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Framework of managerial interventions for the enhancement of port organizational ecosystem’s resilience
The purpose of this research is to present a conceptual model of Port Organizational Ecosystem (POE) resilience and to develop a framework of managerial interventions to enhance POE resilience in the conditions of high uncertainties. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through focus group interviews and analysed using thematic and statistical methods. The analysis identified key challenges, including global supply chain disruptions, technological advancements, and governance-related issues, emphasizing the critical role of adaptable governance frameworks in mitigating these challenges. Findings reveal that while technological innovations pose challenges, they also offer tools to enhance operational sustainability and resilience. The research highlights managerial weaknesses that complicate these challenges, underscoring the need for managerial interventions focusing on engagement, diversification, and compliance. Research implications suggest the necessity for adaptive leadership and governance structures that promote inclusivity and strategic foresight. Practically, this paper outlines a framework of managerial interventions for improving POE resilience, offering valuable insights for port authorities to integrate worldwide best practices into their operations. This study contributes original insights by linking governance patterns with resilience enhancement, providing a structured approach to understanding and improving POE resilience in the global maritime landscape.
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Quantitative assessment of human capital in Latvia
The importance of human capital has been a subject of discussion for several centuries. Over time, various methods for its quantitative assessment have been developed, each offering its own insights into the role of human capital in economic growth of a country. The study focuses on the case of Latvia by analyzing different types of quantitative human capital indicators. The study reviews existing methodologies used for a quantitative assessment of human capital, including indicator-based, cost-based and income-based methods, as well as six human capital indicators such as the human capital index by the World Bank, the human capital index by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, and the global human capital index by the World Economic Forum. The results show that, in five out of six indicators, Latvia ranks between the 21st and the 39th place in the world. However, some indexes offer outdated information or place a big focus only on one specific metric. Based on these findings, the authors of the paper propose a new quantitative approach for assessing human capital that integrates labour market, education and health indicators and metrics. The new approach shows that there is room for human capital potential in Latvia.
Intentions to consume dietary supplements among Gen Y: extended planned behaviour model
The attention drawn by COVID-19 in terms of health improvement has included usage of dietary supplements; it is viewed as a means of boosting immune systems and hence supporting a better overall physical condition, The research intends to establish the determining aspects of the intention to consume dietary supplements among those of Gen Y. Extended theory of planned behavior was adopted to develop the framework for this study. The empirical study used primary data generated from Gen Y individuals aware of their consumption. A total of 449 respondents were collected and data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicated five positive and significant influences on the consumption of dietary supplements by Gen Y: the perceived behavioral control over the use of supplements; need for supplement consumption; health information-seeking behavior; perceived social pressure; and trust in the supplement brand. It is evident that attitude toward dietary supplements significantly mediates the relationship between the social media subjective norm and health information seeking and the intention to consume the dietary supplements. Despite increasing studies on dietary supplement consumption, not much has been done on the aspects influencing intention to consume dietary supplements on the part of Gen Y.
Specific features of social development of territorial communities in Ukraine under martial law
The article presents the results from a study on the social development of specific communities in the Dnipro, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv regions of Ukraine under martial law. The purpose of the article is to present the results from an analysis of the current state of social protection for residents in territorial communities across the Dnipro, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv regions. The object of the article is the system of providing social services to citizens by municipal social institutions at the local level. The main provisions of the article are based on a survey of more than two hundred experienced employees of social institutions and facilities. It is shown that despite the military operations, local self-government bodies manage to fulfil the social obligations that the state has to its citizens. The article describes the main problems in the implementation of social policy at the local level: the devastating impact of war, professional burnout of specialists due to staff shortages and an increase in the volume of responsibilities, and an increase in the number of those who can apply for social assistance. It is proved that in the near future, the problems of protecting orphans, families in difficult life circumstances, and military personnel who will be dismissed from the Defence Forces of Ukraine will become more acute.
