The Impact of MCAST Apprentices on Insurance Companies Operating in Malta - A Manager’s Perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-153
Author(s):  
Joseph Schembri
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Insurance Industry ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Insurance Companies ◽  
Skilled Workers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Insurance Firms ◽  
The Impact

This study probes the MCAST insurance apprenticeship scheme and the impact of apprentices on the local insurance companies, acting as sponsors. This study is of particular relevance since the local insurance firms are experiencing growth but have the challenge of employee turnover and skills shortage. This research study investigates the work-based learning experience of students, the mentoring of apprentices and the supervising procedures adopted by MCAST and the insurance firms. The purpose is to analyse the impact of MCAST trainees on local insurance firms and depict practical recommendations to ameliorate the learning experience of the apprentices. The recommendations emanating from this study, assist MCAST to develop high-performance apprenticeship schemes and assist the local insurance industry, in the recruiting and training of young employees. This qualitative research gathers data through nine in-depth, semi-structured interviews and adopts the Grounded Theory Methodology to address the research problem and attain the stated objectives. The researcher adopts the constructivist approach incorporating an inductive and abductive stance. The findings emanating from the data illustrate the need to promote the insurance industry as a provider of stable and fulfilling careers with the possibility of job mobility. MCAST and the insurance firms need to enhance their collaboration to promote the insurance apprenticeship, among young learners, even at secondary level. An overhaul of the mentoring and supervising approach is needed to provide a work-based learning experience of excellence to MCAST apprentices. MCAST apprenticeship is considered by the insurance executives as the best training opportunity to recruit skilled workers and create networks. The scheme is cost effective to the firms and is considered as a long-term investment in human resources. A well-planned strategy to enhance collaboration and share knowledge between the leading VET provider of the Maltese Islands and the insurance industry is required for the benefit of the apprentices who are the future employees of the local insurance firms.

Managing adversity: understanding some dimensions of organizational resilience

2015 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 346-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ihab Hanna Salman Sawalha
Keyword(s):  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Insurance Industry ◽  
Insurance Companies ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Insurance Sector ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Research ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – This study aims to explore how insurance organisations interpret organisational resilience; to identify potential objectives, elements and practices of organisational resilience within insurance organisations; and to investigate the impact of culture on resilience. Design/methodology/approach – An empirical study in the insurance industry in Jordan was undertaken. The population consists of all 28 insurance companies registered at the Amman Stock Exchange. Data were collected via a survey questionnaire followed by three semi-structured interviews. Findings – Results revealed that respondents understand the meaning of organisational resilience differently. Various factors constitute organisational resilience in Jordanian insurance organisations. Nevertheless, some key factors that have the potential to improve organisational resilience were missing. Culture influenced the level of organisational resilience considerably. Practical implications – This study provides insights into the factors that enable organisations to withstand future risks, which, in turn, ensures long-term survival. It also reveals how culture affects the level of organisational resilience. This paper provides a basis for policymakers in Jordan to start actively considering existing resources and cultural trends to introduce new frameworks for improving resilience in the insurance sector. Originality/value – This study is made in the context of an emerging economy; Jordan. It uses quantitative and qualitative research approaches. It is also one of the few studies to discuss resilience in relation to culture and within the insurance sector.

E-Insurance :A Platform For Insurance Penetration In India

2019 ◽  
Vol 118 (6) ◽  
pp. 90-93
Author(s):  
L. Terina Grazy ◽  
Dr.G. Parimalarani
Keyword(s):  
Insurance Industry ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Online Marketing ◽  
Insurance Companies ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Insurance Sector ◽  
The People ◽  
Cost Effective Approach ◽  
Time And Energy ◽  
Work Done

E-commerce is a part of Internet Marketing. The arrival of Internet made the world very simple and dynamic in all the areas. Internet is the growing business as a result most of the people are using it in their day to day life. E-commerce is attractive and efficient way for both buyers and sellesr as it reduce cost, time and energy for the buyer. No surprise the insurance sector has become quite active within the internet sphere. Most insurance companies are offering policies to be brought online and also the portals for paying premiums. It actually saves from hassles involved in going to an insurance office and spend hours to get the insurance work done. Insurance has become an important and crucial aspect of life. Online insurance is the best and most cost effective approach of taking the insurance deal. This paper focused on influence of online marketing on the insurance industry in India, usage of internet in India , the internet penetration in India and the online sale of insurance product by the insurance sector.

