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The increased utilisation of social media platforms has been observed to influence consumer behaviour, particularly in online shopping context. This study aims to propose a conceptual framework regarding the factors influencing customer online buying behaviour on TikTok platform among younger generations for a Malaysian fragrance company. The method used for this conceptual paper is based on the literature reviews from journal articles related with the keywords and research area. This study proposed a conceptual framework to further identify and analyse the influence of brand awareness, product variety and psychological factors on online buying behaviour on TikTok. The framework will serve as a guideline for future academic research and practical industry applications by enhancing understanding of online buying behaviour among younger consumers in Malaysia’ fragrance market. The framework will help to inform strategic decisions for businesses and provide border implications for leveraging TikTok as a platform for e-commerce growth in the region.

Economic evaluations are used to compare the costs and consequences of healthcare interventions, including those for musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders, which are very common and a major source of morbidity and absence from work. Reimbursement decisions for interventions for MSK disorders by decision-makers rely on the findings of economic evaluations, the design and results of which depend largely on the perspective adopted. Despite methodological advancements in economic evaluations, there are no clear guidelines on the perspective to adopt. This paper explores the adoption of a societal perspective in economic evaluations of MSK disorders. Within health economics evaluations, the most commonly used perspectives include the payer perspective, the healthcare perspective, and the societal perspective. To facilitate optimal resource allocation decisions in order to reduce the significant economic burden of MSK disorders and improve the health outcomes of individuals with these disorders, all costs and benefits associated with interventions for them should be included. Thus, the societal perspective is arguably a preferable option to the others for economic evaluations of interventions for MSK disorders.

EDITORIAL: Introduction to the Special Issue based on papers presented at the Business Model Conference 2023

Purpose: Assembly Line Balancing (ALB) is critical to manufacturing efficiency and productivity. It involves assigning tasks to workstations to optimise performance while satisfying task priority and cycle time constraints. The Simple ALBP (SALBP) is a simplified version of the general problem that has received considerable research interest. Many academic works have been published on this topic, using a variety of methods, including exact, heuristic, and metaheuristic approaches. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to present a comprehensive evaluation of the literature on the methods used to solve the SALBP. Design/methodology/approach: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify, select, analyse, and summarise 126 papers on SALBPs. The study started with the selection of relevant keywords. The selected papers were then narrowed down using various criteria. Findings: The analysis showed that SALBP-1 and SALBP-2 are the most common types, with metaheuristic approaches being the most widely used. Despite extensive research, there is a significant need for studies focusing on SALBPs for multi- and mixed-models, particularly in the context of U-shaped and two-sided lines. Originality/value: This literature review contributes to the identification of key areas for improvement in the SALBP and provides insight into potential directions for future research.

Over the last few years, many factors have transformed the automotive supply chain in Europe. This paper addresses some of the issues that challenge this supply chain and discusses artificial intelligence’s implementation benefits, such as the elimination of bottlenecks, gaining an advantage on the procure-to-pay system of the automotive supply chain, and the automatic read of invoices. Qualitative methodology was used to analyse the information gathered within this study, using in depth literature review and checking important releases on this subject in scientific papers available, focusing also on the Audi case study that shows real application of artificial intelligence technology into their manufacturing process and the opportunities to further apply this in Europe. Major changes in European automotive supply chains are underway as a result of the adoption of artificial intelligence, not only solves existing problems but calls for advanced algorithms to be developed to meet new demands. The implementation of artificial intelligence needs to follow ethics, and in some cases needs human supervision. The use of artificial intelligence has both advantages and disadvantages. Some are analysed in this article and the important role of Germany as a pioneer in using artificial intelligence effectively in the automobile industry is emphasized by a case study on Audi.

The paper aims to synthesise the main ethical theories that can be applied in any economic area in general and in the tourism field in particular. It is widely believed that each economic sector in which human interaction is principal, has a moral side. This moral side is translated into tourism through concepts such as ethical tourism, responsible tourism, and sustainable tourism. Three main ethical theories are described from a philosophical perspective. They can be applied in a concrete manner to real tourism processes and activities and will enable clarification of key concepts that form any applied ethics expert’s tool: values, principles, standards, ethics, and/or codes of conduct, etc. In the last part of the paper, among the main conclusions, future research directions are detailed.

South African municipalities are the entities closest to citizens in local communities across the country, and they are required to provide services to them. The sustainable provision of services is heavily reliant on sound public finance management in all levels of government. It is unfortunate that municipalities in South Africa are failing to effectively manage and use public funds to improve service delivery. Most South African municipalities have received negative audit opinions for years, and their current financial situation is deteriorating year after year. This is concerning for a country that has recently celebrated 30 years of democracy; it is unfortunate that democratic gains are being reversed due to issues within South African municipalities such as irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure, non-compliance, a lack of skills, a lack of consequence management, political infighting, corruption, and poor leadership, to name a few. Citizens are the ones who pay the price at the end of the day when services owed to them are not delivered by municipalities due to poor financial management. The objective of this paper is to examine the causes of unsatisfactory audit outcomes in the South African local government sector and recommend solutions to for improving financial management in South African municipalities. To achieve this objective, a systematic literature review was chosen as the appropriate research methodological strategy for this paper

This paper constructs a stochastic model to describe customer’s on-line shopping spending and e-commerce effects. This paper focuses on the reflection of advertising effect which can directly predict customer spending. It assumes that customer purchase monetary can be composed by adverting volumes and its lagged effect which is the duration that customer is still interested to this product after exposing the advertising. Based on these two variables, it can be calculated the probability distribution and the expected value of purchase monetary. The empirical data which is from an online shopping site of women clothes, bags and shoes is demonstrated to estimate the parameters of the proposed model. When the customers browse the web page, and the popup ad of relative product will show up. The unit of observation time is a month (30 days). It can obtain the data of advertising effect from the volumes of popup ad when this customer starts to browse the site and the data of spending amount. It shows the proposed model has good fitness with empirical data. This result can be applied to company profit management through measuring the ad effects to predict customer monetary spending

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore factors and their impacts influencing online grocery shopping intentions among customers in the post COVID-19 situation. Moreover, the study aims at evaluating the mediating roles of shopping habits during COVID-19 between perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and post COVID-19 online grocery shopping intentions. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a review of the literature and collection of 401 useable valid responses, the study was conducted through structured questionnaires applying personal interview technique. The subsequent analysis was conducted through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using Smart PLS 3.3.3. Findings – The study findings revealed that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and shopping habits during COVID-19 have a significant influence on post COVID-19 online grocery shopping intentions. Also, the study has uncovered that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use significantly influence shopping habits during COVID-19 among customers. Furthermore, the current study has revealed that hopping habit during COVID-19 significantly mediates the relationship between perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and post COVID-19 online grocery shopping intentions. Practical implications – The study findings have provided practical suggestions of developing and improving technological platforms to attract new customers for online grocery shopping. Further, the study suggests that online grocery retailers should apply adjusted pricing strategies using coupons and discount offers. Originality/value – This paper investigates factors and its impacts on online grocery shopping intentions in post COVID-19 context. Therefore, the study uncovers the factors that add value to understanding customers' post COVID-19 online grocery shopping intentions by integrating perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and shopping habits during COVID-19.

