Finance Commons^™

Multinational Investment Activity Under Policy Uncertainty In Host And Competing Countries, Daisoon Kim, Sunhyung Lee

Department of Economics Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

This paper examines how economic policy uncertainty (EPU) in host and competing countries reshapes U.S. multinationals’ greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI). Using firm–destination level data from 2003 to 2021, we show that while host-country EPU deters investment, EPU in competing destinations attracts it through a spillover effect. We document a structural shift around 2015: as global EPU rose unevenly, the spillover effect from competitors became the dominant driver of investment decisions, supplanting the direct effect of host-country policy instability. Our findings indicate that in an era of heightened global uncertainty and risk, FDI allocation is governed by relative, not just …

Manipulation Or Monetization?: The Rise Of Stock Buybacks And Their Effects On Firm Valuation And Investment, Thomas H. Serrano

Economics Undergraduate Honors Theses

Abstract:

This thesis uses basic econometrics to examine the relationship between stock buybacks, firm valuation, and investment among publicly traded firms from 2000-2024. Using firm-level data pulled from Compustat North America and a fixed-effect multivariate regression, it evaluates whether buybacks are associated with higher valuation and stronger productive investment as defined in the paper. The results show that buybacks are positively associated with firm valuation the first year that they occur, but the relationship disappears when they are lagged for a year. Furthermore, the analysis does not find strong statistical evidence that repurchases are associated with changes in investment, or …

Credit Accessibility In Diverse Urban Communities And The Dynamics Of Their Lending Markets: The Case Of Minority Depository Institutions, Noara Razzak

All Dissertations

In my dissertation, I study credit access in diverse urban communities, the role of the financial institutions that serve them, such as Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) and non-MDIs. The first chapter studies the effect of bank branch closures (both MDIs and non-MDIs) on credit access in these diverse urban communities. MDIs are US community banks that are owned and operated by minority populations, such as Black-owned, Asian-owned, Hispanic-owned banks or Native-owned banks. The second chapter studies the proximity of Black-owned banks to historically segregated urban neighborhoods. More specifically I study whether surviving Black-owned banks are more likely to be present …

Red, White, And Broke: A Call For Accountability In Government, Mary A. Scott

Honors Theses

This study examines the scale of waste, fraud, and abuse in U.S. federal spending. The purpose of this research is to clarify how fiscal management in the federal government is intended to operate versus how it actually functions. Using a combination of conceptual analysis, existing literature, case-based evidence, and data analysis, findings suggest that the persistence of oversight failures arises from weak implementation, limited enforcement authority of oversight bodies, and an emphasis on recovery rather than prevention practices. This study contributes to the broader discussion of public finance by providing an accessible framework to understand why the foundational federal principle …

Performance-Based Budgeting Implementation Strategies For Improving Financial Performance, Waleed Ibrahim Alsyaegh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The lack of effective strategies for allocating organizational financial resources can lead to adverse business outcomes. Business managers are concerned about the ineffective allocation of financial resources, as it can impede financial performance and sustainability.Grounded in stakeholder theory, the purpose of this qualitative single-case study was to explore the performance-based budgeting strategies that business managers use to sustain financial profitability. The participants were 10 business managers who oversee subsidiaries that successfully implemented performance-based budgeting.Data were collected through semistructured interviews and the review of organization documents. Through thematic analysis, four themes were identified: (a) traditional versus contemporary budgeting; (b) importance of …

Relationship Between Change In Unrealized Gains Or Losses Of Afs Securities And Credit Spreads Of U.S. Life Insurance Companies, Kwang Liang Yeo

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

This study evaluates the transmission of unrealized fair value accounting losses to credit default risk within the United States life insurance sector during a period of unprecedented monetary tightening. Integrating a pre-specified confirmatory econometric framework with a text-based exploratory analysis of regulatory filings, we examine how changes in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) and benchmark interest rate dynamics shape market perceptions of insurer default probability. Our findings reveal that credit default swap markets do not price OCI variations contemporaneously; instead, they reflect a structural one-quarter pricing lag that aligns with the regulatory timeline of financial disclosures. Furthermore, the relationship between interest …

Research On The Impact Of Industrial-Financial Cooperation On Corporate R&D Investment, Jiayin Yin

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

The national industrial-financial cooperation pilot policy represents a key strategic initiative to implement China's strategy of building a "financial powerhouse" and guide financial resources toward empowering high-quality development in the real economy. In December 2016, four central government departments in China jointly announced the first batch of national industrial-financial cooperation pilot cities. Leveraging this quasi-natural experiment, this study comprehensively evaluates the impact of the pilot policy on corporate R&D investment activities using a sample of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2014 to 2019.

