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Internet search is a $120bn business that answers lists of search terms or keywords with relevant links to Internet webpages. Only a few companies have sufficient scale to compete and thus economics of the process are paramount. This study aims to develop a detailed industry-specific modeling of the economics of internet search.

The current research develops a stochastic model of the process of Internet indexing, search and retrieval in order to predict expected costs and revenues of particular configurations and usages.

The models define behavior and economics of parameters that are not directly observable, where it is difficult to empirically determine the distributions and economics.

The model may be used to guide the economics of large search engine operations, including the advertising platforms that depend on them and largely fund them.

The paper examines the asymmetric effects of fiscal deficits on selected macroeconomic variables in Nigeria, which include economic growth, exchange rates and inflation. The existing works of literature are premised on symmetry assumptions with dichotomous findings. In such situations, they suggest using a nonlinear approach as an alternative to checkmate the findings premised on linearity. This is critical, considering the perpetual fiscal deficit trends of Nigeria, which are considered a major economic problem in the country.

The study employs nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) estimator using secondary data collected from the statistical bulletin of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The results show that in the short run, both positive and negative shocks to the fiscal deficit have no effect on Nigeria's economic growth. The same is found on the negative shocks in the long run. However, positive shocks to the fiscal deficit have a long-run positive impact on economic growth. It is further revealed that, in the short run, positive shocks as well as negative shocks to fiscal deficits are positively related to the inflation rate. More so, long-run estimates show that positive shocks to the fiscal deficit have negative impacts on inflation, while negative shocks to the fiscal deficit have positive impacts on inflation.

This study introduces novelties to the understanding of the relationship between fiscal deficits and macroeconomic stability in Nigeria. It accounts for asymmetric and nonlinear features that are more aligned with the socioeconomic realities of real-world phenomena. This study also offers more insightful policy perspectives to enhance the fiscal profile of the country.

This study aims to examine the effects of payment methods used in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) conducted by UK companies spanning the period from 2007 to 2019.

The study used the estimated expected returns method to identify abnormal returns during the deal announcement period, applying event study analysis with both univariate and multivariate regression models to detect cumulative abnormal returns around the announcement timeframe.

The results show a short-term positive return increase for acquiring firms, controlling for deal-specific characteristics like target firm location and payment methods. The authors observed a preference for cash financing across domestic and cross-border transactions. Multivariate analysis revealed insignificance between payment methods and deal characteristics like cross-border acquisitions and diversification.

The study’s focus on publicly traded firms in the UK and the absence of a comparative analysis across different regions and markets limits the sample size and may impact the generalizability of findings.

The study proposes three practical implications. Firstly, firms should tailor payment methods to each transaction, aligning with strategic goals to optimize value and mitigate risks. Secondly, decision-makers must prioritize comprehensive due diligence and strategic alignment throughout M&A processes to enhance success and maximize synergies. Finally, analysing broader strategic contexts and regulatory landscapes when structuring transactions enables goal attainment, such as market expansion or value creation.

The study’s findings can promote transparency and accountability among corporate decision-makers in M&A transactions. Stakeholders can advocate for transparent decision-making processes, enhancing trust in corporate governance.

This study provides valuable insights into the impact of payment methods on shareholder value in M&A transactions involving UK companies, informing strategic decision-making and contributing to the understanding of corporate finance dynamics.

This paper aims to explore the role of heuristics in the reassessment of relationship events and how it influences perceptions of commitment, fairness and relationship value. It answers the question of how heuristics interrelate with decision-makers’ evolving interpretations of commitment, fairness and relationship value in a specific buyer-supplier relationship.

This paper presents data from a longitudinal study of an evolving buyer–supplier relationship involving a multinational supplier of fast-moving consumer goods and a medium-sized and highly specialized supplier. It analyzes qualitative data about the use of heuristics in buyer–supplier relationships, and it is based on evidence collected from interviews, presentations, meetings and secondary data.

This paper shows that a buyer’s unexpected behavior can lead to a reassessment of commitment, fairness and relationship value. Heuristics can delay relationship reassessments, however. The case shows that heuristics have a preserving quality and that the effect of transformative events only slowly changes the perception of the value of the relationship. In this change process, the link between commitment, perceived fairness and heuristics is crucial.

