https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4655 2026-06-19T17:11:51Z 2026-06-19T17:11:51Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/5353 2018-05-07T12:33:43Z 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The contribution of casino tourism towards the Maltese economy Abstract: Researchers have presented different theories to enlighten the reasons behind casino gambling. Castle (2008) considers life itself a gamble, and it is in ''human nature to take a chance in hopes of a great reward''. According to Kusyszyn (1984), gambling ''can elicit pride, courage, self-esteem, self-blame, and self-remonstration'' and he further stated that gambling ''provides an opportunity to experience other emotions'', such as anger and aggression. Kusyszyn also suggests that one reason behind casino betting is the excitement, due to the outcome's uncertainty, that the activity delivers... In the available literature, researchers argue that states and countries are likely to opt to casino development as a means to enhance the tourism industry. Candido (2004) considers casinos and tourism as ''Siamese twins'', as both activities are closely linked, and depend on leisure. However, a casino alone is not enough to have a significant impact on tourism, so parties are interdependent. On the other hand, there is an ongoing concern as to whether casino development really leads to increased tourism inflows (The Tourism Company: 2008). Despite this, casinos can form an essential part of the tourism product, as these are ''packed and sold'' in order to diversify and enhance the tourist experience (McCartney n.d.: 43)... The casino representatives were asked a set of 16 questions, while the MTA representatives 6 questions, LGA 13 questions, and the sociologist 7 questions. All the questions were clearly formulated, void of vague words and as simple as possible, in order to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. Before interviews were carried out, the representatives were asked if they wanted to be recorded, as recordings facilitate th When delivering the questions, attention was paid not to suggest answers or guide the interviewees towards the desired answers. The interviewees were guaranteed privacy and confidentiality, so that they would feel comfortable and provide accurate answers... IV The 2008-2009 recession which hit almost all countries across the globe, had a huge negative impact on the tourism industry as a whole. However, as LGA Employee explained, the casino and gambling industry are known to be recession proof. The casino respondents believe that there will always be people that have sufficient amounts of money to play. Accordingly, Casino Respondent 2 and 3 noted that during this period, the amount of money wagered by tourists increased, resulting in an increase in the Gross Gaming Revenues (GGR), in contrast with the local share of visitors, which slightly dropped. The reason behind this is that during recessions people are desperate to raise their wealth. These tourists try their luck and spend their last bit of cash hoping they will win the money at stake... Description: B.A.(HONS)TOURISM

2011-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4108 2018-04-03T12:12:35Z 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Another one bites the dust : the effect of past asbestos exposure on the liability obligations of current insurers Abstract: Asbestosis claims are the classic example of long-tail insurance risks. The dangers of asbestos have been recognized since ancient Greece since slaves exposed to it began to die from terrible lung disease and breathing difficulties. The first asbestos-related injury claims appeared in the 1960's and have soared since then. The ever increasing publicity of asbestos in the insurance industry means that claims of this class are increasing dramatically every year. The insurance industry now faces a time bomb of claims from people directly or indirectly exposed to asbestos. The main feature of asbestos-related risks is the latency period. Asbestosrelated illnesses are generally take considerable time to manifest themselves, making it difficult to establish insurers' liabilities. The main objective is to explore the impact of the long-latency risks of asbestos on the insurance industry, making special reference to the trigger of coverage. The trigger of coverage refers to the concept of determining which insurance policies, if any, cover a particular loss. The author shall conduct an investigation on the regulations and laws relevant to compensation for asbestos-related diseases. The author shall also explore and assess legal developments which have evolved over time through the cases which have been arising. The author also examines the ways in which insurers seek to handle claims and limit their liability. Reference shall be made in particular to policy language, exclusions and applications of policy limits. Inevitably, given the limited local material available in this particular field, the author has conducted research methodologies to gain an insight into the situation in Malta regarding this topic. This was achieved by way of surveys and also an interview with an experienced professional. Asbestos-related diseases are still rising steadily due to the exposure at the height of asbestos use in the 1960's and early 1970's. Although asbestos is still rarely used nowadays, significant amounts still remain embedded in buildings and underground cables. As a result, insurers are currently inundated with claims. Many worry that they may eventually be unable to rely on historical insurance coverage to respond to the rising tide of asbestosrelated claims. Description: B.COM.(HONS)INSURANCE&FIN.

2011-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4107 2015-08-18T07:40:28Z 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The role of private insurance companies in the introduction of 2nd and 3rd pillar pension schemes in Malta Abstract: Insurance companies in various countries have been involved in the provision of pensions for a number of years. Although they are sometimes used to provide private savings instruments, which may be used to supplement retirement income, they have not yet officially been constituted the responsibility of pension provision in Malta. Unfortunately, because of increasing longevity and the ageing population, individuals are at risk of falling into poverty at retirement if not enough income has been provided for. Throughout the past decade, efforts have been made to resist such risks by developing a Multipillar Pension structure. This involves the introduction of Pillar Two, a mandatory occupational pension provision, and Pillar Three, which would be a voluntary supplement to other income taken out privately. Insurance companies will be able to supply both types of products and, needless to say, will have an important role in their introduction. This study sought to determine what the most important of these roles would be, why insurers will be important market participants and how they could best take on the functions which they will be appointed with. Following extensive research, it examines the situation locally and makes cross-comparisons with reforms which happened over the years in other countries. Using available data as well as purposely-designed questionnaires, various findings were made which support arguments in favour of insurers' importance. Major roles include, amongst others: - The shift of the burden from the State to the private sector; - Promotion of the concept of personal responsibility for one's own retirement funding; - Increasing national savings; - Pooling longevity and other risks; and - Using their expertise in the area for the benefit of pension plan members. However, one of the most prominent was their role of making the public aware and providing financial education through intensive campaigns. Also important is their individual and collective contribution in changing the negative perception that the public currently has towards the industry. Given that the market environment is likely to be dynamic with constantly-changing needs, insurers will also be a key component of the Multipillar model by continuously conducting research, evaluating progress and prospects, and making improvements and innovations which will benefit both the public and the local financial industry as a whole. Description: B.COM.(HONS)INSC.&FIN.

2011-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4047 2015-08-18T07:23:26Z 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Mortality protection in the Maltese Islands Abstract: The main objective of this dissertation is to determine the main causes of death claims under a life insurance portfolio and establish whether these causes of death reflect the Maltese population deaths. Moreover this study presents an insight of the Maltese Protection Gap. The method used to measure any mortality differences was by reviewing the demographic review reports and compare the findings with the data of MSV portfolio. In order to be able to analyze the Maltese Protection Gap, a questionnaire was conducted with 303 respondents. The findings show that the main causes of death of the Maltese population differ from MSV portfolio. Deaths due to circulatory diseases are the main causes of death of the Maltese Population, followed by neoplasms and respiratory diseases. In contrast neoplasms are the main causes of death experienced by MSV portfolio followed by circulatory diseases and external causes. Furthermore from this study it emerged that most of the respondents are either uninsured or inadequately insured. The majority of the respondents who said that their dependents might or would struggle if they die early do not owe a life policy. The main purpose of those who own a life policy is because they were required to do so for loan protection. Additionally, trust in life insurance companies appeared to be the main reason for not buying a life policy. This study should help insurance buyers to understand the reason behind the request to perform medical tests prior to buying a life insurance policy, that is at proposal stage and to be more aware of the importance of an adequate insurance in one's life. Description: B.COM.(HONS)INSC.&FIN.

2011-01-01T00:00:00Z