https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/89473 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:15:45 GMT 2026-04-06T13:15:45Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/118318 Title: Business continuity management and employee retention during the COVID-19 crisis Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic (SARS-CoV-2), has shocked the world and elicited feelings of fear and a series of never-ending uncertainties to a lot of people. The risk of contagion is real and measures to mitigate the spread of the virus have affected practically every individual, the running of businesses, services as well as the governments’ interventions towards supporting its citizens. The purpose of this dissertation is to explore the various business continuity strategies adopted by businesses during the COVID-19 crisis with a focus on employee retention/dismissal and plan towards recovery post of COVID-19 crisis. The study intends to discover to what extent the measures and supplements provided by the government, have supported businesses to cope with the COVID-19 crisis. The study also aims to explore the work experience of employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researcher adopted a mixed method approach whereby a mix of qualitative and quantitative data was collected and analysed. This method allowed the researcher to contextualise information by obtaining a macro-perspective on the situation from both the employer’s and the employee’s viewpoint. Following the quantitative and the qualitative research, the researcher then triangulated the findings obtained. The researcher obtained quantitative and qualitative information through distributing a survey via social media, entitled: ‘The work experience of employees working in Malta during the COVID-19 crisis’ which was filled by employees working in various industries. Additionally, the researcher obtained further qualitative data by conducting interviews with managers of businesses. One of the major findings of the study was, that during the pandemic, the probability that the job security of employees was impacted negatively, in terms of working hours and employment status, was higher than those respondents who experienced a positive transition in relation to their job security. The study explored which industry sectors were most likely to be impacted. It was determined that the older one is, and the higher the educational level one has, the higher the probability that these employees worked longer hours during the pandemic. Moreover, the study found out that employees who adopted remote working, worked longer hours when compared to the hours before the pandemic. The researcher also sought to find out which sectors had higher probability to experience a salary reduction during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was concluded that those who teleworked had less chance to experience a decrease in salary. Furthermore, certain sectors, particularly the insurance and banking sectors, have reported an increase in productivity due to the increase of number of hours worked through remote working. The study also explored whether the government support was beneficial to the different sectors. From the data obtained it was highlighted that the government support provided, was of utmost importance to the non-financial sectors, while it was not as beneficial to the financial sector. In conclusion, the study has confirmed the importance of having a BCP in place, irrespective of which industry the business operates, and it also confirmed the extensive benefits of remote working, which was the most common strategy adopted during the COVID-19 crisis. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/118318 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/90013 Title: Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs in Malta : insurance repercussions and managerial controls Abstract: Alcohol and drugs can provide pleasure and relief in several ways, in which people find helpful in enjoying and coping with life difficulties. However, its use may also inflict harm and suffering to users, their associates and society. Driving a vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs, increases death and injuries on the roads. Europe has responded in several ways as to managing drink and drug driving. Achieving reduction in these related road accidents is a benefit for all society members (Galbicsek, 2021). Setting limits, such as the level of Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), setting advertisements such as “Don’t Drink and Drive”, and regulations, show how far specific marketing and laws can best contribute in promoting a desired behaviour by a large number of populations. For this to be effective, it is important that the affected citizens understand what the law requires of them and the reason why (Allsop, 2020). This study shall analyse and understand people’s knowledge with regards to drink and drug driving laws when it comes to the level of BAC, insurance exclusions, etc. It shall also delve in to people’s attitudes with regards to drink and drug driving and finally what are the measures that can be taken to reduce drink and drug driving. All data collected through one-to-one interviews, online questionnaires and desk research were analysed and themes were pointed out to further amend and strengthen our laws and regulations in relation to drink and drug driving; this was also compared with other countries. The general findings of this study was people’s perception and attitudes through different age groups with regards to drink and drug driving and distinguishing the weaknesses in our system. This subject may be researched further to explore and investigate specific areas which relate to drink and drug driving in Malta and Gozo. Description: M.A.(Melit.) Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/90013 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/90007 Title: Catastrophic risk and Covid 19 : a review in the context of Kenyan insurance market Abstract: This project was chosen to acquire a thoughtful of the prevailing state of affairs in the Kenyan insurance industry in terms of insurance risk management with a keen focus on catastrophic risks. Insurance is a component of risk transmission and risk management procedure. It was necessary to acquire several understandings of the extent to which this framework is being used. An investigative survey methodology was adopted, and triangulation was used. This necessitated the utilization of data catalogue techniques like semi-structured survey questionnaires. The obtained statistics was evaluated employing a variety of methods, including statistical techniques for quantitative data and framework assessment for qualitative data. The findings offered information on the current risk management procedures utilized by insurance firms to reduce catastrophic risks. The impressions of the dangers presented by catastrophes, the risk management viewpoint, as well as the efficiency and appropriateness of procedures utilized in disaster management were identified as concepts. This study is valuable to the Kenyan insurance industry since insurance firms were contacted to procure the details. Assumptions about the current scenario were made based on the literature acquired by the investigator in early findings. This project gives an improved concept of what is presently available. Description: M.A.(Melit.) Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/90007 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/89964 Title: A study of strategies for detecting fraudulent activities within the insurance industry : the case in Malta Abstract: Fraud is a worldwide economic hazard that leaves negative impact on organisations and the economy. Insurance fraud is as old as the insurance industry itself, with many insurance organisations compelled to take measures to detect and deter fraud risks. The objective of this study was to determine which strategies are used for fraud detection and deterrence by Maltese insurance organisations, and to identify characteristics of fraudsters that can be revealing indicators of fraudulent intentions. This study also sought to examine whether these strategies depend on the type of organisation employing them. In order to conduct this research, an empirical investigation was carried out, by distributing a survey to a population of 204 insurance organisations in Malta. Descriptive and statistical analysis were used to examine quantitative data gleaned from the closed-ended questions, whereas thematic analysis was employed for qualitative research data gathered from the openended questions in the survey. Findings show that organisations within the Maltese insurance industry made use of effective strategies that were aimed at preventing fraudulent attempts by both internal and external fraudsters. The strategies used pertain to the themes that emerged from this study and the literature review: ‘Efficient Internal Control System’, ‘Strong Anti-fraud Culture’, ‘Sufficient Corporate Fraud Policy’, ‘Proper Handling of Suspicious Fraud’ and ‘Positive Work Environment’. An increase in one of the five listed strategies resulted in an increase in another strategy, whereas a decrease in that same strategy generated a corresponding decrease in the other strategy as well. The strongest relationship amongst these strategies was found between ‘efficient internal control system’ and ‘strong anti-fraud culture’. Given the difference in the type of organisation or the services offered, it resulted that TIIs and insurance organisations selling both life and non-life insurance products lacked efficient internal control systems vis-à-vis other respondents, whereas organisations that sell life insurance only seemed to have the strongest anti-fraud culture. Having financial burdens outside work in the case of employees and asking suspicious questions in the case of clients were found to be the two most likely characteristics that indicate fraudulent intentions. This study builds upon the existing body of literature on insurance fraud and seeks to find effective ways to fight it. Description: M.A.(Melit.) Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/89964 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z