International Journal of Business, Marketing, Economics & Leadership (IJBMEL)

The Role of Litigation Risk in Shaping Valuation Techniques in Mergers and Acquisitions: A Qualitative Synthesis

2026-04-22T09:29:02+07:00

This study explores how litigation risk influences valuation techniques in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), focusing on discounted cash flow (DCF) models and peer comparables. Through a qualitative synthesis of recent literature, it finds that legal exposure significantly alters valuation strategies—particularly in fairness opinions—prompting conservative estimates to mitigate shareholder lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny. The analysis reveals that litigation risk can distort valuation objectivity, reduce deal premiums, and shift the role of valuation from economic justification to legal protection. This paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the intersection between legal risk and financial valuation in corporate transactions

From Academic Entrepreneurship to Regional Development: A Literature Review of the Impact Pathways of University Innovation Ecosystems

2026-04-22T09:28:15+07:00

This qualitative literature review examines the impact pathways of University Innovation and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (UIEEs) on regional development. Synthesizing findings from recent empirical and conceptual studies, the review identifies key mechanisms such as academic entrepreneurship, university–industry collaboration, policy integration, and human capital formation. The analysis highlights the evolving role of universities as ecosystem orchestrators that drive not only innovation and economic growth but also social inclusion and sustainability. While contextual differences shape outcomes, best practices emphasize multilevel governance, stakeholder engagement, and place-based strategies. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of UIEEs as complex, adaptive systems and calls for more longitudinal and regionally diverse research to support future policymaking and institutional design

Reframing Stakeholder Influence: A Review of Heterogeneous Stakeholder Mobilization and Corporate Responsiveness in the Era of Digital Activism

2026-04-22T09:27:34+07:00

This qualitative literature review explores how digital activism is transforming stakeholder influence and corporate responsiveness. Contrary to traditional models emphasizing unified collective action, recent evidence reveals that heterogeneous stakeholders now mobilize through fragmented yet emotionally resonant digital narratives. This form of "heterogeneous convergence" enables diverse publics to exert pressure on firms despite lacking organizational coherence. Drawing from contemporary cases such as #MeToo and #DeleteUber, the review highlights how digital platforms facilitate dynamic stakeholder engagement, enabling rapid reputational impacts. The findings suggest that organizations must adapt to increasingly polyphonic and contested stakeholder environments, where legitimacy is shaped not by static engagement models but by real-time digital responsiveness. This review contributes to stakeholder theory by integrating digital mobilization dynamics and calls for expanded theoretical and empirical research into digitally mediated stakeholder influence