Sovereignty arbitrage 5.3x ROI: Apple’s 900Mstrategicpivotandthegeopoliticalresiliencematrix(GRM)Inabrazendefianceofconventionalwisdom,Applegaveup900M strategic pivot and the geopolitical resilience matrix (GRM)In a brazen defiance of conventional wisdom, Apple gave up 900 million in prospective US tariff exemptions to strategically position itself in India

In a brazen defiance of conventional wisdom, Apple gave up $900 million in prospective US tariff exemptions to strategically position itself in India's 22$14.8 billion in state-sponsored production incentives. This paper offers a significant contribution by proposing the Geopolitical Resilience Matrix (GRM), a practical framework that allows enterprises to methodically design sovereign leverage. It indicates that resilience is more than just diversification; it is also about skillfully converting state pressure into competitive advantage—a type of geopolitical jujitsu. The era of passive vulnerability has ended; the future belongs to organizations that design sovereign manufacturing resilience as a fundamental strategic asset. Discover the roadmap for transforming global fragmentation into a unique strategic advantage. Keywords: Geopolitical Risk, Supply Chain Sovereignty, Manufacturing Resilience, Trade War Strategy, Incentive Arbitrage, Apple-Foxconn, Sovereignty Premium, Geopolitical Resilience Matrix

Financial risk management strategies and their influence on organizational stability

This study investigates the influence of financial risk management strategies on organizational stability, aiming to understand how diverse risk mitigation practices contribute to sustaining firm performance amid economic uncertainties. Employing a systematic literature review methodology, the study analyzes peer-reviewed articles, institutional reports, and empirical research published between 2020 and 2025. Data sources were rigorously selected using defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and findings were synthesized through a content analysis approach. The review identifies key financial risk management strategies such as hedging, diversification, enterprise risk management frameworks, and the integration of corporate governance and regulatory compliance as critical to enhancing organizational resilience. Technological innovations, including artificial intelligence and blockchain, are found to significantly improve risk identification, monitoring, and mitigation processes. The study also highlights challenges in implementing risk management frameworks, including cultural resistance, resource constraints, and regulatory complexities. Implications for practitioners emphasize the need for dynamic, technology-enabled, and culturally embedded risk management approaches, while policymakers are encouraged to foster regulatory environments that balance oversight with innovation. Limitations of the study include potential publication bias and the rapid evolution of risk technologies not fully captured in the literature. Future research directions call for sector-specific analyses, longitudinal studies on technological impacts, and deeper exploration of sustainability-related risks. The findings underscore the imperative for organizations to adopt integrated, adaptive financial risk management practices to ensure long-term stability and competitive advantage in an increasingly volatile global economy. Keywords: Financial Risk Management, Organizational Stability, Enterprise Risk Management, Corporate Governance

An empirical study of the impact of live streaming quality on purchase intention in Indonesia

Rapid development and popularity of the internet have increased e-commerce businesses all over the world, particularly in Indonesia. Due to this, the e-commerce sector becomes more competitive and hard to enter. Live-streaming comes as a strategy for e-commerce enterprises to gain and increase engagement and purchase intention of their customers. In light of this phenomenon, we conducted this study to observe the impact of live-streaming quality on purchase intention in Indonesia. We employed the use of the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) framework to investigate how external factors can stimulate the desire to engage and develop the intention to purchase goods. Within this constructed framework, we proposed that the stimuli of external factors (interactivity, expertise and attraction, entertainment, and accessibility) can influence the internal desire of an organism (trust and follow intention), which will generate the response through purchase intention. By using questionnaire that we developed to create a live streaming scenario, we acquired 130 respondents from Indonesia. Through the structural equation modeling results, we found that perceived quality values of live streaming contribute to both perceived customers’ trust and follow intention, predicting customers’ intention to purchase. Keywords: Live-Streaming Quality, Purchase Intention, Perceived Trust, Follow Intention, S-O-R Model

Ethical Challenges in AI-Powered Supply Chains: A U.S.-Nigeria Policy Perspective