Poor Claims Settlement And Demand For Insurance Policies In Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 53-64
Author(s):  
Omowumi Ayoni Momoh ◽  
Oyefemi Ismail O. Oyetunji
Keyword(s):  
Insurance Industry ◽  
Insurance Companies ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Demand For Insurance ◽  
Insurance Policies ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Insurance Firms ◽  
And Control ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

This study investigates the poor claims settlement and demand for insurance policies in Nigeria to provide empirical evidence which would assist not only the insurance companies but also the policymakers by using these findings to design future insurance services and policies that can be geared towards promoting insurance market development. The population focused in the study included few licensed insurance firms in Nigeria. This is due to the fact that they dominate and control the larger interest in the market share. Primary data was used for this study through well-structured questionnaire. Chi- squared statistics and correlation with the tabulated contingency table on the basis of an assumptions were employed. The results show that poor claim settlement has significant effect on demand for Insurance policies in Nigeria and that there is long term and significant relationship between poor claim settlement and demand for insurance policies in Nigeria. The study therefore, recommends that insurance industry should be redefined through appropriate Acts, introducing competitions and innovations in the services so as to compete effectively and meet consumer needs by dealing with changing expectations of policyholders so as to ensure that satisfaction of all the parties are guaranteed.

Searching Dimensions and Directions for Digital Innovations Within the Insurance Industry

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-89
Author(s):  
Heini Hyttinen ◽  
Hannu Kalevi Kivijärvi ◽  
Anssi Öörni
Keyword(s):  
Insurance Industry ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Knowledge Synthesis ◽  
Insurance Companies ◽  
Process Automation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Organizational Capability ◽  
Pension Insurance ◽  
Digital Innovation

Discovery of digital innovations is a key organizational capability for sustaining competitive advantage. Despite its importance, discovery of digital innovations is still ill understood. In this paper, the authors seek to provide a theory-based practice for digital innovation discovery. To meet this objective, they source the theories of knowledge and knowledge combination. Data for this case study were collected through semi-structured interviews and a quantitative questionnaire from three pension insurance companies. The data were analyzed by using principal component analysis and by constructing biplots based of the results. Two significant dimensions in the digitalization needs that guide knowledge synthesis were recognized: the importance of adopting the enabler and the volume of resources needed to adopt the enabler. A closer look at the enablers revealed that the most business-critical current digital business enablers for the pension insurance industry are business process automation, online services, and big data.

scholarly journals The Impact of Utilising Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) on Vocabulary Acquisition among Migrant Women English Learners

10.28945/3703 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 037-057
Author(s):  
Kham Sila Ahmad ◽  
Jocelyn Armarego ◽  
Fay Sudweeks
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Learners ◽  
Vocabulary Acquisition ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Forced Migration ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Migrant Women ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
The Impact

Aim/Purpose: To develop a framework for utilizing Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) to assist non-native English migrant women to acquire English vocabulary in a non-formal learning setting. Background: The women in this study migrated to Australia with varied backgrounds including voluntary or forced migration, very low to high levels of their first language (L1), low proficiency in English, and isolated fulltime stay-at-home mothers. Methodology: A case study method using semi-structured interviews and observations was used. Six migrant women learners attended a minimum of five non-MALL sessions and three participants continued on and attended a minimum of five MALL sessions. Participants were interviewed pre- and post-sessions. Data were analysed thematically. Contribution: The MALL framework is capable of enriching migrant women’s learning experience and vocabulary acquisition. Findings: Vocabulary acquisition occurred in women from both non-MALL and MALL environment; however, the MALL environment provided significantly enriched vocabulary learning experience. Future Research: A standardised approach to measure the effectiveness of MALL for vocabulary acquisition among migrant women in non-formal setting

scholarly journals The Impact of Faculty Experience with Emergency Remote Teaching: An Interpretive Phenomenological Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 7-23
Author(s):  
Maha Al-Freih
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Student Engagement ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Teaching Practices ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Impact

The aim of this phenomenological study is to provide a deeper understanding of the impact of remote teaching on instructors’ perceptions of online learning and future teaching practices amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyze open-ended semi-structured interviews conducted with five higher education faculty in Saudi Arabia. Three major themes were identified: enhancing student engagement; increased awareness of technology affordances and constraints; and moving from emergency remote teaching to technology-enhanced and blended learning. Participants of this study were mainly concerned about finding ways to support active student engagement in this new learning environment, which in turn increased their awareness of the educational affordances and constraints of online learning and technologies. Participants’ deeper understanding of the potential of online technologies in supporting student learning, as well as their own and students’ increased familiarity and comfort with online learning and technologies, served as the main drivers for potential future implementation of blended learning and technology-enhanced teaching practices. With that said, participants were still apprehensive about engaging in fully online teaching, arguing that blended strategies and enhanced-technology integration are more likely to overcome some of the limitations of face-to-face teaching and improve the overall learning experience for their students. Discussion of these findings in relation to the extant literature and their implications for higher education institutions moving forward are provided.

scholarly journals THE INFLUENCE OF THE CROWN CRISIS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF INSURANCE BUSINESS IN THE WORLD

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanna Mamonova
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Insurance Industry ◽  
Insurance Companies ◽  
Demand For Insurance ◽  
Online Sales ◽  
The World ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Declining Demand ◽  
Insurance Business ◽  
The Impact

