/library/oar/handle/123456789/692 2025-11-04T05:35:40Z 2025-11-04T05:35:40Z Pulis, Matthew Ljiljana D., 膯umura Buhagiar, Luke Joseph /library/oar/handle/123456789/140814 2025-11-03T14:52:01Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Prayer, civic engagement and culture : a comparative study of Serbia and Malta Authors: Pulis, Matthew; Ljiljana D., 膯umura; Buhagiar, Luke Joseph Abstract: Contemporary open societies are characterised by pluralism, indicating differences in values and practices. Religiosity and civic engagement are intertwined in various ways, with processes changing across the Balkans and Southern Europe. Accordingly, in this study, we present the results of a survey that explores different relationships between (a) socio-demographic variables, types of prayer engaged in by people, and civic engagement in Serbia (the Balkans) and Malta (Southern Europe). Questionnaires with the same content were distributed in Malta (in English) and in Serbia (in Serbian). Our analysis reveals both similarities and differences relating to the following two main patterns: (1) all types of prayer correlated significantly with civic engagement behaviour in both countries; and (2) the frequency of prayer types, and the correlations between specific prayer types and civic engagement behaviour, ranked differently in both countries. Our discussion focuses on the implications of these patterns for open societies and intercultural dialogue.

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/140810 2025-11-03T14:44:56Z 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Index linked bonds and their applicability in Malta Abstract: [...] Objectives: The objective of this dissertation is to study the nature of ILBs, their main advantages and disadvantages and to determine their suitability in Malta. The key research questions that this dissertation aims to solve are: 1. How do ILBs function? 2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of ILBs for the issuer, investor and policymaker? 3. How reliable is the Retail Price Index (RPI) as a benchmark for ILBs? 4. How far are ILBs applicable to Malta? Limitations: This dissertation is based on information available up to 31st December 1997. An outline of the calculation of coupon payments and the redemption payment of Capital Indexed Bonds will be given, but this study will be limited as to the detail on the calculation of other types of ILBs. The detail as to the calculation of the inflation expectations and all the related formulae will not be dealt with in this dissertation. The taxation implications of these investments are also beyond the scope of this study. Dissertation overview: as shown in figure 1.1 on page 6, the study is structured as follows. The review of literature is divided into two chapters: - Chapter 2 deals with nature, characteristics and mechanism of ILBs. It also highlights the differences between conventional bonds and ILBs. - Chapter 3 poses the advantages and disadvantages of ILBs to the issuer, investors and policymakers. The methodology used for the research will be dealt with in Chapter 4. The research process and the structure of the various interviews held will be explained. Chapter 5 analyses the inflationary situation in Malta, the mechanism and composition of the RPI, its main limitations and their effect on indexed bonds. Chapter 6 discussed and applies the findings obtained from the interviews held. At the outset the chapter delineates the major investment preferences of the local investors and the possible reasons for their choices. The chapter then proceeds to view and discuss the opinions of the interviewees about the various questions that were asked during the Institutional Survey. Chapter 7 offers a summary and some concluding remarks including a number of recommendations. Description: B.ACCTY.(HONS)

1998-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/140803 2025-11-03T14:29:52Z 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The challenges of retaining professional I.T. employees : a case study of Hob Software LTD. Abstract: The retention of professional employees is emerging as a primary concern for many organisations. A solution to the retention challenge could result in more profitable and effective organisations, motivated and more productive employees and more satisfied customers. This dissertation is an exploration of the challenges faced by general management and the Human Resources professional in retaining professional 福利在线免费 Technology (IT) employees who are so much in demand. Consideration is given to the fact that the need for technology professionals is expanding especially since the utilisation of and dependence on information systems and technology is increasing. However, a corresponding growth in the supply of IT employees is not evident and the supply-demand gap in the IT labour market compounds staffing problems as technology professionals who are not satisfied in current positions, are finding it relatively easy to seek alternative employment opportunities elsewhere. Through a case study of HOB Software Ltd. (a software export company), the writer explores the effects changes in the management style, culture and the work environment at HOB Software have on the retention of its employees. A number of factors, some related to the work environment and some pertaining to the individuals, which influence both the employee鈥檚 commitment to the organisation (and satisfaction with his or her job), and also the employee鈥檚 choice to leave, are considered. Furthermore, the study proposes a number of recommendations on the conclusions reached. These include the importance for HOB Software Ltd and other similar companies, to formalise retention strategies, to revie their perception of staff development practices, and to seek autonomy within the larger organisation to which they may be attached. Finally, the writer proposes the introduction of teleworking as an interesting concept which may be adopted within 福利在线免费 Technology organisation. Description: DIP.MANGT.

2001-01-01T00:00:00Z Baldacchino, Peter J. Tanti, Owen Ellul, Lauren Tabone, Norbert Grima, Simon /library/oar/handle/123456789/140709 2025-10-29T14:00:36Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The role of CFOs on the boards of Maltese listed entities : implications for corporate governance Authors: Baldacchino, Peter J.; Tanti, Owen; Ellul, Lauren; Tabone, Norbert; Grima, Simon Abstract: This paper examines the role of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) on the boards of Maltese Listed Entities (MLEs). The paper explores how the corporate boards of MLEs prefer to involve CFOs and evaluates the views of board members about the benefits and drawbacks of CFO participation. The study analyzes the broader implications for corporate governance, including the perspectives of directors, managers, and shareholders. Methodology: We adopted a mixed-method approach using semi-structured interviews with 10 board members (BMs) and 16 CFOs from MLEs. In addition, we collected written responses from three BMs and two CFOs, resulting in a total of 31 participants. Results: MLEs tend to favor CFOs as regular board attendees rather than full board members, aiming to ensure robust financial oversight while preserving the independence of managerial oversight. Factors such as the financial literacy of the board and the complexity of the business influence this preference. Boards sometimes appoint CFOs following cooling-off periods, and participants expressed concerns about potential conflicts between current and former CFOs, as well as the challenge of balancing board duties with operational responsibilities. Nevertheless, participants viewed CFO board participation positively. Participants believe CFOs contribute to strategic alignment, deeper managerial insight, and enhanced shareholder confidence when they participate on boards. While small shareholders expressed minimal concern, institutional investors placed a stronger value on CFO involvement. Originality / value: This study fills a gap in the corporate governance literature by examining the specific contributions and oversight roles of CFOs within the boards of Multinational Listed Entities (MLEs), an area that has received limited academic attention. Practical implications: The findings guide MLEs and other listed firms in designing CFO involvement in board processes and balancing effective financial oversight with good governance practices. Theoretical implications: This study contributes to corporate governance theory by illustrating how CFOs play a distinctive role in board structures, particularly in contexts where companies must balance financial expertise with administrative independence. It deepens understanding of how CFO involvement shapes decision-making dynamics, strategic oversight, and the evolution of governance models in smaller capital markets.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z