Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Heike Belitz Author-Workplace-Name: German Institute for Economic Research Author-Name: Anna Lejpras Author-Workplace-Name: BSP Business & Law School – Hochschule für Management und Recht Title: R&D Internationalization Strategies of the World’s Top Corporate R&D Investors Abstract: This paper examines how multinational enterprises (MNEs) internationalize their R&D activities. We address three questions: (1) What determines the level of R&D internationalization? (2) What strategies dominate home-base-augmenting (HBA), home-base-exploiting (HBE), technology-seeking (TS), or market-seeking (MS)? And (3) What are the patterns in strategy mixes? We merge data on 2,000 global research leaders (2012–2014) with the EPO PATSTAT database, covering roughly 1,700 top corporate R&D investors and their patenting. We find that about one-fifth of these investors concentrate their patent-relevant R&D domestically. Our results indicate that leading R&D performers use offshoring primarily to acquire complementary technological knowledge (HBA) and to leverage home-based technological strengths for market expansion (HBE). The increasing proportion of HBA strategies in the late 2010s highlights the growing importance of international knowledge exchange, suggesting that the rise of foreign R&D locations does not undermine national innovation systems. Journal: International Journal of Business and Management (IJBM) Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Pages: 1-34 Year: 2026 Month: January DOI: 10.56879/ijbm.v5i1.01 File-URL: https://iessociety.org/index.php/IJBM/article/download/215/61 File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:cwd:ijbmnz:v:5:y:2026:i:1:p:1-34 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Hiba Yousif Taha Author-Workplace-Name: Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University Author-Name: Husam Abbas Ali Author-Workplace-Name: General Directorate of Education of Muthanna, Iraq Title: The problem of non-performing loans in Iraqi banks: An econometric study of the impact of economic and institutional factors on asset quality Abstract: The problem of non-performing loans in Iraq is worsening day-by-day and remains a continuous threat to the stability of the banking sector. This study examines macroeconomic factors including gross domestic product, interest rates, inflation, and oil revenues, as well as institutional factors such as capital adequacy, liquidity, and profitability using multiple linear regression applied to quarterly data. The findings reveal that inflation, interest rates, and GDP reduce asset quality and increase credit risk, while oil revenue growth lowers non-performing loans during periods of economic expansion. The results provide important insights for policymakers on strengthening the resilience of Iraq’s banking system and improving credit risk management. Journal: International Journal of Business and Management (IJBM) Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Pages: 35-49 Year: 2026 Month: January DOI: 10.56879/ijbm.v5i1.02 File-URL: https://iessociety.org/index.php/IJBM/article/download/216/62 File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:cwd:ijbmnz:v:5:y:2026:i:1:p:35-49 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Yane Caroline Pinheiro dos Santos Brunacio Author-Workplace-Name: University of the Cumberlands Title: Managing supply chain in a high-demand marketplace: Operational resilience, service reliability, and customer value under demand shocks Abstract: Organizations operating in high-demand markets increasingly rely on complex and fast-moving procurement and supply chain networks to maintain service reliability under volatile conditions. This study explores the role of procurement analytics, adaptive demand forecasting, and supply chain resilience in enhancing operational performance. The analysis shows that inaccurate forecasts, capacity misalignment, and limited real-time visibility propagate disruptions throughout supply chains, while data-driven procurement and predictive analytics function as strategic enablers of resilience, service reliability, and customer value creation. Journal: International Journal of Business and Management (IJBM) Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Pages: 50-61 Year: 2026 Month: January DOI: 10.56879/ijbm.v5i1.03 File-URL: https://iessociety.org/index.php/IJBM/article/download/220/63 File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:cwd:ijbmnz:v:5:y:2026:i:1:p:50-61 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Ferhat Atik Author-Workplace-Name: Girne American University Title: Managerial communication and strategic alignment in multinational corporations: The role of narrative, trust, and organizational culture Abstract: Strategic alignment remains a persistent challenge for multinational corporations operating in culturally diverse and digitally mediated environments. This study conceptualizes managerial communication as a strategic capability that generates meaning, trust, and coherence across organizational contexts. Drawing on sensemaking theory, organizational culture research, and trust-based governance models, the paper develops a conceptual framework in which managerial narratives function as alignment mechanisms. It argues that strategic narratives shape shared interpretations, reduce ambiguity, and foster affective and cognitive trust, thereby mediating the relationship between organizational culture and strategic coherence. The study contributes to international management and organizational communication literatures by positioning communication as a constitutive element of strategy and offers practical insights for global leaders managing complexity and cultural plurality. Journal: International Journal of Business and Management (IJBM) Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Pages: 62-70 Year: 2026 Month: January DOI: 10.56879/ijbm.v5i1.06 File-URL: https://iessociety.org/index.php/IJBM/article/download/221/64 File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:cwd:ijbmnz:v:5:y:2026:i:1:p:62-70 