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Previous studies report that most research on green practices focuses on Western cultures, neglecting developing countries. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of green consumer behavior by outlining the evolution of the literature on green hotel stay intentions from developing countries' perspectives. The study was designed as a systematic literature review, incorporating 29 articles from peer-reviewed academic journals published between 2019 and 2024. Databases such as Scopus, Publish or Perish, and Watase Uake were used, with inclusion and exclusion criteria applied for descriptive analysis. The analyses show that while the body of literature is expanding and gaining recognition from researchers, green hotel practices are still more prevalent in developed countries. The thematic analysis offers an up-to-date overview, including demographic factors from developing countries, and showcases various theoretical perspectives, methodologies, and future research directions. While the green hotel concept offers significant benefits, societies differ in their awareness, preferences, and capacities regarding sustainability. Other findings suggest that the extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) can serve as a foundational theory. Researchers can contribute significantly to understanding the dynamics of green hotel stay intentions in developing countries, promote sustainable practices in the hospitality industry, and provide comprehensive insights for future models.

The article analyzes the impact of TNCs on the economic growth of developing countries. The study used general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, comparative method and method of data systematization. The information base of the study is based on scientific works of foreign and Ukrainian authors, statistical information of UNCTAD, and data from Internet resources. The geographical structure of TNCs’ activities is determined. It is found that today the largest number of TNCs among developing countries is concentrated in India and China. The positive and negative consequences of the impact of TNCs on the economies of developing countries and their social sphere are highlighted. The geographical distribution of foreign direct investment is analyzed in the context of the impact of TNC financial resources on developing countries. Foreign direct investment is a catalyst for the economic growth of developing countries, which is confirmed by the experience of a number of countries which have recently demonstrated high positive dynamics of their economic indicators and significant structural transformation in the modern course of their economies. The most striking examples in this regard are such countries as China, India, Brazil, Mexico, and others. The article suggests promising areas for strengthening the positive impact of TNCs on developing countries. The practical value of the article is that the recommendations set forth in it can be used by the management of TNCs and the government of developing countries.

The management of socio-economic infrastructure projects in developing countries, including roads, bridges, tunnels, railways, ports, airports, dams and others, presents multifaceted challenges, particularly in environments marked by complexity and uncertainty. Despite the efforts of governments in these countries, these types of projects still face numerous risks, including political, technological, regulatory, financial, and market risks. The objective of the study was to examine the practices related to the problem of the decision-making process and risk assessment in the management of socio-economic infrastructure projects in developing countries, focusing on the example of the Algerian experience. This research used a qualitative analysis of the decision-making process through 15 semi-structured interviews conducted with representatives of various institutions and administrations responsible for supervising the East-West highway project in Algeria and several focus groups conducted or observations noted at the meetings where the author participated as a principal engineer at the Ministry of Public Works (project owner) during the different phases of the implementation of this mega-project. This made it possible to carry out a global assessment of current practices and to identify the major risks that can impact the decision-making process to improve the management of socio-economic infrastructure projects in Algeria and also in developing countries. The results of the study reveal the risks related to the complexity of the external and internal environment of the projects, in which among the 13 major risks identified, 61.54% have a high criticality, 30.77% have a medium criticality, and 7.69% have a low criticality. The results show that several important aspects need to be improved, including: 1) strengthening financial stability; 2) political risk mitigation; 3) implementing economic stability measures; 4) clarifying contractual aspects; 5) promoting cultural sensitivity and communication; 6) improving cost and quality control measures. This study provides valuable guidance to governments, businesses, managers, and other individuals or groups interested in promoting the management of socio-economic infrastructure projects in developing countries.

Due to the rising globalization over the last three decades, several nations are searching for internationally standardized financial reporting rules. More uniformity in financial reporting is now desired. The application of institutional theory can lead to a better comprehension of how IFRS Standards are implemented; however, it has been demonstrated that institutional features have a significant influence on social conduct and are hence crucial in characterizing the emerging countries. It follows that it seems reasonable to infer that developing nations would adopt IFRS for objectives beyond economic ones. The goal of the current study is to conduct a review of the institutional theory literature with a focus on investigating the application of IFRS in developing countries; particularly the relationships among this theory. A systematic review of the literature was the approach employed, and the main papers were discovered utilizing the following databases: books, the most cited publications, and the Web of Science. Consequently, in the context of accounting systems for developing countries, this research will provide an opportunity to support further studies that foster a greater appreciation for the theoretical contributions’ capacity to determine the institutional structure of change procedures associated with the adoption of IFRS.

An increasing number of Chinese companies are strengthening their commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) by reporting their carbon emission reductions. Research suggests that such voluntary environmental disclosures can reduce information asymmetry, decrease the cost of capital, and thus enhance firm value. However, a significant research gap exists because this evidence mainly derives from developed countries, with limited consideration given to emerging countries, where the capital market often lacks robust informational content. To fill this research gap, we endeavor to explore the firm-value effects of the disclosures and the magnitude of carbon reduction in China, the largest emerging market. By manually collecting data on carbon emission reductions from the CSR reports of Chinese listed companies from 2008 to 2013, we employ the balance sheet valuation model and ordinary least squares regression to investigate the firm-value effects of the disclosures and the magnitude of carbon emission reductions. The empirical results show that firm value is positively associated with not only voluntary carbon emission reduction disclosures, but also the magnitude of carbon emission reductions. In our sample, for every additional ton of carbon emission reduction, firm value increases by approximately 340 yuan (equivalent to 44 euros or 52 US dollars). We also find that the firm-value effects of carbon emission reductions are more pronounced in high-pollution industries than those in low-pollution industries. Further channel tests reveal that on average, agency problems, as measured by selling, general, and administrative expenses, are lower in firms that disclose carbon emission reduction information than those that do not. In addition, firms with carbon emission reduction disclosures can obtain more green subsidies than those without such disclosures. To mitigate climate risk, firms should proactively engage in carbon emission reductions, which can potentially receive a positive recognition from the capital market. Our study also provides valuable insights for regulators in terms of establishing and enhancing carbon accounting standards to encourage corporate involvement in carbon reductions. JEL Classifications: Q54, Q56, G12 Keywords: carbon emission reductions, firm value, voluntary disclosures, high-pollution industries, INTRODUCTION Global climate change poses threats to ecosystems and could potentially induce unprecedented adverse effects on the global economy and society. Thus, numerous international efforts have concentrated on reducing greenhouse [...]

