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Research Article
Shadows of Influence: Money Laundering, Corruption, Black Market and Socio-economic Development Worldwide: A PLS-SEM Analysis
Rizwan Ahmad*
,
Muhammad Nauman
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-23
Received:
19 August 2025
Accepted:
3 September 2025
Published:
9 March 2026
Abstract: The intricacies surrounding the measurement and modelling of money laundering (ML), corruption (COR), and black-market prevalence (BMP), as well as their effects on socio-economic development (SD), introduce significant challenges to accurately capturing and understanding these phenomena. There is a plethora of theories on individual measurements of each concept, but regrettably, they are not immune to criticism, and no such explicit approach is available to study the nexus between these complex concepts. The current study employs the multiple indicator approach to measure ML, COR, and SD, and utilizes the PLS-SEM approach to explore the relationships between these complex concepts, with a focus on the mediating role of the BMP. The per capita investment (PCI) expenditures, modelled through the multiple indicator approach, have been used as the control variables. The study has adopted a data-driven approach to conduct pre- and post-estimation analysis for the constructs and validate the results for a cross-section of 198 countries in 2022. The results indicate that the impact of corruption on socio-economic development is negative and statistically significant. The black market has a direct, negative, and significant impact on socio-economic development; similarly, the BMP has a positive and significant effect on ML. In addition to the direct impact on socio-economic development, BMP also indirectly affects SED through the ML. The direct effects of ML on SED are adverse, while it has an indirect positive impact on SED through its significant multiplier effect on per capita investment. These findings have implications for anti-money laundering and anti-corruption policies worldwide.
Abstract: The intricacies surrounding the measurement and modelling of money laundering (ML), corruption (COR), and black-market prevalence (BMP), as well as their effects on socio-economic development (SD), introduce significant challenges to accurately capturing and understanding these phenomena. There is a plethora of theories on individual measurements o...
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Research Article
The Influence of Foreign Direct Investment on Employment Development in Cambodia: A Lens on Manufacturing Industry
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
24-37
Received:
18 February 2026
Accepted:
2 March 2026
Published:
14 March 2026
Abstract: This study quantitatively analyzes the influence of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on employment development in Cambodia’s manufacturing sector, focusing on garments (CG), food processing (CF), and electrical/electronic assembly (CE) industries. It addresses three primary objectives: evaluating the extent to which FDI generates employment opportunities for local Cambodians, identifying the specific employment benefits derived from these investments, and examining the required qualifications and mechanisms of skill transfer within FDI-invested industries. Building on Kokko’s FDI spillover theory in 1992, this study utilized firm-level survey data (n=101) collected via proportional stratified sampling. Firms were categorized into three regions such as capital, border, and sea-port, based on economic corridors. The findings reveal that FDI drove significant employment growth (grew by 315% for all job classifications: general workers, operators, supervisors, technicians, and higher management), with CE and CG sectors outperforming CF. Wages exceeded national minimums across all job classifications, and robust non-monetary benefits (healthcare, accommodation) were prevalent. However, knowledge transfer was uneven: higher-level roles (technicians, management) received industry-specific technical training, while general workers saw limited skill development. Notwithstanding FDI's demonstrable positive impact on employment generation, the analysis identifies structural constraints, notably skills shortages and wage-productivity divergence. Mitigating these requires prioritized investment in TVET systems and institutionalized tripartite coordination for sustainable industrial development.
Abstract: This study quantitatively analyzes the influence of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on employment development in Cambodia’s manufacturing sector, focusing on garments (CG), food processing (CF), and electrical/electronic assembly (CE) industries. It addresses three primary objectives: evaluating the extent to which FDI generates employment opportun...
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Research Article
Game-Based Learning in Second Language Education: Pedagogical Foundations, Technological Innovations, and Implementation Strategies
Yunusova Moxigul*
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
38-43
Received:
16 December 2025
Accepted:
4 January 2026
Published:
17 March 2026
Abstract: Game-based learning has emerged as a transformative pedagogical approach in second language (L2) education, offering dynamic environments that enhance learner engagement, motivation, and communicative competence. This comprehensive review examines the theoretical foundations, technological innovations, and practical implementations of game-based approaches in L2 instruction. Grounded in Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, Krashen's affective filter hypothesis, and Swain's output hypothesis, game-based learning creates authentic contexts for meaningful language practice while reducing affective barriers. The integration of digital technologies, including adaptive platforms, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), has exponentially expanded the scope and sophistication of game-based instruction, enabling personalized learning pathways and multimodal engagement. This article explores the critical role of teacher professional development in implementing game-enriched curricula, the cultivation of intercultural competence through culturally embedded game activities, and the importance of collaborative partnerships for sustainable resource development. Comprehensive assessment frameworks that capture linguistic accuracy, communicative competence, and cultural awareness are examined alongside emerging trends in artificial intelligence (AI)-driven personalization and ethical considerations. The unique contribution of this review lies in its holistic synthesis of pedagogical theory, technological affordances, teacher professional development, intercultural dimensions, and assessment frameworks, providing a comprehensive roadmap for educators, researchers, and policymakers seeking to implement effective game-based L2 instruction. The review concludes that strategic collaboration among educators, researchers, policymakers, and communities is essential for realizing the full potential of game-based approaches to improve communicative competence, intercultural awareness, and learner motivation in L2 education worldwide.
