ABSTRACT. Pedestrian fatalities remain a major concern for road traffic authorities worldwide even in South Africa it is the case where 40% of pedestrians are killed on the road (Road Traffic Management Corporation, 2023). There are many challenges which contribute to the high rate of pedestrian fatalities in South Africa. Pedestrians are vulnerable road users, when they are struck by a vehicle, the chances of surviving are very less as compared to vehicle collisions. The inability of road traffic authorities to prioritise pedestrian safety is a major problem and more should be done to ensure that road users are safe whenever they are on the road. This qualitative article adopted the non-empirical research design: Systematic review. This study is completely based on the secondary data. A systematic review was done in detail for the collected literature. The key findings indicated that road users are not obeying the rules of the road and pedestrians are not wearing reflective clothes at night which put them at risk of being involved in road traffic accidents. Findings further indicated that pedestrian safety is not given necessary attention by road traffic authorities and lack of resources also contribute to inadequate response towards safety of road users. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made: it is recommended that the road users be provided with road safety campaigns to get more information about the importance of adhering to the rules of the road. It is recommended that road traffic authorities should be capacitated with resources to address pedestrian fatalities. It is accordingly recommended that road traffic authorities should develop partnerships in addressing pedestrian safety in South Africa.

ABSTRACT. HEIs - Higher Educational Institutions have recognized the potential of co-creation to solve innovative real-life problems through multidisciplinary teams. Co-creation allow students to become producers, partners, and co-creators (Zarandi et al., 2022), leading them to take responsibility for the learning experience as well as develop critical thinking to propose new, innovative ideas and alternative approaches (Cruz et al., 2022). Cruz et al. (2022) discuss the primary benefits of co-creation in HEI to students, HEIs, and teachers. For students, co-creation presents an opportunity to enhance their skills, have more practical classes, boost self-confidence, foster a sense of belonging, increase engagement, improve the quality of interactions, be more involved in the learning process, and encourage a critical and reflective approach. Students became better prepared to address the challenges of the marketplace. Concerning HEIs, the importance of HEI image and trust, student loyalty, organizational commitment, strengthening of marketing activities, and improved services is emphasized. For teachers, it is noted that co-creation can lead to impactful teaching experiences, providing teachers with more time to guide students and personalize the teaching experience, ultimately leading to student satisfaction and trust in the teaching staff. Co-creation helps students to think, to questioning, to engage and to find their own solutions. The emphasis on co-creation is in line with the idea of people working together to collectively influence the future of organizations, and possibly changing organizational cultures. As noted by Michalik (2023, p.31), “The more heterogeneous the group is and the more pronounced the individual aspects are, the greater the potential of the whole”. Ranjan and Read (2016) mention that the value of co-creation has two significant dimensions: co-production and value-in-use; which Dollinger et al. (2018) reuses in its co-creation model in HEI. According to the author, co-production pertains to the collaborative process between students and organizations during the design phase, focusing on knowledge, equity, and interaction rather than the final outputs. In contrast, value-in-use refers to the benefits people experience when they start using the co-created products or services, which can be assessed through experience, personalization, and relationships.

ABSTRACT. This paper explores the use of game design as a motivator to increase participation and interest, with a focus on the specific experience of gamifying my differential equations course. In today’s changing world we see how game design effects how we get our news, engage with our friends and family, how many TV shows are produced and consumed, and so much more. Some of this can be harmful, like the spread of fake news. While some can be entertaining, like watching Survivor or voting in American Idol. In all these cases, the science behind how game design motivates people is at the core of our relationship with these experiences. What is of great interest, is how can we develop innovative strategies in the classroom (or workplace) that incorporate this science and help to foster more participation and engagement in a positive and productive way. I will start this paper by exploring the reasons for incorporating game design as a means for motivation in the classroom and how I utilized the concepts to think about my teaching and classroom culture. Particularly, I relied on the work done by Chou (2019) and Sheldon (2020). Gamification can be viewed as what Chou (2019) calls Human-Focus Design, which “optimizes for human motivation in a system as opposed to optimizing for pure functional efficiency within the system (pg. 9).” Chou’s work is largely based on his Octalysis Framework, which defines eight drivers used in the creation of strategies to engage and motivate people. These eight drivers include: epic meaning and calling, development and accomplishment, empowerment of creativity and feedback, ownership and possession, social influence and relatedness, scarcity and impatience, unpredictability, and loss and avoidance. Chou’s work helped me think about the big picture, while Sheldon’s (2020) work, which focuses on how to create a “multiplayer classroom”, gave me more tangible ideas about how to develop aspects of game design in my course. The majority of this paper will be about the innovative game-based strategies I incorporated in my course. Including different types of assessments and activities. The most successful of which was the inclusion of an economic component. In one of the case studies presented by Sheldon (2020), a teacher used an economic system into his class, “though which students are rewarded and can purchase advantages for themselves (pg. 47)”. Our currency was called Differential Equations Coins (DECs). Students earned these in a variety of ways, such as: being to class on time, handing in assignments on time, bonuses on quizzes, and each student had 10 they could give to other students. They then used the DECs to purchase different power-ups. They could buy The Power to Turn back Time (which allowed them to hand in assignments the following class period), The Power of Replacement (which allowed them to replace their lowest quiz grade with the average or their other quiz grades), The Power of Recall (which allowed them to have open notes on any exam), and The Power of Recall with Home Field Advantage (which was offered for their second of three exams and allowed them to take the exam as a take home open note exam). Every student in both sections of this course were able to earn enough DECs to use open notes on all exam and take their second exam as a take home. Any DECs not used by the end of class were converted to raffle tickets and on the last day of classes we held a raffle with different promotional materials from the university (umbrellas, flashlights, measuring cups, blue tooth speakers), other silly items, the opportunity to decorate my office door, and lunch with members of the math faculty. Although this strategy seemed to be the most motivating to students as a whole, this paper will discuss other innovative game-based strategies used throughout the course which students also shared to be highly motivating. Finally, I will highlight some of the challenges I faced, what changes I am making going forward, and how I will be implementing similar strategies into a general education mathematical modeling course.

ABSTRACT. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the stronghold of economies and societies worldwide. In Zimbabwe, as in any other country, there is a realisation that SMEs are innovative, flexible and require low startup capital. There is an increased interest in pursuing SMEs as a poverty reduction strategy and as a roadmap to higher living standards. SMEs in Zimbabwe are divided into two sectors, namely the service and the manufacturing sector. SME manufacturers encompass almost every facet of the local economy, such as food processing, toiletry production, the garment, leather and rubber industry, metal fabrication, furniture manufacturing, construction and art. Most research that has been done on the influence of employee perception of equity (EPE), organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) on organisational commitment (OC) and turnover intention (ITS) has been on large organisations and little attention has been paid to SMEs. Studies on employee perception of equity and organisational citizenship behaviour have not filtered down to SMEs in developing countries. The primary objective of the study is to investigate the influence of OCB, EPE and OC on ITS in Zimbabwe’s SME sector. It also sought to ascertain the kind of relationships between OCB and OC, EPE with OC, OCB with ITS, EPE with ITS and finally OC with ITS. This study sought to determine whether there are any group differences with regard to SMEs employees perceptions on OCB, EPE, OC and ITS according to gender, age and industry type. A quantitative research method was used. 300 structured questionnaires were distributed to SMEs in five major cities. Data was analysed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM). The data were collected from SME employees. The findings of this study show that there is a significantly positive influence of OCB on OC in the Zimbabwean SMEs. There is significant strong positive influence of EPE on OC. There is also significant positive relationship between employees’ OCBs and their OC in Zimbabwe’s SME sector. There is a strong positive significant relationship of EPE with ITS and there is a strong positive relationship between employees OCBs and employees’ ITS in Zimbabwean SMEs. Finally, the results reveal that gender, marital status and industry type of the respondent influence OCBs, EPE, OC and their ITS in the Zimbabwean SMEs. Given that today’s business environments for SMEs are characterised by high levels of competition, lack of finance and uncertainty, it is recommended that SME managers should adopt good and proper management styles so that they can make good decisions. Scanning the environment is also necessary for competitive advantage not only for SMEs but also for large firms.