Tourism is critical in driving socioeconomic progress, particularly in regions like Africa. Despite its growth trajectory, Africa must catch up to other continents in tourism development. Nonetheless, the sector holds immense potential to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the extent to which tourism impacts SDGs, especially concerning labour market dynamics such as access to resources, decent work, and gender equality, remains underexplored at a global level and within the context of the global South. This paper addresses this gap by analysing statistical indicators and employing a cluster analysis to categorise these countries based on tourism's significance in the labour market, decent work and gender equality. The results reveal three different clusters with distinct levels of reliance on tourism, job creation, and achievement of decent work for all. There are also challenges in gender equality and suboptimal youth employment. Through this exploration, the paper contributes to a deeper understanding of how tourism intersects with sustainable development imperatives, particularly in the context of labour dynamics and gender equality in Africa.

ESG reporting has become a critical component of corporate transparency, driven by growing stakeholder demands and changing regulatory requirements. The article identifies critical problems, including the need for standardized reporting systems, the complexity of data collection, and the diversity of regulatory and legal acts in different countries. In addition, the article examines the theoretical foundations of ESG reporting: stakeholder theory, legitimacy theory, and signaling theory. The theoretical foundations emphasize the importance of aligning corporate practices with the expectations of a wide range of stakeholders. The paper examines industry practices and geographic differences in ESG reporting practices, highlighting how different sectors and regions prioritize different aspects of ESG performance. Despite the challenges, the paper argues that the future of ESG reporting is promising. The spread of ESG reporting practices depends on the support of global initiatives to harmonize reporting standards and the growing recognition of the importance of sustainable development. By addressing these challenges, companies can improve their ESG performance, contribute to sustainable development, and strengthen stakeholder relationships. The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of ESG reporting and offers insight into its future direction. The research was carried out with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine within the framework of the project «Development of a Mechanism for Sustainable Development of Economic Systems in the Conditions of Military Actions and Post-War Economic Recovery» (registration number 0124U000463).

This paper aims to conduct an in-depth analysis of ethical issues faced by social enterprises operating in Kenya by examining the nature and complexity of these challenges. Furthermore, the research aims to explore strategies put in place by these social enterprises to promote ethical practices in their operations and discourage unethicality. This research used a qualitative approach to examine ethical issues in Kenya’s social enterprises. Semi-structured interviews with nine social enterprise leaders in Kenya were conducted. The paper provides empirical findings on the ethical issues that social enterprises in Kenya face and the strategies they have instituted to manage these ethical issues. Findings show that the ethical issues encountered are donor dependence, stakeholder interference, people management, cultural inclusivity and sensitivity, bribery, conflict of interest, transparency and accountability, and legal processes. Measures for handling ethical issues in social enterprises include attaining financial independence and sustainability, compliance with the law, promoting community relationships and engagement, and promoting transparency and accountability. The methods used to collect data may present issues like generalizability due to the sample size for the social enterprise leaders. The paper contributes to building a more ethical and sustainable social enterprise ecosystem in Kenya by identifying and addressing ethical concerns. Furthermore, identifying ethical issues can guide regulators and policymakers in creating guiding frameworks and powerful brand images, developing “brand ambassadors,” and managing the balance between stability and change.

Purpose – This paper aims to present the vertical integration state-of-the-art and propose an expansion of the operations and supply chain management (OSCM) field by identifying gaps and bottlenecks. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses a systematic literature review based on a sample of 173 OSCM field articles, collected from Scopus and Web of Science databases. Findings – There are no single factors, such as future costs, structures or skills development, in the decision to vertically integrate operations. It is necessary to combine the vision of production costs with the perspective of governance and transaction costs. In addition, it is essential to consider the competency perspective and its impact on capability building. Research limitations/implications – Few studies have attempted to understand how vertical integration is used in terms of OSCM research themes and theories. Vertical integration can help companies face challenges and serve as a potential solution for achieving better prices, demand control and quality management. Practical implications – The significant role of vertical integration mechanisms in supply chains is crucial for managers evaluating a firm's reconfiguration with more vertical operations. Policymakers interested in supporting the smoothness of vertical integration decisions in regulatory agencies play a key role as contingencies. Social implications – In times of global challenges, vertical integration is a strategy known to be more effective for firms to obtain a competitive advantage, making them more resilient. Originality/value – This paper addresses gaps in the vertical integration theme and provides insights for future research development.

Purpose – In the context of omnichannel distribution development, this study aims to understand how and why trying products out helps people make good purchase decisions (i.e. decisions that they do not regret later). Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses mixed methods consisting of an experiment (n = 162), a series of interviews with consumers (n = 16) and in-store observations (n = 202). Findings – Results show that trying products out allows us to evaluate how they will fit, which increases purchase intention. They also indicate that trying leads to better decision-making. Research limitations/implications – This paper enriches product trial literature and sheds new light on how sales channels combine in omnichannel distribution. Practical implications – The conclusions of this research will be useful to retailers who want to help consumers make better purchasing decisions. Social implications – Helping consumers make better decisions minimizes the societal impact of consumption by reducing the frequency of re-purchases and product returns. Originality/value – The originality of this research lies in using mixed methods, providing a complete understanding of why consumers try products out and how they do so.

Abstract Through empirical investigations into university spin-offs (USOs), we discovered innovativeness benefits derived from maintaining both academia and business partners at a distance. Distance should not be misconstrued as isolation; rather, it emphasises specific attributes where partners are maintained at arm’s length, affecting co-creation. Consequently, this paper explores how distance impacts the co-creation and innovativeness of USOs. It presents a longitudinal case study of a Swedish USO and conceptualises various types of distances, including actor-type, industry, supply-chain, geographical and knowledge-related distances. We explore the interplay between these different distance types as antecedents to USOs’ innovativeness and co-creation activities. The paper contributes to the existing literature by introducing the concept of distance as a critical characteristic affecting innovativeness and co-creation. By delineating various types of distances, it refines previous research on the characteristics of firm connections within university and business ecosystems.

