The Central European Review of Economics and Management

The relationship between global oil prices and the profitability of Dutch public companies

Wim WESTERMAN, Luuk ENSING — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract:

Aim: This study honors the pioneering work by André Dorsman on energy finance, especially on oil prices and company performance. The objective is to investigate the relationship between the global oil price and the profitability of Dutch companies.

Design / Research methods: In our research, a model is formed which evaluates the relationship between a global oil price index and the profitability of Dutch public companies. Publicly available data from 143 Dutch listed firms during the period 2010 till 2023 has been used to conduct this research. Besides the independent variable (the oil price) and the dependent variables (return on assets and return on equity), a firm’s leverage, market capitalization and degree of internationalization are used as control variables in the conceptual model. The model is evaluated via multiple panel regression analyses.

Conclusions / findings: We reveal a positive relationship between the oil price and the return on assets as well as the return on equity. However, this relationship is dependent upon the presence of oil and energy related companies in the sample. When oil and energy related companies are removed from the sample, no relationship is found between the global oil price and profitability. The control variable market capitalization is found to be significant and positively related to return on equity and return on assets. Contrary, the control variable leverage is found to be negatively related to return on assets. The variable for degree of internationalization of Dutch firms is insignificant for all the regression models, indicating that there is no linear relationship between the degree of internationalization and profitability.

Originality / value of the article: The study confirms a complicated relationship between oil prices and company profitability.

JEL: G10, L95

The concept of a Digital Gap Benchmarking Model for SMEs as a tool for optimizing digitalization processes

Marian GORYNIA, Joanna KUCZEWSKA — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Aim: This study investigates the digital gap in enterprises (particularly SMEs) and introduces the Digital Gap Benchmarking Model as a solution to bridge this gap and enhance their digital transformation processes.

Design / Research methods: The research employs a narrative literature review of studies on enterprise competitiveness within digitalization contexts with predefined inclusion criteria. In addition, based on the concept of the digital gap for SMEs, the authors proposed original concept of a Digital Gap Benchmarking Model as a tool for optimizing the digitalization process in SMEs.

Conclusions/findings: The study identifies the digital gap along three key dimensions: digital potential, digitalization strategy, and position in the digitalization process. Additionally, benchmarking was identified as a key tool to assess and monitor digital transformation progress, helping SMEs close the digital gap and enabling to pinpoint weaknesses and strategically enhance their digital maturity.

Originality/value of the article: While many studies have examined the importance and impact of digital transformation, few have focused on how to assess and bridge the digital gap. This study addresses this gap by identifying the digital gap and proposing the Digital Gap Benchmarking Model as a tool to support SMEs in closing this gap.

JEL: L20, L21, M15, M21

Sokrates Forms

Johannes (Joost) PLATJE, Rafał PALAK, Krystian WOJTKIEWICZ — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract:

Aim: This paper introduces Sokrates Forms, an innovative survey instrument with advanced functionalities that enhance data accuracy, respondent engagement, and compliance with data protection regulations. The primary objective is to develop and implement a dynamic, secure, and customizable survey tool that supports both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies while offering a feedback mechanism to participants.

Design / Research methods: The study presents the architecture, methodology, and implementation of Sokrates Forms, highlighting its modular and scalable design. The tool integrates adaptive survey paths, rigorous data validation protocols, and a personalized feedback system, which not only improves response quality but also fosters user engagement. Anonymization features ensure compliance with data protection standards, allowing surveys to be conducted either anonymously or through login-based participation for repeated studies. A case study on assessing organizational vulnerabilities in the context of system risk management demonstrates the tool’s application in real-world research scenarios.

JEL: C81, D63, D81, D84