ABSTRACT. Businesses and democracies thrive in a population with informed citizens. Public opinion polling helps businesses, economic and pollical leaders identify different market segments or socio-economic issues based on demographics, psychographics, and behaviours, and gauge how consumers and the populace perceive a brand or align or disagree with political or social issues that affect their daily lives. Through public opinion polling and market research, businesses can create advertising and communication to address brand effectiveness, redefine product development, improve brand management and sustainable strategies. By monitoring and responding to public sentiment via polling, businesses can adapt and thrive in a dynamic and ever-changing marketplace. Public opinion research and business have a symbiotic relationship, as insights derived from public opinion research can significantly impact business strategies, economic policies, decisions, and outcomes. The World Economic Outlook grouped the sub-Saharan Africa region as an emerging or developing economy.

ABSTRACT. Understanding the intricate interplay between culture and international management is crucial in today's globalized business landscape. This paper explores the profound impact of culture on decision-making, communication, and organizational dynamics within multinational corporations. Culture acts as a lens through which managers interpret the world, significantly influencing strategic choices and operational decisions. Cultural nuances in values, norms, and risk perceptions shape managerial approaches to market entry, resource allocation, and organizational structure across diverse international contexts.

This research aims to focus primarily on the impact of culture on global economic development, the strategies required to navigate the complexities of cultural diversity, and the opportunities and challenges that emerge in this dynamic landscape. The overarching research thesis postulates that cultural dynamics profoundly shape international business practices, influencing core values, negotiations, communication, and even sustainability efforts. The understanding of this thesis is of utmost importance for businesses seeking success in an ever-globalizing world. The exploration unfolds in a progression, beginning with a historical context that lays the foundation for understanding the pivotal role culture plays in international business, followed by an examination of how culture shapes global markets, and the profound impact of diverse cultures on international business practices. Subsequently, attention turns to the critical matters of sustainability and how culture influences both environmental and social sustainability. Finally, strategies for continued success are outlined, emphasizing the necessity of embracing cultural diversity and employing technology and cross-cultural education as key tools to bridge cultural gaps. Effective communication is essential for successful international management, yet cultural disparities in styles, language, and nonverbal cues often pose challenges. Managers must adeptly navigate these cultural intricacies, employing sensitive communication strategies to foster collaboration across geographically dispersed teams. A business enterprise must develop successful approaches to take into account a country's specific cultures. A prosperous business will lock into communication styles, negotiation techniques, and other specific business practices that reflect a country's cultural differences. Achieving cultural awareness will give a business a ticket to competing in a global market and create favorability of international customers. Moreover, cultural diversity within multinational organizations drives variations in leadership styles, teamwork dynamics, and employee motivation. Embracing this diversity can foster innovation and creativity but requires inclusive environments that celebrate differences while promoting shared organizational values. Navigating cultural diversity is more than an essential skill; it is a strategic requirement for international business. To succeed, businesses must recognize the foundational role of culture within their organizations and align core values, missions, and organizational culture with the cultural contexts in which they operate. Further, understanding cultural norms and behaviors in negotiations is critical. The paper argues for investing time and resources in cross-cultural training and education to empower business professionals to navigate these challenges, leading to more successful international negotiations. Additionally, the role of technology cannot be understated in overcoming communication barriers stemming from cultural diversity, fostering collaboration and idea-sharing across the globe. The exploration aims to underline that recognizing and effectively navigating the challenges and opportunities of cultural diversity is essential for international businesses, enabling more successful global practices and addressing critical issues such as sustainability and harmonized global efforts.

In summary, culture permeates every aspect of international management, influencing strategic decisions, communication dynamics, and organizational culture. Cultivating cultural intelligence and cross-cultural competency enables managers to navigate global business complexities effectively, fostering collaboration and sustainable success in the international arena.

ABSTRACT. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Social workers were essential to ensuring social justice. However, social workers often receive help that is different from what they provide to clients. The question then is, who helps the helper? This paper explored the experiences of Social Workers in balancing work and personal life during the pandemic. Guided by an interpretivism paradigm, the study followed an explorative design and a qualitative research method. Eight registered Social Workers working in a Child Welfare NGO were selected using a purposive sampling. Data was gathered using semi-structured interviews. Braun and Clarke’s (2015) Inductive Thematic Analysis was used to analyse data. Results indicate that social workers do not experience work-life balance similarly. The subject experiences were influenced by how Social Workers appraised the contextual and personal demands. The study found that creating a balance between work and personal life for Social Workers in NGOs that provide child welfare services is unrealistic. Work takes much of their time, energy and personal resources. Social Workers advocate for work-life integration instead of creating a balance between work and personal life. Therefore, the notion of balance between work and personal life does not exist in this context. Contrary to what is shared in the literature on work-home interface experiences of Social Workers, this study found that the experiences are not always negative. Positive experiences can come from the interface between work and personal life. The findings of this study serve as a stepping stone for preparing for future pandemics, especially in terms of employee and organisational wellbeing.

ABSTRACT. The growth of online shopping has been a global trend driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. In South Africa, the online retail sector recorded just over R30 billion worth of revenue in 2020, with the apparel sector (including footwear) worth R7 688 billion (MarketLine, 2021b). Designer footwear has become the ultimate status symbol for millennials (born between 1985 and 2000), who are spending more money on clothing and footwear than any other consumer cohort in South Africa (Morency, 2018). Footwear is starting to feature as a prominent segment in millennials’ online apparel purchases. Therefore, South African retailers should aim to understand and address the online needs of this consumer cohort to have a wider reach on this target audience. Consequently, an understanding of the factors that influence millennials’ e-satisfaction experience is imperative to South African retailers, specifically considering that it will enable online retailers to retain customers and increase overall retailer profitability in the long term.

