Articles in this Volume

Research Article Open Access
Analysis of Microsoft’s Motivation to Acquire Activision Blizzard
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The news of Microsoft spending huge amount of money doing acquisition of Activision Blizzard shocked many game players. It was questioned by people. Why did Microsoft choose to acquire Blizzard under the condition that Blizzard seemed going downhill with its management and was stuggled with its employee sexual harrasement scandal? Why is Blizzard still worth so much value for Microsoft? What can Blizzard bring to Microsoft and what are the risks? Is the real purpose of such a big action by Microsoft just to expand its gaming business? Is the “metaverse” mentioned in Microsoft's announcement the real mission? This article is going to use the SWOT analysis to fully analyze Blizzard's own strengths and weaknesses, and to discover what kind of opportunities and threats it can bring to Microsoft in the industry it is in, to explore the things behind the game itself, but the key to open the door of the possibility and the success of a new area.
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The Trigger and Application of Black Swan Events: A Case Study of Silicon Valley Bank Failures
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On March 10, 2023, Federal regulators shut down Silicon Valley Bank, the 16th-largest bank in the country. As a result of the significant run, the bank was forced to file for bankruptcy. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the borrowing and triggering factors of black swan events by taking the Silicon Valley Bank bankruptcy event as an example, and to discuss the revelations and reflections of black swan events from the perspective of risk management based on the definition and characteristics of black swan events. Black swan events are those rare, unpredictable events with great impact, while bank bankruptcy events imply significant changes in the stability of the financial system. The failure of Silicon Valley Bank exposed the vulnerability of the banking sector and raised depositors' concerns about bank withdrawals and the cash flow crisis of global technology companies. Thus, the failure of Silicon Valley Bank has important lessons for future bank management and regulation. This paper argues that for most people, the failure of Silicon Valley Bank was not a black swan event, but even for many professionals, the impact of bank failures is unpredictable.
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Economic Mathematical Models: Examining Their Impact on Individuals
Economic mathematical models are essential tools for comprehending intricate economic phenomena, shaping policies, and aiding decision-making. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the positive and negative effects of these models on individuals in the context of economic analysis and decision-making. The benefits of economic mathematical models lie in their ability to enhance understanding through data-driven approaches and advanced algorithms, enabling evidence-based policy formulation and solutions to economic challenges. Moreover, economic models play a crucial role in policy formulation, enabling proactive analysis to minimize unintended consequences and maximize policy effectiveness, benefiting both individuals and society. These models also aid decision-making by providing quantitative frameworks to evaluate different options, reducing uncertainty and risk. However, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations of these models, as they are simplifications of reality and may lead to biases and inaccuracies in predictions and recommendations. Ethical implications arise when decision-makers prioritize economic efficiency over social welfare, potentially leading to unfair outcomes for certain individuals or groups. To address these concerns, this paper presents case studies illustrating the successes and shortcomings of economic models in real-world applications. It also explores alternative methodologies, such as qualitative research and mixed-method approaches, to complement economic analysis. By fostering informed discussions on the appropriate role of economic mathematical models, this research contributes to the development of more equitable and effective economic policies that benefit society as a whole.
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Exploring the Product of Campus Service-based Sharing Economy - A Case Study of Shared Laundry Services at Jiangsu University of Science and Technology
As an emerging economic model, sharing economy has been widely used and promoted on campus, such as library book sharing, database resource sharing, MOOC platform, shared bicycles and shared laundry. The campus service-based sharing economy aims to enhance efficiency and convenience within the campus by sharing resources and services. Taking the shared laundry service of Jiangsu University of Science and Technology as an example, this paper discusses the product of campus service-based sharing economy, and analyzes its impact on campus environment and student life. The study found that shared laundry services reduce the burden on students' lives and promote the efficient use of campus resources by providing convenient and economical laundry solutions. However, the service also has some shortcomings in the implementation process, such as equipment problems and health problems. In view of these problems, this paper puts forward some solutions and looks forward to the development of a campus service-oriented sharing economy in the future.
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Battle for the Lead: Analysis of Coca-Cola and Pepsi from Financial Performance
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This paper comprehensively assesses the financial performance of two industry giants, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, in the carbonated beverage industry. With their rich histories, distinct business strategies, and longstanding competition, these two companies have drawn significant attention from researchers. This paper aims to delve deeper into their financial performance, examining key aspects such as profitability, efficiency, liquidity, solvency, and market value. Drawing on financial statements from 2019 to 2021, this paper employs various matrices to evaluate the performance of both companies on a year-on-year and a like-for-like basis. The findings indicate that Coca-Cola possesses a robust portfolio of soda brands, surpassing PepsiCo’s billion-dollar soft drink brands. However, PepsiCo showcases a superior ability to innovate and navigate risks within the industry. Conducting a comprehensive assessment of the financial performance of Coca-Cola and PepsiCo can significantly enrich the existing body of research.
