volatility, thereby mitigating excessive price fluctuations and the formation of aluminum bubbles.

Factors influencing the use of computer-assisted audit techniques in the digital era

Melinda Timea Fülöp — 2024-12-04

Digitalization is a challenge of the current environment, and the digital transition has extended to the audit profession. It affects the technology used by clients and the pressure on auditors by audit regulations to apply and use computer-assisted audit techniques (CAATs). The results of specialized literature indicate that the application and use of CAATs in auditing practice are limited. Thus, the present research aimed to investigate the factors that could influence the use of CAATs by auditors, based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The empirical investigation consisted of 112 questionnaires that were analyzed by external auditors. The research results indicated a positive influence on the behavioral intention to use CAATs, which was influenced by performance expectations and facilitating conditions. In contrast, effort expectations and social influence did not affect the behavioral intention to use CAATs. We conclude that management should have a greater involvement in encouraging the use and application of CAATs, including supporting the process with the necessary resources. This work augments the knowledge of the factors that influence the behavioral intention to use CAATs among auditors in Romania and can be a useful resource for practitioners.

SMEs as victims of competition violations in the EU: an empirical investigation

Fatih Cemil Özbuğday — 2024-12-05

This paper investigates the nature and extent of competition violations experienced by SMEs in the EU-27 countries. Using data from the Flash Eurobarometer 510 Survey, this study employs a Heckman sample selection model to correct for potential selection bias. The findings reveal that while most SMEs do not face significant competition problems, those that do mainly struggle with high prices and powerful suppliers imposing unfair conditions. Interestingly, SME size and age do not significantly affect exposure to antitrust offenses, but industry sector and geographical location do. The paper emphasizes the potential roles of SMEs in competition authorities’ market oversight activities, given their unique market position and ability to detect competition violations early. Finally, the article calls for continuous engagement with SMEs by policymakers, regulators, and competition authorities to improve market competition.

Assessment of the impact of venture capital investment on labour productivity: an analysis of the EU countries

Aistė Padgureckienė — 2024-12-11

This study investigates the impact of venture capital investments on the labour productivity of the European Union countries. Considering the fact that there is a lack of research on evaluating the effects of venture capital investments on labor productivity at the country level, the methodology designed in this article is used to assess heterogeneous impact of venture capital investments, which is determined by the innovative environment or financial development factors, on labour productivity in 25 EU countries. Panel data of 25 European Union countries were used for the regression analysis. The findings of the empirical study show that the volume of venture capital investments does not determine the growth of labour productivity in the analysed countries. Such results can be explained by the economic findings presented by other researchers. Some of the studies found that it is not venture capital investments that determine economic growth, innovation or technological development, but these economic phenomena increase venture capital investment. Based on statistical data, the greatest need for venture capital investments in Europe is in sectors that develop new technologies and in the information and communication technology sector. Therefore, the volume of venture capital investments in the analysed countries is too small at the macroeconomic level and their effect on labour productivity is manifested at the level of companies or specific sectors.

Household energy consumption tendencies: The Baltic States context

Rasa Grigolienė — 2024-12-18

As energy resource prices are on the rise and the stability of energy supplies is increasingly challenged by the current geopolitical climate, it is essential to scrutinize the capability of households to adapt to the resulting circumstances by assessing the current and potential household energy supply and adapting solutions to energy consumption habits. The aim of the research is to study of the energy consumption behaviour of households in the Baltic States amidst a significant increase in prices. The research methods encompass the examination of literary sources, categorization, amalgamation, abstraction, and juxtaposition in the theoretical segment, as well as a case study focusing on energy consumers in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Notably, the study presents a unique analysis of the unprecedented scenario of substantial price hikes across all energy usage categories in the region. An examination of individual responses concerning energy consumption illustrates a notable escalation in household expenditures on electricity and heating. Households are endeavouring to curtail energy expenses through various conservation techniques. A correlation between income levels and household energy consumption is evident.

Audit independence and customer relationship marketing: an ethical conflict or an ethical mutual effect?

Gabriel G. Martins — 2024-12-18

Independence in financial auditing is a topic with extensive research, due to the ethical values expected from accountants and the conflicts with agency pressures and commercial interests. However, there is a lack of research on the benefits of ethical behaviors in the dynamic interactions between auditors and clients. This study aims to achieve through a qualitative approach an in-depth understanding of the self-perceived auditor independence and how it intervenes in the relationship with clients. Ten semi-structured interviews with auditors from the five major audit offices in the city of Porto were conducted. The results explore conflicts of interest between auditor independence and customer relationships. However, the findings highlight that improving auditor’s independence allows at the same time the development of a better professional relationship with the client, mitigating the conflicts of interests identified in previous literature. This paper presents a formula in which audit firms can leverage the concept of independence when they promote communication, transparency, and an open market. Regulation and supervision should work in favour for the same goal.

A contextual model for assessing the nexus between green innovation practices and enterprise performance

Kwabena Nsiah Takyi — 2024-12-19

The pursuit of green innovation and sustainable practices is increasingly growing currently because of the alarming environmental concerns and the coexistence of economic expansions. But the strategies employed by companies in exploring green innovation activities have gained little or no attention in literature. This study proposes a conceptual model that outlines green innovation strategies, corporate performance, and the moderating effect of green dynamic capacity. Based on the perspective of the Resource Based viewpoint and the notion of dynamic capabilities, this study addresses a) what is the relationship between green innovation practices and enterprise performance? and b) to what extent do green dynamic capabilities moderate the connection between green innovation practices and enterprise performance? We used a cross-sectional data from SMEs in Ghanaian manufacturing firms, analysed utilizing the advanced PLS-SEM systematic procedures. Our findings revealed a significant relationship between green product innovation, green process innovation, and green service innovation on financial performance and that green dynamic capacity moderate these relationships. Our research contributes to expanding the knowledge of green innovative practices among SMEs in the manufacturing sector. These findings have both theoretical and practical implications, opening numerous options for further research.

A cross-sectional study of factors influencing purchasing cars in European Union – does the electric and hybrid cars change the contemporary business approach?

Gheorghe H. Popescu — 2024-12-19

This study aims to examine the expansion of the electric vehicle fleet in the context of transport electrification in the European Union. We assessed the car market, following demand and sales trends for electric and hybrid cars. It was explored the possibility of a causal relationship among the percentage of BEV + PHEV in the total fleet and purchasing power, loading infrastructure, government support, the level of education and the degree of digitalization. To achieve the main objectives of the research to assess the existence and magnitude of the causal effects of the considered variables on the percentage of BEV + PHEV in the total fleet, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis in 2020 among the European Union (EU) countries. Five research hypotheses were formulated and tested. The results confirmed that the economic and social development of a region, the charging infrastructure, the government support measures, and the degree of digitalization positively influence the desire of the EU population to buy electric cars.