ABSTRACT. The use of online data offers many advantages for marketing and social science researchers in marketing, management, information systems, psychology, and other related fields. Innovations in online data collection has resulted an increased prevalence of use of relatively inexpensive online data for marketing and consumer research across disciplines (Fahimnia et al., 2019; Porter et al., 2019). The many advantages offered by online data sources must be balanced with a cautious respect for potential drawbacks for online data. While there are many studies that have addressed data quality issues related to Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) and other online sample sources, there are relatively few studies that examine the underlying mechanisms for the specific respondent antecedents that are associated with low quality participant performance. We use a series of studies to examine the underlying reasons associated with the low quality participant performance in marketing studies using primary data collected from various online sources. Specifically, across various study contexts and online data sources including unrestricted MTurk samples, moderately vetted MTurk samples (90% approval ratings), highly vetted MTurk samples (CloudResearch), and professionally managed panels (Qulatrics, Kantar), we examine differences in survey response satisficing and its effects on downstream consequences in consumer experiments. We examine differences and downstream effects for an explicit multi-item measure of response satisficing, defined as the participant’s decision to provide minimally adequate responses to satisfy the experimental task, rather than responses that accurately address the questions and constructs being assessed by the researcher (see Krosnick, 1991; Roberts et al., 2019; Simon 1955). We address the three following research questions: 1) What are the effects of survey response satisficing, as well as respondent behaviors related to satisficing (e.g., multitasking during the response process) on attention check outcome measures, and how do these effects differ across alternative online data sources (e.g., CloudResearch, unrestricted MTurk sample, and professionally managed panels)?

2) Do satisficing segments (low versus high satisficing levels) vary across different online sample sources and differ in their performance on attention check measures?

3) How do segments of participants with higher and lower satisficing levels perform on anticipated effects of experimental manipulations? Specifically, how differently do higher satisficing participants perform in responses to experimental manipulations compared to lower satisficing participants?

ABSTRACT. The Swiss Compagnie Financière Richemont SA - founded in 1988 by South African businessman Johann Rupert - is the third largest luxury conglomerate in the world. Unlike its biggest competitors, Richemont has a particularly strong focus on watches, jewelry and writing instruments. Due to its strong dependency on the hard luxury sector, the company has experienced turmoil during the economic crisis of 2008 and in 2020 with the continuing pandemic. Their core business was continuously exposed to numerous disruptive developments. Technical advancement such as man-made diamonds as well as the rise of smart watches were significantly changing the paradigm of the hard luxury sector. With the ever-changing environment of their core business, Richemont decided to foray into online luxury retail by acquiring a majority stake at YOOX NET-A-PORTER Group, one of the leading e-commerce companies for luxury goods. With its ambitious vision for the YNAP Group, the further acquisition of a leading pre-owned watch selling platform as well as the partnership with the Chinese e-retail giant Alibaba, Richemont found a new focus. It seemed that the former specialist in precious stones, diamond jewelry and timekeeping were reinventing themselves. The case aims to discuss (a) the unique properties of the hard luxury sector (b) the logic of unrelated diversification of Richemont (c) the leverage of their core competency to foray into the e-commerce market (d) the paradox and the challenges of investing in e-commerce business. Will it be the disruptor in helping LVMH connect with Millennials?

ABSTRACT. The global demand for blood has increased, worsening shortages and highlighting the need for sustained blood donation. Non-profit blood donation organizations strive to secure blood supplies by fostering donor loyalty, yet retention remains low. This study aims to investigate the effects of trust and commitment on the loyalty behaviours of GenZ blood donors, aiming to enhance donor retention strategies within non-profit blood donation organisations. Data was gathered through a self-administered online questionnaire targeting registered blood donors aged 18-24, who had donated within the last three years. The questionnaire measured trust, commitment, behavioural loyalty, and word-of-mouth advocacy. A total of 158 usable responses were collected. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used for data analysis, assessing the measurement model for validity and testing hypothesised relationships among the constructs. The study found that trust significantly influences commitment, which in turn strongly affects both behavioural loyalty and word-of-mouth. However, the direct impact of trust on behavioural loyalty was not supported. To enhance donor retention, it is recommended that blood donation organisations should focus on building trust and fostering commitment among blood donors. Implementing targeted communication and engagement strategies could strengthen these relationships. The research contributes to the understanding of relationship marketing within the non-profit sector by validating the commitment-trust theory in the context of blood donation. This highlights the critical role of trust and commitment in driving donor loyalty and retention.

ABSTRACT. The use of same-day delivery service grocery shopping apps has the potential to greatly impact the patronage and subsequent profitability of grocery retailers. With the aid of the S-O-R framework (Mehrabian and Russell 1974), this study investigates possible drivers of continued intention to use these shopping apps amongst customers. Although the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) confirms the importance of ease of use and usefulness in technology design to facilitate technology adoption (Ma & Liu, 2005), this study provides a more comprehensive picture of consumers’ continued intention towards the use of same-day delivery service grocery shopping apps by incorporating the S-O-R framework. The authors argue that according to the S-O-R framework a response (continued intention to using same-day delivery service grocery shopping apps) occurs because of changes in individual cognition and affect (enjoyment and price value) because of perceived stimuli such ease of use and usefulness). It was also considered whether enjoyment and price value mediate the relationships between ease of use, usefulness, and the continued intention to use same-day delivery service grocery shopping apps. Moreover, the inclusion of individual factors (the app users perceived innovativeness and facilitating conditions) as moderators unearths further insights in the relationship between perceived stimuli and organism (cognition and affect).

ABSTRACT. This paper summarizes some of the complex history behind the economic relationship between U.S. and China. China’s internationalization, propelled by policies that encourage outward education and innovation, had led to a major increase in Chinese VC investments in the U.S. Silicon Valley area. However, recent shifts in the nature of the U.S.-Chinese relationship has led to a decrease in economic exchanges. Numbers of Chinese students in the U.S. has declined as has US FDI in China and even Chinese VC investments in America- including in the San Francisco Bay area. We shed light on the current trajectory of these topics by examining VC investments across a wide variety of industries at three stages: Proof of Concept, Pre-Commercial Funding, and Institutional Funding. Together, these findings enable us to consider the future of the U.S.’s relationship with China.

ABSTRACT. Artificial intelligence (AI) systems are inherently risky because how they work is not knowable in detail and how the different elements of an algorithm interact is also not knowable. Monitoring over time will improve understanding of AI systems. Testing the system comprehensively would take a long time and how the elements in the AI system interact would still not be known with great certainty. Hence, there is a need for qualitative and quantitative metrics to measure and quantify the risks inherent in AI systems and to predict an AI system’s response or behaviour. Lessons about social acceptance of AI systems could be learned from the introduction of electric vehicle technology that engaged the public and involved stakeholders. Technoeconomic analysis draws out the financial implications and economic benefits of technologies such as AI systems. Risk with AI systems is trust-based and minimising risk will enhance the adoption of AI systems. However, focusing on AI regulation to minimise risks does not guarantee the safety of AI. AI risk reduction requires regulation and innovation.

ABSTRACT. Ana has over 20 years of experience in innovation & tech transfer. Her career began in San Francisco as a researcher with a Fulbright scholarship, evolving into a role as a corporate entrepreneur. Ana drives growth and innovation through technology, startups and ecosystems development. Ana graduated in Microbiology by the Portuguese Catholic University and has an MBA from Porto Business School, where she is an Invited Professor. Additionally, Ana is an Invited Associate Professor at ISEG. Ana is also an Expert Evaluator in Horizon Europe for European Commission.

ABSTRACT. Founder/CEO at Sound Particles, a company that creates 3D audio software which is used in all major Hollywood studios in productions such as Dune, Game of Thrones, Indiana Jones, Frozen, Mission Impossible, Oppenheimer, StarWars. A former university professor, author of 2 books and more than 20 papers in audio research. Over the years, Nuno has done presentations in places such as Disney, Pixar, Skywalker, Warner Bros, Universal, Sony Pictures, Fox, Paramount, Netflix, PlayStation, Blizzard, Apple, Google, Stanford, TEDx.