The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into global supply chains is revolutionizing industries by increasing productivity, cutting costs, and improving decision-making. However, the adoption of AI in supply chains also presents significant ethical challenges, especially when comparing advanced economies like the United States and developing economies like Nigeria. This study examines the ethical issues that arise from AI-powered supply chains through a comparative policy lens, focusing on the U.S. and Nigeria. In the U.S., ethical concerns center on privacy, data security, algorithmic transparency, and the possibility of job displacement, while in Nigeria, additional challenges include infrastructure constraints, a lack of regulatory frameworks, and a digital divide that exacerbates the ethical implications of AI adoption in supply chains. This looks at how the policies of the two nations handle these problems, with the US highlighting the necessity of precise laws, moral standards, and corporate accountability in the application of AI. Nigeria's new AI laws, on the other hand, emphasize data governance, capacity building, and the development of an inclusive digital environment. The significance of customized policy solutions that take into account the distinct economic, social, and technical circumstances of each country is highlighted by examining these divergent approaches. The report also emphasizes the necessity of international collaboration in creating uniform ethical guidelines for artificial intelligence in global supply chains. The findings suggest that while AI holds the potential to revolutionize supply chains, it also necessitates careful policy planning and ethical oversight to ensure that its benefits are realized equitably and sustainably across different regions. Keywords: Ethical, Challenges, AI-powered, Supply chains, U.S, Nigeria, Policy perspective

Modelling the impact of climate change on Nigeria’s agricultural sector: A nonlinear modelling approach

Climate change is posing increasing concerns to agricultural output and food security worldwide. This study explores the asymmetric influences of climatic conditions on Nigeria's agricultural output using yearly time series data from 1986 to 2022. This is based on the fact that climate change manifestations in the agriculture sector come in the form of an increase or decrease in climatic variables such as rainfall or temperature. Therefore, the use of an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach models the nonlinear relationships between temperature, rainfall and agricultural output. Rainfall and temperature indices capture climate variability relative to baseline levels. The model quantifies both immediate and lagged effects of increasing/decreasing rainfall and temperatures on sectoral performance. Cointegration tests confirm long-run equilibrium associations. The estimated asymmetric error correction model reveals rising temperatures and declining rainfall significantly hamper agricultural GDP in the short run. A 1% temperature increase reduces output by N5.1 billion whereas a 1% fall in rainfall lowers it by N9.7 billion. Long-run climate sensitivities also indicate rainfall variability critically constrains productivity. The negative rainfall coefficients agree with agronomic evidence that water stress and droughts diminish yields. Contrastingly, temperature impacts fade over time. Based on the findings of the study, it therefore recommends the development and promotion of heat and drought-resistant crop and livestock varieties to counter the negative impacts of rising temperatures and declining rainfall on agricultural productivity. Keywords: Climate Change, Agricultural Sector, Nonlinear, Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Model

The role of fiber-reinforced and self-healing concrete in enhancing U.S. infrastructure durability

The durability of U.S. infrastructure has become a critical concern, as aging systems and increasing environmental stresses continue to strain the nation’s roads, bridges, and public structures. Over 40% of U.S. roadways are in poor or mediocre condition, while more than 46,000 bridges are structurally deficient. Conventional concrete, though widely used, is prone to cracking, corrosion, and structural fatigue, contributing to mounting maintenance costs and safety risks. This review paper explores the role of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) and self-healing concrete (SHC) as innovative solutions for enhancing the durability and resilience of U.S. infrastructure. The scope of the review encompasses recent advancements in FRC and SHC technologies, their mechanical and durability characteristics, and real-world applications in various infrastructure sectors. FRC integrates synthetic or natural fibers such as steel, glass, or polypropylene into the concrete mix to improve tensile strength, crack resistance, and impact durability. Meanwhile, SHC leverages biological or chemical agents such as bacterial spores or encapsulated healing agents that autonomously repair microcracks when exposed to water or environmental stimuli. Key findings highlight that FRC significantly enhances structural performance under cyclic loading and extreme environmental conditions, thereby extending service life and reducing maintenance frequency. SHC, on the other hand, shows promise in prolonging infrastructure lifespan by restoring structural integrity autonomously without human intervention. Together, these technologies present a sustainable and cost-effective approach to addressing the infrastructure durability crisis in the U.S. This paper recommends broader adoption of fiber-reinforced and self-healing concrete in federal and state infrastructure projects, particularly in high-stress applications such as highways, tunnels, and marine structures. Future research should focus on improving cost-efficiency, scalability, and the long-term performance of SHC systems in diverse climates. Integrating smart sensing and AI-based monitoring tools with these advanced materials may further revolutionize infrastructure maintenance and durability strategies. Keywords: Fiber-Reinforced Concrete, Self-Healing Concrete, Infrastructure Durability, Concrete Innovation, Structural Performance, Sustainable Construction Materials, Smart Infrastructure