Research findings indicate: (1) The industrial-financial cooperation pilot policy significantly increases enterprises' R&D investment levels. Specifically, compared …

Macroprudential Easing Measures In The Context Of Contractionary Monetary Policy: The Case Of Brazil In 2014, Marcos Antonio Paliari, Marcos Roberto Vasconcelos

Journal of Banking and Financial Economics

This paper evaluates the effects of a macroprudential policy of regulatory easing implemented amidst a contractionary monetary policy in Brazil. The intervention, carried out by the Central Bank in the third quarter of 2014, relaxed reserve requirements on time deposits to stimulate bank credit for vehicle financing. Using a Difference-in-Differences approach with fixed effects by credit modality and month, the analysis is based on monthly disbursement data for consumer loans from 2011 to 2018. Twelve rolling monthly windows are used to capture the dynamic evolution of the policy’s effects. Results based on a synthetic control group indicate statistically significant and …

Financial Literacy And Fraud Vulnerability In Digital Finance: Evidence From The 2024 Nfcs, Mercedes Palacios Diaz

Posters - 2026

Digital finance has expanded rapidly through fintech platforms and cryptocurrency markets, increasing access to financial services while also exposing individuals to higher levels of financial fraud. Most research treats fraud vulnerability as a single outcome, without distinguishing between financial loss and the ability to recognize scams. This study examines how financial literacy shapes fraud vulnerability through its effects on fraud victimization and scam awareness, highlighting its dual role in reducing financial losses and improving scam recognition. Fraud vulnerability is therefore analyzed across two distinct dimensions: realized financial loss and scam awareness.

Does Short-Termism Pay? National Short-Termism, Investment, Innovation, And Equity Returns, Andrew H. Cohen

Theses and Dissertations in Business Administration

We examine whether national short-termism, inferred from corporate language, predicts future real activity, equity returns, risk, and risk-adjusted performance. Using large-scale textual analysis of issuer-linked disclosures and earnings transcripts from the largest firms in twenty major equity markets, we construct country-quarter and annual Short-Termism Scores (STS) capturing the relative emphasis on short- versus long-horizon language.

Higher short-termism predicts lower subsequent gross fixed capital formation, lower research and development intensity, and lower multi-year equity index returns across horizons of up to sixteen quarters. In addition, higher short-termism is associated with greater future market volatility and lower Sharpe ratios, indicating a deterioration …

The Roles Of The Human Resources Management Director And Their Impact On Entrepreneurial Training:An Analytical Study At The Ministry Of Labor And Social Affairs, Ali Abd Al-Salam Abd Al-Daem

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

The research problem lies in the weak level of entrepreneurial training in Iraqi ministries despite the importance of the strategic roles of human resources management. The research gap is represented by the scarcity of empirical studies that measure the relative impact of the roles of the HR manager (according to Ulrich’s model) in activating entrepreneurial training within the Iraqi public sector environment. Accordingly, this study aims to analyze the relationship between the roles of the Human Resources Management Director—as a strategic partner, administrative expert, developmental supporter, and change agent—and their impact on activating entrepreneurial training at the Ministry of Labor …

Work Environment Quality And Its Relationship To Job Satisfaction In The Kirkuk Education Directorate, Ahmed Abd Saleh

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

The study aimed to examine the relationship between the quality of the work environment in its dimensions (teamwork, improvement of working conditions, and motivation) and the achievement of job satisfaction among the employees of Kirkuk Directorate of Education, with a focus on the extent to which the elements of the work environment affect the level of satisfaction and organizational commitment. The study population consisted of 970 employees of the directorate, from which a random sample of 100 employees from various departments and job levels was selected as the study sample. The majority of the sample were male, with work experience …

Exploring The Impact Of Psychological Hardiness On Career Prosperity: An Analytical Study Of The Opinions Of Employees Of The Ministry Of Migration And Displacement/Najaf Governorate Branch, Mustafa Hasan Kareem Al-Hamami

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This study aims to explore the impact of psychological hardiness on career well-being among employees of the Ministry of Migration and Displaced Persons – Najaf Al-Ashraf Branch, with a focus on how psychological hardiness contributes to enhancing employee welfare and improving professional performance. The study adopted a descriptive- analytical approach, where data were collected and analyzed to determine the relationship between the variables. The study population included all employees of the Ministry – Najaf Al-Ashraf Branch, and a random sample of 100 employees was selected to ensure adequate representation of different departments and job categories. A standardized questionnaire measuring psychological …

Analyzing The Impact Of Applying Ipsas 42 On Social Benefits In Enhancing Reporting Quality And Promoting Financial Sustainability, Burhan Hussein Khalaf Al-Rawi, Hasan Saleh Yusuf Al-Bajari