The antecedents and consequences of sustainable involvement towards fair trade products: moderating effect of perceived consumer effectiveness
This research focuses on the role of personal values and consumer social responsibility in shaping enduring involvement and purchase intention of fair trade products, taking into account the moderating effect of perceived consumer effectiveness. This study aims to examine how these psychological and behavioral factors interact to influence consumer decisions regarding fair trade, and to identify under which conditions involvement translates into actual purchase intention. A study was conducted with 593 Tunisian consumers. The results of this study highlight the complexity of the relationship between enduring involvement and purchase behavior, revealing the influence of factors such as personal values and perceived consumer effectiveness. The study also shows that altruistic values are crucial for enduring involvement but are not sufficient to trigger purchase behavior. Furthermore, stimulation, as an individualistic value, positively impacts purchase intention. It was also found that fair trade consumers prioritize international solidarity over the geographical origin of the products. This research contributes, among other things, to addressing the gap in research concerning fair trade.
Systematic review and mapping of governments’ sustainable initiatives and entrepreneurial expectations
This systematic literature review aimed to map existing governmental practices aimed at achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and comparing them with entrepreneurial expectations. The primary objective was to identify gaps in existing policies concerning sustainability initiatives. The review employed a systematic search strategy in one of the primary scientific publication databases over the last three years, focusing on Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Inclusion criteria involved studies addressing “sustainability” and “state interventions”, and synonyms. The assessment methodology incorporated PICO criteria and content analysis, with rigorous double-check controls. A total of 367 studies on sustainability interventions were included, with in-depth analysis of 185 articles. The review highlighted that those governmental measures primarily concentrated on pivotal factors crucial to entrepreneurs, such as robust policies, investments, and effective communication strategies. The synthesis of findings from this systematic review emphasizes the importance of bridging gaps between governmental sustainability initiatives and entrepreneurial expectations. It illuminates key areas where policy alignment could be optimized, offering insights into additional factors pivotal for a more comprehensive and effective approach towards achieving SDGs. Using the PICO methodology to evaluate the effectiveness of applied interventions, authors concluded that while this methodology can improve research question formulation and evidence identification in social science, our review found that studies often lack a clear statement of the problem, rarely report intervention failures, and seldom present alternative approaches.
Family cyberloafing and work-life balance: digital coping with work–family conflict across generations
Work-family conflict (WFC) often undermines employees’ well-being, yet the coping role of family-related cyberloafing (FCL) across generations remains unclear. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study examines relationships among WFC, FCL, and work-life balance (WLB) and tests whether these links vary for Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. Survey data from 309 married Indonesian women were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling and multi‐group analysis. In the full sample, WFC reduced WLB, whereas FCL independently improved WLB. Multi-group analysis revealed that only the relationship between WFC and FCL differed by cohort, positive and significant for Generation X but non-significant for Millennials and Generation Z. At the same time, the influences of WFC and FCL on WLB were consistent. These findings confirm TPB-based mechanisms and highlight the need for generation-sensitive flexibility and technology policies to support work-life balance.
Assessment of service quality of wholesale construction and finishing materials sales companies: case of Lithuania
Customer service is one of the main factors influencing the success of a company’s operations, as it directly determines customer satisfaction, loyalty and the company’s image. High-quality service encourages customers to return and strengthens long-term cooperation. This article analyses customer service principles and their significance, and service quality assessment methods that identify problem areas and ensure high service standards. The main criteria for assessing service quality are discussed, such as employee professionalism, speed of service, clear and polite communication, understanding customer needs and problem-solving effectiveness. The importance of feedback in improving service quality is emphasised, and customer satisfaction measurement methods are discussed, including surveys, feedback analysis and service quality methodologies. The article also underlines that continuous assessment of service quality and customer service improvement is essential to achieving long-term business growth, customer loyalty and competitive advantage. Therefore, this article aims to determine how customers assess the quality of service of wholesale construction and finishing materials sales companies, i.e., their expectations and the actual situation. A systematic analysis of scientific literature and the SERVQUAL method is used to achieve this goal. The results obtained show that companies in this sector, due to the specifics of their activities, pay little attention to meeting customer expectations. However, they still have to assess and consider customer expectations to achieve a high-quality service standard. This is the only way to adapt to market changes and ensure long-term success more effectively.