Purpose – The main goal of this paper is to examine the evolution of Latin American productive integration in terms of the regional value added incorporated in intra-regional exports of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. In addition, the study traces the trade and productive integration trajectories for each of these countries from 1995 to 2015. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the use of OECD’s global ICIO input-output tables, this paper applies the methodological framework by Wang et al. (2018) for the analysis of trade flows at the bilateral level, which allows breaking down the value of gross exports of each sector-country, depending on the origin of the value added contained in exports, as well as their use. Findings – The estimates show very low shares of value added from regional partners in the intra-regional exports of the countries studied. Conversely, the weight of the value added incorporated in these exports by countries outside the region has increased in tandem with China’s expanding involvement in Latin America. This development, along with the downward trend in domestic value added incorporated in exports, indicates a lack of a regional integration process of any depth. Originality/value – This article addresses an economic problem of conventional importance from a global value chain perspective using a novel methodology based on the use of global input–output tables.

Purpose – The main purpose of this paper is to analyse the influence of capital efficiency on the economic growth of Bangladesh using the Harrod-Domar (H-D) model. Design/methodology/approach – We use annual data from 1980 to 2019 for this paper. Three steps are taken in the data analysis. First, to check the existence of a unit root, we use the augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test and to determine co-integration among the variables, we use the Johansen-Juselius co-integration test. Next, for long-run estimation, we use the dynamic ordinary least square (DOLS) estimator. The sensitivity of the long-run estimations is further checked by the fully modified OLS (FMOLS) and autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) estimators. Lastly, we use the Granger causality test to determine the long-run causality among the variables. Findings – The long-run co-integration test validates the co-integrating relationship among the variables. DOLS estimations reveal that the economic growth of Bangladesh is negatively associated with the incremental capital output ratio (ICOR), validating the notion that capital efficiency matters for achieving higher economic growth. On average, an increase in ICOR by a unit tends to reduce economic growth in the long term by 0.75 percent. Our results also reveal no significant relationship between savings and economic growth when the model is extended. Finally, causality results indicate unidirectional causality between ICOR and economic growth. Practical implications – Based on the results obtained, we argue that the enhancement of capital productivity could bring efficiency because ICOR is an inverse of capital productivity. Since Bangladesh’s capital productivity is considerably low compared with other neighbouring countries, it is suggested that firms should gradually move towards technological advancement and enhance economies of scale, etc. in the long run. Moreover, policies in favour of continuous skill development programmes could be highly effective in increasing capital productivity given that capital follows a vintage structure. Originality/value – This is the first paper to analyse the economic growth pattern of Bangladesh using the traditional H-D model by incorporating variables such as savings and ICOR and also by relaxing the assumption of time-invariant (i.e. fixed) data of the variables. Moreover, this paper extends the traditional H-D empirical model by introducing key indicators and time breaks for Bangladesh’s economy through a stepwise regression process.

Research question: How accounting research can address the relevant issues of inclusivity, circularity, and technological transformation? Motivation: This editorial introduces a Special Section addressing inclusivity, circularity, and technological transformation. The Special Section aims to inform policy, improve organizational practices, and inspire future research, contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive future for all stakeholders. Data: The editorial relies on key papers to motivate the topics addressed and then introduces the content of the papers selected for publication. Findings: The papers included in the Special Section not only address the theoretical foundations of these topics but also offer practical insights and recommendations. By doing so, they aim to spark meaningful discussions and inspire action among policymakers, practitioners, and researchers committed to promoting a sustainable and inclusive global economy.

Continuous learning is central to ensuring organizations remain innovative and high-performing. Corporate trainers play a critical role in educating and training employees. However, in an era of digital transformation and, more recently, artificial intelligence, trainers need new skills and methods to stay current and facilitate the transformation of the workforce. The skills gap is best filled through cooperative learning with other trainers. However, cooperative learning is hindered by different spatial, organizational, and cultural boundaries that are difficult to overcome.This paper attempts to understand how cooperative learning of trainers can be enhanced through boundary spanning. It examines the case of the corporate learning department of a German high-tech multinational through ethnographic action research by the department manager, including 21 semi-directive interviews and direct observation. Using a grounded theory approach, we explore how the concept, causes, context, contingencies, and conditions of boundary spanning enhance cooperative learning among corporate trainers.The findings show that boundary spanning leads to cooperative learning through pedagogical scaffolding, communities of practice, and a new learning culture. Spontaneous boundary spanning occurs in parallel to guided boundary spanning. Both are made possible by appropriate leadership values and attitudes, trust, flexibility, and dedicated time and capacity.Our paper provides recommendations on the key issues managers face in facilitating boundary spanning and cooperative learning among their employees. We also show how key barriers and risks can be mitigated to enable employees to learn cooperatively with colleagues from different and distant organizational units.

An increasing number of tourism researchers now advance the notion of tourism degrowth as a serious and viable alternative to the mainstream, growth-oriented approach to managing tourism development. The paper seeks to clarify, at a conceptual level, the well-being implications of tourism degrowth, positive and negative. Following a discussion of the basic principles of the degrowth approach, and identification of some major degrowth strategies, the paper overviews the nature of well-being, its sources and indicators. The potential impacts of tourism degrowth on resident well-being, are explored through a lens based on an established well-being framework. Taking sources of both material and non-material well-being into account, it is concluded that the degrowth process, when considered alongside a range of complementary interventions, can potentially make several important contributions to resident well-being. Identification and measurement of resident well-being outcomes in turn provides guidance as to the preferred strategies and types of interventions in support of tourism degrowth. In conclusion, the paper identifies issues for future investigation by tourism researchers.

