Economic Consultant

Effect of Compensation Management on Workers Satisfaction in Nkwen Baptist Hospital Northwest Region of Cameroon

Journal — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 11:15:42 +0000

Introduction. The relevance of studying the factors influencing employee satisfaction in a medical organization is driven by the necessity to improve motivation, work quality, and patient care levels, as well as to reduce staff turnover and ensure stability in the healthcare sector.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of compensation management on workers satisfaction in Nkwen Baptist Hospital Bamenda. The area of study was Nkwen Baptist Health Centre of the North West Region of Cameroon.

Methodology. The study adopted causal research design. The study made use of survey data collected with the help of a structured questionnaire through random sampling and analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results. Results from the ordinary least square revealed that direct financial compensation, indirect financial compensation, and non-financial compensation has a positive impact on workers’ satisfaction.
Recommendation. It was recommended that the management of Nkwen Baptist Hospital should ensure that the direct financial compensation provided to workers is competitive within the health care industry; evaluate the company’s benefits package to ensure it is comprehensive and meets the needs of the workforce; gather feedback from employees to understand their preferences and tailor the non-financial compensation offerings accordingly.

Conclusion. The findings suggest that fair and competitive compensation packages, transparency, and performance-based incentives are essential for enhancing employee motivation-and job satisfaction, reduce turnover rates, and attract top talent.

Novelty. The findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge on compensation management and employee satisfaction in the healthcare sector, Nkwen Baptist Hospital in Cameroon, a context that has received limited attention in previous research.

For citation: Ako, E., Mayaah, N. E. (2026). Effect of Compensation Management on Workers Satisfaction in Nkwen Baptist Hospital Northwest Region of Cameroon. Economic Consultant, (1), 57–81. https://doi.org/10.46224/ecoc.2026.1.4

Information about the authors:

Eyong Ako Higher – Institute of Commerce and Management.
Department of Organisational Sciences. The University of Bamenda. Cameroon, Northwest Region. E-mail: akorolly87@yahoo.com

Nkwinte E. Mayaah – Higher Institute of Commerce and Management.
Department of Organisational Sciences. The University of Bamenda. Cameroon, Northwest Region. E-mail: nkwinteelizibeth@gmail.com

Received: Sep 21, 2025 | Accepted: Dec 16, 2025 | Published: Mar 1, 2026

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist

Editor: Tamara K. Rostovskaya. Russian State Social University (Russia)

Main Critical Comments Regarding A. Emmanuel’s Theory of Unequal Exchange

Journal — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 11:15:32 +0000

Introduction. Contemporary challenges of globalization and increasing economic inequality make critique theory of unequal exchange relevant. Analyzing its limitations helps to better understand the mechanisms of international relations and contributes to the development of more accurate and fair models of economic interaction amidst ongoing changes.

Materials and Methods. The study employs conceptual, historical, logical, and critical methods. These approaches allow for analyzing concepts of value, tracing historical reasons for global price differences, illustrating mechanisms of value formation, and critically assessing modern research.

Results. This study critiques the theory of unequal exchange, revealing its fundamental flaw: the equivalence of one hour of labor to another across different countries, without considering the differences in socially necessary energy invested in the reproduction of labor power. The study shows that international price disparities stem from monetary distortions resulting from colonial plunder and from imbalances in the reproduction of labor power. In this context, it proposes adopting the Necessary Calorie (N.C) as a material measure of value, as it reflects the living and embodied human energy inherent in labor power. Under this measure, exchanges governed by the law of value are fair; what appears as unequal exchange is, in fact, the result of distortions in the monetary expression of value and the leakage of surplus value. Labor-hour-based measures misrepresent value and may lead to misleading calculations regarding the scale of global exploitation. The study further shows how dependency, technological monopoly, and the lack of control over the reproduction of social labor continually impose a transfer of value from the underdeveloped parts of the global capitalist system to its advanced parts.