The EU Green Agenda legal framework and economic growth in developing countries: a panel EKC approach
With the rapid rate of climatic change and environmental degradation, sustainable economic growth with conservation of the environment has turned into a question of highest priority and concern for the world, especially for developing nations. The study aims to interpret the European Green Agenda legal framework and its implications for the green economy of developing countries using the Environmental Kuznets Curve EKC as a basis of panel estimation. The research method used is quantitative, using data from 1990 to 2024 from the World Bank Indicators. The econometric approach is based on panel data employing the Environmental Kuznets hypothesis for further empirical estimation. The variables included in the model are Carbon Intensity CO2, and GDP per capita growth in a panel of 6WB countries such as Kosovo, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia. The main hypothesis testing is that the developing countries face greater CO2 emission in their attempt to grow economically, which is also the main hypothesis under the Environmental Kuznets Curve. The study finds a U-shaped relationship function between GDP per capita growth and Carbon Intensity CO2 in the case of the Western Balkans under study circumstances. The greater the GDP per capita growth (above the turning point level of 4259.69), the greater the Carbon intensity. The study further concludes that the EKC hypothesis does not have universal implications depending on the stage of country development and the period under investigation. This study is very important for several reasons: first, it is the first testing the basic EKC hypothesis for the Western Balkan countries and adds to the literature the fact that the EKC hypothesis is not universal; second, by using econometric models of panel data, it tests the EKC hypothesis and proves the opposite, an U function; between CO2 and GDP per capita growth and third, the study emphasizes the importance of the European Green Agenda towards sustainable economic growth and environmental protection.
Exploring future scenarios for Latvia’s regional business incubators
The research demonstrates that since 2007, the business incubator programs administered by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) have significantly boosted regional entrepreneurship in Latvia. These programs provide essential support to young entrepreneurs, promote employment, stimulate entrepreneurship, and enhance the quality of life in the regions. Additionally, they increase export capacity and tax revenues. In this period, business incubators have been operated by the state, universities and private companies. The research analyzed future scenarios for the further development of regional business incubators in Latvia. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and expert assessments, the study considered Latvia’s economic and social goals and strategic directions for regional development, underscoring the critical role of business incubators in promoting regional entrepreneurship and societal well-being. The research explored the possibility of transferring the administration of regional incubators to private companies, universities, or municipalities, which could impact regional economic development. A detailed assessment of previous LIAA programs concluded that various organizations, including private companies and universities, could effectively manage regional business incubators, fostering innovation and new product creation.
Leveraging IT use in healthcare records management: impact on customer satisfaction and financial performance through knowledge transfer and absorptive capacity
This research looks at how IT use in managing healthcare records benefits organizational performance. This paper addresses a critical research gap by examining how the implementation of IT affects performance through organized learning mechanisms, absorptive capacity and knowledge transfer effectiveness, two under researched components from prior healthcare IT literature. Based on organizational learning theory, the study proposes internal capabilities mediate the relationship between the use of IT and organizational performance. A quantitative survey of 304 healthcare professionals was conducted, with data analysed using structural equation modelling and SmartPLS. The findings indicate that IT use has a substantial impact on knowledge transfer, and that knowledge transfer mediating the relationship between absorptive capacity and both customer satisfaction and financial performance. This study theoretically extends the discourse on IT enabled organizational performance by focusing on the role of organizational learning in the IT performance relationship. In practice, it provides operational ramifications for health-care leaders by emphasizing the need to align digital investments of that organization with its learning strategy to increase its sustainable performance improvement. The theoretical and empirical contributions conferred by this research are one of providing an integrated framework integrating IT use, organizational learning mechanisms, and performance outcomes in healthcare settings.
