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Engaging in export activities is a key factor influencing firm performance. This paper explores the export-productivity and export-capital intensity relationship using firm-level data from the Brazilian manufacturing industry over the period 2007–2014. The empirical strategy combines Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and Differences in Differences (DD) methods and explores the fact that firms enter the external market at different moments, generating a variation in the period and permanence in international trade. We find static and dynamic effects on labor productivity, total factor productivity, and capital intensity. Firms that start exports experience an average productivity growth of about 5% and a 2% decrease in capital intensity compared to non-exporting firms. The permanence in the activity magnifies these impacts. After three periods, the growth (reduction) in productivity (capital intensity) is around 10.5% (4.7%). We identify heterogeneous effects, leading to variations in magnitude across dimensions such as technological intensity, size, age, ex-ante levels of productivity and capital intensity, and intensive margin of trade. We also show that firms become more labor intensive by demanding more skilled workers. • Engaging in export activities is a key factor influencing firm performance. • We explore the export-productivity and export-capital intensity relationship using firm-level data from Brazilian manufacturing industry over the period 2007-2014. • We find static and dynamic effects on labor productivity, total factor productivity, and capital intensity. • Firms that start export experience an average productivity growth of about 5% and a 2% decrease in capital intensity compared to non-exporting firms. • Firms become more labor intensive by demanding more skilled workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the impact of heat waves on the productivity of the Italian food industry. Using daily weather and firm‐level data for the 2004–2019 period, we show that a heat wave causes, on average, a reduction in Total Factor Productivity (TFP) of about 3.2%. Smaller firms are more severely affected, with a reduction of approximately 7%, revealing unequal impacts within the same country and sector. The reduction in TFP can be partially attributed to lower workers' productivity, with labour input increased in order to compensate for productivity loss. The estimated effect is heterogeneous across subsectors, with some well‐known Italian products (e.g., wine production) more severely affected by heat waves. These findings have significant policy implications due to the expected increase in the frequency of heat waves caused by climate change, and are particularly important in the case of the Italian food industry, which is mainly composed of small firms. The paper highlights the need to investigate further the impacts of heat stress on the entire food system, as most of the literature has predominantly focused on the agricultural sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper seeks to draw a research agenda for unveiling the underlying bottlenecks and possibilities for improving the agricultural total factor productivity in the European Union (EU). To this aim, the paper first surveys the key challenges for the modern agricultural economy. Then, the case of the EU is discussed by looking at the convergence in the partial productivity indicators (including the GHG emission) and growth efficiency that relate to the gap in the total factor productivity growth. The results suggest that the EU member states exhibited growth inefficiency (i.e., a gap in the total factor productivity growth) of 5–9% on average during 2004–2021. The paper also discusses the possibilities to utilize the production theory for assessing the pathways towards improvements in the productivity and sustainability of the EU agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

There is a growing emphasis on fostering green growth and lowering carbon emissions in order to achieve sustainable economic development. This study uses the Tapio decoupling model and analyzes the factors influencing changes in carbon emissions from manufacturing in India utilizing the log mean Divisia index (LMDI) techniques. Furthermore, the nexus between carbon emission intensity, information and communication technology (ICT), total factor productivity (TFP), skill, and energy intensity has been analyzed using the system-GMM approach. It is based on the plant-level Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) datasets for the organized manufacturing sector of India from 2001 to 2002 to 2019 2020 for the major 21 Indian states/UT. The findings reflect the presence of weak decoupling in the manufacturing sector both at the aggregate level and in states. This indicates that both output and emissions are increasing; however, output growth surpasses emission growth, which signifies an effort to transition towards more environmentally friendly production methods and enhanced energy efficiency. The output and population effect are found to be leading factors in carbon emissions, while energy intensity is found to be reducing the effect. Further, the system-GMM estimates show that ICT and energy intensity positively affect total factor productivity, while with an increase in carbon emission intensity, productivity declines. The study confirms the existence of an inverted N-shaped Kuznets curve in the sector. This present study will contribute to formulating energy and environmental strategies to reduce