This paper contributes to research on the relationship between buyer–supplier relationships and heuristics. In particular, the paper contributes to the understanding of how relational events in a buyer-supplier relationship change the commitment and perception of fairness, and how heuristics change accordingly. On a more overarching level, the study contributes to our understanding of business relationship dynamics.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate and review the impact of the use of statistical quality control (SQC) development and analytical and numerical methods on average run length for econometric applications.

This study used several academic databases to survey and analyze the literature on SQC tools, their characteristics and applications. The surveys covered both parametric and nonparametric SQC.

This survey paper reviews the literature both control charts and methodology to evaluate an average run length (ARL) which the SQC charts can be applied to any data. Because of the nonparametric control chart is an alternative effective to standard control charts. The mixed nonparametric control chart can overcome the assumption of normality and independence. In addition, there are several analytical and numerical methods for determining the ARL, those of methods; Markov Chain, Martingales, Numerical Integral Equation and Explicit formulas which use less time consuming but accuracy. New ideas of mixed parametric and nonparametric control charts are effective alternatives for econometric applications.

In terms of mixed nonparametric control charts, this can be applied to all data which no limitation in using of the proposed control chart. In particular, the data consist of volatility and fluctuation usually occurred in econometric solutions. Furthermore, to find the ARL as a performance measure, an explicit formula for the ARL of time series data can be derived using the integral equation and its accuracy can be verified using the numerical integral equation.

This article explores the education crisis in Cameroon, focusing on the personal experiences of teachers and the strategies they employ to reduce school dropout during the transitional phase from primary to secondary education.

Based on a teacher training programme, 31 interviews with primary and secondary school teachers were conducted. An exploratory research design with an inductive thematic approach was used to identify themes and establish code categories. This design allowed for flexibility in investigating contextual crisis factors by eliciting interpersonal stories and exploring the dynamics of each case.

Three types of dropout prevention strategies – either standalone or mixed – are identified, depending on network, opportunity or service factors. Network-based strategies are considered the most effective and popular, as school dropout is largely influenced by students’ social backgrounds, and teachers remain key players in community life. Lies and fictional narratives, through opportunity- or service-based strategies, create dishonesty and unrealistic expectations regarding final education outcomes. Each type of strategy has significant limitations due to the highly fragmented education system in the country.

The article reveals that school dropout prevention in Cameroon is hampered significantly by education disorganisation. Teachers’ individual practices are insufficient to convey the actual value of education and reverse dropout decisions made after careful consideration. A national pedagogy plan is needed to ensure continuity.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between being an inclusive city and branding oneself as such, as more cities adopt the inclusive city concept as part of their brand identity.

This paper builds theory by introducing a typology that categorizes cities based on their level of inclusion and degree of branding, supplemented by an analysis of the branding practices and identities. Integrating the literature on inclusive city and city branding, with a specific focus on the inherent conflict between their sharing and competing attributes, this research postulates that a city may choose to engage in being inclusive and branding itself as such in various ways depending on its dominant motivations of altruism or entrepreneurialism.

Four distinct types of inclusive city branding are identified: inclusion ambassadors (high inclusion and high branding); innate champions (high inclusion and low branding); façade marketers (low inclusion and high branding); and silent segregators (low inclusion and low branding). Furthermore, it underscores that inclusive city branding is shaped by the interplay of entrepreneurialism and altruism, not just a city’s inclusion. Different branding practices, such as media-generated images, narratives and events, are emphasized when entrepreneurialism is the primary motivation, whereas iconic architecture buildings, flagship projects and long-term policies are more associated with altruism.

This study develops a typology to unravel the paradoxical aspects of inclusive city branding. Examining the intersection of city branding motivations and practices enriches existing literature. Moreover, its findings offer valuable insights for cities grappling with the implementation of contentious inclusive branding strategies, thereby bridging theory with practical applications.

The purpose of this study is threefold: Determine recent trends in several mental health problems in the USA, identify risk factors that may be responsible for the trends and evaluate intervention policies to reduce the consequences of these problems.

This study used data from the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH), a nationally representative survey of children under the age of 17 that was conducted between 2016 and 2022. Prevalence rates in the data take into account the probability of selection and nonresponse. Because of the possible correlation in the longitudinal responses in the data, an appropriate extension of the generalized linear models (the marginal models) was used. Marginal models, also known as population-average models, do not require distributional assumptions for the observations, only a regression model for the mean response. The avoidance of distributional assumptions leads to the use of the generalized estimating equations (GEE) method.