Engagement and flow in the job satisfaction of volunteers at a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Peru
The objective was to analyze how engagement and the state of flow influence the job satisfaction of volunteers. The design was non-experimental, cross-sectional, and the sample consisted of 1023 volunteers, selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Validated questionnaires were used: a) the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (Schaufeli et al., 2003); b) the Flow Experience Scale (Bakker, 2008); and c) the Job Satisfaction Scale SL-20/23 (Meliá & Peiró, 1998). Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted. Data were collected and processed using SPSS, AMOS, and SEM. Both flow (0.703) and engagement (0.557) have a significant influence on the job satisfaction of volunteers, with both factors being relevant for improving job satisfaction. The state of flow is a stronger predictor than engagement. It is concluded that there is a significant and positive influence of engagement and flow on the job satisfaction of volunteers. The study of these topics confirms the importance of fostering engagement and flow among volunteers to enhance their job satisfaction.
What do we (not) know about agricultural economic resilience? Insights from the systematic literature review
The present paper explores the current state of knowledge about the agricultural economic resilience phenomenon. By applying a comprehensive and multifaceted literature review approach the emerging research fields in the area, current level of the operationalization of the agricultural economic resilience notion and challenges in the measurement of the agricultural economic resilience are discussed. The research is supplemented by the bibliographic analysis, which indicates the five main thematic areas in the agricultural economic resilience field evolving around food security issues, hurdles in measuring the agricultural resilience, systems-network approach on the agricultural resilience, agricultural ability to adapt to external perturbations and importance of the agricultural economic resilience in assuring the decent livelihood for the rural population of the least developed regions. The potential perspective research avenues for the future research on agricultural economic resilience are proposed.
Exploring search strategy for systematic literature review: evidence from the International Journal of Management Reviews
Systematic literature reviews (SLRs) advance management theory and practice by synthesizing knowledge in a structured and transparent manner. However, inconsistent reporting of search strategies limits replicability and methodological rigor. To address this gap in reporting standards, the main objective of this article is to explore successful search strategies for SLRs in management research. We further propose a distinction between transparency (conceptual replication) and practical replication to clarify what constitutes a replicable review in this field. We conducted a systematic review of 57 SLRs published in the International Journal of Management Reviews and propose five criteria that search strategy reporting should meet to ensure replicability: (1) provision of a search query, (2) reporting of the query execution date, (3) indication of the search timespan, (4) clear presentation of inclusion/exclusion criteria, and (5) specification of the document sections screened (e.g., title, abstract, full text). Our findings show that most reviews support conceptual replication by providing the search query, timespan, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and screened document sections; however, practical replication remains rare due to missing details – especially the search execution date. To improve future SLRs, we recommend: (1) disclosing the review team’s underlying research paradigms and beliefs to clarify the perspective behind the synthesis, and (2) ensuring diverse team composition from the outset – or, if constrained, explicitly acknowledging such limitations. Ideally, review teams should encompass diverse contexts and paradigms aligned with the scope of the review.
IFRS convergence and international trade: evidence from comparison of Türkiye and European Union
The congruence of accounting standards with high-quality financial data constitutes a cornerstone of the institutional frameworks of modern economies. The adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) facilitates greater transparency and comparability in financial reporting, enabling more effective allocation of resources and capital. This process enhances the stability of financial systems, improves corporate governance, and supports integration into global economic framework. This study seeks to address the following research questions: (1) How does the adoption of IFRS by Turkey influence its trade flows with the EU? (2) How do income disparities between Türkiye and EU member states interact with IFRS adoption to affect bilateral trade? (3) What is the macroeconomic importance of IFRS adoption to Türkiye’s overall trade balance? Through answering these questions, this research intends to contribute to filling an important gap in literature. The results of this research; First, IFRS adoption by Turkey reflects an immense positive impact both on exports and imports, with exports bearing more impact. This research draws attention to IFRS adoption’s role in promoting financial transparency, optimizing bilateral flows, and minimizing trade deficit in Turkey. Second, how IFRS adoption interacts with disparities in per capita income tells us more about trade behavior. Third, macroeconomic consequences of IFRS adoption are reflected in how IFRS adoption decreases Turkey’s trade deficit. The results indicate that IFRS adoption encourages exports more than imports, which points to IFRS adoption acting as an instrument to raise competitiveness and overall Turkish trade balance. This finding answers the third research question, which draws attention to how instrumental IFRS adoption is to frame trade policy and economic integration.
