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The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between working capital management and the sustainable growth rate, using profitability as a mediator. The research analyzes a dataset comprising 122 SMEs that operated within selected Western Balkan countries from 2013 to 2022. By employing ordinary least squares regression models, the study displays an indirect connection between working capital management and the sustainable growth rate, facilitated through the mediation of profitability. The outcomes of the mediation effect analysis classify "indirect-only mediators" as the net profit margin. The findings underscore SMEs' importance in tactically managing their working capital, particularly by shortening their inventory turnover and cash conversion periods. A more efficient inventory turnover period and cash conversion period can substantially increase the SMEs' capacity to generate profits, as it enables them to generate more internal funds. This internal financing is crucial for achieving a sustainable growth rate. Maintaining a sustainable growth rate is critical for SMEs to successfully manage, control, and strategize their financial operations and activities. A constant growth rate has the potential to boost profitability and provide significant information to management for prudent financial decision-making. The results of this study can be used in future research attempts to analyze many aspects of the sustainable growth rate. This goes beyond individual activities and embraces the entire industry, to understand how SMEs can improve the efficiency of their financial operations and strategic initiatives, thereby contributing to their overall success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study fills a significant research gap by examining the factors influencing the circular economy in Thailand, particularly within the context of developing countries. Utilizing regression and correlation analysis, we investigate key environmental and socioeconomic variables: greenhouse gas emissions, forest area percentage, income levels among the poorest 20% of the population, access to electricity, and income inequality. The novelty of this work lies in its comprehensive integration of these dimensions to identify barriers and sustainable circular economy. Key findings reveal that higher greenhouse gas emissions correlate with increased recycling, underscoring the need for stricter emission controls and cleaner technologies. Conversely, greater forest coverage is associated with reduced recycled waste, highlighting the importance of forest conservation and sustainable land use. Economic disparities significantly impact recycling efforts, necessitating supportive policies for lower-income groups. Increased access to electricity correlates with higher waste generation, emphasizing the need for sustainable consumption practices. Although income inequality correlates with recycling rates, it is not a significant predictor, indicating the necessity for broader economic and environmental policies. This study offers novel, comprehensive recommendations for advancing Thailand's circular economy. Strategies include implementing emission controls, enhancing forest conservation, promoting economic empowerment, encouraging sustainable consumption, and developing integrated policies. These recommendations aim to address identified challenges and support sustainable growth in alignment with circular economy goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the nexus between intellectual capital (IC) and the sustainable growth rate (SGR), with a unique emphasis on the moderating roles of military-experienced CEOs (MCEOs) and sustainable corporate governance (SCG). We utilize the Method of Movement Quantile Regression Analysis (MMQR) with data gathered from 750 Chinese non-financial firms listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) and Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) from 2010 to 2022. The findings indicate that IC exerts a favorable and significant influence on the SGR across various quantiles. Furthermore, across multiple quantiles, the SGR exhibits a positive and strong correlation with capital employed efficiency (CEE), human capital efficiency (HCE), and structural capital efficiency (SCE). Moderation analysis reveals that MCEOs and SCG demonstrate a positive correlation between IC and the SGR. The results extend our understanding of how MCEOs and SCG can enhance the SGR through effective IC utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term "sustainable development" is an omnipresent expression reaching the dimension of a command in the EU under the leadership of Ursula von der Leyen. However, this is an ephemeral term with ambiguous and contradictory meanings which is employed in a particular manner by current EU policies. The purpose of this study is to reconcile various approaches and consolidate the understanding of sustainable development as advanced by current EU policies. A historical and conceptual review creates a foundation to prepare comparative review tables to be filled with information about current EU policies and their quotes regarding "sustainable development", as extracted from the EU Commission Websites and EurLex. This allows for a holistic, thematic and critical analysis about the teleological meaning as well as glossing and Socratic questioning. The juxtaposition of these findings suggests that the term "sustainable development" is a semantic puzzle which is perceived by current EU policies as a call for multispectral and inherently conflicting changes to be imposed by all stakeholders in the utilitarian context. Six pioneering propositions with controversial features emerge and are to be verified by further multidisciplinary longitudinal studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a novel methodology for measuring and decomposing multidimensional inequality, allowing for the breakdown of overall inequality into contributions from distinct dimensions. This approach offers valuable insights for sustainable business development by identifying economic sectors where Environmental, Social, or Governance (ESG) practices are most unequal and thus may benefit from policy intervention. Additionally, it explores the relationship between company size and sustainability, highlighting that the most concentrated sectors tend to exhibit the greatest ESG inequality. Applying this methodology to a sample of over 1000 small and medium-sized enterprises across various sectors in Italy, our analysis of the multidimensional index for 2022 reveals notable disparities in corporate financial performance and ESG adoption. Specifically, the manufacturing sector exhibited the highest inequality in financial performance, with an index of 0.77, indicating significant variation in financial health and firm size. Conversely, the financial services sector showed lower financial inequality, with an index of 0.23, suggesting more uniform outcomes. On the ESG front, the financial sector demonstrated the highest inequality, particularly in environmental and social dimensions, with an average Gini coefficient of 0.26, while the manufacturing sector displayed a more consistent ESG performance, with an average Gini of 0.19. These findings underscore sector-specific patterns in financial and ESG dimensions, providing a foundation for targeted interventions to reduce disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular economy and sustainable growth are closely linked as they both aim to reconcile economic development with environmental considerations. The circular economy provides a framework and set of principles for achieving sustainable