New issue of the Corporate Governance and Sustainability Review journal

The editorial team of Virtus Interpress is happy to introduce the first issue of the journal "Corporate Governance and Sustainability Review" in 2024. These studies offer critical insights into the evolving landscape of mergers and acquisitions, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), sustainable fashion practices, and public procurement bid disputes emphasizing the importance of robust corporate governance mechanisms and sustainability initiatives.

The first research study by Kushagra Goel, Sunny Oswal, and Dhruvin Khandwala aims to study and analyze the impact of domestic and cross-border acquisitions in the consumer cyclical sector of Asia with particular emphasis on Indian markets on the shareholder return and the financial performance of the acquiring companies. By employing both event study methodology and financial ratio analysis, the authors provide a nuanced understanding of how these acquisitions affect shareholder returns and financial performance. Recent research trends indicate a growing interest in understanding the strategic motives behind cross-border acquisitions, especially in emerging markets, and their long-term impact on firm performance.

In the next paper, Hela Garrouch and Abdelwahed Omri explore the influence of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on stock market liquidity and information asymmetry among French-listed firms. The research underscores the significant role of audit quality and corporate governance in enhancing information transparency and market performance. Interestingly, the study also reveals that independent board members may not always fulfill their oversight roles effectively, highlighting the need for more stringent governance practices. Current trends in this area include examining the impact of IFRS adoption in different institutional contexts and the interplay between financial reporting quality and other corporate governance mechanisms.

Prince Owusu-Wiredu’s article addresses the environmental and socio-economic impacts of the fast fashion industry. The paper draws attention to the urgent need for regulatory measures to manage the influx of low-quality second-hand clothing in developing regions, where inadequate waste management infrastructure exacerbates environmental degradation. This comprehensive review calls for a paradigm shift towards sustainable fashion practices and enhanced global cooperation to mitigate textile waste. Research trends indicate a rising interest in circular economy models and sustainable supply chain management in the fashion industry. Future research is expected to focus on consumer behavior towards sustainable fashion, policy interventions to promote circularity, and technological innovations in textile recycling.

The final study by Paul Mathenge Nyathore, Gituro Wainaina, Zachary Bolo Awino, and James Thuo Kariuki examines the challenges faced by marginalized groups in Kenya’s public procurement system. The authors highlight systemic biases that disadvantage youth, women, people with disabilities, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in bid disputes. Their findings suggest the need for policy reforms to ensure a more equitable and inclusive procurement process, aligning with broader social and economic development goals. Current trends in this area include exploring the impact of inclusive procurement policies on social and economic outcomes and the effectiveness of dispute resolution mechanisms in ensuring fair access to procurement opportunities.

The full issue of the journal is available at the following link.

We wish you a pleasant and informative reading!