international financial reporting standards
The study of factors affecting on COSO ERM success and its consequences: an empirical research of Thai-listed companies
The goal of this study was to look at the causes and effects of the COSO ERM success of the companies listed on the Thai Stock Exchange. The internal resources and capabilities including effective AIS design, top management support, and internal auditor competency are assumed to become the antecedents of COSO ERM success. Moreover, the consequences of COSO ERM success are sustainable value creation, achieve strategy and goal, promote efficiency and effectiveness, financial reporting quality, and compliance with law. Thai-listed firms were used as research subjects, and data from the chief internal control was collected via a mail survey process and a questionnaire. The overall findings show that successful COSO ERM is influenced positively and significantly by effective AIS design, top management support, and internal auditor competency. Additionally, the achievement of strategy and goals, promotion of efficiency and effectiveness, quality of financial reporting, and legal compliance are all positively impacted by COSO ERM success. Moreover, achieve strategy and goal, promote efficiency and effectiveness, financial reporting quality, compliance with law all have a positive, significant impact on the creation of sustainable value. Overall, the results demonstrate that excellent AIS design, top management backing, and internal auditor expertise are required for a company to develop both COSO ERM success and long-term sustainable value generation.
R&D impact in the changes of economic structure of population
Research and Development (R&D) plays crucial role in the technological progress, and thus it can be seen as facilitator of the economic development. It is widely known that the importance of the research is not only in economic aspect but also in the technologic aspect. On the other hand, not all of countries have possibility to develop such researches, as it requires huge financial support, and professional human capital. As a result of these investments and technological developments, changes on the employment rate in each sector are evident. The study is focused on measuring the impact of R&D in the changes of the economic structure of population. In the study are included thirty world countries divided in three groups: ten countries with largest GDP, ten with largest GDP per capita and ten Balkan countries. Structural Equation Model is used to measure the impact of almost three decades until pandemic COVID-19. From the analysis conducted, the results show that, investments in research and development and innovation have positive impact on the economic structural of population.
Influence of transport air pollutants on climate change in EU: case of Lithuania
The purpose of the research paper is to observe and analyse how the motorization rate of EU countries influence climate change during the last decades in terms of inventory of emissions of air pollutants from transport, giving an example of Lithuania. Passenger cars are a major polluter, accounting for 61% of total CO2 emissions from EU road transport. EU approved directions to transitioning to fossil-free transport and reducing car use in future to make the European Union carbon neutral by 2050. Research methodology is statistical analysis of motorization rate growth and air pollution in the EU countries during the period of 2014–2024. In the research paper the quantitative analysis and comparison method are applied. Findings: research paper shows that in the EU countries motorization rate is growing very fast. However the consequences of this vary from country to country. Significant disparities arise from the age of the vehicles, the type of fuel utilized, and the turnover rate of passenger cars, resulting in the current fleet not achieving an adequate decrease in CO2 emissions. This research examines the correlation between motorization levels and CO2 emissions across several EU countries over recent decades and offers potential solutions to this issue.
