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The study aims to analyse the race towards green development and United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the cases of Huawei and Shell. Both companies are the leaders in their respective industries. Huawei is an example case study representing the information and communications technology (ICT) industry whereas Shell is an example case study representing the oil and gas industry. The research analyses of the races in achieving UN SDGs were undertaken based on the innovation diffusion framework with the use of machine learning algorithms trained to extract data on sustainability activities and initiatives.

The research analyses the two case studies of Huawei and Shell. The research was undertaken through the steps of training machine learning algorithms, industry benchmarking and evaluating the performance of the race. The analyses regarding the activities and initiatives of Huawei and Shell in contributing towards SDGs are based on the data in the past 10 years (Years 2010–2019) using machine learning to extract data on sustainability activities and initiatives. In the case of Huawei, 313 sustainability reports were fed to the unsupervised machine learning algorithms revealing 15,101 sustainability actions and initiatives related to UN SDGs in the ICT industry. In the case of Shell, 2,015 sustainability reports were fed to the unsupervised machine learning algorithms revealing 47,365 sustainability actions and initiatives related to UN SDGs in the oil and gas industry.

The analyses of findings revealed that Huawei and Shell performed very well in progressing towards the UN SDGs. Huawei had strong performance in the ICT industry with regard to SDGs No. 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12 and 16 while Shell had strong performance in the oil and gas industry with regard to SDGs No. 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12 and 16. Both companies had placed a focus on achieving SDG 12 responsible consumption and production, SDG 7 affordable and clean energy and SDG 4 quality education. The synthesised business model innovations of Huawei and Shell had shown their environmental, social and governance strategies – Huawei’s 2030 vision for green development and Shell’s 2050 vision for net zero emissions.

The five pillars of people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership according to the UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development have shown the way a company operates to promote sustainable eco-systems. The extent to which both Huawei and Shell link corporate strategies to the UN SDGs has reflected their implementation progress. Furthermore, the business model innovations of Huawei and Shell provides a useful framework which can be applied to encourage other companies/organisations in various industries to undertake ESG activities in practice.

The main contribution of this research is the application of machine learning algorithms and the innovation diffusion model in analysing the SDGs performance. The study applies the innovation diffusion framework to explore strategic actions and initiatives of Huawei and Shell in transitioning towards sustainability. The use of machine learning algorithms has identified their sustainability approach in achieving the UN SDGs.

How an entrepreneurial organisation sets the problem space determines the future venturing mode. However, the factors that contribute to differences in problem space are still not well-developed. Based on sensemaking theory, this study explores the influence mechanism and boundary conditions of organisational sensemaking on effectual problem setting.

The study is based on survey data from 162 entrepreneurial organisations in China. Hierarchical regression is used for analysing the data and testing the hypotheses.

Organisational sensemaking has a negative effect on effectual problem setting and a positive impact on outside-in entrepreneurial marketing capability; outside-in entrepreneurial marketing capability has a negative effect on effectual problem setting; outside-in entrepreneurial marketing capability plays a partially mediating role in the relationship between organisational sensemaking and effectual problem setting. Organisational size negatively moderates the relationship between organisational sensemaking and outside-in entrepreneurial marketing capability. It also negatively moderates the indirect effect of organisational sensemaking on effectual problem setting through outside-in entrepreneurial marketing capability.

First, this study contributes to the research on effectual problem setting by introducing organisational sensemaking as an antecedent. Second, this study extends the literature on organisational sensemaking by showing how organisational sensemaking affects entrepreneurial uncertainty, instead of treating uncertainty as an exogenous shock. Third, this study introduced the outside-in entrepreneurial marketing capability to reveal the mediating mechanism between organisational sensemaking and effectual problem setting.

Higher education is undergoing a significant transformation, demanding a rethinking of instructional methods, the establishment of novel assessment frameworks and the incorporation of state-of-the-art technologies to advance the development of learning competencies. The use of simulations is an alternative that offers satisfactory results and favors learning in new generations. This study aims to present a methodology for assessing the advancement of self-directed learning (SDL) in participants through simulation techniques and show that the incorporation of simulations can improve participants’ SDL skills.