The paper explores valorisation of hotel service quality elements and puts them in the context of guests’ preferences related with luxury accommodation. The focus of the paper is perception of luxury hotel offer and influence of sustainability labels and excellence awards on tourists’ preferences. The purpose of the paper is a better understanding of consumers’ attitudes when choosing luxury hotel accommodation developed and awarded within the sustainability concept. The methodology includes qualitative and quantitative analysis of the defined quality elements, perception of luxury and impact of sustainable awards and certificates on consumers’ preferences. The research was conducted using an online questionnaire in the last quarter of 2021, and it was carried out on a sample of 102 respondents, guests of upscale and luxury hotels. The research results were processed using quantitative statistical methodology, including mean values, percentages, STDEV, VAR and the Chi-square test of probability, while the open-ended question was processed using qualitative methodology, and the results are presented through the new model. Interpersonal communication followed by physical facilities and characteristics of luxury hotels are highlighted as important parameters, as is the valorisation of sustainable labels and certificates. However, by testing of the research questions and expected values, the authors have learnt that guests, consumers of luxury hotel products, predominantly do not valorise sustainable awards and certificates as key factors of perception of luxury. The findings suggest that sustainable initiatives in modern hospitality are entailed; however, the perception of luxury is not conditioned by awards and certificates.The research results, as well as the acquired knowledge, could encourage hoteliers to a more meaningful and effective promotion of certificates and awards in order to present a series of investments, activities and sustainable initiatives that have resulted in a certificate of excellence. The research bridges a scientific and professional gap in understanding of advantages of labels and awards and presents a platform for future research.

This paper investigates the essential components required to establish a work environment that is safe, motivating, and goal-oriented, and that promotes employee productivity, well-being, and engagement. It pinpoints the primary factors that contribute to the creation of such an environment, such as the availability of mental health resources, the flexibility of work arrangements, and the straightforward communication of job security and prospects. The study underscores the significance of a workplace culture that is equitable and respectful, actively combats bias, harassment, and discrimination, and promotes creativity and innovation through inclusivity. The significance of management is underscored, emphasising the necessity of communicative, supportive leadership that offers consistent positive feedback, career development opportunities, and empowers employees with autonomy in their positions. The research also investigates the influence of constructive coworker relationships, diverse and challenging tasks, and manageable burdens on the prevention of burnout and the maintenance of motivation. Lastly, the paper explores the ways in which long-term employee satisfaction and organisational success are influenced by continuous training and career advancement opportunities. According to the results, a supportive, well-rounded work environment not only improves individual well-being but also results in enhanced organisational outcomes, such as increased productivity, reduced turnover, and a stronger corporate reputation.

In this paper, we have tried to explore how the fundamental structure of a capitalistic society affects income sharing within the society and widens the vertical disparity in income distribution. We argue that a capitalist in a free market uses various elements of an economy to continuously improve their profitability. Initial rising population is used as a tool to enhance profit and once the population starts declining, international trade is used as a substitute for population growth to further enhance their profit. Our empirical analysis was divided into two parts;(i) the correlation between income inequality (Gini coefficient) and population (total population & population growth rate) was investigated for closed economies namely Brazil, Moldova, Morocco, & Ukraine (ii) a multivariate OLS was run with Gini coefficient as the dependent variable while the ratio of CPI (Consumer Price Index) and Wage Rate, Export as a percentage of GDP (Gross Domestic Product), and population growth rate was used as regressors to understand how income sharing evolves in an open economy and subject of the study was U.S. The result was confirmatory to the theoretical framework and alternative hypothesis represented in the paper that income inequality is positively associated with population for a closed economy while two variables negatively correlated for an open economy. Further, a positive association was found between income inequality and the ratio of CPI and Wage Rate, and Export for an open economy.

Purpose: This study aims to enhance production quality by applying Quality Control (QC) principles through acceptance sampling, specifically analyzing the efficacy of attribute acceptance sampling plans in final lot receptions. Design/methodology/approach: Through a comprehensive review and critical evaluation of various sampling methodologies found in literature, this paper assesses their efficiency under distinct administrative and operational conditions. It emphasizes the comparison of different attribute acceptance sampling plans by examining variations in parameters and key performance indicators, such as Average Outgoing Quality (AOQ) and inspection time allocation percentage. Furthermore, it proposes a model for Continuous Sampling Plans (CSP) to evaluate these plans' performance in response to operational characteristic variations. Findings: The analysis reveals that the selected methodologies significantly aid in decision-making processes for lot acceptance, utilizing non-conforming rates depicted by the Average Quality Level (AQL). This provides a robust framework for improving Quality Control strategies, demonstrating the potential of these methodologies to optimize production quality through strategic lot acceptance. Practical implications: This paper outlines a practical approach for industry practitioners to enhance decision-making in lot acceptance, offering a method to balance quality control with operational efficiency effectively. Originality/value: By comparing a wide range of attribute acceptance sampling plans and introducing a novel CSP model, this research contributes valuable insights into the optimization of QC strategies. It offers a unique perspective on enhancing production quality, marking a significant advancement in the field of Quality Control and management.

Due to the full-scale war of Russia against Ukraine in 2022, extreme danger and vulnerability have caused changes in the social and economic stability of a person both on the individual and at the family level, in various social groups, as well as in territorial communities. Thus, the study aims to investigate the sources of social and economic resilience of Ukraine’s population during the war in the context of developing a social solidarity economy in Ukrainian society to maintain fragile stability. The paper investigates the main reasons for the displacement of Ukrainians, explores the living conditions in communities where they moved, and identifies the main socioeconomic factors for ensuring the resistance of the individual and the community in wartime. The paper applies the sociological survey involving 1,200 respondents. The results show that Ukrainians recognize the authority’s right to make authoritarian decisions. The analysis gives empirical evidence on the sources of social and economic resistance and sustainability in Ukraine. This includes quantifying the role of social and financial payments, examining the intensification of social and solidarity ties, and evaluating the importance of a social solidarity economy for resilience. The study revealed the directions of supporting stability within the social solidarity economy in Ukraine under war conditions. They include incentive programs for returning qualified personnel, powerful tools of social support, encouraging socially-oriented small businesses, remote employment, state and local programs to support public organizations, and financing local initiatives. AcknowledgmentsThe publication was prepared within the project Jean Monnet Module “Social Solidarity Economy: implementing EU experience for Sustainable Development” (SSExpEU-101047518-GAP-101047518) (2022–2025), funded by the European Union.