emissions and promote adopting cleaner energy sources. These efforts will facilitate the attainment of carbon neutrality and enhance energy efficiency within the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While promoting manufacturing growth is imperative to boost economic growth, potential adverse consequences on natural resources and ecology have created sustainability-related concerns and challenges. In India, with the reform processes deepening further and the business environment becoming more market-oriented over the years, the adoption of appropriate measures for sustainable manufacturing growth under such conditions would require a deeper investigation of the underlying dynamics, particularly to address the impacts of external shocks. This is especially true when external shocks alter market dynamics and, hence, input is used significantly in the manufacturing sector. Given this backdrop, the present paper examines how the major external shocks to the Indian economy during in the post-reform era have altered the resource use patterns in selected manufacturing industries. The paper uses secondary data collected from the KLEMS database of the Reserve Bank of India for the period from 1980–81 to 2019–20 and applies descriptive statistics and econometric techniques to address the research objective. It is found that energy intensity, vertical integration, capital intensity, and rate of growth of total factor productivity decreased over the decades, whereas labour productivity experienced an increasing trend in most industries. However, the trends are mixed in the case of material intensity. Further, the regression results indicate significant effects of external shocks on resource use, factor productivity, and structural changes. There are also industry-specific differences in the nature and extent of such changes. Hence, a deeper investigation of the underlying factors and impacts at a disaggregate industry level is necessary to draw more robust insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Furniture production is one of the activities that has the potential to generate income for educational institutions. The furniture production process is generally carried out by experienced students utilizing industry-standard facilities, namely the Wood Construction workshop along with its machinery equipment. Therefore, the implementation of Quality Control in the production process is necessary. This study aims to determine the impact of Quality Control implementation on improving the productivity and quality of furniture products. The method used is quantitative with 4 stages of Quality Control, including product design, process planning, Incoming Quality Control (IQC), and In-Process Quality Control (IPQC). Productivity measurement is divided into 3 parts: partial productivity, total factor productivity, and total productivity, which includes labor productivity, time, and production output. Meanwhile, product quality measurement is obtained from assessments by practitioners and product quality testing according to ISO 19682. Data is processed using the path analysis method with the help of a smart PLS application. The research results show that the productivity of production output is 87.5%, categorized as good, with labor productivity of 0.125 pieces/person/day and work hour productivity of 0.25 pieces/hour/day. Product quality based on production processes is categorized as good at 83%. Meanwhile, product quality testing, including visual aspects is good (82.3%), product stability (normal), strength (normal), durability (normal), stiffness (normal 34mm/m), and drop test (normal). Based on path analysis, it is known that quality control including product design, process planning, Incoming Quality Control (IQC), and In-Process Quality Control (IPQC) has an impact on improving the productivity and quality of furniture products. the quality control carried out to increase productivity and product quality can be said to be good with the validation of the final result of 0.188 including in the good category. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Investigación Económica is the property of Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Facultad de Economia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: In this paper, the potential of mathematical optimization (MO) in enhancing innovation productivity is explored. Innovation is a process that converts new ideas and methods into products and services, MO can contribute to innovation management by improving productivity across all stages, from pre-innovation to post-innovation. This paper establishes a connection between MO and innovation productivity while demonstrating an application for a post-innovation phase problem of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Methodology: A framework for incorporating MO into the design problems of innovation processes is developed. Additionally, a MO model is developed for a case study concerning UAV border patrolling in Türkiye. Findings: Computational experiments demonstrate MO's effectiveness in optimizing UAV routes and strategies, enhancing operational efficiency, and innovation productivity. Optimal recommendations and trade-offs among different mission considerations are obtained in 18 minutes on average (with a median of 5 seconds) over 210 runs. Originality: A link is established between MO and innovation productivity. An operations research problem is introduced for UAV operations in border patrolling in Türkiye. The codebase and data are openly provided for readers to apply the model in their research.