This study aims to comprehensively examine the determinants of household poverty in Brazil, placing a specific emphasis on the heads of households as the primary unit of analysis. Household poverty is a critical and multifaceted issue in developing countries, a reality that holds true for Brazil as well. Understanding the intricate web of factors that contribute to household poverty is of paramount importance to policymakers, researchers, and advocates dedicated to poverty alleviation and socioeconomic development. Household poverty remains a persistent challenge in Brazil, with far-reaching social and economic consequences. To address this issue effectively, it is essential to identify the factors that contribute to poverty among households, particularly those led by individuals who are the primary income earners. These households often face unique economic and social challenges that demand targeted interventions. To analyze household poverty determinants, this study utilizes data from the 'Pesquisa Nacional por Amostras de Domicilios Continua' (Continuous National Household Sample Survey) (PNADC). The dataset provides comprehensive information on the individual characteristics of the household head and household-level attributes, offering a nuanced view of the factors at play. A probit model is employed to estimate the probability of a household head experiencing poverty, allowing for a examination of various factors. The research findings reveal several significant determinants of household poverty in Brazil. Firstly, households led by men are found to be less likely to be in a situation of poverty, shedding light on gender-related disparities in income and opportunities. Secondly, households with heads who have attained higher levels of education exhibit a lower probability of being in poverty, underscoring the importance of education as a pathway out of poverty. Moreover, urban households are found to be less prone to poverty compared to their rural counterparts, since households led by individuals who work in agricultural-related activities are more likely to experience poverty. This emphasizes the need for targeted rural development strategies. Additionally, households located in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil face a higher likelihood of poverty, possibly due to regional economic disparities that require specific policy attention. These findings have important policy implications for poverty alleviation efforts in Brazil. Policymakers should consider targeted interventions that focus on improving access to education, particularly in regions with higher poverty rates, as education is a powerful tool for poverty reduction. Efforts to promote gender equality and enhance economic opportunities in rural areas are also essential to address the diverse causes of poverty. Additionally, regional disparities in poverty should be addressed through comprehensive regional development initiatives that take into account the unique challenges faced by different areas of the country. Our results also highlight the importance of community-specific social programs, including conditional-cash transfers and incentives for childhood education, which can play a pivotal role in breaking the cycle of poverty in Brazil's diverse communities. JEL Classifications: R58, I32 and O54 Keywords: Deprivation, Feminization of poverty, Regional development, Microdata., INTRODUCTION Poverty is a phenomenon that occurs in all societies and, as such, there is great interest in understanding it by seeking to identify the determinants that condition individuals to [...]

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the impact of Digital Financial Inclusion (DFI) on the profitability of banks in developing countries, by constructing a novel comprehensive DFI index and employing dynamic panel analysis. Design/Methods/Approach: The research involves a sample of 111 banks across nine developing nations from 2016 to 2020. A new DFI index was constructed to encapsulate both the access and usage dimensions of DFI, along with demographic and geographical considerations, using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The empirical framework adopted a dynamic panel model, applying two-step system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimators to analyze the data. Findings: The findings indicate a positive and significant relationship between DFI and bank profitability. This relationship highlights the beneficial impacts of DFI on the financial performance of banks within the studied contexts. Originality/Value: This research broadens the current understanding of Digital Financial Inclusion (DFI) by focusing on its impacts not only on bank stability but also on profitability and efficiency, areas not extensively covered by prior studies. Additionally, it contributes to the literature by integrating demographic and geographical dimensions into the construction of a comprehensive DFI index. This approach provides a nuanced understanding of DFI’s effects on bank profitability and represents a significant deviation from traditional studies that focus mainly on access and usage. Practical/Policy implication: Based on the findings, it is recommended that bank managers and financial service providers establish strategic partnerships to strengthen the integration of traditional banking with digital financial services, thereby boosting bank profitability. Regulators must update policies to foster an environment that supports the integration of digital innovations, while ensuring robust consumer protection and data privacy standards. Continuous investment in digital infrastructure and financial literacy is crucial, alongside rigorous policy monitoring and adaptation, to maintain a regulatory framework that promotes the sustainable expansion of DFI and addresses emerging security challenges.