growth. By adopting circular practices, such as resource efficiency, recycling, and product life extension, economic activities can become more sustainable and contribute to long-term growth. In today's world, consumers have high expectations for companies to be accountable for the environmental and social impact of their products and services. The implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) in manufacturing can contribute to sustainable growth by enhancing quality, reducing waste, and increasing efficiency. This study proposes a novel methodological framework to establish a comprehensive association between Juran's ten quality principles using a mixed-method sequential approach with an integrated Machine Learning Group Decision-Making (MLGDM) and Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM)-DEMATEL approach. The framework involves using the MLGDM approach to select the optimal number of experts to develop contextual relationships among the principles. This framework is designed to address the challenge of determining the appropriate number of experts to involve in the decision-making process. Involving too few experts can limit the generalizability of the results, while having too many experts can lead to a high degree of inconsistency and make it challenging to reach a consensus. The MLGDM portion of our framework provides a systematic approach to overcome this challenge and helps supply chain managers and academicians implement quality practices in their organizations. Moreover, although several studies have explored the implementation of TQM practices, there is still a lack of a systematic framework that can fully incorporate Juran's quality principles. To fill this gap, the ISM-DEMATEL approach was then used to explore the causal relationships between these principles. Practitioners from the industry were asked to identify contextual associations among variables, which facilitated a better understanding of these principles. Our results suggest that "Build awareness," "Set goals for improvement," and "Provide training" are strategic requirements for successful TQM implementation, while "Carry out projects to solve problems," "Organize to reach the goals," and "Keep score" are tactical requirements. Furthermore, "Communicate results," "Report progress," "Give recognition," and "Maintain momentum" are operational necessities for TQM implementation. The present study represents a significant step forward in giving a new direction to Juran's ten quality principles and providing a holistic picture to decision-makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within global sustainable resource management efforts, reducing healthcare energy consumption is of public concern. This study aims to analyze the energy consumption of three Dual-Energy computed tomography (DECT) scanners and to predict the power consumption based on scan acquisition parameters. This study consisted of two parts assessing three DECT scanners: one Dual-Source and two Single-Source DECT. In Part A, the energy consumption for various single- and DECT scans with different acquisition parameters using a chest phantom was measured. The measurements were compared to the calculated power consumption. In Part B, the energy consumption baselines during nonutilization states of the DECT devices: idle (ready to scan), low-power (incomplete shutdown), and system-off mode (complete shutdown) were measured. Descriptive statistics were used. The phantom study revealed a positive correlation between measured and calculated energy consumption (r2 =0.82), except for single-source split-filter DECT acquisitions, indicating a relationship between scan parameters and energy consumption. The baseline study results showed a mean energy consumption of 2.6 kWh/hour ± 1.34 kWh in idle, 0.89 kWh/hour ± 0.42 kWh in low-power, and < 0.01 kWh/hour ± 0.003 kWh in the system-off state. The potential total annual CO 2 savings for the assessed DECT scanners amounted to 3767 kg CO2 (low power) and 5868 kg CO2 (system off) compared to the idle state. Time-related calculations indicated energy savings starting after 5 min in low-power- and after 2 min in the system-off state. Therefore, switching off the scanner, even during shorter periods of non-utilization, can be efficient. Our results emphasize a positive correlation between scan parameters and energy consumption in DECT. Complete shutdown of DECT devices can have a significant ecological-economic impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the relative efficacy of entrepreneurial orientation (EO), market orientation (MO), and entrepreneurial marketing (EM) as moderated by various environmental and organizational factors including firm size. Using structural equation modeling and representative cross-sectional data of small, mid-sized, and large firms from the United States, the research finds that EO outperforms EM and MO in conditions of low competitive intensity, low market growth, and high supplier power. EO is also most viable for small firms, and those with smaller and less diverse networks. In contrast, MO performs best for large firms, and firms with diverse and strong networks, operating in high growth, low turbulence markets, and when supplier power is low. Finally, EM excels under conditions of high market turbulence, competitive intensity, and supplier power, for mid-sized firms, and firms with low network strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Despite several studies on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and innovation on firm performance, the extent to which different CSR practices interacts with distinct innovation types in enhancing firm performance remains underexplored. We draw on contingency theory to examine how internal and external CSR interacts with exploitative and explorative innovation to improve firm performance. We discuss the interaction effects using a panel dataset of 1156 publicly listed Chinese firms that disclosed CSR and innovation information from 2008 to 2019. The results indicate that firms with high‐internal CSR benefit to a greater extent from explorative innovation than from exploitative innovation as a means of enhancing performance. In contrast, firms with high‐external CSR benefit to a greater extent from exploitative innovation than from explorative innovation to improve performance. We contribute to strategy and CSR literature by revealing how firms match specific CSR practices with distinct innovation types to enhance firm performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examine the critical question of whether global equity and bond assets (both green and non-green) offer effective hedging and safe haven properties against stock market risks in South Asia, with a focus on Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The increasing integration of global financial markets and the volatility experienced during recent economic crises raise important questions regarding the resilience of South Asian markets and the potential protective role of global assets. Drawing on methods like VaR and CVaR tail risk estimators, the DCC-GJR-GARCH time-varying connectedness approach, and cost-effectiveness tools for hedging, we analyze data spanning from 2014 to 2022 to assess these relationships comprehensively. Our findings demonstrate that stock markets in Bangladesh experience lower levels of downside risk in each quantile; however, safe haven properties from the global financial markets are effective for Bangladeshi, Indian, and Pakistani stock markets during the crisis period. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan stock market neither receives hedging usefulness nor safe haven benefits from the same marketplaces. Additionally, global green assets, specifically green bond assets, are more reliable sources to ensure the safest investment for South Asian investors. Finally, the portfolio implications suggest that while traditional global equity assets offer ideal portfolio weights for South Asian investors, global equity and bond assets (both green and non-green) are the cheapest hedgers for equity investors, particularly in the Bangladeshi, Pakistani, and Sri Lankan stock markets. Moreover, these results hold significant implications for investors seeking to optimize portfolios and manage risk, as well as for policymakers aiming to strengthen regional market resilience. By clarifying the protective capacities of global assets, particularly green ones, our study contributes to a nuanced understanding of portfolio diversification and financial stability strategies within emerging markets in South Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores the effects of significant global economic shocks, such as the 2008 Global Financial Crisis and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, on GDP growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. Employing a dynamic generalized method of moments (GMM) model, the analysis highlights the strong momentum effect of lagged GDP growth, where past performance plays a critical role in shaping current economic outcomes. The findings also reveal that natural resources continue to positively influence short-term growth, but with diminishing returns over time, supporting the resource curse hypothesis and underscoring the need for broader structural reforms to ensure long-term sustainability. In addition, the results show that external investments flowing into the country, trade balance, and inflation emerge as key drivers of economic growth. While moderate inflation is positively associated with economic expansion, unemployment exerts a significant negative effect on GDP growth, particularly in models that account for country-specific characteristics. This emphasizes the need for labor market reforms to improve employment rates and support sustainable development. The role of gross capital formation, particularly in both the dynamic GMM and random effects models, further underscores the importance of strategic domestic investment, especially during periods of global disruption. These findings emphasize the critical need for economic diversification in the GCC. Policymakers should focus on attracting foreign investment, managing inflation, enhancing human capital, and boosting domestic investment to mitigate the adverse effects of the resource curse and secure sustainability. While market capitalization and oil rents may stimulate short-term growth, their long-term sustainability remains uncertain without greater diversification. Both external and domestic investments emerge as critical drivers of long-term growth, while persistent challenges such as inflation and unemployment continue to pose risks to economic stability. The study highlights the need to reduce reliance on oil and leverage human capital to build more resilient economies capable of adapting to future challenges. By offering dynamic, empirical insights into the balance between resource reliance and sustainable growth, this research adds valuable insights to the policy discussion on economic diversification in the GCC. Policymakers are urged to prioritize FDI, inflation management, domestic capital formation, and human capital development to mitigate vulnerabilities and ensure sustainable economic growth in the face of ongoing global uncertainties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the profound macroeconomic consequences of forced migration on Lebanon's economy, with a specific focus on labor market dynamics. Drawing from extensive research and analysis, the study examines the factors driving migration, its impacts on the labor market, and the resultant economic challenges. It delves into the wage disparities, employment rates, and the informal sector's expansion due to the influx of migrants. The article also evaluates existing public policies and proposes strategic interventions aimed at fostering migrant integration and promoting sustainable economic growth. By addressing these critical issues, the forced aims to provide comprehensive policy recommendations to mitigate the adverse effects of forced migration and enhance Lebanon's economic resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to understand Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) practices, considerations that facilitate Green Organizational Culture (GOC) and Organizational Agility (OA), and the connection between these factors and the social performance (SP) and environmental performance (EP) of businesses. The target population of the current study comprises a Bangladeshi organization (manufacturing, university and service). In this quantitative study, data were collected using structured questionnaires. The final sample consisted of 445 respondents, and the data were analyzed using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique. Both Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were conducted to ensure the validity and reliability of the measurement model. The results show that social GHRM has a beneficial effect on social and environmental performance factors. This research also discovered employee's ideas about GRRM, GOC OA, and improving an organization's social and environmental performance for long-term growth. Our results show that hiring, teaching, evaluating, and rewarding employees in ways that avoid harming the natural world are all examples of HR management practices that help create a green workplace culture. This work adds to the resource-based view (RBV) and transitive leadership (TL) theory by showing the things that contribute to an organization's green culture and agility help the link between social and environmental performance and green HRM practices. Organizations in Bangladesh can benefit greatly from the GHRM model that this study suggests, as OC and OA have a good effect on both society and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to develop a model for improving business performance through the co-creation of value in hijab fashion MSMEs in West Java. Co-creation, which involves active collaboration between businesses and customers, has been recognized as a key factor in driving innovation and competitive advantage. By examining the role of co-creation in the context of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly within the hijab fashion industry, this research seeks to identify the main drivers that enhance business performance. Data were collected through surveys and interviews with hijab fashion MSME owners and customers in West Java. Using statistical analysis, the study found that co-creation activities such as customer engagement, collaborative design, and shared experiences significantly contribute to improved customer satisfaction, product innovation, and overall business performance. The findings suggest that implementing co-creation strategies can help hijab fashion MSMEs achieve sustainable growth and maintain a competitive edge in the fashion market. