Journal of Economics and Business Issues

Trends in the Efficiency of Angolan Commercial Banks Outside the Top Ten: A DEA Window Analysis

Luzolo Domingos Sanches-António — 2025-07-31

The objective of this study is to analyze the trend in the efficiency levels of Angolan commercial banks, whose asset size means that they are not included in the group of the ten largest. The DEA methodology was adopted, with the application of input-oriented radial models, namely: CRS and VRS, based on the efficiency averages obtained between windows. The sample included banks that, due to the small size of their assets, their performance has not been the subject of systematic analysis. The results obtained indicate that although the average of the scores for pure technical efficiency is higher than the average of the scores for technical efficiency of scale, in the period (2016-2023), pure efficiency presents an upward trend, contrary to scale efficiency which presents a downward trajectory, and that the uncertainty associated with the observance of the identified trends is greater for the average scores obtained for scale efficiency than for pure efficiency.

Determinant Factors in Contracting Health Insurance on the Romanian Market

Marian Siminica — 2025-07-31

Abstract: Private health insurance represents a risk management method meant to reduce the financial burden related to medical issues. Covid-19 pandemic brought about an increase demand for health insurance products as concerns for the unexpected effects of unforeseen medical situation escalated and were also exaggerated by social media. The fundamental changes in the population mentality towards health (due to significant lockdowns and quarantines) caused an increase in the proportion of the personal budget destined for health protection and a development of the insurance market products, despite the contraction of the national economies. Based on a Romanian study covering the financial behavior of natural persons, the article is analyzing the conduct of persons when confronted with the negative psychological and physical effects of pandemic crisis. The authors intentions were to validate the correlations between the insurance policy and elements such as sources of information, client relationships, financial behavior using correlation and regression methods. Also the paper is determined to reveal whether the benefits of digitalization caused an improvement in the approach of natural persons to look after their medical situation’s protection.

Investigating the Effectiveness of Electric Vehicle Technologies Training and Its Impact on Workforce Excellence with an Empirical Study

Paşa Gültaş — 2025-07-31

This study investigates how EV technology–related training influences knowledge and operational performance amongst employees of a manufacturing firm in Türkiye. In this respect, the effects of training intervention were measured across various departments such as R&D, Sales, and Operations through a pre-test–post-test experimental model. In this regard, statistical analysis showed that overall, there was a significant improvement in knowledge levels after training, though with higher increases in knowledge gains from the R&D and Sales departments. The correlation tests showed a positive relation of better knowledge with better operational outcome, but again, the study shows that influence from external factors such as resource availability and workplace dynamics may also lead to certain variations in this outcome. Our findings strongly indicate how specially designed departmental training can better satisfy peculiar needs, which are necessary for such fast-growing industries like EV manufacturing. In addition, aligning the content of training with roles and responsibilities will optimize returns on investment for organizations and make them competitive in environments where technological changes are an important issue.

Analyzing the Relationship between Balance of Trade and Unemployment in the South African Economy

Gideon F van Rhyn — 2025-07-31

This study examines the relationship between the Balance of Trade (BOT) and unemployment in South Africa from 2002 to 2022 aiming to assess whether the BOT positively or negatively affects employ-ment. The increasing openness of trade in a global context and discussions surrounding free and open interna-tional trade have sparked numerous studies and debates in recent years. Current trends suggest that govern-ments engage in trade agreements to foster international relationships, often underestimating their potential negative effects on domestic economies. This study aims to investigate and analyze the impact of the balance of trade on employment within the South African economy. Utilizing time-series data from the first quarter of 2002 to the fourth quarter of 2022, the research examines the relationship through unit root tests, stationary tests, multiple-breakpoint tests, an ARDL model, ECM, and residual and stability diagnostic tests using EViews software. The findings quantitatively confirm a significant direct linear relationship between BOT and unemployment in South Africa. Consequently, to enhance employment opportunities, stakeholders in both the private and public sectors must tackle the challenges associated with trade and unemployment, with the study offering several recommendations to revitalize the country's economic prospects.

Sustainable Business Study and Its Presentation on the Social Network Instagram

Zuzana Schlosserova — 2025-07-31

This article explores the growing trend of sustainable business practices and their presentation on the Instagram social network, a platform increasingly favored by companies to communicate with their stakeholders. In the research portion of this thesis, we will conduct a content analysis of posts from selected companies and perform a sentiment analysis of their followers and profiles on Instagram.