This study uses the new institutional economic theory and demonstrates how the quality of the institutional environment can be correlated with the development of e-commerce in different countries. The goal is to analyze the impact of international indices that assess the institutional environment on e-commerce penetration in countries with varying levels of economic development. The international indices used include the Networked Readiness Index, the E-Government Development Index, components of the Index of Economic Freedom, and indicators from The Worldwide Governance Indicators, such as control of corruption and rule of law. The level of e-commerce penetration was measured by its share in retail trade. The study analyzed developed countries with high e-commerce penetration, like the USA, the UK, Germany, South Korea, and Singapore, alongside developing countries, such as China, Turkey, Mexico, and Kazakhstan. The relationships between e-commerce penetration and international indices were identified using correlation analysis with the calculation of Spearman’s coefficient, followed by an assessment of the statistical significance of the obtained coefficients. The analysis revealed varying degrees of association between institutional quality and e-commerce penetration. Notably, the E-Government Development Index and the Networked Readiness Index showed positive correlations with e-commerce levels in all studied countries. However, the rule of law, control of corruption, and Investment Freedom indices showed varying correlations, indicating that these relationships are influenced by factors beyond economic development, such as political systems and regulatory approaches. AcknowledgmentThis study has been funded by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan (grant IRN AP14871419 “Formation of institutional environment of electronic commerce market in Kazakhstan, its evaluation and development mechanism”).

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to contribute to the debate on the impact of organizational culture and national culture on green supply chain management (GSCM) adoption by empirically testing the developed framework, and ultimately pave the way toward potential areas for future research. Design/methodology/approach – Using survey data from a sample of Moroccan manufacturing firms, 130 responses were collected and analyzed using SPSS 25 and Smart PLS v 3.3.3 software. The paper used a convenience sample, as it is required by the quantitative method, which legitimate making generalization under certain conditions. Findings – The research results indicated that the national culture does not influence the GSCM implementation. The results contradict a number of prior works. As for the second direct effect measured postulated that organizational culture has a direct and significant impact on the GSCM. The results indicate that adhocracy culture, clan culture and hierarchical culture have a positive impact on the implementation of GSCM initiatives. To assess the impact of ownership type on GSCM, we underlined the difference between local and foreign firms. In fact, as argued, the foreign firms are more implementing GSCM initiatives than local firms do. Based on the arguments advanced on prior literature, the firm size does, as expected, exert significant control over the adoption of GSCM initiatives. Research limitations/implications – The paper here is a starting point to understand how environmental sustainability and culture are interlinked; further research might contribute to this topic by empirically testing the model in similar or different contexts, using different cultural frameworks. Practical implications – The practical implications for the paper are related to the necessity of adopting adequate organizational culture to build responsible behaviors for GSCM adoption by Moroccan firms. Recognizing the powerful role of organizational culture as a crucial factor responsible for GSCM’s success beyond the well-defined corporate strategies, including market presence and technological advantages, etc. Social implications – This paper contributes to the establishment of codependent links between sociology and management fields as it helps to update the social theories present in the operations management area. Originality/value – To the best of the author’s knowledge, few works have pursued to review and bridge cultural theories with the GSCM implementation.

Socially responsible achievements growingly not only the activities of business entities, but also the formation of the well-being of society. It is observed scholarly literature records that different conceptions of social responsibility are based on the characteristics that regulate the commercial bodies’ possibilities to participate in community obligation acts by emphasizing the strategic and financial objectives for the enterprises. The primary objective of this paper is to evaluate the impact of community interest on developing countries-Jordan as an example, and to provide an overview of the purpose the content of corporate social responsibility (CSR) with track a reviews of the scientific literature. The procedures used to investigate the scientific literature are part of the evaluation engagements. The conducted study validated a notable concern for the business sectors in Jordan and developing countries. This article outlined some of the apparent gaps in developing nations. This is noteworthy because; for the first time, scholars in developing nations are exploring closely into the idea of corporate social responsibility (CSR). By highlighting the advantages and results of speculating on (CSR) actions within their relevant sectors. The paper so lays the groundwork for corporations to engage in such activities.

Abstract This study aims to evaluate the impact of the Entrepreneurship Curriculum Programme (ECP) on students' entrepreneurial attitudes, perception of social norms and entrepreneurial intentions. This programme was implemented in upper-secondary level classes in Cabo Verde. The study also assesses if the programme has different impacts in different years of schooling and the mediating role of personal factors (gender and family models), teaching factors (differences between general and vocational education) and contextual factors (different island). The research was conducted on six islands in 4 vocational schools and 8 schools of general studies. The research compared the results of two groups: one with 947 students who attended ECP and the other with 1140 students who did not. The findings reveal that ECP impacts all the dimensions considered, the effect is differentiated throughout schooling and that other factors affect students' entrepreneurial attitudes, beliefs and intentions. From the theoretical point of view, the study reinforces the knowledge about the impact of education in entrepreneurship in contexts where there are still few studies—the context of developing countries and the context of secondary education. From a practical point of view, the study provides indications for deepening/improving the design and implementation of entrepreneurship education programmes.

Purpose: The study focused on Employee Welfare Management Practices as a determinant of Organizational Commitment among medical doctors in Developing Countries; Evidence from County Referral hospitals in Kenya. Design/Methodology: The study utilized descriptive and correlational research designs targeting 116 medical doctors. Simple random sampling technique was used. Structured questionnaires aided data collection from Medical Doctors in County Referral Hospital within Western region, Kenya. Validity and reliability of the instrument was tested. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: The study found out that Employee Welfare Management Practices had a positive and significant effect on Organization Commitment. Implications/Originality/Value: The study seeks to guide policy makers in hospitals to develop a more explicit and proactive employee welfare agenda like spacious houses or generous house allowance, transport facilitation in cases of emergency recalls, flexible work schedules with shift allowances paid. This will boost medical doctors’ commitment and enhance a harmonious and effective workforce and workplaces.