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on co-creation value and MSME business performance improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary aim of this study is to examine the relationship between economic growth (EG), financial development, renewable energy consumption and environmental pollution in South Asian countries (SAC). The "Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model" applies panel data analysis from 1990 to 2021 in selected SAC. This study reveals that a 1 percent increase in financial development (FD) tends to increase 0.3356 percent of CO2 emissions. Renewable energy consumption (RE) essentially diminishes ecological contamination: a 1 percent expansion in RE will reduce 0.5878 percent of CO2. Expanded reception sources are related to a significant decrease in CO2 highlighting the capability of clean energy to advance manageable turns of events. The blunder rectification term remains at - 0.3741 with measurably critical outcomes which suggests that the speed of equilibrium is 37% to arrive at a drawn-out balance in SAC. We urge policymakers to find some kind of harmony between financial development and natural maintainability by advancing sustainable power projects and implementing stricter ecological guidelines. This study contributes to the literature by presenting empirical evidence on the environmental impact of economic and financial dynamics in a region experiencing rapid growth and development challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The independent innovation of agricultural enterprises ensures national food security through enhancing food production efficiency and optimizing food nutritional quality. Independent innovation is an important way for the sustainable growth of agricultural enterprises. However, in this process, there are issues such as long cycles and high risks. Based on this, using the panel data of China's listed agricultural enterprises from 2007 to 2021, this study empirically examined the impact of independent innovation on the sustainable growth of agricultural enterprises, as well as the moderating effects of internal drivers (digital transformation) and external pull factors (government subsidies) through a two-way fixed effects model. The findings are the following: (1) The impact of independent innovation on the sustainable growth of agricultural enterprises exhibits an "inverted U-pattern". When the R&D investment of agricultural enterprises accounts for 77.85% of operating income, the sustainable growth ability of agricultural enterprises is the highest. (2) Compared with large agricultural enterprises, small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises reach the threshold of independent innovation ability later, and the incentive effect range of independent innovation is longer. (3) Independent innovation exerts a more significant "inverted U" effect on the sustainable growth of non-state-owned agricultural enterprises and agricultural enterprises in the mature stage, while its impact on the sustainable growth of state-owned agricultural enterprises and agricultural enterprises in the growth and decline stages is not significant. (4) Government subsidies can help enhance the positive impact of independent innovation on the sustainable growth of agricultural enterprises when it does not exceed the threshold but cannot alleviate the negative impact of independent innovation on the sustainable growth of agricultural enterprises when it exceeds the threshold; investment in digital transformation not only helps to enhance the positive impact of independent innovation on the sustainable growth of agricultural enterprises when it does not exceed the threshold but also helps to alleviate the negative impact of independent innovation on the sustainable growth of agricultural enterprises when it exceeds the threshold. The research results provide data support for agricultural enterprises to carry out innovation activities under internal drive and external pull. At the same time, it is of great significance for the national implementation of the strategy of storing food in technology and food security strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family firms play an important role in the economies of developing countries such as Indonesia. Proper working capital management is necessary to support the sustainable growth of family firms. This study aims to analyze the characteristics of sustainable growth and working capital management of family firms. The study analyzes family firms by comparing them with non-family firms listed in the LQ45 index of the Indonesian capital market. Using quantitative methods, logistic regression is used to test the hypotheses. The survey sample covers 280 companies from 2015 to 2022. The results of the study show that the elements of sustainable growth of family firms differ from non-family firms only in the leverage element. Family firms tend to have lower leverage than non-family firms. Family firms tend to have more conservative working capital management policies for investment and financing than non-family firms. Family firms also have longer days of accounts payable outstanding than non-family firms, while days of inventory outstanding and days of sales outstanding are not significantly different. This study suggests that family firms should implement a moderate working capital policy to strengthen sustainable growth rates. AcknowledgementsThe authors would like to thank the Head of Research and Community Service at AKI University who has supported funding for this research. Thank you also to fellow Faculty of Economics and Business lecturers, AKI University who have helped provide the facilities needed for this research.

This study explores the influence of total quality management (TQM) on the sustainable growth performance of companies in the private healthcare sector. A quantitative research method and a purposive sampling method were used. A questionnaire comprising 25 items was spread among 282 administrative employees in private hospitals and healthcare centers in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Structural equation modeling (SEM) via Smart PLS revealed that, except for leadership, all TQM variables exhibit positive and direct interrelationships within the sector. Key findings indicate that customer focus, continuous improvement, and employee involvement positively correlate with company performance, while leadership has a negative direct impact. Collectively, these exploratory TQM factors explain 73% of the variance in healthcare company performance (R² Adj = 0.732, P < 0.01), with employee involvement identified as the most critical component for enhancing performance. These results highlight the importance of prioritizing employee engagement in hospital management to achieve optimal performance outcomes. Additionally, the study suggests a need to reevaluate traditional leadership approaches, as they may hinder performance. This investigation advances the understanding of TQM in healthcare, advocating for a strategic emphasis on employee involvement and a reassessment of leadership practices to drive organizational success. Acknowledgment This study received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. The questionnaire was validated based on studies involving human participants that were reviewed and approved by the social sciences, arts, and humanities ECDA University of Hertfordshire (UK).

Abstract This article explores the profound macroeconomic consequences of forced migration on Lebanon's economy, with a specific focus on labor market dynamics. Drawing from extensive research and analysis, the study examines the factors driving migration, its impacts on the labor market, and the resultant economic challenges. It delves into the wage disparities, employment rates, and the informal sector's expansion due to the influx of migrants. The article also evaluates existing public policies and proposes strategic interventions aimed at fostering migrant integration and promoting sustainable economic growth. By addressing these critical issues, the forced aims to provide comprehensive policy recommendations to mitigate the adverse effects of forced migration and enhance Lebanon's economic resilience.