ABSTRACT. This study focuses on how trade agreement affects the agriculture exports and foreign aid in SACU economies from year 2010 to 2021. The key issue of the paper is the analysis of the impact of trade agreements on the agriculture sector, and the foreign aid flows within the region. The identified threshold dynamic methodology is used to pinpoint the non-linearities thresholds that could possibly have affected agriculture exports at the magnitudes significant to be considered. Trade agreements have been one of the major unfolding factors which have been pushing agriculture exports up in SACU economies in the last decade. The results provide evidence that a decrease in trade foreign aid is likely to lead to a decrease in agriculture exports in SACU. While, GDP growth also has a positive impact on agricultural exports as it implies economic development which is a significant factor of the agricultural export performance. Moreover, GDP per capita(GDPC) also observed to yield a negative response regarding agriculture exports, hence GDPC is pivotal in ensuring the competitiveness of exports. These results underline the need to take into account various factors when measuring the impacts of trade treaties on selected agriculture exports and foreign aid in SACU economies. The paper gives useful insights into the intricate ties between trade agreements, agriculture exports and foreign aid in SACU economies, showing that the authorities involved should consider the threshold relationships when creating future trade policies.

ABSTRACT. The study aims at understanding how different social economy initiatives (SEI) create value. To achieve this goal, value measures are tested in relation to a business model framework, offering a comprehensive explanation of classification and analysis. The research emphasizes the importance of considering the commitments and constraints inherent in persistent or innovative business model profiles through comprehensive data analysis and statistical testing. Some SEIs may exhibit characteristics of both persistent and innovative profiles simultaneously, potentially leading to a state of underperformance. Although SEI profiles in the PIM model do not directly influence overall social value creation. They do specifically impact subjective social value, with innovative SEIs yielding greater relief than "stuck-in-the-middle" counterparts. Despite funding constraints and social innovation disparities, SEIs can generate significant value. Resource availability, ecosystem support, and innovation capability play pivotal roles in driving social relief. Notably, business model innovation, donations, and bank support correlate with subjective social value. Regular value assessment enhances relief provision, with innovative SEIs exhibiting the most enduring impact. While workforce size affects beneficiary outreach, a balanced ratio of two employees to each volunteer is preferable. Despite the potential overstatement of the value proposition in relation to the social problem, the average of relief is high, corroborating the theoretical recommendation. Establishing a dependable method for analyzing business models becomes crucial in shaping effective strategies for SEIs and guiding investment decisions. This research presents connections between value creation, and social business, contributing to enhanced understanding and informed decision-making processes in the social economy sector.

ABSTRACT. This research paper will analyze the pros and cons of globalization on various aspects of society. The aspects that this paper will focus on will include the following, labor markets, environmental sustainability, cultural homogenization, and income inequality and pros and cons of each if any. Globalization and sustainability are two dynamic forces that have significantly shaped the contemporary world. This paper delves into the intricate relationship between globalization and sustainability, exploring the multifaceted ways in which these phenomena intersect, intertwine, and often present both opportunities and challenges for global development.The benefits of globalization, such as increased economic growth and global corporations, are obvious, but the challenges, such as income inequality and environmental degradation, are not. The future of globalization is characterized by geopolitical uncertainty, climate change threats, and the need for more attention to sustainable practices. The process of globalization, characterized by increased interconnectedness, interdependence, and the flow of goods, services, information, and people across borders, has undeniably transformed the economic, social, and cultural landscapes. While globalization has led to unprecedented economic growth and technological advancements, it has also given rise to environmental degradation, social inequality, and ethical concerns. Consequently, the pursuit of sustainability, defined by the United Nations as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, has emerged as a critical response to the negative externalities of globalization. On one hand, globalization has the potential to advance sustainability by facilitating the dissemination of green technologies, fostering international cooperation on environmental issues, and creating opportunities for sustainable business practices. On the other hand, it poses challenges to sustainability through the exploitation of natural resources, unequal distribution of benefits, and the generation of global environmental problems such as climate change. In an era of profound technological advancements and global collaboration, the world has become deeply interconnected. The ascent of trade and the modern global economy pose critical questions regarding their impact on global businesses, workers, and consumers. As societies navigate these transformations, they encounter a nuanced interplay of global forces and their own distinct identities. The path forward hinges on the ability to harness globalization's benefits while mitigating its challenges, shaping a future that balances progress with preservation. In this global voyage, societies are tasked with navigating the currents of change, poised to embrace the opportunities and meet the dilemmas of an ever-connected world.This paper also examines the role of global governance mechanisms, such as international treaties, agreements, and institutions, in shaping the relationship between globalization and sustainability. The effectiveness of these mechanisms in promoting sustainable development is explored, acknowledging the need for collaborative efforts to address transboundary challenges and promote responsible global citizenship.

ABSTRACT. Purpose Capital and money markets are very important platforms for raising capital for various types of investors. Equity and debt instruments can be traded in these markets targeting various types of investors. Catastrophe bonds (CAT Bonds) are insurance-linked debt securities that can be structured to be traded in the capital market with some pooled funds invested in money markets to raise funds to finance catastrophes (natural disasters). This research paper focuses at looking on how the introduction of CAT Bonds can promote capital and money market interaction in raising funds to cover catastrophe risks. Design/Methodology The research followed a scenario modelling technique. Various distinct scenarios of issuing specific type catastrophe bonds against prescribed performance drivers in the capital market, and investing pooled funds held in collateral accounts were created. We evaluated the sensitivity of the issued CAT Bond to each specified key performance driver. Periodic ‘goal-seek’ checks were then done to establish the performance level needed to achieve specific financial objectives following the interaction of the capital and money markets. Findings/results Results indicate that the introduction of CAT Bonds in South Africa will cause a spike in speculative investment. The interaction of the capital market and secondary market will be enhanced as funds received from investors following the catastrophe bond may not be kept idle in a collateral account but rather are invested in a secondary market where they can be liquidated whenever they are needed. Such a characteristic makes CAT Bonds an attractive speculative investment instrument. They also directly influence the investment decisions of more insurers and reinsurers as they increase their risk underwriting and financing capacity. Practical implications The introduction of parameter-specific catastrophe bonds affects the response of speculative investors in the capital market. Therefore, by studying prevailing circumstances, a well-structured catastrophe bond can be issued which positively impacts the interaction of the capital and the money market. Different scenarios call for different CAT Bond designs. Therefore, issuers must anticipate the behaviour of sponsors beforehand and instruct their designers to incorporate those attributes in the bond. Once this is done, the CAT Bond to be issued will be attractive and becomes easy to trade on the capital market. Originality/Value The research contributes to the existing capital and money market instruments domain by showing how the use of catastrophe bonds may stimulate market interaction. The CAT Bonds adoption in South Africa expands on the existing literature on the need for resilience bonds in financing natural disasters as well as on capital and money market interaction.