This study uses a quantitative approach to evaluate the evolution of various competencies related to SDL among participants. Includes the application of scales specifically designed to measure readiness for SDL, the use of factor analysis to identify and validate essential factors and conducting hypothesis testing to verify shifts in students’ perceptions regarding the significance of SDL-related skills.

The findings of this study reveal a positive impact of simulations on the SDL readiness. Factor analysis identified five key factors: self-management skills, openness to learning opportunities, initiative and independence in learning, self-concept as an effective learner and desire for Learning. The use of simulations significantly improved critical thinking, logical reasoning, analysis and decision-making capabilities. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique as a valuable tool for developing SDL skills and highlight the potential of such interventions in complex and uncertain learning environments.

The study provided valuable insights into the impact of simulations in the logistics field, particularly in the development of SDL-related skills. There is a need for studies in other areas of knowledge that would allow for the generalization of these results. Likewise, it is advisable to use scales that measure the development of other types of skills. Additionally, the study’s focus on short-term effects may not fully capture the long-term development of SDL-related skills. Future research should address these limitations, expand the sample size, conduct longitudinal studies and explore possible contextual and external factors that may influence SDL outcomes in various educational settings, leading to broader and more robust conclusions.

The practical implications of this study are significant for both higher education institutions and educators in the logistics domain. The positive impact of the serious game on participants’ SDL skills highlights the potential of incorporating interactive and engaging learning tools in the curriculum. Educators can leverage serious games to foster critical thinking, logical reasoning and decision-making abilities in their students. Moreover, the identified key factors influencing SDL development provide valuable guidance for designing targeted interventions to enhance students’ self-management, initiative and love for learning.

The social implications of this study underscore the importance of equipping individuals with SDL skills in a rapidly changing world. By integrating serious games and fostering SDL competencies, higher education institutions can contribute to a more adaptable and resilient workforce. Empowering students with critical thinking, innovative thinking and independent learning, they can enhance their ability to navigate the challenges of the labor market. This, in turn, may lead to a more informed and proactive society capable of addressing complex issues and making well-informed decisions.

This article arises from empirical exploration with students from two countries in Latin America (Mexico and Colombia), examining the importance of games in developing SDL skills. Furthermore, it promotes the use of a methodology with a low level of complexity, and that can be replicated with different games. This perspective adds valuable insights to the existing literature, offering practical implications for educators and institutions seeking effective strategies to promote SDL skills among students.

This study aims to examine whether energy poverty impacts gender inequality and CO₂ emissions in African countries with the biggest economies by gross domestic product (GDP) per capita from 1996 to 2020. Additionally, this study examines the existence of the gender Kuznets curve (GKC) and the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) theories. Furthermore, it evaluates the connection between economic development and carbon emissions, on the one hand, and economic development and gender inequality on the other.

This study uses the augmented Dickey–Fuller and Phillip–Perron unit root tests to determine the degree of integration between the variables. It also uses the Pedroni and Fisher–Combine Johansen cointegration tests to assess a long-run relationship between the variables. The authors adopted the pooled mean group (PMG)-autoregressive distributed lag model and used the E-Views 12 software to run the analysis.

The empirical analysis approves the long-run correlation among the variables used in this study. Increased energy poverty and GDP increase CO₂ emissions, whereas income square hurts CO₂ emissions. These results are consistent with the EKC hypothesis, which proposes a non-linear relationship between CO₂ emissions and economic growth in the studied areas (similar to an inverted U shape). Long-term foreign direct investment (FDI) has a negative correlation with CO₂ emissions. On the contrary, energy poverty, GDPsq and FDI find a positive relationship with gender inequality, whereas GDP finds a negative association with gender inequality. The negative relationship between GDPsq and gender inequality establishes a “U”-shaped connection between income and gender inequality. Thus, it supports the hypothesis of the GKC. Therefore, this study proposes that decreasing energy poverty is vital for promoting a clean environment and mitigating gender inequality.