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Huda Obied Author-Workplace-Name: Middle Euphrates Technical University, Iraq Title: Repercussions of global oil price shocks on banking soundness indicators in Iraq amidst parallel exchange rate fluctuations Abstract: This study examines the impact of global oil price shocks on exchange rates and banking soundness indicators in Iraq using monthly data from 2016 to 2024. Employing a vector autoregression (VAR) framework and impulse response analysis, the paper analyzes how oil price fluctuations affect non-performing loans, liquidity, profitability, and capital adequacy in the Iraqi banking sector under conditions of parallel exchange rate volatility. The findings show that oil price shocks have significant short- and medium-term effects on banking soundness indicators, reducing non-performing loans and increasing liquidity in the short run, while contributing to higher credit risk and declining capital adequacy over the longer term. Exchange rate responses to oil price shocks are found to be highly volatile, underscoring the vulnerability of the Iraqi banking system to external commodity price movements. Journal: International Journal of Business and Management (IJBM) Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Pages: 71-91 Year: 2026 Month: January DOI: 10.56879/ijbm.v5i1.05 File-URL: https://iessociety.org/index.php/IJBM/article/download/217/65 File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:cwd:ijbmnz:v:5:y:2026:i:1:p:71-91 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Imoh Effiong Umana Author-Workplace-Name: University of Bedfordshire Author-Name: Rapheal Edem Udoh Author-Workplace-Name: University of Uyo Author-Name: Blessing Stephen Essien Author-Workplace-Name: University of Uyo Title: Influence of globalization on strategic management in multinational corporations: The case of Puma Corporation, Nigeria Abstract: Globalization is regarded as sine-qua non for international business growth. This paper evaluated the impacts of globalization on multinational corporations' expansion and growth, using Puma Corporation, Nigeria. Other objectives included investigating the influence of globalization on supply chain management strategies of Puma Corporations. The study adopted a survey research design involving the collection of data through structured questionnaires. Simple percentage and t-test statistics were used for the data analysis. Findings revealed that globalization influences Puma Corporation through the integration of technology as part of its Supply Chain Management practices. Also, globalization was found to influence Puma Corporation by enhancing stakeholders' communication and improving customer services. The influence of globalization on Puma was palpable in its global integration, innovation and competitiveness, via access to international market, different suppliers, and advanced technologies. Based on the findings, the study recommends that Puma Corporation should invest in technological tools to enhance real-time tracking, inventory management and demand forecasting which can ultimately lead to operational efficiency. Journal: International Journal of Business and Management (IJBM) Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Pages: 92-112 Year: 2026 Month: February DOI: 10.56879/ijbm.v5i1.08 File-URL: https://iessociety.org/index.php/IJBM/article/download/218/66 File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:cwd:ijbmnz:v:5:y:2026:i:1:p:92-112 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Leenshya Gunnoo Author-Workplace-Name: University of Technology Mauritius Author-Name: Eric Bindah Author-Workplace-Name: University of Mauritius Author-Name: Ushad Agathee Subadar Author-Workplace-Name: University of Mauritius Author-Name: Sheereen Banon Fauzel Author-Workplace-Name: University of Mauritius Title: Exploring adoption intention of mobile fintech services among merchants in a small island state: The mediating role of attitude Abstract: This study investigates the determinants influencing the adoption of Mobile Fintech Services (MFS) among merchants in Mauritius, a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) transitioning toward a cashless economy. While consumer adoption has been widely examined, merchant perspectives remain underexplored. The research addresses this gap by examining how Facilitating Conditions, Perceived Security, Perceived Experience, and Performance Expectancy affect adoption intention, with attitude as a mediating variable. Drawing upon the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study employs a quantitative approach. Data were collected from 261 merchants across Mauritius through a structured questionnaire using validated measures on a five-point Likert scale. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using AMOS was conducted to assess both measurement and structural models, testing direct and indirect relationships. Results indicate that attitude significantly predicts MFS adoption intention and mediates the effects of other constructs. Perceived Security exhibited a negative relationship with adoption intention, highlighting security concerns as a major barrier for merchants. Performance Expectancy, Facilitating Conditions, and Perceived Experience showed weak or insignificant influences. This study extends TAM and UTAUT by incorporating attitude as a central mediating factor within the context of a developing, post-pandemic economy. It provides novel insights into merchant adoption behaviour in SIDS and offers practical guidance for policymakers and financial institutions to address security perceptions and promote inclusive digital financial transformation. Journal: International Journal of Business and Management (IJBM) Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Pages: 113-148 Year: 2026 Month: February DOI: 10.56879/ijbm.v5i1.07 File-URL: https://iessociety.org/index.php/IJBM/article/download/219/67 File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:cwd:ijbmnz:v:5:y:2026:i:1:p:113-148