ABSTRACT. Purpose- Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an operational concern that has long been recognized in research that has the potential to assist businesses in gaining more loyal customers. As a result, the current study examined how CSR affected green customer loyalty in the Lahore banking sector, with co-creation functioning as a moderating factor. To strengthen this relationship, the study additionally included green banking digitalization as a mediator between PEOU, CSR, and bank loyalty. Design/Methodology- Based on the component analysis, the following five latent variables were discovered: the digital revolution of green banking, perceived usability, societal responsibility, co-creation, and bank client loyalty. The links between digitization, perceived ease of use, social responsibility for corporations, co-creation, and the financial institution's loyalty to customers were further studied using SEM. Findings- The findings showed that CSR is favourably correlated with bank customer loyalty whereas PEOU had a strong beneficial impact on customer loyalty. 'Green banking' Digitalization has a favorable impact on PEOU, CSR, and BL as well. However, perceived ease of use and corporate social responsibility are significantly and directly positively impacted by co-creation. Research Limitations/ Implication- Since this study was limited to Lahore, its findings cannot be applied to the entire region. Additional research may be conducted by comparing the public and private sectors of the green banking system, as well as its issues and future opportunities. Originality Value- From a theoretical standpoint, this study advances the area by defining perceived convenience and corporate social responsibility, as well as the relationship strengthen by co-creation and consequences on consumer loyalty to banks. It specifically illustrated that PEOU and CSR had an impact on Lahore's banking sector's customers through digital transformation.

ABSTRACT. This study investigates how fintech can be leveraged to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth within the financial market system. With a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, the central hypothesis is that financial inclusion, enabled by financial technology, can accelerate the acquisition of wealth-creating financial products in the capital markets. By establishing that linkage, this study hopes to provide the basis for policy initiatives that facilitate and expand access to the broader financial markets. For example, it could provide a platform that enables consumers to learn about and transact in stocks, bonds, currencies, derivatives, and insurance products. Such an outcome should be of great benefit to society and also one that bodes well for building a solid and sustainable financial economy. In a methodological departure from studies on the merits of financial inclusion, this study uses a dynamic panel multivariate estimation model. This allows one to examine both the short-run and long-run dynamics among the variables. The target variable is financial market development measured by a composite index constructed by the International Monetary Fund. The explanatory variables are financial inclusion and fintech, with the latter as the mediating variable. Preliminary results show that the linkage between financial inclusion and financial market development is conditional on country-level fintech diffusion. Thus, the likelihood of greater participation in the financial markets is assured by providing seamless digital financial access. Ultimately, this inquiry is guided by the view that capital markets are, ultimately, essential drivers of economic growth and wealth creation, a view that is also advanced by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

ABSTRACT. In the past, South African monetary policy aimed to protect the external value of the domestic currency (Rand), however, these efforts failed. Later, its monetary policy changed in order to allow the foreign exchange rates market to determine the exchange rates. This was based on the belief that if the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) provides information to stabilize market expectations, this will result into favorable market conditions. Therefore, the demand of the Rand in the foreign exchange market will be stable. However, the South African policy makers have struggled with currency depreciation since the early 60s and to date. There is a long depreciation swing of the exchange rate. This is concerning because it raises a question of what amount of currency depreciation can be considered a normal deviation from equilibrium. In order to capture the effect of international trade on the depreciation of the Rand, the study uses the Threshold Autoregressive (TAR) model to estimate the relationship between currency depreciation and trade balance. The sample period for the analysis is 1994 to 2023, which is the period South Africa begin implementing single exchange rate system. The study finds that overtime currency depreciation does not lead to an improvement of trade between South Africa and its trading partners. Further, the currency depreciation is asymmetric to the effect of international trade. Moreover, the currency depreciation is asymmetric across the regimes. Therefore, currency depreciation depends on the state of the economy and the impact of the international trade has dynamic influence on the exchange rates depreciation.

ABSTRACT. Effective and efficient public service delivery is heavily reliant on skilled and knowledgeable public sector employees who interact with citizens who seek government services daily. Meritocratic appointments advocate for appointing people based on their merits, skills, and knowledge rather than their personal or political connections. Meritocratic appointment assures that the individual that is employed because their abilities, competence, qualifications and experience is in line with job criteria, this procedure boost the organisational performance and employee productivity. The African National Congress devised a strategy known as "cadre deployment," which has been used to award those loyal to the party with strategic positions in all spheres of government. This strategy is particularly felt in local government. Cadre deployment is more concentrated in this sphere, which has had a negative impact on its effectiveness. This is concerning because local government is the closest to the people and houses the machinery for service delivery and democracy. Corruption, maladministration, unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure, a lack of ethical political leadership, and poor consequence management have all had a significant impact on this sphere. All these challenges are occurring at the expense of local communities; the increased public service delivery protests in this sphere are an indication of the local communities' frustration. To prioritise public service delivery, the authors agree that meritocratic appointment should be preferred over cadre deployment in the local government sphere. The sustainability of the municipal sector is critical because more citizens in the country are unemployed and rely on the services provided by local governments.

ABSTRACT. This research is an intricate exploration of service recovery strategies within the aviation sector, with a specialized focus on Libyan Airline. The study illuminates the complex dimensions of service restoration in the aftermath of service failures, and how they intertwine with customer satisfaction, loyalty, and trust. The lack of comprehensive studies addressing service recovery, particularly within the context of Libyan aviation, elucidates the research gap that this study seeks to fill. The research is focused on two primary objectives. Firstly, it sought to assess the efficacy of service recovery strategies implemented by Libyan Airline in retaining customer satisfaction, loyalty, and trust post service failures. Secondly, it aimed to identify the pivotal organizational factors influencing the design and execution of service recovery strategies, such as employee training, communication channels, and customer involvement. Employing a qualitative research methodology, the study utilized semi-structured interviews as the primary data collection tool. This approach allowed for a rich, nuanced understanding of the research phenomenon. A thematic analysis of the interview data provided robust insights into the multi-dimensional aspects of service recovery strategies and their role in restoring customer relationships post-service failures. Findings from the research underscore the pivotal role of effective service recovery strategies in enhancing customer satisfaction, loyalty, and trust in the aftermath of service failures. Moreover, the study affirms the significant role of specific organizational factors in formulating and implementing successful service recovery strategies. Theoretical contributions of the research are substantial. The study uniquely embeds the Justice Theory and Commitment-Trust Theory within the service recovery process. This innovative theoretical alignment not only expands the extant body of knowledge on service recovery but also paves the way for future studies within the realm. The study's practical implications are also profound. Through its research findings, this doctoral study offers actionable insights that can guide airlines to refine their service recovery strategies and bolster their crisis management capabilities. This study presents a comprehensive and nuanced examination of service recovery in the Libyan aviation industry. By melding theoretical concepts with practical aspects of service recovery, the study provides an expanded understanding of the complex dynamics involved in restoring customer relationships post-service failures. The theoretical and practical contributions of the research serve as a valuable resource for academia, industry practitioners, and policymakers alike.