Artificial intelligence (AI) can help transform tax administration in developing countries by automating certain functions, pinpointing patterns and irregularities, and forecasting future tax collections. AI can enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and tax justice in tax administration. This paper discusses the development and deployment of AI in tax administration in developing countries. This paper outlines different AI technologies, the opportunities and challenges of using AI in tax administration, and the possible implications. The paper established that there is an increasing interest in harnessing AI in tax administration in developing countries. The challenges of deploying AI include a lack of quality data, inadequate technical expertise, and a paucity of clear legal and regulatory frameworks to govern the application of AI. The benefits of AI in tax administration were found to encompass increased tax revenue mobilisation and the attainment of sustainable development goals. Reduction in corruption, improved tax compliance, reduced tax avoidance and evasion among other benefits. The paper recommends that policymakers and tax authorities in developing countries improve data quality to support AI adoption, invest in AI research, innovation and development while supporting training in AI as well as the creation of a clear legal and regulatory framework. JEL classifications: H20, H21, H26, O33, K3 Article History: Received: June 22, 2024; Reviewed: August 29, 2024; Accepted: September 17, 2024; Available online: September 23, 2024.

The oil and gas industry is known for its rapid technological advancements and the complexity of its operations, increasingly relying on data-intensive management. As subsea projects—from exploration to decommissioning—become more complex and data-driven, integrating knowledge management (KM) and database management systems (DBMS) has become essential. The research specifically explores how KM and DBMS contribute to decision-making, utilizing a quantitative methodology through a questionnaire survey. Findings reveal that KM processes significantly improve the effectiveness of non-spatial data management, highlighting KM's crucial role in facilitating technology adoption and operational efficiency. However, the influence of KM on spatial data management and overall decision-making is found to be limited, indicating the necessity for more adaptive and integrated KM strategies that serve the unique requirements of database systems. This study underscores the critical but nuanced role of KM and DBMS in the oil and gas industry, advocating for tailored KM strategies to optimize database management. It suggests future research into the interplay of KM with emerging technologies like AI and machine learning to enhance database management. This investigation stresses the importance of holistic KM practices in effectively managing the intricate data landscapes of subsea project services, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on KM, DBMS, and decision-making in complex settings.

Abstract This research investigates the impacts of contextual factors, including organization-, project-, product-, and market-related factors, on New Product Development (NPD) process and explores how these factors shape the NPD process of the company within a specific context—a large-sized company in Thailand. By interviewing 11 managers from a large-sized company in Thailand, the findings reveal different impact of the contextual factors on the company’s NPD process. Based on these findings, we develop a practical NPD model to overcome company-specific challenges and, consequently, offer valuable insights to enhance the NPD process in similar contexts. Importantly, our findings suggest that innovative companies should strategically integrate the route-to-market for radical innovation into their NPD process because it enhances the customer perception of the innovation’s value before commercialization, leading to the success of NPD. Our empirical evidence fills the gaps in the literature regarding the practical configuration of NPD processes in developing countries as well as large-sized companies, acknowledging the variation in the NPD process that depends on contextual factors where innovation occurs. It also provides detailed insights beyond most existing studies that investigate correlation of factors with the NPD process and offers practical implications for management involved in the NPD process, emphasizing the need for contextual awareness in formulating effective NPD strategies.

The performance of midwives needs to be measured to provide guaranteed health services to mothers and children. Therefore, the aim of this study is to measure the performance of midwives using several variables, including internal branding, meaningfulness of work, work engagement, and innovative behavior, both directly and indirectly. The analysis was conducted in 29 districts and nine cities in East Java, Indonesia, with a sample of 330 midwives. Primary data were obtained by distributing questionnaires and analyzed using PLS-SEM. The research results show that all the variables tested have a positive and significant influence on midwifes’ performance. Innovative behavior has the strongest direct influence (73%), and meaningfulness of work has the weakest direct influence on midwifes’ performance (6%). Meanwhile, indirect relationships through work engagement provide a positive and significant influence, but are not as strong as the direct influence. These results offer practical insight for midwives to maintain and improve their individual performance, considering that more and more new midwives are ready to compete in providing health services for mothers and children.

Social welfare as the development of people's living standards is one of the most important socio-economic categories, which has been explained and analyzed in economic texts, and the provision of welfare of society members by different societies has been discussed among thinkers and experts for a long time. . Although welfare is a concept that is used in all social sciences, but due to the wide scope of this concept, people do not have a single understanding of it and there are confusions about what is meant by welfare. The word "social welfare" is the birth of economic and social developments and relationships of recent centuries and has become the fundamental goal of development programs in different societies until today. A goal without which development in its various dimensions (human, social, cultural, political and economic) will fail. On the other hand, according to a 10-year research conducted by the United Nations University's Global Development Economics Research Institute (unitar), most countries that have succeeded in reducing poverty and increasing access to public goods have based this progress on strong economic growth. According to Fitzpatrick, prosperity is not the goal of development, but development itself, that is, we can consider a government and a society as developed that provides the minimum or appropriate level of life from various economic, educational, health and medical dimensions for each individual and its residents. provided When developing societies cannot have a suitable level of economic growth, one of the ways out of this situation is to increase and improve the level of social welfare. Social welfare is one of the most important and attention-grabbing issues in today's world. Development and movement towards development is one of the basic issues of different societies in the world, and underdeveloped societies are trapped in the so-called vicious circle of poverty due to the lack of per capita income and countless other factors. Accordingly, one of the most important goals of economic planners is to increase social welfare in order to expand economic growth. Therefore, the present research aims to evaluate the effects of social welfare on economic growth in Iran and selected developing countries in the period of 2002-2021 using the Generalized Method of Moments. The results of the study indicate that social welfare has a very high impact on economic growth. Also, the effectiveness of the government and political stability increase economic growth.