This article explores the innovative business models and strategies that Thai companies are embracing to enhance their competitiveness, foster sustainability, and adapt to the evolving market conditions. By drawing on the work of prominent scholars, the article provides a comprehensive understanding of the transformative processes shaping the future of Thai businesses. Key findings include the adoption of platform-based models, circular economy models, servitization models, collaborative and sharing-based models, and localized and resilient supply chain models. The article also highlights the synergistic framework that integrates digital transformation, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and supply chain resilience, driving sustainable and innovative growth for Thai businesses.

Health performance and well-being are crucial elements of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aiming to improve the overall quality of life and promote a prosperous community. Within this context, this study intended to examine the impact of recent innovations, logistical measures, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) diffusion, environmental quality improvements, economic growth, and green (renewable) energy exploitation on health performance and well-being, in Saudi Arabia from 1990 to 2022, by implementing machine learning models (random forest and gradient boosting) and regression algorithms (ridge and lasso). Overall, the findings of machine learning models indicate a strong impact of digital connectivity on health spending by internet users, with scores of 0.673 and 0.86. Further, economic growth also influences health costs but to a lesser extent, with scores of 0.145 and 0.082. Mobile user penetration and CO2 emissions have moderate to low importance, suggesting nuanced interactions with health expenditure. Patent applications and logistics performance show minimal impact, indicating a limited direct influence on health costs within this study. Similarly, the share of renewable energy is negligible, reflecting its minimal impact on the analyzed data. Finally, regression analyses using ridge and lasso models confirmed similar trends, further validating these findings. Limitations and several policy implications are also debated.=

The article discusses two currently relevant concepts such as sustainable development and sustainable growth. By analyzing the sustainable growth factors of 48 ESG-oriented listed Chinese companies for the period 2020–2022, the authors have proved that following the sustainable development concept can ensure the sustainable growth of companies’ performance. ESG- oriented companies show an increase in the level of generated profits and profitability, as well as a decrease in the debt-equity ratio, which positively characterizes their performance. Excess of actual growth of such companies over sustainable growth has been revealed, which does not lead to negative consequences of the activity for the analyzed period, and also does not increase the risks associated with the need to increase debt capital to ensure the identified growth. The study concludes that it is necessary to develop a new toolkit or integrate the two concepts considered to ensure the ability of companies to achieve their sustainability goals without compromising fundamental financial performance. The study results can be used by companies that are already following the sustainable development concept, as well as by those ones that are only at the initial stage of developing and implementing ESG indicators in their operations, by investors when selecting an investment target and by academics in the course of research devoted to the topic of sustainable development and sustainable growth.

This study evaluates the key drivers of green logistics performance and their impact on economic growth in African countries. The study employs a quantitative approach using panel data analysis for African countries from 2007 to 2022. Impulse Response Function and Variance Decomposition methods are utilized to examine the dynamic relationships among variables, including economic growth, Logistics Performance Indicators (LPI), fossil fuel consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. The findings reveal significant positive relationships between green logistics performance indicators, such as the ability to track and trace consignments, logistics service quality, and trade infrastructure, with economic growth. Conversely, fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions exhibit negative associations with economic growth and environmental sustainability. The results underscore the importance of embracing green logistics practices and sustainable development strategies in African economies. By improving logistics infrastructure, enhancing service quality, and reducing environmental impacts, countries can foster economic growth while mitigating adverse effects on the environment. Future research could explore region-specific factors influencing green logistics adoption and examine the role of policies and regulations in promoting sustainable practices. The findings have implications for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and regulatory bodies in developing targeted strategies to align economic progress with environmental responsibility in African nations.

Abstract University–Industry Collaborations (UIC) are increasingly recognized as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. While numerous studies have been conducted on this topic, this paper specifically focuses on UIC in the Arab World. The aim of this study is to explore the establishment of successful UIC by conducting a review of existing literature to identify and synthesize key factors that enable collaborative innovation between industry and universities. The findings are summarized into six main themes: the importance of UIC, barriers to UIC, gaps between universities and industry in the Arab World, partnerships and sustainable growth, current trends and perspectives, and future agenda for Arab countries. These themes are elaborated on and used to summarize results from the reviewed studies regarding facilitators of collaborative innovation. The contribution of this work lies in enhancing the existing body of literature and knowledge regarding collaboration between higher education and industry in the Arab World. This research presents specific measures that can be implemented to ensure successful UIC in the future. Its outcomes are significant for policymakers, academics, and industry experts in the Arab region, who aspire to form productive UIC partnerships that encourage economic development and innovation.

Consumer satisfaction is an outcome of business marketing activities, bridging the buying and usage phases with subsequent consequences such as attitude changes, recurring purchases, and brand loyalty. Most studies have utilized variations of the disconfirmation paradigm, which posits that satisfaction is influenced by the degree and type of disconfirmation experienced and initial expectations. Despite the importance of satisfaction, there remains a paucity of evidence on the cause and effect leading to expectation-confirmation and disconfirmation paradigm. This paper explores the reasons and the key factors in the perspectives of the relevant literature and aims to identify the intention of confirmation and disconfirmation in satisfaction theories. This conceptual paper also suggests various critical analyses based on the arguments for and against the paradigm in customer satisfaction. Consequently, the paper seeks to examine existing gaps in the literature regarding customer satisfaction theories for business sustainability and decision making, which may need to be more concise in the satisfaction generation process.

