The Impact of Intellectual Capital on the Financial Performance in Insurance Firms Listed in Amman Stock Exchange: Using the (VAIC) Model

Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the impact of intellectual capital (human capital, structural capital, and employed capital) on the financial performance of listed insurance companies in the Amman Stock Exchange   Theoretical framework: Intellectual capital has become increasingly important in generating value for companies, and many researchers have linked it to corporate financial performance and strategic competitive advantage.   Design/methodology/approach: The study population consist of 21 insurance companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange in Jordan during the period of 2011-2020. Intellectual capital was measured using the value added intellectual coefficient model (Pulic, 2000), and its impact on financial performance was analyzed using published financial statements of the insurance companies.   Findings:  The results of the study found a statistically significant positive effect of human and employed capital on financial performance as measured by the rate of return on assets and return on equity. Furthermore, the study revealed a significant positive effect of intellectual capital, specifically human capital, on financial performance measured by market value (Tobin's Q).   Research, Practical & Social implications: The study suggests that insurance companies should treat intellectual capital as a strategic resource and monitor and invest in it periodically for continuous development. The study suggests building a positive organizational culture that supports intellectual capital is recommended   Originality/value:  This study contributes to the understanding of the relationship between intellectual capital and financial performance for the first time in the insurance industry in Amman Stock Exchange. The findings highlight the importance of managing and investing in intellectual capital as a strategic resource to enhance financial performance

The Impact of Intellectual Capital on Operational Performance in Jordanian Service Companies: Evidence from the Amman Stock Exchange

Purpose: This study seeks to determine how intellectual capital (IC) affects the operational effectiveness of service companies listed on the Jordanian Amman Stock Exchange (ASE).   Theoretical framework: The study is based on the concept of intellectual capital, which encompasses human capital, structural capital, and relational capital. These dimensions are examined to understand their influence on operational performance.   Design/Methodology/Approach: The study population consists of 40 service companies listed on the ASE, with a sample of 22 companies selected for analysis. Data collection relied on secondary sources, including reports and bulletins issued by the ASE between 2017 and 2021. Regression analysis is used in the study to look at the connections between several operational performance metrics and intellectual capital.   Findings: The findings reveal that human capital and structural capital have a significant positive impact on operational flexibility. Human capital and relational capital significantly influence cost efficiency. Structural capital, company size, and company age show significant effects on the inventory turnover rate. Human capital positively affects the asset turnover rate, while structural and relational capital do not exhibit significant effects.   Research, Practical & Social implications:  This study offers insightful information about the connection between intellectual property and operational effectiveness in service businesses listed on the ASE. The findings have practical implications for enhancing operational capabilities and efficiency within these organizations. Additionally, the study contributes to the existing knowledge on intellectual capital's impact on operational performance and fills a gap in the understanding of this relationship in the Jordanian context.   Originality/Value:  This study is one of the first to investigate how intellectual capital affects the performance of operational aspects in service businesses listed on the ASE in Jordan. By focusing on the unique characteristics of the Jordanian market, the study adds to the body of knowledge and advances knowledge of the function that intellectual capital plays in influencing operational success

The Relevance of Internal Control System on Money Laundering in Jordanian Islamic and Commercial Banks

Purpose: This study seeks to determine whether internal control systems are important for preventing money laundering in Islamic and commercial banks in Jordan. It seeks to clarify the procedures and means for evaluating the internal control systems, identify the extent of their application, and determine their impact on reducing money laundering in banks.   Theoretical framework: Money laundering is a significant criminal activity that has serious economic and social impacts. Despite anti-money laundering legislation and emphasis on internal controls, money laundering remains a pervasive problem in the financial industry. Effective internal controls can help prevent errors, manipulation, and fraud that facilitate money laundering, thereby preventing crime and ensuring market competitiveness.   Design/methodology/approach: As part of the study, interviews were conducted using a qualitative methodology. It was essential that those selected for interviews work in a controlling position or department in banks. All facets of the internal control framework are covered in the interview questions.   Findings: Internal control has a positive impact on preventing money laundering in banks, and control activities are critical in preventing money laundering operations. The quality of information obtained and distributed by banks, along with channels for distributing information, are factors in improving a bank's ability to combat money laundering.   Research, Practical & Social implications: The study has practical and social implications in determining characteristics that affect the efficacy of anti-money laundering actions, which can aid in drastically reducing money laundering.   Originality/value: The study adds to what is already known about anti-money laundering initiatives and how well they work to stop money laundering in Islamic and Commercial banks. Its investigation of the effects of information and communication on developing effective internal control systems to prevent money laundering gives it originality and value. Additionally, it creates new opportunities for future study into how well internal control procedures work to lessen money laundering in various contexts and nations

The Mediterranean region under climate change

This book has been published by Allenvi (French National Alliance for Environmental Research) to coincide with the 22nd Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP22) in Marrakesh. It is the outcome of work by academic researchers on both sides of the Mediterranean and provides a remarkable scientific review of the mechanisms of climate change and its impacts on the environment, the economy, health and Mediterranean societies. It will also be valuable in developing responses that draw on “scientific evidence” to address the issues of adaptation, resource conservation, solutions and risk prevention. Reflecting the full complexity of the Mediterranean environment, the book is a major scientific contribution to the climate issue, where various scientific considerations converge to break down the boundaries between disciplines

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background: Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods: The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results: NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion: As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population