Conclusion. The author concludes that unequal exchange is not a violation of the law of value, but arises from distortions in the monetary expression of value caused by historical and global asymmetries. Differences in social production costs and uneven development of the world explain the emergence of inequality, rather than the fundamental failure of this law.

For citation: Zaky, M. A. (2025). Main Critical Comments Regarding A. Emmanuel’s Theory of Unequal Exchange. Economic Consultant, (1), 102–128. https://doi.org/10.46224/ecoc.2026.1.6

Information about the author:

Muhammad A. Zaky – Bachelor of Law and Economic Sciences, Faculty of Law, Alexandria University. Attorney before the Egyptian Court of Cassation and the Supreme Constitutional Court. Alexandria, Egypt. E-mail: muhammadadel1972@gmail.com

Received: Sep 11, 2025 | Accepted: Dec 22, 2025 | Published: Mar 1, 2026

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist

Editor: Viktor V. Zinchenko. Kyiv University named after Boris Grinchenko (Ukraine)

The Practice of Closed-loop Economics and Paradoxes of Value Creation on Used Platforms: Using the Example of Vinted

Journal — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 11:15:16 +0000

Introduction. The growth of the second-hand goods market and the development of electronic platforms contribute to convenience, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Researching these platforms is important for understanding their mechanisms, improving efficiency, and protecting consumers.

Research aim: to examine the practices and strategies of second-hand goods platforms that contribute to the development of a circular economy.

Materials and Methods. The study used research articles from international peer-reviewed journals covering topics in the textile industry, business and consumer behavior, sustainability, waste management, e-commerce, fashion marketing, platform models, and environmental economics. The study also used conference proceedings, including the collections “Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering” and “Lecture Notes in Computer Science” (Springer), among others.

Results. Over the past 10 years, secondhand digital platforms such as Vinted have successfully developed new approaches to circularity along the “Earn money and save the planet by selling what you don’t wear” argument. This article examines how circularity (and economic benefits are) is integrated into company’s business model. Specifically, it discusses the paradoxes inherent to the value creation and value capture-extraction mechanisms. Likewise, through a critical analysis of the constituents of its business model, particularly company’s vision and what we considered to be an implicit predatory pricing strategy, this article outlined a possible scenario for the equilibrium of the whole ecosystem along its interactions with clothing companies.

Conclusion. The e-retail platform Vinted has built an economic model that promotes and facilitates the rationalization of resources for their most productive (recycled) use, while simultaneously (ostensibly) expanding their social productivity. It is not an industrial system that is intentionally regenerative, but a platform that replaces the concept of “end-of-life” with reuse.

For citation: Tournois, L. (2026). The Practice of Closed-Loop Economics and Paradoxes of Value Creation on Used Platforms: Using the Example of Vinted. Economic Consultant, (1), 82–101. https://doi.org/10.46224/ecoc.2026.1.5

Information about the author:

Laurent Tournois – Independent Researcher. E-mail: laurent.tournoisbg@gmail.com

Received: Sep 8, 2025 | Accepted: Dec 14, 2025 | Published: Mar 1, 2026

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist

Editor: Daniela Antonescu. Romanian Academy (Romania)

The Historical Evolution of Fuel Subsidy Policies in Nigeria and Their Socio-Economic Impact

Journal — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 11:14:38 +0000

Introduction. Analysis of fuel subsidy policies in Nigeria reveals their impact on the state budget and living standards of the population, and also contributes to the formation of more efficient and sustainable energy strategies.

The aim of the article: to analyze the historical stages of fuel subsidy policy in Nigeria and its socio-economic impact.

Materials and methods. The research utilized articles from peer-reviewed international journals as well as scientific collections published by Springer, covering topics related to African economic, social, and political development, among others. The methodology included an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of subsidy policies’ impact on the population of Nigeria.

Results. The abolition of fuel subsidy policies in 2023 provided long-term sustainability despite immediate policy adjustments.

It emphasizes the need for targeted investments in renewable energy sources and the improvement of policies aimed at minimizing the negative consequences of reforms in the energy sector, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals.