Exploration of social dimensions of sustainable behavior
As climate change and inequality spur interest in sustainable lifestyles, insufficient attention focuses on the social dimension encompassing equity and wellbeing-oriented conduct. Limited measurements capture facets like frugality, sufficiency, and altruism, obscuring motivational nuances. Addressing persistent gaps, this exploratory sequential mixed-methods research developed and validated a multidimensional scale assessing components of individual social sustainability behavior. The initial qualitative generation of 167 items from established surveys enabled breadth. An expert review panel then evaluated content validity quantitatively through statistical relevance ratings and qualitatively via open-ended feedback on gaps and terminology issues to refine facets. Analyses informed iterative adjustments, resulting in a 45-item pool demonstrating sound psychometric properties. Quantitative techniques found strong internal reliability (α >.80) and confirmed dimensionality in distributing items across volunteering, charitable giving, conscious consumption, lifestyle simplicity, equity promotion, and community building sub-scales. Confirmatory factor analysis met thresholds for acceptable model fit. Qualitative inputs crucially enhanced practical resonance and specificity. Findings provide initial evidence of a valid, generalizable measurement of the social sustainability domain, encompassing cooperative civic engagement, frugality, and lifestyle moderation behaviors on the individual level. The parsimonious instrument promises utility for research and community initiatives advancing this complementary sustainability facet. Practical implications and scholarly contributions are discussed.
Bibliometric and visualized analysis of work engagement in business management
Within business management, the growing interest in work engagement stems from its recognised role in mitigating employee well-being, bolstering job satisfaction, and optimising organisational outcomes. This review comprehensively explores the knowledge structure of work engagement in business management, analysing 563 publications from the Scopus database spanning 2005 to 2023 through performance analysis, co-citation analysis, co-authorship analysis, keyword co-occurrence analysis, and content analysis. This review outlines prevailing trends and identifies influential scholars, articles, institutions, and leading countries. It illuminates the current state of scientific collaboration, providing a rationale for developing countries to seek academic cooperation with developed countries. Additionally, it delves into six current themes and four future directions, providing a robust theoretical framework for future research endeavours.
Financial performance and capital structure dynamics of the high-tech startups in the Baltic region
This study examines young fast growing technology startup companies in Baltic region. Employing unique datasets of startups financial accounting data from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia comparative and correlation analysis between growth, profitability and financial leverage indicators reflects how lifecycle stages influence startups profitability and capital structure. By analysing the development patterns of innovative products, investment phases, and capital structures, the research aims to uncover the strategic choices made by startups at different stages of their lifecycle and the implications of these choices on their financial performance. By comparing startups with other control groups in hi-tech and traditional industries research provides empirical evidence on the unique developmental trajectories of startups which enhances the strategic decision-making capabilities of investors and policymakers by providing a deeper, empirically grounded understanding of how startups differ from other sectors in terms of growth, profitability, and capital structure dynamic.
Estimation on the attractiveness of public transport: Vilnius city case
The paper analyses the attractiveness problems of urban public transportation in the context of promoting sustainable mobility and multimodality. The article is based on the methods of scientific literature and analysis and qualitative research analysis. The analytical-methodical section of the article discusses the principles of sustainable mobility and multimodality, assess the possibilities of their application. In the research section, the expert analysis that evaluates Vilnius public transport attractiveness is presented, and affecting problems are assessed and considered. Re-search results have shown that experts agree on the issues (factors) that affect the attractiveness of public transport. These factors have been ranked in order of priority and relevance from 1 (big-gest problem) to 10 (smallest problem). In conclusion, the paper presents a structural model which aims to promote and increase the attractiveness of public transport system.
Factors influencing technical competencies in digital marketing of MSMEs in wholesale and retail sectors: the mediating role of core competencies
While technology is essential for the survival of micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs), their ability to use digital marketing effectively, especially in the wholesale and retail sectors, remains unclear. The study aims to investigate the current state of digital marketing capabilities and the influence of behavioral competencies on technical competencies through the core competencies in digital marketing. The research approach included surveying a sample size of 400 MSMEs in the wholesale and retail sectors. The collected data was analysed using a combination of descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling approaches. This study highlights the crucial role of core competencies in digital marketing. It suggests that strong behavioral skills positively influence technical skills by first impacting core competencies. The findings of this research show that improving behavioral and core competencies has a substantial and positive impact on the technical competencies in digital marketing. Including, the primary goal of developing digital marketing abilities should be to hone behavioral and core competencies since they will contribute to a demonstrable enhancement in the technical competencies of digital marketing.