Purpose – Since 2015, China has made efforts to reform its intellectual property rights (IPR) system to better protect and stimulate innovation. These reforms are a result of the demand for more stringent intellectual property (IP) protection from China’s domestic, innovative industries and a measure to ease the pressure exerted by its foreign trading partners, particularly against the background of the US-China trade dispute that started at the beginning of 2018. This paper summarizes these reforms and their implications. Design/methodology/approach – This paper combines a variety of sources, including academic articles, government websites, news reports, industry surveys and expert opinions, to offer insights in China’s IPR system and its recent reforms. Findings – This paper summarizes and discusses (1) the state’s law amendments, including the 2015 amendment of the “Law on Promoting the Transformation of Scientific and Technological Achievements”, the second amendment of the “Anti-Unfair Competition Law” with regard to trade secret protection, the fourth amendment of the “Patent Law”, and the legislations and regulations addressing the criticisms of the US administration over China’s so-called “forced” technology transfer policies; (2) the establishment of the specialized IP courts and tribunals since 2014; (3) the restructuring of the State IP Office; and (4) the issuing of an “Outline for Building an IPR Powerhouse (2021–2035)”. Originality/value – This paper highlights China’s efforts to make its IPR system stronger and more just. It also discusses international observers’ reactions and pinpoints specific areas for further improvement.

Lean management is a way to satisfy the increasing customer demands while maintaining production efficiency. This paper aims to map and analyze the level of use of lean management methods in the manufacturing industry in the Czech Republic. It searched for links and dependencies between company size, production type, and lean management methods in operational processes. The data were obtained from a nationwide survey within the manufacturing industry companies and were presented using descriptive statistics. A structured questionnaire was sent to 469 manufacturing companies with a return rate of 18.8%. Nonparametric statistical analysis (Fisher’s exact test) was used to confirm or reject the hypotheses. The research results confirmed the dependence of lean management methods on company size and production type. Lean management methods are used mainly by large enterprises, while micro- and small enterprises rarely employ them. Considering production typology, lean management is applied in serial production, and Single Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED) prevails. The most used techniques in mass production include the method of order in the workplace (5S) and Kaizen. The findings suggest that the future of industrial output should focus on sustainability and rationalization of production resources, which is offered by the synergy of lean management and Industry 5.0. AcknowledgmentThis paper is co-financed by IGA/FLKR/2023/002 Rationalization and Sustainability of Resources in Production-Logistics Processes the Czech Republic and RVO/FLKŘ/2024/01 Logistic Systems Safety.

Employee performance is one of the main drivers for company development. However, there is an emergence of quiet quitting behavior, which many Generation Z workers experience. This behavior is detrimental to the company because it affects employee performance. The objective of this study is to analyze the influence of perceptions of career development opportunities, job insecurity, and awareness of intelligent technology on quiet quitting and its correlation with work performance, especially in Generation Z in Jakarta, Indonesia. This paper adopts an explanatory research design to elucidate the causal relationships between these variables using quantitative methods. Stratified random sampling was used to ensure representative data. Questionnaires were distributed to 289 hotel employees in Jakarta, capturing diverse perspectives across various job roles and departments. The data were analyzed using SmartPLS. The results showed a significant negative relationship between perceived career development opportunities and quiet quitting behavior. A positive and significant relationship exists between job insecurity and quiet quitting behavior. The study identifies a positive correlation between awareness of smart technology and quiet quitting behavior. Additionally, the paper reveals a significant negative relationship between quiet quitting behavior and employee performance. Perceived career development opportunities significantly reduce quiet quitting behavior, while job insecurity and awareness of smart technology increase it. Quiet quitting behavior, in turn, significantly negatively impacts employee performance. Organizations can develop targeted strategies to reduce this behavior by understanding the factors influencing quiet quitting.

The last mile has to deliver goods at the right time for business logistics services to enhance the seamless customer service experience. The paper examines challenges confronting retail omnichannel distribution in achieving effective last-mile fulfilment operations processes in an apparel group (organisation phase). It investigates how the last mile for demand-driven store replenishment influences the level of retailers’ order fulfilment (in full and on time) (environment phase). The paper also assesses integrated information systems’ contribution to brick-and-mortar and virtual omnichannel distribution networks to improve timeousness, order accuracy and fill rate (technology phase). A mixed method was employed, with a quantitative methodology using frequencies and binomial testing combined with subjective thematic analysis of qualitative data from interviews. A hundred and seventy-five questionnaires were administered with a response rate of 85%. The main findings are that the current order fulfilment process aligned with the last mile is effective regarding the fill rate, lead time and condition of orders delivered via store economy and store express.

This review paper examines the multifaceted growth challenges faced by Knowledge-Based Firms (KBFs) operating in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) firms in Iran. Through a comprehensive analysis, the study identifies critical barriers across several domains, including financial constraints, market development limitations, political, regulatory, and legal complexities, business model intricacies, and knowledge-based law enforcement issues. Unlike previous studies that typically focus on isolated factors, this research offers a holistic view of the obstacles impeding the growth of ICT firms within the specific context of Iran and its regulatory environment. Key findings reveal that financial challenges are compounded by limited access to high-quality equipment and skilled personnel, while market development is hindered by both domestic and international barriers. Regulatory and legal hurdles, including inadequate intellectual property protections and cumbersome administrative processes, further exacerbate these issues. The study also highlights the need for strategic reforms in policy frameworks, enhanced coordination among governmental bodies, and targeted support mechanisms to address the evolving needs of these enterprises. Based on the analysis, the paper proposes several policy recommendations aimed at fostering an environment conducive to the sustainable growth and innovation of Iran’s ICT sector. These include optimizing tax policies, facilitating international market entry, revising regulatory frameworks, and improving support for knowledge-based law enforcement. The findings highlight the importance of a nuanced and adaptive approach to policy-making to ensure the competitiveness and resilience of ICT companies in Iran's dynamic economic landscape.

The prospect of decoupling economic development from CO2 emissions in Ghana is examined in this paper, with an emphasis on the manufacturing, export, and adoption of renewable energy sectors. The paper investigates the long-term and short-term correlations among CO2 emissions, renewable energy consumption (RNE), population growth (POP), manufacturing value-added (MVA), Economic growth (GDP), and exports (EXP) using an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing method using time series data from 1990 to 2020. The outcomes show that the variables are long-term cointegrating. Long-term GDP and CO2 emissions show a positive but negligible correlation, whereas exports show a negative and insignificant correlation. In the near term, using renewable energy has a markedly undesirable consequence on releases, yet, over time, the connection is positive and negligible. Because the turning point when economic expansion results in lower emissions is not apparent, the Environmental Kuznets Curve concept is not entirely substantiated. The report emphasizes how specific laws encouraging the use of renewable energy, environmentally friendly export and manufacturing processes, and technical advancements are necessary to help Ghana move toward a low-carbon economy.