Conclusion. The historical evolution of fuel subsidy policies in Nigeria is complex and shows the interplay between economic stability, social well-being, and public interest. Currently, Nigeria pursues proper consistency and reforms to achieve a more sustainable economic model. This model involves reinvesting released resources in infrastructure development, welfare programs, and diversification for long-term economic sustainability.

For citation: Okeke, M. C. (2026). The Historical Evolution of Fuel Subsidy Policies in Nigeria and Their Socio-Economic Impact. Economic Consultant, (1), 40–56. https://doi.org/10.46224/ecoc.2026.1.3

Information about the author:

M. C. Okeke – MSc in Public Policy Analysis, Candidate of PhD in Historical Sciences. Intern at the International center of Anthropology. National Research University, Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia. E-mail: marypreciousokeke@gmail.com

Received: Sep 28, 2025 | Accepted: Dec 10, 2025 | Published: Mar 1, 2026

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist

Editor: Arif G. Ibragimov. Russian State Agrarian University–Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy. (Russia)

The Investment Climate of the Republic of Kazakhstan: Interim Results and Achievements in Implementing the Investment Policy Concept until 2026

Journal — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 11:11:06 +0000

Introduction. Since gaining independence, Kazakhstan has focused on attracting foreign investment by improving its investment climate and establishing favorable legal and institutional conditions. A developed treaty-based legal framework plays a crucial role in this effort, encompassing 47 bilateral and one multilateral agreement signed by Kazakhstan, which ensure the protection and promotion of foreign investments in the country.

The research was aimed at analyzing the interim results of implementing the investment policy in the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2026.

Materials and methods. The research utilized scientific articles from reputable journals and proceedings of international conferences. Statistical data were sourced from UNCTAD materials for Central Asian countries, including information on investment inflows and outflows, their volumes, project costs, and new investment enterprises.

Results. In 2024, the gross inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) into Kazakhstan decreased by approximately 28% compared to 2023, resulting in the first recorded net outflow of investments, primarily due to reduced investments in the mining sector. In 2025, a phased recovery was observed, particularly in financial and insurance activities, offering hope for a rebound. However, the decline in FDI inflow has cast doubt on achieving the targets set within the investment policy framework until 2029, with the volume of foreign investment at the end of 2024 being 30.8% below the planned level of USD 24.8 billion.

Conclusion. Despite the continued reliance on hydrocarbon and mineral resources as mainstays of the economy, Kazakhstan is taking measures towards diversification, actively cooperating with foreign investors through official institutions and bilateral agreements. President Tokayev’s reform program aims at industrial development, expanding privatization, and seeking new trade routes, including comprehensive tax changes in 2026. Simultaneously, concerns among foreign investors are raised by issues such as regulatory volatility, corruption, and the need for improvements in the legal system and infrastructure.

For citation: Ukubassova, G. S. (2026). The Investment Climate of the Republic of Kazakhstan: Interim Results and Achievements in Implementing the Investment Policy Concept until 2026. Economic Consultant, (1), 24–39. https://doi.org/10.46224/ecoc.2026.1.2

Information about the authors:

Galiya S. Ukubassova – Cand. Sci. (Econ.), PhD in Economics and Business, Professor, Head of the Department of Economics. Esil University. Astana, Kazakhstan. E-mail: ukubasova_g@mail.ru

Received: Sep 8, 2025 | Accepted: Dec 14, 2025 | Published: Mar 1, 2026

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist

Editor: Daniela Antonescu. Romanian Academy (Romania)

Temporary Storage Warehousing during Customs Operations in the Asia-Pacific Region

Journal — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 11:09:20 +0000

Introduction. The organization of temporary storage warehousing in the Asia-Pacific region enhances logistical efficiency, ensures supply chain flexibility, facilitates tax savings, and supports the secure storage of sensitive goods. Collectively, this contributes to the development of regional trade and the strengthening of logistical infrastructure.