A systematic review of the rolling shear modulus of timber

The rolling shear modulus of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and other engineered timber governs the performance and stability. The study was systematically analyzed using rolling shear modulus tests on hardwoods and softwoods. Literature was searched in Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science for papers on rolling shear modulus, timber, and structural applications. Articles were chosen based on their relevance, high methodological quality, and outcome clarity. The review reveals that values of rolling shear modulus were different between planar, short-span bending, and modified planar shear tests. Spruce and pine have a smaller value of rolling shear modulus as compared to beech and oak. This disparity emphasizes the need for standardized testing for reliable evaluations. An analysis of the results with respect to materials selection, and species-specific structural design in timber engineering is made presenting insights into rolling shear modulus. Findings reveal that the Iosipescu shear test to be the most recommended method for determining the rolling shear modulus of timber. This test directly measures the shear stress-strain response and provides more consistent and reliable results compared to other methods, such as the torsion test or the panel shear test.  Keywords: Rolling Shear Modulus, Timber Engineering, Cross-Laminated Timber, Hardwood, Softwood

Influence of Early Life Experiences, and Religious Beliefs on Positive Mental Health among Undergraduates

Mental health among undergraduate students has become a global concern, with traditional research focusing primarily on psychopathological symptoms rather than positive mental health indicators. This study examined the relationship between early life experiences, religious beliefs, and positive mental health among Nigerian undergraduates, addressing a gap in non-Western mental health research. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 undergraduate students selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using three validated instruments: the Early Life Experiences Scale (ELES), the Centrality of Religiosity Scale (CRS-5), and the Positive Mental Health Scale (PMH). Simple linear regression analyses were performed to test the study hypotheses. The sample comprised 66% females and 34% males, with 99% identifying as Christian. Early life experiences significantly predicted positive mental health, explaining 2.3% of the variance, with negative early experiences associated with poorer mental health outcomes. Religious beliefs also significantly predicted positive mental health, accounting for 7.3% of the variance, with stronger religious beliefs associated with better mental health. The findings demonstrate that adverse early life experiences negatively impact positive mental health, while religious beliefs serve as a protective factor, enhancing mental well-being among Nigerian undergraduates. These results support the integration of early life history and religious considerations in mental health interventions for university students in collectivistic, religious contexts.  Keywords: Positive Mental Health, Early Life Experiences, Religious Beliefs, Undergraduate Students, Nigeria

Improving team productivity and financial services efficiency with agile story points

This paper explores using Agile story points to enhance team productivity and efficiency in financial services, highlighting their benefits, challenges, and future implications. Story points are essential for estimating task complexity, risk, and effort, offering a flexible approach to sprint planning and resource allocation. The paper discusses the role of story points in improving communication among teams, increasing predictability, and ensuring timely customer delivery. Additionally, it examines the challenges associated with subjectivity in estimations, the influence of team dynamics, and the difficulties of scaling Agile practices in large financial institutions. Recommendations are provided for optimizing story point usage, scaling Agile across teams, and ensuring the necessary technological and organizational support for maximizing productivity. The findings emphasize that, with the right framework and leadership buy-in, Agile story points can drive significant improvements in efficiency within the highly regulated financial services sector. Keywords: Agile Story Points, Team Productivity, Financial Services, Resource Allocation, Sprint Planning, Scaling Agil

Effect of government policies on performance of small and medium-sized enterprises in Delta State, Nigeria

The study examined the effect of government policies on SMEs performance in Delta State. The study used a cross-sectional survey research design. The population for this study was 1,312 SMEs operators, Job Creation Bureau staff (as regulators), and staff of the Delta State Ministry of Trade and Investment. A structured questionnaire was used as the research instrument for data collection. The study employed the convenience sampling technique. In selecting the sampling size, the Taro Yamane formula was adopted. Thus, 307 owners of SMEs and regulators in Delta State were selected as the sample size. In order to test the suitability of the research instrument, the internal consistency reliability method was used. Additionally, the hypotheses were tested using the multiple regression analysis method. Findings showed that access to loans (ß = 0.237, P < 0.05), export promotion (ß = 0.260, P < 0.05), entrepreneurial training (ß = 0.207, P < 0.05), and provision of infrastructure (ß = 0.261, P < 0.05) have a positive effect on SMEs performance. The study concluded that government policies have a significant and positive effect on SMEs performance in Delta State. The study recommended, amongst others, that policymakers and stakeholders should focus on prioritising investments in critical infrastructure such as transportation networks, energy supply, telecommunications, and industrial parks in areas with high SME concentration. Keywords: Access to Loan, Government Policies, SMEs Performance