The emergence of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) is reshaping industries worldwide, driven by rapid technological progress and the need for open innovation. This study focuses on understanding the interdependencies of driving factors of I4.0 maturity in developing countries using Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methods. By analyzing Indonesia, Pakistan, and Venezuela, the research aims to foster open innovation and address the unique challenges these nations face in adopting I4.0 technologies. I4.0 maturity models are essential for evaluating current maturity levels and identifying areas for improvement. However, the complexity and interdependence of various factors—ranging from data science and technology to policy, governance, and open innovation dynamics, such as social open innovation and the role of SMEs—complicate this process. This study employs Fuzzy TOPSIS and Fuzzy DEMATEL to identify the critical factors influencing I4.0 maturity and analyze their interdependencies and prioritization. The results indicate that 'Data and Information' and 'Willingness to Change' are crucial across all countries, while strategic differences between large enterprises and SMEs highlight the need for tailored approaches. This research highlights the importance of continuous IT investment, digital leadership, collaborative ecosystems, and agile strategies in fostering open innovation and driving I4.0 adoption. This research contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of I4.0 maturity, offering valuable insights for practitioners and academics to explore the dynamic interactions of I4.0 factors and their impact on operational efficiency.

We investigate whether the impact of corruption on firm-level performance exhibits a concave pattern. We measured corruption using a continuous variable of firm-level bribe payments from the World Bank Enterprise Surveys. Our dataset includes 23 327 firms from 140 developing and emerging countries from 2006 to 2020. Using four measures of firm performance and instrumental variables estimation, we find that corruption has a negative linear impact on measures directly linked to market performance but a concave impact on measures focusing on inner processes. Further, larger firms and foreign firms are less negatively impacted by corruption. Importantly, controlling for a concave relationship amplifies the differences across different types of firms.

AbstractThe empirical literature on the association of cash flow volatility and debt maturity structure is limited and inconclusive. This article investigates the impact of cash flow volatility on debt maturity structure, and the interaction effect of cash flow volatility and fixed assets on debt maturity structure. This article applies the two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM) method and uses 1672 non-financial public listed firms for a 10-year period starting from 2011 to 2020. The findings indicate a significant negative association between cash flow volatility and debt maturity structure of firms in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and African countries. Moreover, the interaction of cash flow volatility and fixed assets is significantly and negatively related to debt maturity structure in MENA and African countries. These findings suggest the need for firm-managers to effectively manage the cash flow risk and consider collateral benefits of fixed assets when choosing the debt maturity structure.

AbstractThe e-government approach continually changes the ways in which the government system serves the public. E-Services include a number of necessary steps to ensure the successful realization of services by institutions for development and administration. This article covers the e-growing services’ trends, effectiveness, and the problems associated with addressing the situation, with a view to providing efficient services. The study is organized into key sections, beginning with an introduction that outlines the research problem and objectives. The Background Theory provides insights into existing knowledge on e-governance challenges and civil service models. The theoretical framework establishes the conceptual basis, while the methodology section details the research design and data analysis techniques. In order to generate data for the case study, content analysis and survey methods were employed. The research suggests that the virtual nature of the Internet and its dynamics can enhance public service and new users’ ability to conduct secure transactions in e-commerce. The study concluded that e-Government is necessary to manage future problems and respond to current and historical occurrences in order to improve people’s confidence. Knowledge regarding the reduction of present and future inefficiencies, the probability of efficiency, and the cost of alternative outcomes helps mitigate their effects. Regulatory, legal, engineering, and procedural procedures, as well as education, capacity building, and continual updating of technology, pose challenges related to e-service. The main problems in public service involve the three levels of staff and management: seamless management and coordination at the federal, provincial, and local levels.

AbstractThis study investigates the effects of corporate governance (CG) attributes on firm value (FV), considering the moderating effect of ESG performance. This study considers the three strands of corporate governance, thus board’s structural, diversity and process attributes, which have not been considered in prior studies. The study employed the Common Correlated Effects Mean Group (CCEMG) and the Augmented Mean Group (AMG) for the empirical analysis. The study utilized a quantitative research methodology sourcing data from 362 manufacturing companies from Sub-Saharan Africa from 2010 to 2022. The findings indicate that regarding board diversity attributes, both gender diversity and the presence of foreign nationals exhibit positive associations with FV. Regarding board structural attributes, independent boards and board size also influenced FV positively. However, CEO duality shows a negative assosciation with FV. Regarding the process attributes, holding regular board meetings enhances FV, while low meeting attendance negatively affects FV. Moreover, the study also evidenced that ESG performance exerts a substantial positive impact on the link between CG and FV. The findings underscore the need for policymakers to enact stringent regulations compelling firms to integrate ESG principles into their governance structures, as it enhances firm value.