• We investigate how GVC participation and centrality in the intermediate trade network are associated with firms' productivity in the MENA countries. • Using several measures of GVCs, we show that firms in GVCs are more productive. • Multi-level estimations show that country-sector intermediate trade network centrality is also positively associated with firms' productivity. • Results are confirmed using propensity score matching and shift-share instrumental variable approach. Global Value Chain (GVC) participation is typically associated with a productivity premium, yet similar firms can benefit differently depending on the possibility for creating production linkages offered by their countries' involvement in trade. We show that country-sector intermediate trade network centrality is also positively associated with firms' productivity, suggesting that the connectivity of the business environment may enhance productivity on top of direct firm-level involvement in GVCs. For a large cross-section of MENA countries included in the World Bank Enterprise Surveys (WBES), we find evidence of productivity premia using several firm-level GVC participation measures and network centrality indicators constructed from the EORA input-output tables. Centrality is also positively associated with firms' productivity, adding to the direct effect of GVC participation. Our results are confirmed using OLS, multi-level models, Propensity Score Matching techniques, and a Shift-Share instrumental variable approach which help addressing endogeneity issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient and effective handling of loading and unloading processes at ports is key to achieving set volume targets. In this context, intelligence strategy plays a crucial role in strengthening loading and unloading activities. This study aims to analyze how the implementation of intelligence strategy can enhance loading and unloading activities at Teluk Lamong Port. Through a case study approach, we explore the implementation of intelligence strategy by port authorities and its impact on achieving volume targets. The research findings indicate that well-integrated intelligence strategies can provide timely and relevant information to stakeholders, enabling more efficient resource management and enhancing coordination among various parties involved. The practical implications of these findings underscore the importance of employing intelligence strategies to enhance productivity and operational efficiency at ports, thereby contributing to the attainment of set volume targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Reducing the execution time of individual processes, or the execution of work by robots and cobots, affects the number of labor hours in the enterprise in production. The efficiency of the use of resources in production can be measured by the partial productivity index. Therefore, it was decided to address the topic of the impact of new technologies on productivity. Methodology: Analysis of international literature from main databases and Polish literature, critical analysis of the literature, and analysis of macroeconomic statistical data focused on gross domestic product, employment, and innovation activities of enterprises. Data for analysis are from OECD statistical databases and the Poland Central Statistical Office. Findings: An analysis of the literature on productivity and the impact of new technologies on its level showed that the most obvious is to study labor productivity. Some studies for national economies have shown just such a relationship. Taking this into account, the author of the publication undertook an analysis of the situation in Poland. A significant increase in innovation-active enterprises (especially in services) and a significant increase in the share of R&D spending were seen. The share of spending on innovation and new technologies is growing, with a steady increase in the productivity of the economy. Based on this, the conclusion is that investment especially in new technologies can help improve productivity levels. Research limitations: The analysis mainly concerns the research desk, the analysis of data for the Polish economy is based on data available in the databases of the Central Statistical Office and the OECD. Continued research on enterprises is advisable to be able to better study the productivity of enterprises. Originality/value: Economy and statistic analysis of subjects related to the impact of new technology on productivity using analysis of indicators for the Polish economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the impact of bank credit on firm productivity. We exploit a matched firm‐bank database, covering all the credit relationships of Italian corporations, to measure idiosyncratic supply‐side shocks to credit availability and estimate a production model augmented with financial frictions. We find the effect of credit supply to be asymmetric: contractions harm TFP growth, halting productivity‐enhancing activities; positive credit supply shocks have limited effects. This points toward a role of financial stability in preserving productivity growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the complexity in the Eastern European economies, with a focus on the role of foreign direct investment (FDI). Despite transitioning to market economies, these countries remain economically fragile and dependent. Their lower technological complexity and reliance on foreign capacity make them vulnerable. However, some countries like Austria and Poland demonstrate successful integration of production and innovation. The analysis shows FDI has a limited impact on developing complex knowledge but contributes positively to economic complexity. Results also indicate that in the long-term, economic and technological complexity does not lead to accelerated total factor productivity growth, contrary to complexity literature. Combining labour with innovation, safeguarding local industries, and prioritizing education and research are more effective approaches. The study clearly shows how Hungary is stuck in an "assembler trap." It also finds that the gap between economic and technological complexity negatively affects liberal democracies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to determine how the Bangladeshi garment industry's sewing defect reduction and productivity enhancement are affected by the Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) and 5S (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) techniques. One of the main reasons for production delays and increased costs is sewing defects. By reducing defects, improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), and methodically using integrated PDCA concepts, the study aims to streamline and expand the production flowline while increasing throughput. To continuously evaluate and improve the sewing process, the 5S method is also employed. Tools like cause-effect diagrams and Pareto charts were used to identify the defect correctly. The OEE was used to evaluate the actual efficiency. The integration of 5S and PDCA as a lean methodology was utilized to minimize the defect rate and maximize quality to improve efficiency. For this purpose, data was collected from some renowned factories in Bangladesh. This mixed-integrated methodology is used in the study to integrate quantitative defect analysis with worker satisfaction along with efficiency surveys. The findings should offer valuable insights to the RMG industry in Bangladesh, as producers seek sustainable methods to increase productivity and enhance product quality while mitigating the impact of sewing errors on their production procedures. OEE was increased by almost 3-4% through this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the causal effect of regional market integration on firm productivity through the use of 2001–2008 firm-level microdata in China. The research design relies on a regression discontinuity design based on China's Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) regional cooperation policy. The results indicate that the PPRD regional cooperation policy increases the total factor productivity (TFP) of firms by 6% on average. The positive impact of the PPRD regional cooperation policy on TFP is greater for private firms, large firms, and labour-intensive firms. Exploring the mechanism through which regional cooperation increases firm TFP, we find that the PPRD regional cooperation policy improves firms' productivity primarily by expanding the scale of firms, promoting technological innovation, and optimizing the allocation of factors. The study findings deepen our understanding of productivity improvement from the perspective of the market environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the total factor productivity (TFP) of the South African deciduous fruit sector over an 8-year period (2014–2021), using industry-level data for five fruit types (apples, pears, plums, apricots, and peaches). TFP growth was estimated using the Färe-Primont (FP) index and decomposed into technical change (TECH) and efficiency change (TFPE). The results show that the TFP of the industry increased by 27% (3.53% per year) due to a 35% (4.38% per year) increase in technical change, while TFPE decreased by 6% (−0.81% per year). The TFPE breakdown into technical efficiency (OTE) and scale-mix efficiency (OSME) reveals that 6% decrease in OSME was entirely responsible for TFPE slowdown, while OTE remained unchanged. While both sub-sector contributions were significant, stone fruit grew at a faster rate (32%, or 4.05% per year) than the pome sub-sector (21%, or 2.74% per year). Overall, entire industry, sub-sectors, and fruit types show that TECH was key to TFP growth, whereas TFPE slowed it. Investments in efficiency support programmes have the potential to enhance sector growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Where and when does export-led growth work? This paper estimates the importance of inter-industry productivity spillovers for the export-led growth of developing countries. My empirical strategy is based on a standard quantitative trade model that features sector-level gravity in trade flows. Applying the framework to four decades of trade data, I find clear evidence of spillovers, which are larger for skill-intensive sectors. The estimates imply that patterns of sectoral specialization play a quantitatively important role in accounting for the slow convergence of labor productivity in tradable sectors. Quantitative exercises suggest that export-led growth works for poorer countries with an initial comparative advantage in manufacturing, as these countries can use foreign demand from richer countries to reallocate labor towards sectors with high spillovers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, I analyze the determinants that explained the growth in productivity of 30 producing companies in the Cuban iron and steel industry during the period 2016-2019. The study contributes to the empirical literature on the factors that explain the economic performance in the Cuban industry, specifically the iron and steel industry, for which there is scarce evidence. The results show that, during this period, this industry is characterized by a decrease in production (-9.1%), due to the decrease in the factors labor and materials and a small increase in Total Factor Productivity (1.3%) and physical capital (0.7%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decomposing firm productivity has been challenging for some time. We propose a flexible functional form for total factor productivity that treats misspecification and endogeneity. The model also treats heteroscedasticity. Our productivity measure nests both the input distance function and output distance function. We provide details of a novel Local Likelihood estimation, a non‐parametric technique, to estimate productivity which also has excellent finite‐sample properties. In an empirical application, we measure bank productivity at the global level. Results show that productivity is correctly identified, and the flexibility of our methodology allows to estimate the impact of equity and nonperforming loans on bank productivity. Technology has positively contributed to productivity. However, nonperforming loans, bank risk‐taking and raising capital have had the opposite effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Luenberger-Hicks-Moorsteen (LHM) total factor productivity (TFP) indicator has sound theoretical properties, but its decomposition yields indeterminate components of technical change and scale efficiency change that can become infeasible. The current paper decomposes the approximating Bennet indicator, which results in determinate components of technical change, technical efficiency