ABSTRACT. This study uses cognitive appraisal theory as the theoretical lens to focus on the lived experiences of low-income consumers and their online shopping experiences. Historically, low-income consumers have not been a focal segment for online retailers due to the assumption of their basket spend being low. However, more low-income consumers are opting to purchase online due to its various advantages, making them an attractive segment for online retailers and calling on a better interpretation of their online shopping experiences. The findings reveal that low-income consumers appraise their experiences according to the device used and find the navigation of the platform easy, while the search function leads to difficulties in finding the correct product. In addition, low-income consumers appraise the online shopping process as being convenient and allowing them to save on travel costs. This appraisal leads to positive and negative emotions, because low-income consumers feel satisfied with their purchases but are weary of the delivery and payment risks associated with online shopping, which requires that they utilise different coping mechanisms in managing the risk. The study contributes to understanding low-income consumers’ online shopping experiences and contextualises the findings according to cognitive appraisal theory. Based on the study’s findings, online retailers are in a better position to enhance online shopping experiences, ensuring that low-income consumers continue to purchase online.

ABSTRACT. Amidst the challenging landscape of the global hospitality industry, General Managers (GMs) stand as frontline leaders responsible for ensuring the long-term business sustainability. This qualitative research centres on the critical role played by GMs in ensuring sustainability within South African hospitality in the Gauteng province. The study focuses on exploring strategies for sustainable economic practices, fostering social sustainability, and addressing environmental concerns within the South African hospitality industry. Through semi-structured interviews, data was gathered from a sample n=6 GMs in South Africa's Gauteng province hospitality industry. The concept of saturation was used to establish the sample size. Data was analysed using thematic analysis on Atlasti to establish the themes and patterns from the data collected. The study’s findings reveal that to integrate sustainable economic practices into hospitality industry business operations, General Managers in South Africa collaborate with local resources, applies efficient strategic resource management process, and reduce reliance on traditional energy sources by implementing off-the-grid initiatives. To foster social sustainability, the South African hospitality industry practices that align to social well-being, implementing impactful community initiatives and encouraging various stakeholders and suppliers to widen their initiatives in the social category. The South African hospitality industry addresses environmental sustainability concerns through the conservation of natural resources, implementing various water conservation strategies and the reduction of carbon footprint. The study focuses on the experiences and perspectives of general managers, which exclude the perspectives of other key stakeholders in the hospitality industry, such as employees, customers, or regulatory bodies. The study also focuses on GMs in Gauteng, South Africa, which limits the findings' applicability to other geographic areas or cultural contexts. Ultimately, these outcomes provide practical implications for GMs and stakeholders navigating challenges while adhering to local sustainability objectives.

ABSTRACT. This research examines how employees’ judgment over their capabilities in the decision-making process before reaching the final behavioral stage of leaving makes a difference when they are normatively committed to the organization. A web-based survey is developed. Data is generated from a random sample of 214 employees from the hotel industry. LISREL 8.80 is applied to test the measurement and the structural equation model as well as the hypotheses. Results show self-efficacy is strongly and positively associated both with normative commitment and turnover intention, whereas normative commitment is negatively related to turnover intention. This study makes contributions to a better understanding of the role that self-efficacy plays in enhancing normative commitment. It is also one of the few studies that paid special attention to the relationship between self-efficacy and turnover intention. The results suggest that a stable employment relationship may be closely associated with commitment but, adequacy of organizational commitment is not sufficient for self-efficacious workers to continue their membership with the organization. Typically, highly self-efficacious individuals are looking for work that is more challenging, significant and meaningful to them as they always seek for opportunities for personal achievement in the future.

ABSTRACT. Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly being used by museums and heritage brands in order to build awareness and drive visits. In fact, VR is touted as the future of tourism and the ‘new normal’ in tourism (Zenker & Kock, 2020). This follows VR adoption trends, propelled by the COVID-19 pandemic (Schiopu et al., 2021). Different from augmented (AR) and mixed reality, which overlay the physical environment with virtual annotations, enabling interactions with the environment in real-time, VR fully transports users to virtual worlds. Hence, VR offers greater immersion and telepresence, and notably, is not tied to a physical location (Cowan & Ketron, 2019). Moreover, while AR enhances the customer journey at tourist destinations, VR aids consumers in making tourist-related decisions (Loureiro et al., 2020). While past research seeks to understand how consumers process information in VR (e.g. Orth et al., 2018), the scholarship in VR experiences is rather limited (see Cowan & Ketron, 2019). More importantly, research has yet to demonstrate which aspects of VR enable tourism organisations to translate their offerings and experiences into digitally constructed narratives and spaces. Thus, the aim of this research is to investigate the obstacles to and opportunities of VR channel adoption faced by tourism organisations to inform future work in this area as well as the norms of VR integration currently integrated within the sector. We will pay particular attention to the transformation of the spaces which tourist organisations create and visitors experience, from physical to virtual, and the implications of this on future innovation of the sector.

ABSTRACT. The case study of Thep Sadej coffee village in Thailand is chosen to illustrate how capital theory can drive sustainable development in rural tourism. We expand prior research by presenting how different types of capital create innovation and authenticity, which in turn lead to sustainable rural tourism development.

ABSTRACT. The objective of this study is to examine the optimisation of green supply chain effectiveness on State-owned enterprises (SOEs) in South Africa. SOEs play an important role in state activities and service delivery to its people; the government can manage the country’s economy through their establishment. They comprise two forms: firstly, the service delivery of telecommunication, water, electricity, airports, sanitation, broadcasting and postal service; and secondly, for commercial activities such as banking, housing development and transportation. This study considers two of the drivers which are competitive advantage and innovation on green supply chain effectiveness in the state- owned enterprises industry. A numerical approach was implemented in which a survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 300 supply chain practitioners from SOEs industry in Gauteng province of South Africa. The study used a non-probability convenience sampling technique to select respondents. Information was analyzed through two software packages, namely tStatistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 28.0) and the Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS version 28.0). A confirmatory factor analysis was applied in examining and testing the relationships between observed constructs and their causal latent constructs while structural equation modelling helped in testing the hypothesized relationships among variables. The results of the investigation made known that competitive advantage and innovation have a meaningful impact on green supply chain effectiveness. All the hypotheses were accepted and significant. This investigation concludes that to achieve greater green supply chain effectiveness, SOEs managers should expedite the levels of competitive advantage and innovation.

ABSTRACT. Women's entrepreneurship is a rather hot topic. Realizing its importance, the developed countries know how to harness its potential to stimulate their economic growth. Another European phenomenon that has recently risen to prominence is population ageing. The attention of both the governments and private companies is being focused on improving the new IT skills of people over 50 years to help this generation make a full use of their capacity and potential. The Czech Republic is a country where one third of the entrepreneurs are women. This rather high percentage can also be seen in the women 50+ age cohort. Women in business mostly focus on service-oriented or micro-firms. In this particular business sector, they usually have no employees running their business on their own. The last decade and the Covid pandemic have accentuated the demand for digital skills in business. Home Office could be fully exploited by companies with good technological facilities, prepared employees, and, above all, progressive and technically competent management. After the Covid period, many companies, mostly the large ones, started to pay more attention to digitalizing their agendas. Employee training in large companies and corporations is now often focused on AI and IT competencies. Small entrepreneurs, especially women, do not have sufficient opportunities and resources (especially time and information) available to make a full use of the new technologies in running their businesses. Although the education offered by the state administration, municipalities, and non-profit organisations in the Czech Republic is of high quality, it is poorly promoted and little used. The present paper aims to find out to what extent the digital environment affects the businesses run by women entrepreneurs, in the specific age cohort of 50+. Based on the data obtained, to propose a model to help make such businesses more efficient through education. The methods used: 1. Comparing the businesses run by women entrepreneurs in the Czech Republic with those in selected EU countries in the 50+ age cohort using the Eurostat data 2. Questionnaire survey. The set of questions consisted of 80 percent closed and 20 percent open ones. 3. Face-to-face interviews in order to carry out a subsequent in-depth analysis of the data collected.