AbstractFinancial education mediated by technology has the potential to reduce disparities in financial literacy in developing countries. Technology-mediated financial education provides numerous advantages, such as scalability, cost-effectiveness, adaptability and the capacity to reach underserved populations. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge the existence of certain obstacles in this context. These challenges encompass issues such as insufficient infrastructure, disparities in access, language and cultural barriers, as well as the exclusion of marginalized communities. This research article critically examines the existing body of literature on Technology mediated financial education in developing countries and highlights three significant domains that warrant further investigation: comprehensive evaluations of long-term effects, comparative analyses of different delivery approaches and the development of inclusive research methodologies. The research also provides suggestions for policymakers, educators and practitioners, which encompass investing in digital infrastructure, engaging in collaborative efforts with stakeholders, designing customized interventions and implementing comprehensive monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

This study was carried out to evaluate the recent trends and implications of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh. Due to its cost-effective workforce, potential market, rapidly growing economy, advantageous geographical location, and other pertinent factors Bangladesh has become one of the most enticing developing countries for foreign direct investment (FDI). Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were used. The trends and implication of FDI was assessed through different variables such as Net FDI inflow in Bangladesh, FDI inflows as percentage of GDP of Bangladesh, sectoral FDI inflow in Bangladesh, net FDI inflows from top 10 countries and by sectors, net FDI flow by EPZ and non-EPZ areas, no. of employment by FDI, FDI inflow by components, GDP, export, import, balance of payment, foreign exchange rate, inflation and corporate tax rate, which were then analyzed using different statistical measures, such as growth percentage, trend equations, the square of the correlation coefficient and correlation matrix. Thirteen trend equations and R-squared were tested for different relevant variables of FDI. To estimate the implication of FDI in Bangladesh, seven hypotheses has also been tested. Among them, the trend values were positive for eleven variables. The square of correlation coefficient (R-squared) of most of the equations is more than 0.7, indicating well fitted trend equations. According to the results of this analysis, FDI has positive correlation between GDP growth, exports, imports, employment in EPZs, and exchange rates. However, there is a significant negative correlation between corporate tax rate and inflation rate. By introducing beneficial FDI policies, providing substantial investment incentives, streamlining pertinent regulations, minimizing bureaucratic procedures, and through better infrastructure Bangladesh must act swiftly to entice more foreign investors. Despite adopting lenient FDI regulations, the government musthave to ensure facilities like more export processing zones, easy access to IT facilities, maintaining stable foreign exchange rates, encourage FDI from leading nations, an attracting new foreign investment source. By implementing these policies into practice, Bangladesh can boost up economic growth and may attract more FDI. This study proves that there is room for FDI to increase in the future and supporting economic growth of Bangladesh. JEL Classifications: F21, F23, F24, F31 Keywords: FDI, Economic Development, Export Processing Zone, GDP, Bangladesh, INTRODUCTION The flow of direct investment equity into an economy is known as foreign direct investment (FDI). The total of equity capital, reinvested earnings, and other capital makes up this [...]

The smallholders' transformation from the passive nature of farming using crude implements into active and rewarding market participation remains problematic. Over the years, smallholder farming and market have been associated with trails of many middlemen, farm gate sales, and consumption. However, there is a lack of information on the recent changes that have occurred due to government intervention, globalization, and the fourth industrial revolution in Nigeria and many other developing countries. Hence, this study investigates the smallholders' market participation, level of participation, determinants of the smallholders' market participation, driving force behind the smallholder farming, tractor-use, and tractor-use impact on the smallholders' market participation. A multistage sampling technique was applied to select 280 smallholder farmers for the research. Descriptive statistics and propensity score matching (PMS) were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that the smallholders' market participation level is low. Most smallholders (62 percent) could not sell up to 50 percent of their products. The study showed that smallholders participate in the market at different output sales levels, with most tractor-users participating in the market at a high output sales level. In contrast, many non-tractor users participated at low output sales, indicating poor market participation. Most smallholders sell their produce at the farm gate to date. Smallholder tractor use remains low. Only 28 percent of the total respondents used tractors. The PSM analysis revealed that tractor-use significantly impacts the smallholders' market participants alongside the education level, area cultivated, and access to information on farming activities such as market information. The smallholders' involvement in another occupation negatively impacts their market participation. The year(s) of farming experience did not positively impact the smallholder's market participation, which could be due to poor adoption of technology. The farming and market participation seems unchanged, with most individuals, not collective smallholders, not frequently producing for the market. Their market participation has not experienced meaningful progress despite income generation forming the major motive behind their farming. It is true that some smallholders mainly produce for consumption, but the sole purpose of ensuring households' food security is the least reason many households embark on farming. Positive transformation of the smallholder into active and mainstream market participation is possible if technology, including tractor, and suitable approaches are adopted, as evidenced by this research among smallholders who used tractors. It was recommended that the smallholders' tractor-use issue be prioritized in all policies addressing the smallholders' market participation. Smallholders should not be viewed as farmers who only went into farming for consumption. JEL Classifications: C01, D40, M31, N7, O00, O13 Keywords: Challenges, farm-gate, Impact, levels, mechanization, motive, INTRODUCTION Smallholder agricultural transformation' entails a shift from traditional farming systems to modern and technologically dynamic agriculture that promotes welfare gain, high productivity, product diversification, value addition, and interaction with [...]

Introduction: Social networks, as an important dimension of social capital, contribute positively to people’s subjective well-being. By having a support network of friends, family or neighbors in difficult moments of life, people can experience greater happiness. Objective: The objective of this research is to analyze the relationship between physical social networks and the subjective wellbeing of heads of household in Ecuador. Methodology: Data from the National Survey of Employment, Unemployment and Underemployment (ENEMDU) of Ecuador and econometric techniques such as the ordered probit model and quantile regression were used to explore the existing heterogeneity along the distribution of the well-being variable. Results: The results reveal that there is a positive and heterogeneous relationship between the variables studied, with the magnitude of the correlation being greater for unhappy heads of household. That is, physical social networks improve well-being in the most unhappy individuals. Conclusions: Policy implications highlight that social and recreational centers should be implemented and strengthened, and the quality of services and physical spaces where physical social networks are built should be improved. For example, sports spaces, cultural events and collective activities should be promoted where people can build social networks that lead to social cohesion and promote well-being