Background: The purpose of this paper is to address how to handle uncertainty when performing an economic valuation of a medical innovation R&D project in orphan diseases from the perspective of the investor. Methods: We describe the specific uncertainty related to cash flows and the cost of capital for innovation in orphan diseases. The uncertainty in cash flows relates to sales, manufacturing and R&D costs, and probabilities of failure for each phase in the clinical trial program. We consider different net present values (NPVs) and higher standard deviations for orphan drugs compared to non-orphan drugs. Results: Numerical case base examples showed the differences in trade-off by an investor for R&D projects with differences in NPV and level of uncertainty. The investor will transfer the additional uncertainty in cash flows in a higher cost of capital. An alternative approach is the application of an “acceptability curve” based on a probabilistic sensitivity analysis, which displays the cumulative probabilities at a range of different values for the NPV. Finally, we consider uncertainty in the cost of capital itself by applying the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM). Conclusions: In this paper, we described various types of uncertainty and explored various approaches to how to handle uncertainty in the economic valuation of medical innovation in orphan diseases. The bridging of health economics with economic valuation theory in the healthcare market is to our knowledge a novel approach for the valuation of medical innovation by investors.

The scope of the paper is to describe and interpret the steps and activities that led to the development and implementation of a community-based participatory research program that involved an university, local businesses and community organizations, local autorithies and an external funder. Specifically, the paper addresses the following two questions: first, how was this program designed and implemented, and second, what lessons can be learned from this experience that might be extended to the field of community-based research generally? The instrumental case study methodology was applied and the CBPR Program considered is UniverCity Romania.

Purpose – This paper investigates the moderating role of institutional quality in the relationship between public education financing and educational quality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses a two-step system generalised method of moments (GMM) to investigate the dynamic relationships among the variables using data from the World Bank covering the periods 2002–2020 for 46 SSA countries. Findings – The results show that institutional quality moderates the effect of public education financing on educational quality at SSA’s primary, secondary and tertiary levels. This finding shows that improved institutional quality enhances the effectiveness of public educational investments. Practical implications – The findings of this study imply that policymakers seeking to enhance educational quality must not only increase educational investments but also institute measures to improve institutional quality. Originality/value – Prior studies fail to examine the moderating role of institutional quality in the nexus between public education financing and educational quality. This study analyses the role of institutional quality in the public education financing–educational quality nexus in SSA. The findings of this study contribute to improving the return on public education financing in SSA.

Abstract This research paper outlines the fundamental areas and current complexities of the gender equity in HRM domain; given the importance of HR and gender equity-centre stage of developing this paper, there has been a noticeable rise in publications in recent years, indicating a rising interest in gender equity concerns within HRM. The influence of leadership styles on gender equality, work-life balance, diversity and inclusion policies, and gender bias in recruitment and promotion are some of the major issues that have been discovered gender equity, as shown by the study’s emphasis on inter-connectedness. The connection between gender and other social characteristics such as race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status is a complex issue. Thus, we suggest potential directions for future research. Analysis was conducted on 1555 studies sourced from the Scopus database between 2005 and 2023. This study aimed to identify research initiatives that concentrate on achieving gender equality in HRM. To ascertain the most influential articles and authors, their citation and publication counts were determined. The predominant area of investigation in HRM research is gender equity, a key issue, while other factors, such as age, nationality, ethnicity, professional background, and cognition, are often neglected.

This paper investigates the landscape of the e-commerce in the European Union (EU), from several angles, bringing into discussion issues related to the concept of electronic commerce, trends and new legislative framework of this domain adopted at the EU level. At the same time, based on Eurostat data, a statistical analysis of the evolution of the e-commerce sector during the 2012-2021 interval with a focus on current period was carried out in terms of the number of companies and the turnover in this, both on aggregate levels of the EU region and of its member states in trying to achieve a deeper understanding of the trends and dynamics of this field. The paper below also drags into discussion aspects related to online sales’ platforms and marketplaces as alternatives to the sales made by the firm through its own website and its own online applications. Last but not least, the prevailing business models in EU electronic commerce (business-to-business, business-to-consumer and business-to-government) are specified.

Purpose: Automatic grouping of data according to certain characteristics is made possible by clustering algorithms, which makes them an essential tool when working with large datasets. However, although they are unsupervised tools, they generally require the specification of the number of clusters to be formed, k, a task that may be simple for a human, but quite complex to automate. Despite the most commonly used k-value selection techniques offer acceptable results, they are not without shortcomings, suggesting that there is ample room for improvement. This paper briefly introduces clustering techniques, discusses the main shortcomings of conventional k-value selection techniques and examines the advantages and limitations of nine promising alternatives presented in recent years. Design/methodology/approach: An evaluation of the main shortcomings of classic k-value estimation techniques has been carried out, and the newest proposals have been explained and compared. Findings: New k-value estimation indices and methodologies proposed by authors guarantee better results, extending the use of these techniques to large volumes of data, and complex shapes and structures. However, no generical methodology able to overcome all the described shortcomings has still been developed. Research limitations/implications: This research is limited to the newest developed techniques for k-value estimation, including proposals published since 2019. Older proposals have not been considered, as the newest ones overcome the former’s shortcomings. A k-value estimation techniques review published in 2019 is cited in the test as a base reference. Practical implications: Although the examples listed in the text apply to industry, the techniques described and discussed in this review are applicable to any area of science that can benefit from the use of clustering techniques. Originality/value: To date, there has been no paper comparing the new k-value estimation techniques. Although there are literature reviews comparing the classical methods, these methods are nowadays nearly obsolete due to the complexity of the data usually faced.

In this paper, I set out to present the results of the analysis of the energy sector of the Republic of Moldova, and particularly the field of electricity, natural gas and petroleum products. Although I do not claim exclusivity in terms of the aspects researched through this paper, I consider that these aspects have been insufficiently analyzed over time, which is why I express my hope that the conclusions of the undersigned presented in this paper will bring a certain level of usefulness both theoretically and, as well as practice. In this sense, the scientific novelty and originality of the obtained results is embodied in the making of a clear opinion regarding the development of future strategies regarding the sustainability of the energy sector

The global economy is currently facing many challenges, some old and persistent, and some new, in various forms. Gender inequality in the labour market is an older problem that has a global dimension and affects women both in terms of labour force participation and pay. For equal work and similar responsibilities, women earn on average significantly less than men. This paper aims to address gender pay inequalities as a problem of the global economy. The aim of the paper is to review theoretical approaches and explore the extent to which these theories can explain the gender pay gap. The first part of the paper argues for the ethical dimension of the problem studied. Attention is then focused on the main myths that cast doubt on the reality of gender pay discrimination. In the final part, human capital theory, game theory and the theory of labour's contribution to productivity are discussed. Our thesis is that these theories, at a particular level, offer only partial, unsatisfactory explanations. Taken together they provide detail and offer richer explanations of the gender wage gap.