This study supports the hypothesis of the GKC. Therefore, this study proposes that decreasing energy poverty is vital for promoting a clean environment and mitigating gender inequality.

This research study investigates the relationship between management practices and young employee retention in the hospitality and tourism industry in Lebanon. Besides, it examines the moderating role of the workplace context in the relationship between management practices and employment retention in the industry.

Non-probability purposive sampling method was used to collect 421 questionnaires through a survey of young employees. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Cronbach's alpha test are conducted to test the construct validity, reliability, and internal consistency of collected data. Descriptive statistics are used to interpret the data. Zero-order correlations, multiple regression analysis and Fisher's Z-test are applied to assess the interrelations of the various groups of variables and the determinants of young employee retention.

The findings show that management practices tested in this study have significant relationships with young employee retention in the hospitality and tourism industry in Lebanon. Further, the findings reveal that the workplace context moderates the relationship between three management practices (participation in decision-making, training, and performance recognition) and young employee retention.

The findings suggest that managers in hospitality and tourism businesses must improve their management practices and promote a positive workplace context to retain young employees.

Finally, this study is the only one that tests the moderating role of the workplace context in the relationship between five selected management practices (participation in decision-making, training, performance recognition, remuneration and job continuity) and young employee retention. Previous studies used fewer variables.

Interim leaders often have little advance notice of their new assignments. Yet, they must skillfully lead their organizations, provide stability for staff and continue the direction of the mission and vision in a time of change. In addition, temporary leaders – often termed interim executive directors or interim chief executive officers (CEOs) – are frequently asked to guide the transition for a new and permanent leader.

This qualitative study presents the insights of 24 interim leaders, largely in the Chattanooga, Tennessee (TN) region, who participated in individual virtual interviews and a subsequent virtual focus group to address a protocol of questions concerned with all phases of carrying out the interim position.

The findings confirmed existing literature on how the interim was selected, the responsibilities of this leader and the costs and benefits for the organization of using an interim and extended findings with guidance for interim over their tenure.

The findings uncovered new insights into personal and career growth, along with unexpected personal and professional enrichment and satisfaction from the experience. The practical implications include providing detailed guidelines for interim leaders at each stage of their tenure, which can help them navigate the complexities of their roles more effectively. Additionally, the findings highlight the potential for significant personal and professional growth, offering interim leaders unexpected enrichment and satisfaction from their experiences.

The exploratory research validated the existing literature on interim leadership and added additional detail in practical guidance for beginning an interim position, carrying out the interim position and even ending the position. This study delineates practical guidelines at each stage of the interim lifecycle for both the temporary leader and the organization and provides areas for future research. Qualitative findings also identified key characteristics of an interim leader. This study also includes discussion of the political implications of interim CEOs.

The study presents original insights into the role of interim leaders by combining qualitative data from 24 participants in the Chattanooga, TN region with existing literature, thereby enhancing understanding of the challenges and successes these leaders face. It confirms previous findings regarding interim leadership and provides practical guidelines for navigating the interim lifecycle, highlighting aspects of personal growth and satisfaction that have not been extensively explored in prior research.

The purpose of this study is to explore the role of gold as a hedge against inflation in the case of the United Arab Emirates.

The study utilizes monthly data on the local sharia-compliant spot gold contract traded on the Dubai Gold and Commodity Exchange (DGCX) and the corresponding consumer price index series over the period December 2015 to January 2021. The econometric approach employed by the study involves a unit root testing procedure that allows the timing of significant breaks to be estimated. A cointegration analysis is then conducted using a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model, taking into consideration the presence of structural breaks in addition to short- and long-run asymmetries.

The results reveal that consumer and gold prices are cointegrated, which implies that investing in gold can hedge against inflation in the long run. No sufficient evidence, nonetheless, is found in support of the ability of gold to serve as a hedge against inflation in the short run.