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

The study aims to explore the impact of applying IPSAS 42 on social benefits in enhancing the efficiency of financial reporting and strengthening the sustainability of financial capabilities within Iraqi government institutions. The study objectives were achieved by examining the nature and objectives of IPSAS 42, assessing the current state of disclosure of social benefits in government financial reports, and measuring the extent to which the social benefits standard contributes to promoting financial sustainability. The study relied on secondary financial data from a set of Iraqi government entities, including current expenditures, capital/investment expenditures, oil revenues, non-oil revenues, fiscal deficit, and …

The Impact Of Corporate Governance Practices On Enhancing The Quality Of Financial Reporting: An Applied Study On A Sample Of Commercial Banks Listed On The Iraq Stock Exchange, Ahmed Hashem Sakr

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This study examines the impact of corporate governance practices on the quality of financial reporting in a sample of commercial banks listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange. Motivated by the increasing need for transparency and reliability in financial information within the Iraqi banking environment characterized by regulatory challenges and economic instability the research investigates how key governance mechanisms contribute to enhancing the credibility and accuracy of financial reports. The study focuses on three core governance indicators: board size, board independence, and audit committee activity, in addition to relevant control variables reflecting firm characteristics.Employing panel data analysis and fixed-effects regression models, …

The Impact Of Earnings Volatility On Debt Financing: A Study On A Sample Of Iraqi Banks, Ali Ayyd Al Jbori, Alaa Abdlzahra Obaid, Mohammed Sadeq Jappar

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This study aims to analyze the impact of earnings volatility on the debt financing structure of Iraqi banks, using an analytical descriptive approach and financial data from a sample of private Iraqi banks listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange for the period (2017-2024). A multiple linear regression model was applied to examine the relationship, while controlling key variables (liquidity ratio and bank size). The results revealed a statistically significant negative impact of earnings volatility on the reliance on debt financing, where increased volatility led to reduced dependence on debt in the capital structure. The study concludes that capital structure decisions …

Human Resource Flexibility And Its Role In Organizational Ambidexterity: An Analytical Study At The General Company For Electrical And Electronic Industries, Hanaa Nassrullah Khamees Alhamadani

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This research aims to analyze the role of human resource flexibility in achieving organizational Ambidexterity at the General Company for Electrical and Electronic Industries. This stems from the importance of flexibility as a fundamental factor enabling organizations to adapt quickly to rapid environmental changes and enhance their competitiveness. The research adopted a descriptive-analytical approach, and data were collected from a random sample of (75) employees working in administrative and technical departments related to the study topic. The independent variable was human resource flexibility with its three dimensions (skill flexibility, behavioral flexibility, and human resource practices flexibility), while the dependent variable …

Human Talent Management And Its Role In Enhancing The Quality Of Educational Service: An Exploratory Study Of The Opinions Of A Sample Of Supervisors In The General Directorate Of Education Of Nineveh, Ibrahim Khalil Ibrahim Mohammed Al-Hayali

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This research aims to examine the actual role reflected by human talent management, specifically its dimensions (recruitment, performance management, training and development, talent retention), in enhancing the quality of educational service, which includes (the academic background of the teacher, the curriculum, infrastructure and facilities, quality of recruitment, safety and security, development of students’ skills). The research stems from a real problem whose features are embodied in the following question: What is the actual role reflected by the dimensions of human talent management in enhancing the quality of educational service in the researched directorate? Using the descriptive-analytical approach to diagnose and …

The Role Of Digital Governance In Improving The Quality Of Financial Reporting Under Fair Value Measurement In Accordance With International Financial Reporting Standard (Ifrs 13): An Applied Study On Jordanian Banks Listed On The Amman Stock Exchange., Ashraf Hashim Faris Alabdoon

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This study investigates the role of digital governance in enhancing the quality of financial reporting, while examining the mediating effect of fair value measurement under IFRS 13. The study is based on the hypothesis that digital governance practices have a positive impact on improving financial reporting quality within the fair value measurement framework. The empirical analysis focuses on Jordanian commercial banks listed on the Amman Stock Exchange over the period 2017–2024. Data were collected from published annual financial reports to construct a dataset suitable for statistical analysis and to bridge theoretical concepts with practical applications in the banking sector. The …

The Economic Impacts Of Climate Change And External Shocks On Tourism Demand In The Kurdistan Region Of Iraq: Econometric Modeling For The Period (2007–2023), Asst. Prof. Dr. Khadeeja Qader Same, Asst. Prof. Dr. Aswad Qadir Ahmed

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This study aims to Analysis of the Economic Impacts of Climate Change and External Shocks on Tourism Demand in the Kurdistan Region for the Period (2007-2023), utilizing a rigorous econometric methodology that includes unit root tests, Granger causality, and the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to verify long-term equilibrium relationships through the Bounds Test. The results revealed a “developmental paradox,” where tourism demand grows annually by 18.51% despite a steady rise in temperatures, a decline in rainfall by approximately 3.15 mm per year, and an increase in dust storms. The econometric modeling proved that every unit increase in temperature inflicts …