In our paper, we examine the simultaneous impact of the agglomeration economy (AE) and the innovation ecosystem (IE) on the competency development of SMEs in the Piemonte region in three high-tech sectors: aerospace, mechatronics, and automotive. This study focuses on the critical challenge for SMEs: survival and market position expansion amidst rapidly changing external environments. We used the capability approach, which includes identifying and assessing a company's competencies through the capability matrix, as a tool to analyse a company's competitiveness in the industry based on structural changes; we determined the key insights from managerial practices of SMEs that help to comprehend the behaviour of high-performing, sustainable-performing, and low-performing companies in the development of competencies. The key finding is that SMEs' sustainability in the context of structural changes in the external environment is primarily influenced by factors such as investment in the development of company competencies, industrial cooperation, strategic planning, cross-fertilisation, and the impact of company age and size on the availability of resources, along with the level of internationalisation. This study also identifies the main challenges these SMEs face, particularly the lack of highly skilled human resources to meet the sector's specific needs, as well as the difficulties companies face in adapting to changes in consumer behaviour and forecasting future business strategies. In addition, this study introduces the AE and IE variables as strategic tools to enable company representatives to improve their development strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the escalating momentum of Chinese green bond (CGB) issuances, this study aimed to elucidate the intricate relationship between CGB issuances and firm performance. Our findings indicate a significant spillover effect stemming from green government and green financial bonds, whereas the impact on green corporate bonds was relatively subdued. Intriguingly, the data reveals that environmentally conscious companies are disproportionately benefiting from cities’ issuance of CGBs. Upon delving into the underlying mechanisms, we observed a noticeable improvement in firm performance, especially for eco-friendly companies, who gain from enhanced total factor productivity and reduced debt. This data underscores the far-reaching and beneficial impact of CGBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corruption in Nigerian society is no longer just a subject of speculation; rather, it is now regarded as a national embarrassment. It is among the primary issues brought on by the persistent corruption that permeates contemporary Nigerian society. Throughout the history of this nation, multiple initiatives have been made at different times to halt the spread of this beast. This article states that, given the lack of success of Nigeria's multiple attempts to tackle corruption, address the corruption problem, and achieve long-term, sustainable growth in Nigeria, the behaviour of Nigerians needs to change, and the way they achieve this is by adhering to ethical theories. These theories provide certain moral convictions and perspectives, which then lead people's behaviour in particular ways. The bases of ethical theories are used to develop moral responses to the various issues that leaders and common people face daily. It is possible to analyse hypothetical ethical difficulties as well as real-world scenarios using these theories. As per the principles included in the ethical theory itself, they also highlight several facets of a morally sound resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the economic recession and household affordability crisis, leaving families without sufficient income to afford basic needs and services such as electricity. When COVID-19 reached South Africa, the economy had experienced two consecutive quarters of a recession and an increased unemployment rate. Furthermore, raising household electrical costs exacerbated the situation, prompting individuals to return to traditional low-cost energy generation methods such as burning fossil fuels. Traditional energy generation methods may address immediate energy needs but often pose environmental and health risks. This study explored balancing economic development and environmental protection in South Africa, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era. The socio-economic context of the country, characterised by a high level of inequality, unemployment, and heavy reliance on coal power stations, complicates balancing economic development and environmental protection. South Africa should embrace a green economy. This means that the country should shift from focusing solely on economic growth to focusing on inclusive growth, prioritising both economic growth and environmental protection for sustainable development. These insights are pivotal in balancing economic development and environmental protection. This study investigated the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable growth. It employed a qualitative research methodology. The findings of the study are relevant to policymakers, furnishing important recommendations for informed decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health performance and well-being are crucial elements of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aiming to improve the overall quality of life and promote a prosperous community. Within this context, this study intended to examine the impact of recent innovations, logistical measures, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) diffusion, environmental quality improvements, economic growth, and green (renewable) energy exploitation on health performance and well-being, in Saudi Arabia from 1990 to 2022, by implementing machine learning models (random forest and gradient boosting) and regression algorithms (ridge and lasso). Overall, the findings of machine learning models indicate a strong impact of digital connectivity on health spending by internet users, with scores of 0.673 and 0.86. Further, economic growth also influences health costs but to a lesser extent, with scores of 0.145 and 0.082. Mobile user penetration and CO2 emissions have moderate to low importance, suggesting nuanced interactions with health expenditure. Patent applications and logistics performance show minimal impact, indicating a limited direct influence on health costs within this study. Similarly, the share of renewable energy is negligible, reflecting its minimal impact on the analyzed data. Finally, regression analyses using ridge and lasso models confirmed similar trends, further validating these findings. Limitations and several policy implications are also debated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the digital economy has emerged as a widely debated economic topic, with China experiencing rapid development in this sector. As a pioneering region and microcosm of China's economy, studying the impact of Shandong's digitization level on economic development holds significant academic and practical importance. Based on the annual panel data for the 17 cities of Shandong Province from 2001 to 2019, a digitization index (DI) is generated through the entropy weight method (EWM). Then, the effects of DI on GDP and total factor productivity (TFP) are empirically analyzed through various regression models, including fixed effect and spatial regression techniques. Results indicate that: (1) DI has a direct effect on TFP and an indirect effect on GDP; (2) regional differences are significant but minimal, with most concentrated effects being relatively large in recent periods; (3) negative spatial spillovers in both GDP and TFP are caused by negative spillovers in DI. It is recommended that local governments carefully consider the negative spillover effects of digital development when formulating digitization policies. While concentrating resources on advancing digitization in high-priority cities, equal emphasis should be placed on promoting the dissemination of digital products and services to surrounding areas. This approach is crucial for