The article analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the world insurance market and some European countries. Separated economic indicators of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the insurance business of the world are singled out. It was determined that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic inspired declining incomes of insurers and households, rising unemployment, declining demand for insurance services, a significant decline in productivity of insurance companies, uncertainty about the future development of the insurance industry and the effects of the pandemic. The experience of the world insurers' struggle against the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic has been studied and generalized. The latest tools that have allowed insurers around the world to mitigate or mitigate the negative impact of the crown crisis, in particular, are: the development of new insurance products; increasing the level of requirements for insurance services in terms of its relevance, price flexibility, mobility and transparency; transition of insurers to online sales of insurance services and online payments for insurance cases; direct funding of specific means of combating COVID-19; use of the latest technologies and innovative methods in the insurance business; introduction of a new mode of staff work in the activities of insurance companies. The transition of insurers to online sales of insurance services and online payments has revealed many unresolved issues regarding the insurer's cybersecurity. Insurers are forced to improve existing technologies and methods of control, to intensify training and information activities. The Crown Crisis has significantly increased the importance of modern underwriting. Therefore, insurers around the world are using the capabilities of artificial intelligence, alternative data sources and better forecasting models. Greater understanding of pandemic processes, gaining experience is needed not only to accelerate the way out of the modern pandemic, but also to form a stable insurance system to the inevitable future challenges. The study of positive experience in the functioning and development of insurance markets around the world in crises and shocks is useful for application in national practice.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting Employees’ Work Passion in the Thai Insurance Industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 168
Author(s):  
Boonthipa Jiantreerangkool ◽  
Wasita Boonsathorn ◽  
Gary N. McLean
Keyword(s):  
Insurance Industry ◽  
Opportunity To Learn ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Insurance Companies ◽  
Financial Industry ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Executive Managers ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Work Passion

The objectives of this study were to: 1) identify the perceived definition of staff work passion, and 2) explore perceived factors affecting staff work passion, both in the Thai insurance industry. The study was qualitative, using semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions. Participants were 36 key informants from life and non-life insurance companies in Thailand, including executive managers, middle managers, and staff, selected to maximize variation in responses. The definitions of staff work passion in the Thai insurance industry were comprised of five categories: happiness, pride, goal setting, personal efficacy, and job fit. Seven factors affecting work passion were highlighted: 1) the power of teamwork, 2) great support from leader, 3) work value, 4) challenge and variety of work, 5) supportive company policies, 6) gaining knowledge and opportunity to learn, and 7) providing good service to customers. These findings were incorporated into an employee work passion model adapted from Blanchard’s model. The model showed personal characteristics of individual as meanings of work passion; organization and job characteristics; and organizational role behaviours as factors affecting work passion. The model might apply to similar businesses within the financial industry, e.g., insurance brokerage companies, financial institutions, and stock and securities firms.

Determinants of Derivative Usage in the Life and General Insurance Industry: The Australian Evidence

2003 ◽  
Vol 06 (04) ◽  
pp. 405-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc De Ceuster ◽  
Liam Flanagan ◽  
Allan Hodgson ◽  
Mohammad I. Tahir
Keyword(s):  
Life Insurance ◽  
Insurance Industry ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Insurance Companies ◽  
Long Tail ◽  
Life Insurers ◽  
Market Risks ◽  
Life Insurance Industry ◽  
General Insurance ◽  
Standard Operating

Core business and financial market risks are not easily reduced by standard operating procedures in insurance companies. Derivatives theoretically provide a cost effective vehicle to hedge these risks. This paper provides an empirical analysis of the determinants of derivative usage as well as the extent of derivative usage in the Australian insurance industry in both life and general insurance companies for the period 1997–1999. Empirical results for the Australian life insurance industry in general confirm the findings of UK and US based research. However, the Australian general insurance industry does not appear to follow the conclusions of previous literature. Our results indicate that for life insurers, the determinants of derivative usage were size, leverage and reinsurance. For the general insurance industry the determinants were size and the extent of long tail lines of business written. As regards the determinants of the extent of derivative usage, these were size and asset-liability duration mismatches for life insurers. For the general insurance industry the determinants of the extent of derivative usage were size, the extent of long tail lines of business written, and the reporting year.

Influence of Socio-Economy in the Next Generation of Thermal Management Solutions for Electronics Consumer Products

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gamal Refai-Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Heat Dissipation ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Electronics Packaging ◽  
Consumer Products ◽  
Innovative Technology ◽  
Target Market ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact

The past few decades have seen a number of countries around the world emerge as a growing market for high performance computers. This present study examines, in more detail, how socio-economic influences are shaping the demand function and how some computing landscapes are changing as a consequence. This study is addressing one of the key initiatives to enable 50 percent of the world’s population with access to the World Wide Web. Furthermore, this investigation is addressing the challenges for electronics packaging Engineers and Researchers. Therefore, the rational of the developed technology based on the understanding target market and usages will be given. The impact of addressing the heat dissipation and managing the use of the raw materials of the intended products are discussed. In addition, how the electronics packaging engineers can focus on developing affordable innovative technology. Finally, the impact of all of the above is examined in developing the cost effective solution from a global point of view.

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