PURPOSE: This study aims to identify the differences and similarities in the innovation systems of developing vs. developed countries that influence SMEs’ adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies. There is a notable absence of comparative research between National Innovation Systems (NIS) of developing and developed countries. Additionally, the current scholarly conversation lacks a holistic view of NIS. Our study aims to fill these gaps by employing Lundvall’s framework to explore both developed and developing countries’ systems comprehensively. METHODOLOGY: The data was collected through a Systematic Literature Review, identifying a total of 695 publications from SCOPUS, Web of Science (WoS), and ProQuest. The PRISMA process was adhered to, resulting in 32 papers undergoing quality evaluation using Gough’s ‘weight of evidence’ guidelines. Twenty-nine primary papers were selected, comprising twelve from developed countries, another twelve from developing countries, and the remainder from both categories. Using Qualitative Meta-synthesis (QMS) with ATLAS.ti, a systematic alignment of codes with research inquiries pertaining to NIS ensued, revealing a multifaceted spectrum of findings across these scholarly investigations. FINDINGS: We found that there are similarities and differences between the innovation systems of developed and developing nations. The similarities include the intra-firm interactions taking place between managers and workers, inter-firm relations between the SMEs and Academia and other SMEs, as well as the role of the government in providing funding and regulation (albeit at significantly varying degrees). The most significant differences observed were in the funding mechanisms, the role of the government, and the R&D systems. It was found that governments in developed countries provided SMEs with substantial incentives, tax credits, and subsidies to adopt 4IR technologies, which appears to positively impact the adoption rate. We conclude by developing a conceptual framework for the NIS necessary for the adoption of SMEs’ 4IR technologies in developing countries. IMPLICATIONS: This study contributes to the literature on innovation systems by examining the NIS of both developed and developing countries. This analysis allows us to gain deeper insights into how specific aspects of each country (developed or developing) affect (positively or negatively) SMEs’ adoption of 4IR technologies. Practically, it informs governments in developing countries on which aspects to focus on in their NIS to increase the rate of the adoption of 4IR technologies by SMEs. ORIGINALITY AND VALUE: A distinctive aspect of this study lies in the creation of a comprehensive conceptual model delineating the essential components of the innovation system pivotal for the successful integration of 4IR technologies within SMEs. This model is designed to serve as a practical tool for governments in developing countries, providing a structured framework to facilitate and enhance the strategic development of their innovation landscapes.

The established system of global economic relations functions on the basis of a mechanism that provides for an asymmetric level of "benefits" between developed and developing countries. As a result, an American, Swede or, for example, a Swiss consumes 40 times more of the Earth’s resources than the average Somalian, eats 75 times more meat than an Indian and burns 150 times more electricity than the average Nigerian. These statistics could go on and on, but suffice it to say that even the average cat in England consumes twice as much protein as the average resident of Africa. According to a report by scientists published by the Royal Society, a child in a developed country consumes 30 to 50 times more water than a child of the same age in a developing country. In 2010, nearly one billion people did not get the minimum amount of calories they needed, despite the fact that global calorie consumption increased by an average of 15% between 1969 and 2005. Meanwhile, more people in the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa live on less than $5.50 a day today than in 1990. The maintenance of the existing order is based on several economic "pillars", which make it impossible to change the established foundations in favor of weaker economies. Such pillars are: availability of technology, production capacity, human and financial capital in more developed countries, which makes it possible to produce goods in demand on the market with high added value, which ensures the development of the non-equivalent exchange mechanism; the functioning of the global financial system, which contributes to the formation of a surplus of financial capital in developed countries and its deficit in developing countries; attractiveness of the image of developed countries as a destination for emigration, education, travel, purchase of residential and non-residential real estate, and other investments. A significant part of the natural, financial and human resources of weaker countries, one way or another, are involved in the national property of more developed ones, increasing their overall level of resource security, competitiveness and efficiency, leading to a further gap in development between the countries of the first world and "other worlds".

The purpose of the research is to answer the question that, despite all efforts to increase comparability at the international level, has this been achieved in the countries of Iran and the UAE? In the current research, 50 companies from Iran and 55 companies from the UAE were investigated from 2012 to 2021. To determine the comparability of financial reporting, Barth's model at the year-industry-company level, and to test hypotheses, combined/combined regression analyses and t-statistics with two independent samples were used in EViews 9 software. The research findings show that during the research period, the trend of comparability of financial reporting in the developing countries of Iran and the UAE has been increasing. The results show that the average comparability of financial reporting in Iran compared to the UAE was significantly higher. In both countries, the effect of company size on the comparability of financial reporting was positive and significant, while the effect of information asymmetry was negative and significant. In Iran, the effect of the company's growth on comparability was negative and significant, and in the UAE, it was positive and significant. In Iran, with the growth of profitability, comparability has decreased, but in the UAE, it has increased. Investigating the process of comparability in a comparative manner with other countries, as well as quantitatively calculating comparability using Barth's model, has increased the richness and development of theoretical foundations within the country

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Purpose: This paper provides a systematic review of challenges faced by multinational companies in developing countries, in particular the African region. Design/methodology/approach: This paper review relevant literature aimed at addressing the research question: “What are the challenges faced by cross border investments as they expand into Africa? The paper discusses the findings and proposes various recommendations to the challenges with the aim of improving the investment environment in developing countries to boost economic activity. Findings: Major challenges identified to be impacting cross border investments in developing countries are Political environment, regulatory environment, diversity and multicultural challenges, Leadership, Governance and Economic environment. For the purposes of literature review, the term cross border investments may be interchanged with Multinational Companies. The paper concludes by highlighting areas for future research. Paper type: Review Paper