mitigating the risk of regional economic disparities caused by the potential siphoning effect of digital development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates urban planning policies in Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria, emphasizing their effectiveness, challenges, and future implications. Given the rapid urbanization in Nigerian towns, urban planning is crucial for sustainable growth. Using a literature review and qualitative analysis, the research identifies significant issues in Ozoro, including financial constraints, technical skill deficits, and political interference. Rapid population growth and urban expansion have led to informal settlements and inadequate infrastructure. The study underscores the need for community participation and modern planning techniques to improve policy implementation. Key factors impacting urban planning were identified through factor analysis: urban sprawl, environmental protection, policy effectiveness, political stability, educational adequacy, alignment with sustainable development goals, and resource allocation. These factors account for 66.55% of the total variability, offering valuable insights for improving urban environments. The study concludes that strategic policy interventions, enhanced planning capacity, and stakeholder engagement are essential for creating a livable, organized, and sustainable urban environment in Ozoro, ultimately benefiting economic growth, quality of life, and environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The worldwide increasing concern for climate change persuades policy makers to take into account also the environmental aspects when designing and assessing the effectiveness of economic policies. Fiscal reforms can be combined with environmental measures to achieve the complex target represented by economic growth and environmental protection. In this vein, this study proposes the reorganisation of federal taxation on corporate and personal income in USA, financed by the introduction of a carbon tax on economic activities. The study uses a dynamic CGE model calibrated on a US Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) with environmental accounts. The economic, socioeconomic and environmental impact assessed in this study gives two major policy recommendations: firstly, the reduction in personal income tax that is more geared to economic growth compared to the reduction in corporate income tax, and secondly, not to be detrimental for growth, the carbon tax introduction must be part of a policy framework. Indeed, if the personal income tax reduction is financed with the introduction of a carbon tax on economic activities, there is no harm to the economic growth and a benefit for the environment arises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting sustainable communities aims at creating both environmentally and socially responsible living environments. This paper explores the role of affordable housing in promoting the long-term sustainability of a community within healthy living conditions by closely examining the relationship between affordable housing, urban development policies, and sustainability, with the capital of Lebanon, Beirut, serving as a case study. The first part of the paper focuses on the current building laws issued in the official newspaper in 2004 using a content analysis methodology to demonstrate the impact of the changes in the laws on the new morphology and social fabric of the city through the creation of a favorable environment for big developers, wealthy property owners, and real estate agencies and, at the expense of old city residents and low-income families. The second part of the paper uses the qualitative analysis methodology to justify the presence of large unused stock of residential units in Beirut, referring to information from multiple data sources selected based on their applicability to sustainable development, affordable housing, and urban planning in areas related to the case study, Beirut. This part then investigates the potential presented by this stock of residential units in Beirut to increase the supply of affordable housing and foster a sustainable community. This paper argues that the promoted vertical expansion of the city weighs heavily on the environment and fails to provide a diverse mix of housing units, excluding a significant portion of the community from the city. Alternative development models aligning with principles of sustainable development and challenging the current building laws can promote social inclusivity, reduce urban sprawl, and minimize environmental impacts associated with new constructions, thus preserving the city's physical and social fabric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

University–Industry Collaborations (UIC) are increasingly recognized as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. While numerous studies have been conducted on this topic, this paper specifically focuses on UIC in the Arab World. The aim of this study is to explore the establishment of successful UIC by conducting a review of existing literature to identify and synthesize key factors that enable collaborative innovation between industry and universities. The findings are summarized into six main themes: the importance of UIC, barriers to UIC, gaps between universities and industry in the Arab World, partnerships and sustainable growth, current trends and perspectives, and future agenda for Arab countries. These themes are elaborated on and used to summarize results from the reviewed studies regarding facilitators of collaborative innovation. The contribution of this work lies in enhancing the existing body of literature and knowledge regarding collaboration between higher education and industry in the Arab World. This research presents specific measures that can be implemented to ensure successful UIC in the future. Its outcomes are significant for policymakers, academics, and industry experts in the Arab region, who aspire to form productive UIC partnerships that encourage economic development and innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study aims to enhance the existing conceptual framework in order to assist SMEs in attaining sustainable business growth by enhancing their performance in a sustainable manner. This study entails a systematic analysis of the existing body of literature pertaining to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The 105 research papers included in the analysis have been categorized based on their geographical distribution, paper type, major theme, and theoretical underpinnings. Subsequently, a thorough thematic analysis was conducted. This study introduces a conceptual framework that facilitates the development of sustainable business growth, thereby assisting SMEs in mitigating the impact of uncertain occurrences or shocks. SMEs that actively engage in the adoption of sustainable business growth have the potential to create innovative pathways for business growth and gain a competitive edge. The literature highlights the unexpected and unanticipated challenges experienced by SMEs, and the subsequent development of methods to address these severe disruptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Succession is a major threat to the sustainable growth of family businesses. This study proposes that the growth of a family business is a co-evolutionary process involving multiple memes, and a family business undergoes succession through memes. To address this exploratory question, the author analyzes entrepreneurial behavior in five well-known century-old Western family enterprises based on grounded theory, and constructs a deoxyribonucleic acid model of the family business. The model not only reveals the most prominent memes in the complex meme system of a family business, but also illustrates the connectivity of different strengths among the organizational memes. The implications and recommendations derived from this study indicate that family businesses should develop specialization and succession capabilities through memes, and explore different means of innovation and adaptation to realize cross-generational growth.