The author found that the odds of children and adolescents experiencing mental health problems in the USA changed over a seven-year period, from 2016 to 2022. Anxiety and depression, in particular, have both increased, with anxiety increasing faster than depression; however, behavioral issues and attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disoder (ADD/ADHD) remained stable until 2020 (the start of COVID-19), when they began to rise. This paper also found a link between increased social media use and increased mental health problems, and bullying has a negative impact on the mental health of children and adolescents.

The NSCH, an annual representative survey, was used in this study to assess mental health problems among children and adolescents in the USA. Marginal models, which enable the capture of potential correlations among observations of the same subject, were used in conjunction with the GEE method. This study differs from previous research, which used other surveys, pre-COVID-19 data points and logistic regressions that assumed independence in repeated observations.

This paper aims to explore the transformative influence of social media applications on the digital evolution of banks. Using a multiple case study approach, this study investigates how Italian banks have adopted social media in their digital transformation. The study seeks to uncover strategies used by banks to maximise the benefits of social media platforms and assess the outcomes and challenges faced during this process. The results provide valuable insights for banks navigating digital transformation, emphasising the importance of organisational culture, client engagement, financial innovation and proactive response to fintech disruptions.

This study uses a multiple case study approach to investigate the influence of social media applications on the digital transformation of banks. Six Italian banks that integrated social media into their digital transformation efforts are analysed. The research examines the strategies used by these banks to effectively leverage social media platforms. The outcomes and implications of these initiatives are scrutinised to discern both positive impacts and challenges faced by banks and customers. The research methodology involves in-depth analysis of case studies, incorporating insights from managerial interviews to underscore key aspects essential for successful digital adaptation in the banking sector.

This study reveals profound impacts of digital transformation on the banking sector, emphasising key implementation areas. Insights gleaned from case studies of six Italian banks underscore the transformative influence of social media applications. Results highlight positive impacts, including enhanced customer service, engagement, financial literacy and community building. Managerial interviews underscore five critical aspects: the imperative for a new organisational culture, a focus on millennial clients, understanding and offering new financial instruments and proactive responses to challenges posed by emerging fintech companies. Successful adaptation necessitates attention to organisational culture, client engagement, financial innovation and proactive response to fintech disruptions. The findings contribute to the evolving understanding of the transformative role of social media in reshaping the banking industry.

This paper fills a critical research gap by delving into the challenges specific to banking institutions during the implementation of social media strategies amid digital transformation. While existing literature predominantly highlights positive impacts, this study pioneers a comprehensive exploration of unique hurdles faced by banks. The multiple case study approach, focusing on six Italian banks, contributes original insights into the strategies used to maximise social media benefits. The research provides a nuanced understanding of both positive impacts and challenges encountered, offering valuable guidance for refining social media approaches in the ever-evolving digital landscape. This contributes to the existing body of knowledge and aids banks in navigating their digital transformation journey effectively.

This research analyzes online consumer reviews and ratings to assess e-retail order fulfillment performance. The study aims to (1) identify consumer journey touchpoints in the order fulfillment process and (2) determine their relative importance for the consumer experience.

Text mining and analytics were employed to examine over 100 m online purchase orders, along with associated consumer reviews and ratings from Amazon US. Using natural language processing techniques, the corpus of reviews was structured to pinpoint touchpoints related to order fulfillment. Reviews were then classified according to their stance (either positive or negative) toward these touchpoints. Finally, the classes were correlated with consumer rating, measured by the number of stars, to determine the relative importance of each touchpoint.

The study reveals 12 touchpoints within the order fulfillment process, which are split into three groups: delivery, packaging and returns. These touchpoints significantly influence star ratings: positive experiences elevate them, while negative ones reduce them. The findings provide a quantifiable measure of these effects, articulated in terms of star ratings, which directly reflect the influence of experiences on consumer evaluations.

The dataset utilized in this study is from the US market, which limits the generalizability of the findings to other markets. Moreover, the novel methodology used to map and quantify customer journey touchpoints requires further refinement.

In e-retail and logistics, comprehending touchpoints in the order fulfillment process is pivotal. This understanding helps improve consumer interactions and enhance satisfaction. Such insights not only drive higher conversion rates but also guide informed managerial decisions, particularly in service development.

Drawing upon consumer-generated data, this research identifies a cohesive set of touchpoints within the order fulfillment process and quantitatively evaluates their influence on consumer experience using star ratings as a metric.