Abstract: Game-based learning has emerged as a transformative pedagogical approach in second language (L2) education, offering dynamic environments that enhance learner engagement, motivation, and communicative competence. This comprehensive review examines the theoretical foundations, technological innovations, and practical implementations of game-based ap...
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Research Article
Application of Lapidary Technology for Sustainable Gemstone Resource Development in Ethiopia
Tsion Shumalem,
Ewunetu Mitku*
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
44-53
Received:
7 November 2025
Accepted:
9 March 2026
Published:
23 March 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.rd.20260701.14
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Ethiopia is a landlocked federal republic located in eastern Africa. Over the past decade, its economy has experienced significant growth, with GDP expanding at an average rate of 10.8% per year. While coffee and gold remain the principal exports, the country also hosts diverse mineral resources, including more than 40 varieties of colored gemstones such as emerald, tourmaline, opal, aquamarine, jasper, agate, chrysoprase, peridot, and amethyst. Gemstone mining is predominantly artisanal small-scale (ASM) and currently produces rough stones due to limited lapidary technology and skilled labor. This has restricted value addition within the country. The central objective of this manuscript is to examine the importance of lapidary technology, identify investment opportunities, and facilitate entrepreneur engagement for sustainable gemstone wealth. It aims to provide potential investors with a general understanding of the business to support critical investment decisions. The study outlines Ethiopia’s gemstone resources and describes lapidary techniques for creating jewelry and decorative items using new technology. Commercialization, mining-area preservation, and mine life sustainability are highlighted as key factors alongside economic and social impacts of a developing lapidary sector. This paper reviews the historical development of the lapidary industry in Ethiopia, assesses the challenges hindering growth, and presents guidance on obtaining legal licenses to start lapidary operations and to import gemstone-cutting and polishing machinery duty-free from abroad.
Abstract: Ethiopia is a landlocked federal republic located in eastern Africa. Over the past decade, its economy has experienced significant growth, with GDP expanding at an average rate of 10.8% per year. While coffee and gold remain the principal exports, the country also hosts diverse mineral resources, including more than 40 varieties of colored gemstone...
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Research Article
Construction of Empirical Bayes Estimators for Truncation Parameters of Two-sided Truncated Distributions Using Size Two Samples and Their Asymptotic Optimality
Sung-Hyon Ri*,
Hyon-A Ryu,
Su-Ryon Jang
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
54-62
Received:
13 November 2025
Accepted:
1 December 2025
Published:
26 March 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.rd.20260701.15
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Bayesian methods are effective statistical one that combine prior information with samples, but the inference results are different because subjectivity is involved in representing prior information as a prior distribution. The empirical Bayes approach is a statistical method that performs continuous Bayesian decision making when the prior distribution is unknown but given a large number of past data, which overcomes the above drawback and is now a common way because of a vast amount of data available. The inference for truncation parameters is important in evaluating the lower or upper bounds of the population and is required in many fields such as reliability, meteorology, medicine, etc. Many authors have considered the case of one-sided truncated distribution in the empirical Bayes framework, but in practice we are faced with the case of two-sided one. We consider the empirical Bayes estimation for truncation parameters of two-sided truncated distribution under the squared error loss. First, Bayesian estimators of the truncation parameters are derived to minimize the Bayes risk using sample of size two. And, based on the Bayesian estimators and kernel density estimate of the population density function, empirical Bayes estimators of the truncation parameters are constructed. Next, under some assumptions asymptotic optimality of empirical Bayes estimators is proved when the sample size goes to infinity, and the convergence rate is also evaluated. It is also proved that the probability that the lower and upper bounds are reversely estimated approaches zero. Finally, an example is presented to show the validity of the assumptions and the performance of the proposed empirical Bayes estimators is evaluated through simulation on the example. New proposal of using size two samples could be extended to the case of multi-dimensional truncated distributions defined on hyper-cubic domain.
Abstract: Bayesian methods are effective statistical one that combine prior information with samples, but the inference results are different because subjectivity is involved in representing prior information as a prior distribution. The empirical Bayes approach is a statistical method that performs continuous Bayesian decision making when the prior distribu...
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