The research is aimed at examining the functionality of modern temporary storage warehouses and the specifics of temporary storage warehousing during customs operations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Materials and Methods. The research materials included articles from leading scientific journals, proceedings of international conferences, and data from analytical organizations. The research methods encompassed analysis of existing literature and regulatory documents, review of industry reports and statistical data, as well as the application of descriptive statistics to assess current trends.

Results. The analysis of the temporary storage warehousing market specifics in the Asia-Pacific region indicates its dynamic growth. According to Mordor Intelligence, the market size for self-storage was estimated at 32.88 million square feet by 2025, with an expected increase to 50.35 million square feet by 2031, assuming an average annual growth rate of 7.36%. The region is characterized by a mix of developed and developing economies, fostering a diversity of market strategies and infrastructure solutions. In countries such as Singapore and Hong Kong, digital customs clearance systems and integrated port-warehouse ecosystems are successfully implemented, enhancing logistical efficiency. In Southeast Asian countries, logistics capacities are expanding, and inventory management models are being adopted to ensure more effective handling of seasonal peaks.

Conclusion. The obtained data confirm that the development of the self-storage warehousing market in the Asia-Pacific region depends on factors such as urbanization, population growth, and increasing middle-class income. Megacities like Shanghai, Tokyo, and Mumbai face shortages of residential space and high-density development, necessitating new storage formats. The growth of e-commerce also stimulates demand for flexible logistics solutions. Overall, such warehouse complexes, functioning as micro-hubs, are cost-effective and scalable, meeting modern market requirements and contributing to the region’s enhanced competitiveness.

For citation: Gumar, N. A., & Satmurzaev, A. A. (2026). Temporary Storage Warehousing during Customs Operations in the Asia-Pacific Region. Economic Consultant, (1), 4–23. https://doi.org/10.46224/ecoc.2026.1.1

Information about the authors:

Nazira A. Gumar – Cand. Sci. (Economics), Associate Professor. Almaty Technological University, Republic of Kazakhstan. E-mail: gumnaz@mail.ru

Asan A. Satmurzaev – Professor, Dr. Sci. (Econ.), Professor of the Graduate School of Finance and Accounting. Turan University. Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan. E-mail: ncasan@mail.ru

Received: Sep 14, 2025 | Accepted: Dec 11, 2025 | Published: Mar 1, 2026

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist

Editor: Vinicius Martinez. Université Paris Cité (France)

A Critique of the Measure of Value: A Study in the Principles of Political Economy

Journal — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:42:59 +0000

Nearly three centuries after the writings of the founding fathers of political economy, this study rejects measuring value – created by labor and embodied in the product – by the number of labor hours expended in its production. Instead, it proposes a new standard: the socially necessary quantity of energy. Since Smith, through Ricardo, and up to Marx, political economy has equated a product’s value with the number of labor hours required to produce it. Yet to say that a product’s value is, for instance, three hours, is merely to indicate the duration of its production, not to disclose its actual value.

For the first time in the history of political economy, this study advances the correct standard of value: the socially necessary quantity of energy expended in production, measured in necessary kilocalories. This new standard allows us to evaluate the value of all products created by labor – including those in the service sector, which classical political economy avoided due to the absence of a fixed standard for value in that domain.

Reaching this accurate measurement entails a rehabilitation of the law of value – the general law governing economic phenomena at the societal level. It restores political economy as a science concerned with the objective laws underlying production and distribution – laws structured around this central principle: the law of value.

The founding fathers – particularly Smith, Ricardo, and Marx – when faced with the problem of establishing a consistent standard of value, ultimately turned to the market to resolve the issue. This historical turn opened the floodgates to superficial theories and linear models that drifted away from science and from the discipline’s original concern with objective laws. Subjective interpretations and impressionistic concepts replaced foundational insights, creating an epistemological rupture rather than building on the founding fathers’ achievements.