This study aims to understand how an organization's values, norms and cultural habits influence operational efficiency, employee satisfaction and market competitiveness. Among the main objectives of this study, there is the clarification of the notions of "organizational culture" and "company performance", as well as the identification of their different dimensions. Investigating how different aspects of culture contribute to the financial and operational success of the company is also another objective of this paper. The paper also presents an analysis of Dufry UK's organizational culture, exemplifying how Dufry UK chooses to train its managers, based on the premise that the company's success lies in the manager's ability to organize and lead. In conclusion, the paper will provide a broad perspective on how organizational culture can be an engine of performance within companies, highlighting the importance of cultural management as an essential part of business strategy.

As the literary landscape of the 21st century has changed its marketing approach over the years, the bookstagram phenomenon has implemented the most effective means of promotion, namely influencers. Therefore, bookstagrammers are powerful pillars in terms of developing influencer marketing on Instagram. Hence, this paper investigates the nature of book influencers in the literature based on keywords found in the Web of Science online database. Accordingly, a quantitative research encompassing 167 studies viewed through the VOSviewer tool in the form of bibliometric maps is noted. Thus, the study aims to better understand the landscape of book influencers, starting from the analysis of keywords found and, implicitly, the links that are created between them. Moreover, any influencer’s digital action affects the consumers and also increases their trust. This paper provides relevant insights on bookstagrammers, as well as laying the groundwork for future research on the evolution and impact in modern readers' lives.

During its existence, the retail industry underwent profound transformations. Over the past three decades the retail industry has incorporated new technologies, namely Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and Big Data Analytics. All these advancements deeply intensified competition in global retailing. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the businesses of global retailers. The purpose of the paper is to present and briefly analyse the evolution of the largest global retailers in terms of their retail revenues in the COVID-19 pandemic period 2020-2021. In this respect, a qualitative research method was used. The results of the paper show that global retailers are dominating the retail industry. They obtained impressive retail revenues even during the COVID-pandemic period 2020-2021. Walmart, the American giant, was by far the largest global retailer in that period.

Today’s dynamic and changing business environment raises numerous challenges for any business organization, irrespective of its size and industry. The Fourth Industrial Revolution has brought numerous advancements in the information and communications technologies which require continuous innovation. This is why corporations, especially multinational and transnational, have heavily invested in research and development activities in order to increase their efficiency. The rapid spread of digital technologies has determined corporate management to re-evaluate its approach towards innovation and, therefore, corporations began to establish innovation ecosystems. The goal of the paper is to illustrate and analyse the hierarchy of America’s most innovative corporations in the period 2022-2023. The author applied a qualitative research method in order to achieve the aim of the paper. The paper demonstrates that innovation, in general, and corporate innovation, in particular, represent key factors in ensuring business success. The hierarchy of the first ten American most innovative corporations in the period 2022- 2023 was clearly dominated by the corporations from the IT&C sector.

The tourism country’s competitiveness is important especially when countries strive for bigger market shares as European countries are. The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects on tourism and the entire tourism industry must be rethinking and reshaping given some opportunities and challenges to the entrepreneurs, local communities, local administrations, governments of competitiveness destinations. In this paper we measured if the Google and Apple mobility indices cand predict (or not) the movement of TTCI during pandemic compared with pre-pandemic TTCI ranks by using grey system theory and statistical methods. The aim of the paper is to validate the Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) as identifier of the good predictor (statistically significant for p-value< 0.05) for European tourism competitiveness (measured by TTCI) in particular conditions, especially before and during COVID-19 pandemic time by take into consideration the Google Mobility and Apple Mobility data and their relationship with overnight stays for 11 European countries. To validate the GRA as method for good and accurate predictor for tourism competitiveness for TTCI 2021 (during COVID-19 pandemic time) a GLM – General Linear Model ANOVA with interaction effects and Tukey HSD Post Hoc Multiple Comparisons was applied. Our results validated the powerful of GRA for tourism competitiveness, statistically significant according to GLM with interaction effects, and emphasis (especially for entrepreneurs) that the overnight stays will give the right rank on top of tourism competitiveness, prior to other ITC support as Google and Apple Mobility indices proved by reflection of overnights on TTCI 2021 – during pandemic.

This paper explores the multifaceted nature of digital entrepreneurship, tracing its evolution alongside the digital transformation of the broader economy. Entrepreneurship research has expanded to encompass a wide range of theoretical perspectives. It outlines the evolution of theoretical perspectives in entrepreneurship studies, shifting from a focus on individual characteristics to a broader emphasis on environmental, social, and institutional factors. The paper highlights the diversity of methodological approaches utilized in entrepreneurship research, ranging quantitative, qualitative, and computational techniques. The advent of the internet opened the door for e-commerce in the 1990s, followed by the rise of Web 2.0 social platforms in the 2000s, further empowering entrepreneurs through user-generated content and the power of networks. The current phase of digital entrepreneurship is characterized by data-driven platforms, sophisticated algorithms, and the blurring of physical and digital boundaries. Theoretical frameworks, including innovation theory, resource-based views, lean startup methodologies, and institutional perspectives, aid in understanding the opportunities and challenges within this dynamic field. Digital entrepreneurship is presented as a dynamic force reshaping the modern economy. The paper traces the evolution of digital entrepreneurship through three key phases: the emergence of e-commerce in the 1990s, the rise of Web 2.0 social platforms in the 2000s, and the current dominance of data-driven platforms. The ongoing digital revolution has profoundly altered the entrepreneurial landscape, demanding new skills, strategies, and models for success. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated digital adoption across businesses and society. The paper underscores the significance of digital entrepreneurship within the context of technological advancement, institutional shifts, and evolving market dynamics.