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Application of Momentum Strategy to S&P 500: A Five-Year Retrospective Analysis
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Momentum strategy, a popular approach since the 1990s, has seen various successful iterations over the years. However, with the market environment evolving considerably in recent times, this study seeks to explore the efficacy of a specific momentum strategy on the S&P 500 in the past five years. The hypothesis centers on the correlation between returns and the moving average, serving as a momentum indicator. A simple linear model relating the two is trained using historical data, and the subsequent strategy is formed based on the model's parameters. Different lookback periods are considered, leading to an evaluation of diverse strategies. Despite the strategy's simplicity, findings suggest that it might struggle to thrive in real market conditions. There are some strategies that beat the benchmark under ideal conditions, but all of them loss when the transection fees are taken into account. The analysis uncovers situations where momentum strategies can indeed be effective. This underlines the potential for further research and the development of a more sophisticated, precise strategy that mirrors real market dynamics with greater accuracy.
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Analyzing the Challenges of BYD in the Future Based on the Current Electric Vehicle Market Situation
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Global new energy vehicle (NEV) technology is developing rapidly. There is an increasing preference for pure electric vehicles in urban areas, driven by environmental awareness and vehicle cost considerations. It is worth noting that the adoption rate of new energy vehicles in China has increased significantly, making it a key market for sustainable transportation. Among the major players in the market, BYD is a well-known brand based on its strong battery technology and successful foray into electric vehicle production, topping the list of energy vehicle sales in China. However, while BYD has achieved success, it is also facing challenges in the future. The purpose of this study was to explore how BYD can maintain its sales dominance in the Chinese market and to provide key insights and strategic recommendations to further expand its global market share. This article examined foreseeable and unforeseen market changes, with particular emphasis on addressing issues related to market competition, charging infrastructure, and government policy. For the above three issues, this paper gave suggestions such as emphasizing product differentiation and increasing R&D investment, cooperating with the government, and establishing a solid relationship with policymakers and industry associations. By identifying and addressing these challenges, this study aimed to contribute to BYD's sustainable growth and success in the dynamic new energy vehicle industry.
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Strategies to Attract and Retain Male Consumers: A Case Study of Lululemon in the Athletic Apparel Market
The COVID-19 epidemic has transformed the sports brand industry, with a greater emphasis on health and fitness, resulting in increased demand for sports brands such as Lululemon. Lululemon, on the other hand, faces difficulties in acquiring and retaining male customers. Lululemon's gendered image has historically turned off male customers. As a result, the purpose of this case study is to investigate techniques for preserving and improving male consumers' purchasing willingness. Rebranding efforts highlighting positive male experiences, as well as cooperation with male sports figures, are required to address this. Inconsistent product quality control has also affected Lululemon's reputation. Strengthening supply chain management, internal quality control, and consumer feedback mechanisms is essential. Lululemon's lack of male-specific product designs and limited size options are other obstacles. Understanding male preferences and introducing styles that cater to their needs and diverse sizes will attract male consumers. By addressing these challenges, Lululemon can thrive in the male market, strengthen brand loyalty, and drive growth. Practical recommendations will provide insights for Lululemon and other companies seeking to expand in the male market.
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Analyzing the Effectiveness of Xiaohongshu on Consumers’ Purchase Intentions
With the development of technology and social software for live streaming, slow live streaming is gradually becoming popular in the small red book. Slow live streaming is viral among customers in terms of customer value, convenience, and communication and dramatically increases consumers’ willingness to buy. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore why slow live streaming is becoming more popular and influencing the desire of customers to buy. This article took the Xiaohongshu’s slow live streaming as a case study to analyze the data using the Marketing mix theory of 4Cs to analysis. Firstly, the reason is consumer value. To keep this strategy, Xiaohongshu can launch gifts, expand the labels and target groups, and use advertising and invite celebrity testimonials. Secondly, the reason is convenience. To develop this strategy more, Xiaohongshu can set up a backend warehouse to ensure that the goods are stored. Third, the reason is communication. To keep this strategy, interactive activities can be added to the live stream. This article reinforced the marketing mix theory to analysis the extension of the marketing mix of 4C theory and identified the strengths and areas for future improvement for Xiaohongshu’s slow live-streaming approach.
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Income, Trade Openness, and Carbon Emission: Comparative Analysis of Continents and Trade Regions
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Trade is one of the significant contributors to carbon emissions because it promotes transportation and merchandise production. With the threat of global warming, it is essential to study how trade influences carbon emissions and what are the potential solutions. This paper tests the correlation between trade openness and carbon emissions in different continents and regions. Using panel data analysis, the regression result suggests that the relationship is positive in Africa, South America, Asia, and North America, while it is negative in Europe and Oceania. Moreover, positive relationships are also observed in afCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) and non-afCFTA, while EU (European Union), non-EU regions, GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), and non-GCC regions display negative trends. The result verified that developed regions are generally more efficient at carbon emissions compared to under-developed ones. Therefore, high-income continents need to aid low-income continents with carbon reduction. Countries located on a low-income continent should insert more effort to reduce emissions when they intend to boost trading with other countries. The regression coefficients also suggest that non-EU and non-afCFTA countries should join the free trade agreements from an environmental aspect. All regions should not neglect emissions when trading and adopt strategies based on local characteristics to combat the increasing global emissions together.
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