As a result, generations of students – caught in this break – have been forced to swallow the bitter pill of theories presented as the only legitimate economic science, despite their repeated failure not only to solve successive economic crises, but even to explain or interpret them.

For citation: Zaky, M. A. (2025).A Critique of the Measure of Value: A Study in the Principles of Political Economy. Economic Consultant, (4), 84–110. https://doi.org/10.46224/ecoc.2025.4.6

Information about the author:

Muhammad Adel Zaky – Bachelor of Law and Economic Sciences, Faculty of Law, Alexandria University. Attorney before the Egyptian Court of Cassation and the Supreme Constitutional Court. Alexandria, Egypt. E-mail: muhammadadel1972@gmail.com

Received: Jun 13, 2025 | Accepted: Sep 21, 2025 | Published: Dec 1, 2025

The author have declared that no competing interests exist

Editor: Viktor V. Zinchenko. Kyiv University named after Boris Grinchenko (Ukraine)

Where Can Persons with Disabilities Work? An Analysis of Opinion Dynamics and Employment Opportunities: a Longitudinal Study

Journal — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:33:54 +0000

Introduction. The relevance of the topic stems from the need to monitor changes in the opinions and employment conditions of persons with disabilities to improve the effectiveness of inclusive policies and practices, as well as to develop sustainable solutions in the field of labor integration.
The study is aimed at identifying and analyzing the opportunities and constraints in the employment of persons with disabilities, as well as tracking changes in their opinions and perceptions of labor market participation over time.

Materials and methods. The study utilized articles from reputable scientific journals and the results of questionnaire surveys of the population of Almaty (Kazakhstan), conducted from 2020 to 2024, with a sample size of 5,000 individuals (55.3% male, 44.7% female). The questionnaire included items on age, employment status, and opinions on whether persons with disabilities can work in standard enterprises, specially created workplaces, or exclusively at home.

Results. The majority of the region’s residents believe that persons with disabilities should work in specialized settings (55%), approximately one-third of respondents indicated that they could work in standard enterprises (33%), and only 12% were convinced that work from home was feasible. An increase was noted in the number of those supporting the employment of persons with disabilities in standard conditions; however, the responsibility for providing specialized workplaces is perceived as necessary, which is associated with limited or stereotypical perceptions of such work environments.

Conclusion. The study possesses scientific novelty and practical significance due to the scarcity of statistical data on this topic at international and national levels, as most research focuses on attitudes towards persons with disabilities and their rights. Owing to technological advancements and increased awareness, disability is increasingly less viewed as an impediment to employment. Overall, public opinion is positive: the majority believes that persons with disabilities can work in standard conditions given the necessary support and accommodations.

For citation: Martinez, R., & Mutseekwa, C. (2025). Where Can Persons with Disabilities Work? An Analysis of Opinion Dynamics and Employment Opportunities: a Longitudinal Study. Economic Consultant, (4), 72–83. https://doi.org/10.46224/ecoc.2025.4.5

Information about the authors:

Christopher Mutseekwa – PhD, Department of Curriculum and Educational Management Studies, Faculty of Science Education. Bindura University of Science Education. Bindura, Zimbabwe. E-mail: chrismutseekwa@gmail.com

Ramiro Martinez – Researcher. Institute of Economic Research. National Autonomous University of Mexico. Mexico City, Mexico. E-mail: ramirobass2017@gmail.com

Received: Jun 14, 2025 | Accepted: Sep 9, 2025 | Published: Dec 1, 2025

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist

Editor: Tamara K. Rostovskaya. Russian State Social University (Russia)

Ensuring Food Security in Russia: Current State of Affairs, Challenges, and Opportunities for Development

Journal — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:28:22 +0000

Introduction. The relevance of this study lies in the imperative to ensure a sustainable food supply for Russia amid both global and domestic challenges, to reduce dependence on imports, to develop the agricultural sector, and to leverage innovation to strengthen the country’s food security and sovereignty.

This article aims to analyze the current state of food security in Russia, to identify existing challenges, and to explore strategies for its improvement and sustainable development.