The findings have several important policy implications for policymakers and investors that are further discussed in the study.

Social media have been associated with social benefits and enhanced psychological well-being among non-disabled individuals; the purpose of this study is to examine whether social media may have similar benefits for young neurodivergent adults with autism, anxiety, or attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder who may experience communication differences. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this first-of-its kind study explores the nature of social media use and related psychological well-being among neurodivergent college undergraduates.

This qualitative study is part of a larger effort. The authors surveyed undergraduates with and without disabilities at U.S. higher education institutions on their social media use and psychological well-being. A total of 131 students responded, including 24 neurodivergent individuals, the results of which are reported elsewhere. Participants were 18–25 years old, of varied genders and racial/ethnic backgrounds; for neurodivergent adults, questions focused on social challenges. From the survey, a sample of five neurodivergent individuals was drawn for this small-scale, exploratory interview study.

This paper reports descriptive statistics from survey results to contextualize analysis of students’ social media use (e.g. purposes, practices, benefits and harms). Students used mainly Instagram, TikTok and YouTube to promote well-being primarily through engaging positive relationships and positive emotions. Students reported several benefits of using social media to develop their disability identity and few harms.

Understanding the impact of social media use on undergraduates with disabilities could help us not only improve services as teachers, counselors and other helping professionals who support young adults to leverage their everyday technologies-in-use but also address digital equity issues.

Environmental pollution has increased as a result of modern settlements' expanding demand and rapid population growth. In Ebonyi State, Nigeria, quarrying is one of the activities that has an impact on the environment and ecosystem. The aim of the study is to assess stream water’s quality in order to ascertain how quarry operations affect the streams’ water quality. The present study investigated the environmental impact of quarrying on the physicochemical properties of surface water in Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

A total of 288 surface water samples were taken in 2018, 2019 and 2020 from quarry locations and a Control location for the determination of physicochemical properties and heavy metal contents using standard analytical methods. Datasets were analysed using Fisher’s significance least difference (F-LSD) at the 0.05 probability level.

This study discovered that surface waters around quarries are severely polluted, according to the results of the physico-chemical and heavy metal contents of the surface waters. Most of the physical and chemical properties of the water downstream of the Ishiagu, Umuoghara and Ngbo did not meet World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, such as colour and pH. The heavy metal levels in the Ishiagu, Umuoghara and Ngbo streams were above WHO criteria for Pb, Cd and Fe. The results point to the obvious conclusion, without prejudice to other unexplained factors that the pollution is most likely the result of quarry contamination. Strict measures should be taken to regularly monitor the water quality of the streams.

This study focused on the assessment of physicochemical properties using standard analytical methods to evaluate the environmental impact of quarrying on surface water qualities. The study used the World Health Organisation (WHO, 2011) water guideline as a standard to compare with the study dataset and control measures.

This study aims to analyse the outcomes of Indian insolvency proceedings for their ex-post economic efficiency. Ideally, insolvent yet viable companies should witness resolution, whereas insolvent-unviable companies should be liquidated. This study aims to ascertain the key forces that ensure or prevent the application of the first part of this maxim in practice.

The study uses logistic regression on a sample of 320 corporate insolvencies (out of 942 insolvencies) reported under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016. Two-stage least squares regression is used to check endogeneity issues.

The results claim high levels of rationality from the financial creditors and acceptable levels of viability from the plan proposers for precluding liquidation of insolvent yet viable companies. The findings reveal that an excess of value from resolution over that from liquidation, controls the outcomes of insolvency proceedings. Further examinations indicate that financial creditors’ focus on upfront recovery prevents them from judging the plans on other viability-related factors. Based on the findings, this study recommends that IBC must focus on the importance of both long-term recovery rates and resolution.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to empirically analyse Type 2 efficiency-related errors prevalent in the Indian insolvency proceedings since the enactment of its new code. The empirical explorations offered in this research can prove to be unique for policy-making.