Uncertain new technologies – economics of ground effect vehicle operator
New technologies and vehicle types have become available for transportation and logistics in the recent decade. One of the such is Ground Effect Vehicle (GEV), which in new reinvented form is using electric propulsion, new lighter materials and could be without onboard pilots. These could be used in coastal and archipelago types of areas, where distances are relatively short. In this research is introduced economic and business case evaluation of GEV in the context of Canary Islands. Aim is to build understanding from financial success of GEV. Simulation model incorporates number of uncertainties, like usage life-cycle of fleet, fleet investment cost, interest rates, lower cargo volume development in the early years and possibility for passenger transports. Analysis shows that success depends quite much on cargo pricing, and the interest of customers to pay premiums from faster delivery. Being operator of GEV offers possibility for profitability, but if most of uncertainties take place, then investments might increase too much and result on significant losses. Research provides added value on discipline development and better alternative on spreadsheet and cost focused models.
Assessment of sustainable road transport in Lithuania
Road transport plays an important role in our lives. In Lithuania, passenger road transport accounted for more than 47% in 2022, and freight road transport more than 87% of the transport sector. Up to 15% of the Lithuanian population works in this sector (in 2020). However, road transport is one of the most polluting. In 2021, it represented 72% of all greenhouse gas emissions from EU domestic and international transport. In order to solve this problem, the EU plans to ban the sale of vehicles with internal combustion engines by 2035. So, the question arises: what challenges will the country’s transport sector face, what measures/innovations will it adopt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? To answer this question, the article analyzes the road transport sector and identifies measures to improve the sustainability of the sector, increase turnover, and observes the impact of those measures on road transport turnover. The purpose of the research is to determine the factors affecting the circulation of passengers and cargo by road transport based on scientific literature and to empirically verify their influence on the sustainability of the country. In order to achieve the set goal, the analysis is carried out in two blocks: the study of the turnover of road transport cargo and the study of the turnover of road transport passengers. The following methods are used for the research: correlation regression analysis, forecasting. The research results are important for policy makers and practitioners in the context of sustainable transport development.
Relationship of CSR, innovation, human resource practices, and competitive advantage: a test of two mediation models
In the dynamic business environment, manufacturing companies need a competitive advantage for long-term survival, and this can be achieved by focusing on CSR, HR practices, and innovation. While CSR is often viewed as a tool for enhancing corporate reputation and addressing societal concerns, its potential to drive innovation and contribute to a sustainable competitive advantage remains underexplored. Additionally, the role of human resource practices in mediating these relationships is not well understood. This research seeks to address the gap in the literature by examining the relationships between CSR, innovation, human resource practices, and competitive advantage, and investigating how these elements interact to help organizations gain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market environment. The current research aims to highlight the influence of CSR on competitive advantage. Moreover, it also examined how mediation mechanisms of innovation and HR practices influence the effect of CSR on competitive advantage. The current study utilized quantitative research approach and the data were gathered from the managers of manufacturing companies in Jordan. The results highlighted that CSR significantly influences innovation, HR practices, and competitive advantage. Furthermore, innovation and HR practices both significantly mediate the relationship between CSR and competitive advantage. The findings of this study can act as a guideline for managers of Jordanian manufacturing companies aiming to achieve competitive advantage.