This paper examines the current approaches to economic science, particularly on collaborative and circular economies. Economic science is closely related to the concept of limited resources. This is because economics is concerned with managing limited resources to satisfy unlimited human needs and wants. The idea of limited resources is central to economic science because it influences every aspect of how people make economic decisions and manage economic activities. Effective management of these resources is essential to achieving long-term economic and social goals. The collaborative economy and the circular economy are two key economic concepts that address how resources are used and distributed sustainably and efficiently in society. Both concepts are frameworks that aim to address the challenges of sustainability and resource efficiency, albeit in different ways. The collaborative economy is characterised by individuals and organisations sharing resources through digital platforms, such as goods, services, or information. This model promotes resource optimisation, cost-sharing, and social cohesion. On the other hand, the circular economy is an economic model that seeks to systematically reduce waste and maximise resource efficiency by designing products, services, and systems that prioritise the longevity and recyclability of materials. The paper explores collaborative and circular economies’ theoretical foundations and practical applications. Although they have some overlap, these two concepts have different perspectives and approaches regarding resource management and sustainable economic growth. While the collaborative economy focuses on sharing and exchanging existing resources, the circular economy focuses on reshaping systems and products to reduce waste and sustainably optimise resource use. The study findings are based on a comprehensive literature review and empirical research on collaborative and circular economies. The analysis reveals that collaborative and circular economies have unique strengths and limitations. However, they also share common objectives, such as promoting sustainability, resource efficiency, and social inclusivity. These concepts have the potential to complement each other and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient economy.

he rising income inequality around the world and its persistence represent a social phenomenon raising concerns at all levels (global, regional and country) for governments and pose huge challenges to master it and to identify effective solutions. The aim of the paper is to provide a comparative insight at the European Union (EU) level involving 25 Member States regarding the interplay between income inequality, economic growth, and institutional quality. Gini Index sourced from World Income Inequality Database, GDP per capita series extracted from the World Bank database, and institutional indicators collected from the World Governance Indicators database represent the examined variables over the period 1990-2022. Their dynamic is comparatively analysed and discussed. The clustering method is applied to identify similarities and differences between European Union countries in terms of the interplay between income inequality, economic growth and institutional factors and to draw relevant conclusions for future effective policy measures meant to reduce inequality and to boost economic growth. The clustering analysis based on the average growth rate of income inequality and per capita GDP revealed that European Union countries are differently facing the challenge of income inequality rising. Six groups of countries with similar paths regarding the income inequality and economic growth were identified. High-income countries face low levels of income inequality but with an upward trend. Economic growth is accompanied with high levels and increasing levels of income inequality. The institutional quality level may strength the capacity of a country to address the problem of rising income inequality, but it remains unclear the interplay of institutional quality dynamic in reducing income inequality. The implications of the paper’s findings are framed in the context of the European policies.

This study explores the evolving role of universities in the modern economy, focusing on their transformation from traditional centers of education and research to dynamic hubs of entrepreneurship and technology transfer. Drawing from Schumpeter’s theory of entrepreneurship, which emphasizes the critical role of innovation and the entrepreneur in catalysing economic change, this paper argues that contemporary universities have adopted a third mission of economic development, complementing their foundational roles in teaching and research. The paper introduces the concept of the entrepreneurial university, a term that captures the institution’s enhanced involvement in technological innovation and its contribution to economic growth through the commercialization of research. The research discusses various models of innovation that have shaped our understanding of the knowledge transfer process, including the linear model of innovation, the triple helix model, and the open innovation model. These models provide a theoretical framework for analysing the mechanisms through which universities contribute to the economy, highlighting the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and government. The paper pays particular attention to the role of Technology Transfer Entities (TTEs) within universities, which are instrumental in managing intellectual property, licensing inventions, and fostering partnerships with external stakeholders. Through a comprehensive analysis, the paper reveals that while the financial benefits of knowledge transfer from universities are increasingly recognized, there remains a significant research gap in understanding how university knowledge can be effectively transformed into economic benefits. This gap is particularly pronounced in the context of transition economies, where data on knowledge transfer mechanisms and their impact on innovation and economic growth is scarce. The study emphasizes the need for a multidimensional approach to assess the effectiveness of university TTEs, considering individual, organizational, and ecosystem-level characteristics.

This paper examines the relationship between property tax systems and housing affordability in European countries. The research contains not only theoretical section, but also empirical analysis. The statistical data used in research was extracted from Eurostat, OECD, and Tax Foundation. As housing affordability increasingly becomes a pressing issue in many European cities, understanding the role of property taxation in shaping affordability dynamics is crucial for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders. Addressing housing affordability challenges requires a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing housing costs, with property tax systems playing a pivotal role in shaping housing market dynamics. Through a comprehensive literature review, the paper explores existing research findings on the correlation between property taxation and housing affordability. Utilizing data from the Eurostat database, I conduct a comparative analysis of property tax collection statistics across Europe. It focuses on property tax revenues as percentage of total private stock. In assessing housing affordability, two key indicators were extracted from the Eurostat database: the housing cost overburden rate and housing costs as a proportion of disposable income. Housing costs encompass various expenses associated with dwelling occupancy, including utilities, maintenance, taxes, and insurance. The housing cost overburden rate measures the percentage of households where housing expenses exceed 40% of disposable income, providing insight into the burden of housing costs relative to income. Additionally, paper analyses the proportion of disposable income allocated to housing-related expenses, offering further insight into affordability trends. The findings contribute to understanding the impact of property tax systems on housing affordability in European countries. By evaluating the relationship between property taxation and housing costs, the strategies can be developed to mitigate housing affordability challenges and promote sustainable housing markets.

The armed conflict that erupted in Ukraine has had profound economic ramifications, not only for the country itself but also for the wider region. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the economic consequences of the war in Ukraine, exploring its impact on various sectors and long-term development prospects. Drawing upon a range of primary and secondary data sources, the study presents a multifaceted assessment of the economic effects, considering both immediate and long-term implications. The paper examines the direct costs of the conflict, including the destruction of infrastructure, loss of human capital, and disruption of production and trade. It investigates the impact on key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and finance, highlighting the challenges faced by businesses and the labor market. It examines the role of external financial assistance and the effectiveness of economic policies implemented during the crisis. Finally, the study concludes by synthesizing the key findings on the economic consequences of the war in Ukraine. These recommendations encompass both short-term measures to address immediate challenges and long-term strategies to foster sustainable economic development and reconciliation. This comprehensive analysis of the economic consequences of the war in Ukraine contributes to the existing literature by providing a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted impacts of the conflict. It offers valuable insights for policymakers, international organizations, and researchers seeking to comprehend and address the economic challenges arising from war-affected regions.