Research Question: Does Covid-19 crisis moderate significantly the relationship between mandatory International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption and economic growth in developing countries, especially in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region and SSA (Sub-Saharan Africa) countries? Motivation: Two sources of motivation are behind this study. First, research works on the impact of mandatory IFRS adoption on macroeconomic indicators such as economic growth are still scarce. Second, studying the impact of mandatory IFRS adoption on economic growth before and during the Covid-19 crisis allows to better understand this relationship in times of crisis. Idea: This article aims to investigate the moderating role of Covid-19 crisis in the relationship between mandatory IFRS adoption and economic growth in developing countries. Tools: The study was conducted based on panel data from 30 developing countries (15 MENA countries and 15 SSA countries) during the period 2017–2020. Collected data were analysed by using the Generalized Least Squares (EGLS/weighted cross-section) with fixed effect estimation technique. Findings: The main results of the study show that mandatory IFRS adoption has a positive impact on economic growth of the full sample, and that this positive impact is reduced during Covid-19 crisis. Contribution: The study results are very useful to policymakers and regulators in developing countries, especially in crisis periods.

Our robust findings based on the recently developed methodology of sequential (twostage) estimation of linear panel-data model (SELPDM), alongside the two-step system GMM model contributes significantly to the extant literature on the determinants of foreign capital flows in developing countries. Our focused discussion on the push and pull framework and its effects on foreign capital flows using annual data for a panel of 47 developing economies over 2000 to 2019 draws interesting observations. We find the role of market size is more nuance for FDI flows than for any other types of capital flows, furthermore on the side of domestic drivers, host countries trade openness, quality of institutions, capital account openness and the level of financial development matter to all the capital flows. Whereas, on the other hand, global risk aversion, US bond yield, shadow rates, global returns and liquidity were found to be significant drivers of substantial amounts of capital flows to the developing world. Our findings suggest the relative merit of global factors over the domestic once in explaining significant surges in the capital flows to the developing economies. In essence the study suggests key domestic fundamentals and global factors for sound policies to induce surges in foreign capital for developmental goalmouths.

Abstract This paper merges the literature on green and high-quality entrepreneurship by introducing environmental orientation as an unrecognised characteristic of start-up quality and the three quality dimensions innovativeness, growth orientation, and international orientation. Entrepreneurship literature argues that only high-quality start-ups contribute to sustainable development and that a better understanding of what determines the quality of start-ups is required. Empirical research has recently shown that the environmental orientation of start-ups is one such determinant, as it significantly predicts their innovativeness. This paper pursues this novel research avenue on the importance of environmental orientation for start-up quality in two ways. First, this paper evaluates and extends this initial evidence on environmental orientation and innovativeness by examining a three times larger sample, covering additional countries and entrepreneurial stages. Second, this paper also analyses the impact of environmental orientation on the quality dimensions of growth orientation and international orientation. Investigation using Global Entrepreneurship Monitor data on 9650 entrepreneurs from 51 countries revealed that start-ups with a higher environmental orientation are of superior quality regarding their innovativeness, growth expectations, and exports. These results remain robust for start-ups at different entrepreneurial stages, and tests employing different methodological approaches and variable definitions. However, the categorisation into factor-driven, efficiency-driven, and innovation-driven countries showed that greener start-ups are more innovative in countries at all three levels of development, while the relationships with growth orientation and international orientation remained significant for only two of the three categories. The findings of this paper provide a new approach for practitioners to identify the small number of high-quality start-ups and an economic reason warranting intensified efforts to support green start-ups.

South Africa is a country that is open to trade, and this makes the study significant as economic institutions work better in such countries. The underperformance of South Africa's economy stems from the difficulties in achieving institutional change where state-owned companies such as Sasol benefit the most in the oil, gas and chemical industries. This is because SoEs are the main suppliers of natural gas sourced from Mozambique. This implies that Sasol's customers are the price takers, meaning that whatever the price of gas set by Sasol, it will be difficult for Sasol's customers to oppose it since there is no competition within the market. Entrepreneurs in developing countries with poor economic institutions struggle to grow their businesses due to property insecurity, barriers to market entry, and biased contract offering. The study employed the ARDL to determine the long-run relationship between economic institutions and economic growth, whilst the pairwise Granger causality test was used to determine the direction of the established cointegration. The study used annual time series data for the variables included in the model sourced from World Development Indicators (WDI), the global economy, and Transparency International for the period 1995 to 2020. The estimated ARDL model included the following variables; Gross Domestic Product Per Capita (GDPPC), Property Rights Index (PRI), Corruption Perception Index (CPI), Government Expenditure Per Capita (GOVEXPP), and Trade openness (TO). The study's findings indicate that PRI as a proxy of economic institutions promotes economic growth in South Africa. The results further show that all other variables also promote growth except CPI. The pairwise Granger Causality test indicates that there is a direct causality between economic institutions and economic growth. The economic policy implication in this regard is that South Africa's government should invest the majority of its public expenditure on human capital to improve the skills of unemployed youth, potentially increasing their employability. Consequently, better economic institutions could be implemented or created. JEL Classifications: E14 Keywords: Economic Institutions, Economic Growth, ARDL, Granger Causality, South Africa Corresponding Author's Email Address: reamahapa@gmail.com; ireen.choga@nwu.ac.za, INTRODUCTION Economic institutions have a significant impact on the growth process in terms of the distribution of resources amongst the poor and the rich. According to North (1990) institutions are [...]