Venture capital (VC) has the potential to revolutionize sustainability in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), yet this area remains underexplored in sustainable finance. This study explores the role of VC in fostering resilience and sustainability within SMEs in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the need for increased sustainable financing to address regional challenges and promote resilient business models. While sustainable financing is crucial for promoting sustainable practices, small businesses face barriers in accessing funding opportunities to strengthen resilience. Through explanatory factor analysis (EFA) of data from 61 VC firms across three sub-Saharan African countries from 2015 to 2021, the study reveals that combining VC investments, resilience, sustainability practices, enhanced business performance, market share expansion and introducing new products and services leads to sustainable growth for SMEs. This has practical implications for investors, policymakers, and business owners seeking to elevate sustainability practices as well as enhance business performance through strategic VC financing. Furthermore, the study presents a framework for sustainable VC finance, stressing its role in driving sustainable growth and market expansion in small enterprises. This contributes to the literature by deepening understanding of the relationship between VC finance, resilience, sustainability, and business performance. Thus far, the varying levels of economic development and sectoral disparities across sub-Saharan Africa may impact the scalability and effectiveness of sustainability practices driven by VC. These contextual challenges raise concerns about the equitable distribution of VC benefits and the depth of their impact on small business resilience and sustainability ecosystems.

Purpose This study aims to explore the interplay between organizational culture, available resources, change management competency, and employee attitudes towards digital transformation readiness in Malaysia’s manufacturing sector. It seeks to address a research gap by providing empirical evidence and theoretical insights into the specific readiness for digital transformation within this context.Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods design was employed to collect and analyze data, offering a comprehensive view of digital transformation readiness. The quantitative phase involved a structured survey distributed to 357 participants from the manufacturing sector, while the qualitative phase consisted of semi-structured interviews with 20 key informants from selected manufacturing companies. This approach facilitated the exploration of dynamic capabilities, resource availability, change management competencies, and the influence of organizational culture and employee attitudes on digital transformation readiness.Findings The findings indicate that organizational culture, resource availability, change management capabilities, and employee attitudes towards innovation and change significantly impact an organization’s readiness for digital transformation. The study underscores the critical role of effective change management and the positive influence of a supportive organizational culture and employee attitudes in enhancing digital transformation efforts which will aid sustainable growth in organizations.Originality/value This research contributes significantly to the digital transformation literature by analyzing factors affecting digital readiness within the Malaysian manufacturing sector, an area previously underexplored. Integrating Dynamic Capabilities Theory, the Resource-Based View, and Change Management Theories, and using a mixed-methods approach, the study offers valuable insights for industry leaders, managers, and policymakers on effectively driving digital transformation. It highlights the importance of resource allocation, supportive organizational culture, and effective change management practices, addressing a critical gap in existing research.

This study employs a rigorous econometric approach to investigate the intricate interrelationships among environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors and their impact on GDP growth and the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in East Asia-Pacific and South Asian countries. Utilizing panel data spanning the period from 2003 to 2021 sourced from the World Bank, our study diverges from previous research by adopting a comprehensive and inclusive stance in selecting relevant variables. Robust econometric methods, including cross-sectional dependence tests, unit root tests, Granger causality tests, and cointegration analyses, have been applied to scrutinize these relationships. The findings substantiate the significant long-run associations between ESG factors, GDP growth, and SDGs. This research emphasizes the distinctive aspect of meticulously assessing the interconnections of each country. Notably, this study innovates by considering environmental, social, and governance indicators alongside GDP growth to comprehensively evaluate their impact on SDGs. The application of advanced econometric methodologies confirms cross-sectional dependence, a long-run symmetric relationship, and stationary variables with high significance. Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) estimates revealed a positive long-run association between governance factors (GOVNf) and SDGs, indicating a negative relationship between environmental factors (ENVf) and SDGs. To further test the robustness of the findings we used AMG and CCEMG estimations. The study establishes significant relationships between environmental, social, and governance factors, GDP growth, and SDGs, providing valuable insights for policymakers and researchers alike.

This study investigates the potential of using digestate, a byproduct of anaerobic digestion, as organic manure in sustainable agriculture. The digestate was processed using a constructed screw press, separating it into liquid and solid components, with the liquid stored at room temperature and the solid subjected to a 20-day solar drying process. Four experimental conditions were tested: a control group, soil with chemical fertilizer, soil with solid digestate, and soil with liquid digestate. A fertilization rate of 1 gram per kilogram of soil was used. Over two months, distinct growth patterns emerged, with the liquid digestate group showing the most significant advantages, concluding with 59 leaves compared to 46 leaves in the solid digestate group, 44 in the chemical fertilizer group, and 42 in the control group. However, statistical analysis indicated no significant difference between treatments (p-value: 0.9451). The liquid digestate group also demonstrated superior stem width and crop yield, achieving a total yield of 99 bean seeds. The study highlights the promise of integrating digestate as organic manure in sustainable agriculture. The use of an anaerobic digester and screw press offers a viable solution for waste-to-resource conversion. Despite the encouraging results, further research is recommended to optimize digestate composition and application methods tailored to specific crop needs. This research contributes to eco-friendly agricultural practices and supports the advancement of sustainable waste management and crop cultivation strategies.