Materials and methods. The study utilized articles from scientific journals and conference proceedings, as well as official statistics from the Federal State Statistics Service and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation. The analysis relied on data concerning Russia’s food supply from 2015 to 2024 and on the prevalence of food insecurity among the population.

Results. Food security in Russia is characterized by generally favorable indicators across most major products, including grain, oil, potatoes, meat, fish, and eggs. However, some products (milk, vegetables, fruits, and salt) fall below recommended thresholds and are particularly crucial for vulnerable populations. Key internal challenges include high public debt, a decline in small-scale farms, and dependence on energy resources and quality standards. External threats include economic sanctions, currency fluctuations, and volatility in energy prices. Despite a decrease in acute food insecurity, access to adequate food remains constrained by financial difficulties and high inflation, especially among people living in poverty.

Conclusion. A comprehensive state food security strategy should ensure both the availability and quality of food products, support innovation in production, strengthen the integration of production, processing, and distribution chains, and reduce reliance on imports while promoting exports. Achieving these goals requires implementing national projects, optimizing logistics, establishing healthy eating standards, and continued support for innovation within the food industry.

For citation: Ibragimov, A. G., & Antonescu, D. (2025). Ensuring Food Security in Russia: Current State of Affairs, Challenges, and Opportunities for Development. Economic Consultant, (4), 55–71. https://doi.org/10.46224/ecoc.2025.4.4

Information about the authors:

Arif G. Ibragimov – Associate Professor, Dr. Sci. (Econ.), Professor of the Department of Management. Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy. Moscow, Russia. E-mail: Arif-ibragimov@mail.ru

Daniela Antonescu – PhD in Economics. Scientific researcher of Institute of National Economy. Romanian Academy (Romania). E-mail: daniela.antonescu25@gmail.com

Received: Jun 13, 2025 | Accepted: Sep 8, 2025 | Published: Dec 1, 2025

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist

Editor: Gerardo Reyes Guzman. Universidad IEXE (Mexico)

The Role of Sustainable Industry Clusters in Regional Competitiveness in Times of Crisis

Journal — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:23:26 +0000

Introduction. The urgency stems from the need to increase regional stability, strengthen competitiveness, and improve the efficient utilization of resources amid the economic crisis.

The article analyzes the impact of sustainable industry clusters on regional competitiveness during the economic crisis.

Materials and methods. The study relied on scientific articles from highly ranked international journals and conference proceedings on the impact of clusters on regional sustainability. It also incorporated practical cases of successful cluster initiatives in times of crisis and an analysis of globalization tools that contribute to enhancing regional competitiveness.

Results. The article examines the problem of globalization of economic processes resulting from the activities of large economic entities—regions—in the process of integration into the world economy and international economic relations. The main directions and models of regional competitiveness formation, as well as the regional clusters that underpin economic globalization, are analyzed.

Conclusion. Globalization increases the need for regions to identify and develop their sustainable competitive advantages to mitigate economic instability and crises. Successful development depends on the clear identification of key competitive factors, including the development of industries that foster international competition and integration synergies.

For citation: Koshkarev, M. V., & Satmurzaev, A. A. (2025). The Role of Sustainable Industry Clusters in Regional Competitiveness in Times of Crisis. Economic Consultant, (4), 39–54. https://doi.org/10.46224/ecoc.2025.4.3

Information about the authors:

Maxim V. Koshkarev – Assistant of the Department of State and Municipal Administration and Constitutional Law. Autonomous non-profit organization of higher education “Institute of Business Career”. Moscow, Russia. E-mail: karakas@inbox.ru

Asan A. Satmurzaev – Professor, Dr. Sci. (Econ.), Professor of the Graduate School of Finance and Accounting. Turan University. Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan. E-mail: ncasan@mail.ru

Received: Jun 30, 2025 | Accepted: Sep 2, 2025 | Published: Dec 1, 2025

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist

Editor: Daniela Antonescu. Romanian Academy (Romania)