The situation in this age group shows that digital technologies have influenced their business and are generally perceived as a support and potential for growth. It is a process that will mean a qualitative change not only in business, but also in the labour market and society as a whole. The analysis group expressed concerns about being overwhelmed by the amount of information.

The facts ascertained are used to propose a solution for the specific 50+ age cohort of women entrepreneurs to help them overcome barriers to employing IT in the digital age. The case study may serve as an example of good practice.

ABSTRACT. The current study is based on the role of small and medium-sized business in creating job opportunities in Nepal. This research will mainly focus on how the SME's support in developing the job opportunities within the developing countries. The research is based on quantitative research strategies in which data is collected from the online sites. This research will be conducted with the use of websites, journal, articles, data collection, evaluation and analysis has been done. This research moreover highlights the jobs is high and the role of the small businesses are crucial in the developing countries as the most of the employment is provided by small and medium enterprises.

ABSTRACT. This study applies a design thinking and problem-solving approach to enterprise fuel retailers in South Africa. South African fuel retailers operate in a complex and fast-changing market, and by nurturing enterprising individuals, businesses could empower their employees to engage in a problem-solving and agile mindset – all to function better in these fluctuating environments. Using a qualitative research lens and adopting the interpretivist philosophy, the researchers conducted in-depth interviews with two key sub-groups: owners/managers and employees. An abductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the research data across the two sub-groups. Our study revealed that fuel retail employers motivate staff through incentives, improved communication, and a positive company culture, while retail brands provide support through marketing, mystery shoppers, and check-ins. Retail employers/ managers believe that they communicate well with staff, but exhibit varying confidence levels about their understanding of customer needs. Fuel retail employees valued a customer focus and clear job purpose, but voiced frustrations arising from their treatment by customers and the demanding work environment. Recommendations included customer reward programmes, improved training, and addressing work schedule problems. While employee-to-employee communication was good, communication with superiors varied. Our findings underscore the significance of exhibiting innovativeness and the ability to respond to problems creatively through effective communication, cultivating relationships, and fostering a customer-centric approach. We propose a framework built on design-thinking principles, empowering retailers to react to difficulties and to envision and shape their future proactively.

ABSTRACT. Co-creation, as a collective creation, is being applied in different contexts (e.g. management, health, education), aiming to create added value through the active contribution and participation of several stakeholders that may be involved in the conception, development, and/or implementation of solutions to problems. Thus, it is an open innovation process which aims to develop businesses, products, or services through solutions that better meet audiences’ expectations. It is possible to consider four main iterative phases of the co-creation process regarding the connection between people and ideas; the understanding, which consists of the facts and background analysis; the decision concerning the agreements to be made; and the implementation of what was agreed (in the previous phase) to implement. Therefore, it is a process that offers benefits related to the improvement of project development, greater innovation, better satisfaction among those involved, and greater acceptance of the results. Different approaches to co-creation depend on the type of stakeholders' participation and the methods applied. Co-creation based on design thinking is one of the emerging trends that offers opportunities to actively analyse, conceptualize, experiment, develop, and prototype solutions, genuinely reflecting creative thinking while searching for problem solutions.

This work intends to describe how co-creation based on design thinking was used in the 'Link Me Up - 1000 Ideas' project to foster innovative solutions to allow reflection on the process as an emerging trend.

The European Union has several programs and initiatives to stimulate innovation and co-creation projects, seeking to foster a critical, entrepreneurial, and innovative spirit. Therefore, the Polytechnic University of Leiria led a consortium with 12 other polytechnics in Portugal regarding a co-creation project called Link Me Up - 1000 ideas (https://portal.cocreationportugal.com). This project consisted of the creation of multidisciplinary teams with facilitators, students, and corporate employees to solve real problems or challenges. Based on the co-creation of innovation, the project sought, through a design thinking methodology, to promote practices and a working framework that reflects the personal, professional and academic development of all those involved.

The ‘Link Me Up—1000 Ideas’ project framework analysis will allow us to understand the project development protocol to solve real-life problems as a case study. This will help us gain insights into their context and the inherent process involved within a continuous exchange relationship. Therefore, the ‘Link Me Up—1000 ideas’ framework used in the project’s activities will be described using the methods that guided the research developed during the project. The framework based on design thinking, was divided into three main parts: (1) research, (2) analysis, and (3) solution proposal. Several data collection tools and processing techniques were applied, such as mind mapping for insights, brainstorming techniques, stakeholder mapping, empathy mapping, weak signals research, stakeholder profile design, persona profile design, trends research and prototyping. At the end of the project, each team presented a report with their research paths and presented it, accompanied by possible mockups or solution prototypes in a final event.

The results allow us to understand that design thinking is an organic process that adapts and permits the continuous and flexible creation of pathways and solutions for projects. Co-creation based on design thinking brings new conceptual tools of added value, as they enable the outlining of outputs and better trends. These trends seem to align with the objectives of the European Union and are tools seeking to respond to various calls from real contexts. The importance of mapping these practices allows for a detailed understanding of them, which, considering trend studies, demonstrates the potential for defining emerging mindsets in the cultural sphere, namely cooperation, network development, group innovation, and the search for alternative pathways that foster collaborative work.

ABSTRACT. The operations management (OM) literature has widely accepted that emerging digital technologies provides new opportunities for firms’ growth. Yet, present studies, largely viewing top managers (TM) as invisible or perfectly rational, lack sufficient investigation toward their role in firms’ digital transformation (DT). Drawing on the attention-based view (ABV) and the literature on DT, this longitudinal case study within a platform enterprise in China examines how TM utilize attentional engagement efforts to interpret noticed environmental changes and then form opportunity beliefs for DT strategies. The analyses are structured according to the fundamental logic of “noticed environmental changes–attention engagement efforts–opportunity belief” suggested in ABV, and a process model with different aggregates of TM’s attention engagement efforts is developed. Overall, by focusing on TMs and investigating the role of their attentional engagement efforts in DT, this study contributes to the micro foundation of DT within OM literature.

ABSTRACT. oday, AI has evolved into an emotive code phrase. While AI is crucial for improving the calibre of commercial goods and services, it is deficient in emotional intelligence, which is an important component. However, a new study indicates that giving AI the ability to control human emotions might benefit businesses and change people's feelings. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the culture of augmented artificial intelligence, binge-watching, and its impact on emotional intelligence among younger generations. The study also investigates the effects of increased AI binge viewing on cognitive decline, addiction, and individual performance. The results imply that there are two perspectives on binge-watching. The first is to examine how the artificial intelligence (AI) amplification (including digital assistants and (AI)-driven chatbots of binge viewing builds an illusion of leisure activities, contentment, happiness, and thought. The next phase is to emphasize the negative consequences of excessive binge-watching as well as behavioural addiction symptoms, among Gen Z. For this study, the researcher focussed only on Generation Z in London. The findings of this research will provide direction for industry leaders, policymakers, mental well-being supporters, and academics and will stimulate further scholarly research in this area, in addition to Generation Z. However, more exploratory research including various generations, localities, and professional standing must be carried out in the future to get an enhanced perspective to create a conducive environment for everyone.