Social enterprises as a tool for supporting housing supply in compliance with the Agenda 2030
There is a space at the interface between the public and state sectors and the private profitable, market sector for the operation of the social economy. The social economy is a socially beneficial area in solving social problems in many countries of the European Union and is still consolidating its position in terms of the Agenda 2030. The paper presents a framework of new and unexplored issues, where the novelty a current overview of the role of social enterprises in providing housing support for low-income groups in regions of the Slovak Republic with elevated unemployment rates, in alignment with the objectives set forth in Agenda 2030. We also focus on the potential of social enterprises in solving the issue of housing for people with insufficient income in marginalized communities, as this area has received little attention in Slovakia. As part of the empirical part, we conducted an analysis of the development of social enterprises and their establishment in the regions. Since a quarter of the social enterprises are located in the least developed regions, where unemployment is significantly worse than the Slovak average, we examined by correlation whether there is a dependence between the number of available job seekers of working age in % of the working age population in individual regions of the Slovak Republic and the number of social enterprises established in the regions of the Slovak Republic. From empirical research, we can identify that social housing enterprises are an important tool that helps solve the issue of housing for people who do not have sufficient income to secure it however, the absence of effective financial support results in their uniform composition.
Corporate social responsibility, work engagement and hospital image: the roles of hospital reputation, organizational trust and information technology application
This study investigates the mediating role of hospital reputation (HOR), organizational trust (ORT), and the moderating role of perceived usefulness of information technology application (ITA) in the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR), work engagement (WOE), and hospital image (HOI). Using survey data from 586 healthcare workers employed at public hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the study employs partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the measures and hypotheses. The results reveal that effective CSR practices not only foster a positive work environment and enhance WOE but also significantly improve HOI. HOR and ORT partially mediate the impact of CSR on WOE and, alongside WOE, act as crucial mediators in the CSR-HOI relationship. These findings confirm that organizational reputation and trust are foundational to building sustainable relationships between organizations and employees while also strengthening the hospital’s image in the community. Furthermore, the study identifies perceived usefulness of ITA as a significant benefit that positively modifies the impact of CSR on HOI. From these results, practical managerial implications are proposed for hospital leaders to enhance WOE and HOI through the implementation of CSR and ITA practices.
Improving obsessive-compulsive buying through brand attachment and hedonic value: customer-based brand value
This study aims to explore how hedonic value influences obsessive-compulsive buying behavior by examining the mediating roles of brand attachment and customer-based brand value. The research addresses inconsistencies in previous studies on the influence of hedonic market value on obsessive-compulsive buying by integrating brand attachment and customer-based brand value as key factors. The literature review reveals a gap in understanding the mediating role of these variables in the relationship between hedonic value and compulsive buying. Six hypotheses were developed and tested using PLS-SEM within a sample of 246 customers in Central Java, Indonesia. The results highlight that customer-based brand value significantly mediates the impact of hedonic value on brand attachment, which in turn enhances obsessive-compulsive buying. Additionally, the study finds that brand attachment directly contributes to the increase in compulsive buying behavior. The findings suggest that a positive customer experience, influenced by strong brand identity, is crucial in fostering brand attachment and subsequently driving obsessive-compulsive purchasing. This research provides a comprehensive understanding of how hedonic and brand-related factors interact to influence consumer behavior.
Emergent approach to business resilience: a study of Ukrainian enterprises
This study aims to profile the emergent behavioral responses of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ukraine to radical market changes and identify the cause-effect relationships that ensure their resilience through an emergent approach to strategic management. The article analyzes the results of a survey of 500 enterprises within the project “Advisory Support to SMEs in Ukraine Amid the Military Crisis”, implemented by CMC-Ukraine with support from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). Data were analyzed using MS Excel and RStudio. The study found that strategic decision-making profiles varied by sector. Grouping responses by functional areas (marketing, operations, finance, HR, digitalization) helped identify emergent strategy frameworks for different company clusters. These best practices were applied in the project “Access to Finance and Support for the Resilience of SMEs in Ukraine”, funded by Deutsche Sparkassenstiftung für Internationale Kooperation, which ran from February to August 2023.