Keywords: Emotional intelligence, artificial intelligence, sense of belonging, binge-watching, Generation Z.

ABSTRACT. This study aims to investigate the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) on consumer behaviour within the automotive aftermarket, focusing on the interplay between branding strategies, consumer perceptions, and market competition. The rationale for this study lies in the transformative influence of 4IR technologies on the automotive industry, particularly in reshaping product functionalities and consumer preferences. The methodology involves a quantitative approach, utilizing survey data collected from a sample of automotive aftermarket consumers. The study employs regression analysis to examine the relationship between branding strategies, consumer perceptions, and market competition, considering factors such as brand awareness, product functionality, and pricing strategies. The findings of this research are expected to contribute to both academic literature and industry practice by providing insights into how technological advancements are influencing consumer decision-making processes within the automotive aftermarket. Ultimately, this study aims to inform aftermarket businesses on effective branding strategies and marketing approaches to adapt to the evolving landscape shaped by the 4IR, thereby enhancing their competitiveness and meeting the changing needs of consumers.

ABSTRACT. Money market exchange relationships represent important social and psychological processes. In addition to legal framework, exchanges are guided by unwritten principles of equity theory. Generous gifts received by consumers during free-gift-with-purchase exchanges are likely to induce consumer guilt as consumers are getting more than they usually receive in equitable exchange situations. As a result, company may improve their relationships with customers and boost sales of their products. Guilt has received a lot of attention in psychological and advertising literature, but the concept of guilt remains an under researched topic in marketing literature. Focusing on free-gift-with-purchase promotions, we develop a set of propositions related to the effect of consumer-induced guilt on patronage and repurchase intentions. We also identify factors that are likely to moderate this effect – price of a promoted product and seller’s financial resources.

ABSTRACT. This research investigates an understudied set of professional service providers who have established expertise in particular product categories, even though they do not typically sell these items (e.g., veterinarians recommending, but not selling, a particular brand of pet food). The central intent of this study was to determine a disparate set of factors that might indicate the propensity of these service providers to recommend environmentally sustainable brands to their network of clients who rely on them for their product expertise. Those recommendations rely on eco-claims, social norms, and on the perceived motivations professional service providers think companies have when promoting sustainable brands. The results demonstrate the importance of a service provider’s belief that sustainable brands are engaged in these initiatives for altruistic reasons. According to our results, brands are not shunned if strategic motives are perceived but they only benefit when service providers believe brands have good intentions when selling and promoting environmentally friendly products. Thus, altruistic motivations must be instilled in the mind of the service provider since this kind of perception will positively influence product recommendations. Therefore, sustainable brands need to demonstrate to service providers that they are interested in the overall environmental welfare of the area in which they operate. Results also indicated that a perception of a social norm related to eco-friendly behavior instilled a sense of altruistic intentions in the mind of the service provider when considering the rationale behind a brand’s involvement with eco-friendly initiatives. In tandem, social norms and the perception of altruistic intentions facilitated product recommendation. Thus, brands should also be cognizant of the power of social norms when promoting their brands.

ABSTRACT. There are eight consumer decision-making styles (CDMS) revealing differences in consumer shopping motivations and ultimate buying behaviours. CDMS varies with individuals, products/brands, and with changing situations. However, since the eight CDMS were identified about three decades ago, studies have focused on identifying demographic and cultural differences in CDMS. A few studies have examined CDMS drivers, but rarely from a life-course perspective. This study used a cross-sectional survey to quantitatively collect data from 306 young adult South-Africans, a lucrative clothing market segment for two objectives: 1) identify the developed CDMS related to clothing. 2) Considering that peers contribute to adolescences’ developmental outcomes, the study also uses the socialization life-course theory to examine the extent to which peer communication about shopping for clothing during adolescence influences CDMS at young-adulthood. Factor analyses results revealed six CDMS dimensions among young adult South Africans. Structural equation modelling results showed that peer communication during adolescence influenced confused by over-choice, novelty-fashion conscious, perfectionist, price conscious, and quality conscious CDMS dimensions at young adulthood. The theoretical and practical implications are provided.

ABSTRACT. Vertical farming is a potential sustainable solution to meet the increasing global food demand while minimizing environmental impact. Estimates of global food produced in vertical farms is already surprisingly high: 5%, 20%, and even 30%. We use a futurist perspective to examine the two key success factors for vertical farming: sustainability and economic viability. By sustainability we mean the carbon footprint of vertical farming, considering energy sources, construction materials, technology, and ongoing operational emissions. Economic viability hinges on covering high startup cost and ongoing labor supply.

ABSTRACT. The determinant of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) GOAL 9 are Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. The implementation of innovative solutions in the area of agriculture is a priority action to counter the challenges of the 21st century including: climate change and eliminating hunger. Agro Clusters are created to enhance efficiency, competitiveness, environmental sustainability and enterprise development. Cooperation between agro-clusters and farmers is key to implementing innovative business solutions for smart specialization and sustainable development of regions, to provide modern support solutions for efficient management in agricultural production, implement environmentally friendly technologies and foster innovation. The aim of this study was to identification of barriers to the collaboration between farmers with Agricultural Clusters In Poland. Of the methods, the historical-interpretive method was used, based on a review of the literature in the area of: the functioning of agro-clusters and sustainable agricultural development. The research was conducted on Poland, one of the largest food producers in the European Union. We point out that farmers should have the opportunity to cooperate with agricultural enterprises to implement innovations, improve the efficiency of agricultural production, improve their skills through training, and foster the growth of farms through clusters. The final result we identify resolutions paths that can improve and contribute to the effective cooperation between farmers and agro-clusters.

ABSTRACT. I will describe the present Ukrainian system of large and highly competitive agricultural firms oriented towards exports to Europe and beyond. The recent decision of the European Commission to allow Ukrainian agricultural exports to enter the EU market has resulted in much of this produce landing up in Poland where it is undermining Polish farm prices and has prompted a bitter border dispute between the two countries - with Polish farmers blocking the border with Ukraine. Although this dispute has been resolved for the time being, it points to perhaps even greater challenges in the future when Ukrainian agricultural exports will be fully in competition with EU farming. This new pattern of competition will require serious reform of the CAP.

ABSTRACT. Successive population growth around the world, reduction in the area of land used for agriculture, and climate change are challenges facing agriculture. Consequently, a need has arisen to record agricultural data (at the local, national, and international levels) to protect and control agricultural production. The collection of data on agricultural production is to support food security for current and future generations as part of sustainable management of agricultural production resources. The purpose of the article is to conceptualize a Green Agricultural System that can contribute to increasing the efficiency of agricultural land management in Poland and at the same time could serve as a model for developing countries. The implementation of the research was based on a review of the literature on the subject, EU regulations and Polish legislation, taking into account the organizational and technical background. The final result was a proposal for a Green Agricultural System, which could be a modern solution that will provide users with access to comprehensive data in a single location. The proposed solution is an innovative approach that fits into the trend of information society and Sustainable Development Goals.