change, scale efficiency change and mix efficiency change that are always feasible. The application focuses on the German dairy-processing sector, an important postfarm supply chain actor. We compute 558 growth rates for the period 2011-2020. The results show that the LHMapproximating Bennet indicator decreases by on average 1.14% p.a., with substantial annual fluctuations. The underlying components of output- and input-oriented technical change also fluctuate substantially, and often conflict. Moreover, output- and input-oriented TFP efficiency change fluctuate moderately on average, which is mainly driven by scale efficiency change and mix efficiency change. The components of technical efficiency change remain relatively stable on average. Indeterminateness is a relevant problem when decomposing the original LHM indicator for the current sample: depending on the specification, the proportion of infeasibilities when decomposing the original LHM indicator ranges between 6.09% and 15.95%. Our proposed determinate decomposition is thus a valuable complement. [EconLit Citations: D24, D25, Q13]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this study, it is aimed to rank the factors affecting the innovation productivity of enterprises. Methodology: The Pythagorean Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, which gives successful results in modelling uncertainty and uses Pythagorean fuzzy sets, is used to rank the factors affecting innovation productivity according to their importance. Findings: In the application part of study firstly, the factors affecting the innovation productivity were determined and as a result of expert evaluations, the steps of the method were applied and the factors were ranked according to their importance. Finally, the most important factors were determined by performing a sensitivity analysis. When the results obtained from the study are examined, it has been determined that the factor of preparing the technology roadmap affects the innovation productivity the most, while the sector and market structure affect the innovation productivity the least among the determined factors. Originality: It is the first study in the literature in which the factors affecting innovation productivity are determined and ranked according to their importance.

Purpose: This study analyzes the impacts of R&D expenditures on economic growth in Türkiye. Methodology: In this study, we explore the impact of R&D expenditure on economic growth in Türkiye. Annual time series from 1990 to 2021 are considered for this research examination based on the data availability. R&D expenditure, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, gross fixed capital formation, labor force, and tertiary ratio variables are used for the analysis and obtained from the World Bank. Based on machine learning, analyses were conducted using the Kernel Regularized Least Square method. Findings: The empirical analysis using KRLS shows that higher spending on research and development leads to a significant boost in economic growth. Furthermore, labor force participation, school enrolment (tertiary) ratio, and gross fixed capital formation are all significantly and positively associated with economic growth in Türkiye. Originality: The contribution of the paper is twofold: (1) it provides new scientific evidence based on the machine learning econometric method, the Kernel Regularized Least Square (KRLS); (2) many papers in the literature have only examined the relationship between R&D expenditures and economic growth, without controlling for other variables. We have used possible control variables such as labor force participation rate, school enrolment (tertiary) ratio, and gross fixed capital formation, which are also linked to economic growth models.

The thrust of this paper is to unravel the role of perceived motivation and workers' productivity in educational sectors. By its objectives, It will show the importance of motivation to employees, It will reveal the strategies likely to motivate employees for better work results. To achieve the purpose of this study, one research question was posed, and one null hypothesis was generated. Survey research design was adopted for the study. A sample of seven hundred and ninety-two (792) respondents out of eight thousand one hundred and twelve (8112) administrative staff being the population was randomly selected from this study. The selection was done through the stratified random sampling technique. Questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection. The instrument was subjected to face validation. The reliability estimate of the instrument was established using the Cronbach-Alpha reliability method. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis was the statistical analysis techniques adopted in the study. The hypothesis was subjected to testing at 0.05 level of significance with relative degrees of freedom. The results of the findings revealed that, there is a positive relationship between medical services as motivational factor and workers' productivity. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that management of all educational sectors should ensure that they build a healthy public policy, zero bills, subsided medical services as motivational package for efficient and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated high rate of inflation and adult workers' productivity in Southern senatorial district of Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve the stated objectives of the study, four research questions and four research hypotheses were formulated to direct the study. The survey research design was adopted for the study. A sample of 225 was drawn from the population of 2.250 workers using simple random sampling technique. An instrument titled: High rate of inflation and adult workers' productivity questionnaire (HRIAWPQ). The hypotheses were analyzed using pearson product moment correlation coefficient and tested at 0.05 level of significance and 223 degrees of freedom. It was discovered that rise of food items, rise of fuel price, rise in transportation and rise in manufacture goods significantly relate to workers' productivity. Insecurity in the work place, high inflation rate are powerful factors influencing workers' productivity and performance in their workplace. It was recommended among others that the government should reduce the cost of purchasing power of people by regulating market prices to cushion the effect of buying power of the Naira. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we examine productivity trends, drivers of productivity growth and pro‐productivity policies across the G‐20 economies since 1970. While we find distinctly different productivity growth dynamics between G‐20 economies and over time, one common observation is a widely shared slowdown in labour productivity growth since the 2010s underpinned by lower (or even negative) total factor productivity growth. Moreover, the growth in capital per worker hour has also begun to level off. We develop a typology of pro‐productivity policies and argue that policies for investment and technological change need strengthening to support a revival of productivity growth. Such policies should include a balanced approach to stronger technological progress and more rapid diffusion; a strengthening of investment, especially in intangibles and public services; and greater attention for human capital. We also argue for stronger institutions and capabilities that allow for dynamic learning about pro‐productivity policies across countries and over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of digitalization on the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in export and import activities. Using data on Spanish manufacturing SMEs from 2001 to 2014, we construct a multidimensional firm-level index of digitalization. We then estimate a set of dynamic models analyzing the direct and indirect (via total factor productivity) effects of digitalization on firms' export and import strategies. We find evidence that firms' digitalization positively influences the probability of exporting and importing, both directly and through productivity. We find that productivity has a stronger impact on SMEs' trade behavior than the direct channel of digitalization. A one standard deviation increase in the digitalization index increases the probability of exporting and importing by 1.5 and 0.8 percentage points, respectively, while the same increase in the logarithm of productivity has a three times greater effect for exporting and nine times greater for importing. Plain English Summary: Digitalization facilitates the access of SMEs to international markets. In this study, we analyze how the use of digital technologies affects Spanish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their ability to access foreign markets. We find that digitization can help SMEs to export and import, both directly (by facilitating access to a larger market of customers and suppliers) and by improving their productivity. Interestingly, we also find that productivity has a greater impact on trade decisions than the direct channel of digitalization. It should be noted that not all digital technologies have the same effect on trade participation, and that automation technologies only influence trade through the productivity channel. Based on our findings, policymakers interested in helping SMEs export and integrate into global markets should support their digital transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the relationship between the log change in mobile broadband latency and total factor productivity (TFP) growth based on data for 130 countries. It finds that there is a strong negative correlation between TFP growth and one year lag of latency growth in OECD countries. The interpretation of the findings is that a 10 percentage points decrease in the growth of latency in period t-1 is associated with an increase of 0.3 percentage points in TFP growth. The findings are in accordance with the framework of General Purpose Technologies that suggests that the impact of new technologies often appear with a lag. Moreover, no relationship is found for the total sample or for non-OECD countries. One possible explanation could be that OECD countries have reached a higher maturity in digitalisation and automation in production processes and thus are able to take advantage of the benefits of lower latency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The observed low level of information and communication technology (ICT) usage among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) firms in many African countries may serve as a major constraint to their productivity. The productivity of service and manufacturing firms is impacted differently due to this low uptake of ICT. This paper seeks to examine the differential effects of ICT on MSMEs' productivity in emerging African economies, specifically Egypt and Nigeria. This study evaluates the effects of ICT on MSMEs' productivity across different sectors (services and manufacturing), by size and aggregated. The estimated results support the positive impact of MSMEs' website presence and use of email on their productivity, though the magnitude varies across different analyses and sectors. This appears to support the differential sectoral impacts of ICT on MSMEs' productivity across countries in emerging markets. Specifically, this study finds evidence for a higher impact of firms' website presence on productivity in the manufacturing sector than the services sector across emerging economies. The study, therefore, recommends that emerging markets economies that want to implement appropriate national technology policies to enhance their firms' productivity should always consider their differential effects on various sectors, as universal ICT policies may not achieve the desired objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines how input trade liberalization affects manufacturing employment adjustment using highly disaggregated Chinese firm-level data. Employing a difference-in-differences estimation strategy, we find that input trade liberalization promotes firm net job growth along both the channels of increasing job creation and reducing job destruction. In addition, we explore the employment response to input trade liberalization of firms that are heterogeneous along two dimensions, i.e., initial relative productivity and import status. In particular, input trade liberalization leads to job destruction in the least productive firms, job creation in more productive firms and increases the exiting likelihood of the least productive firms; and the impact of input trade liberalization on job flows is more pronounced for importing firms than that for non-importers. We also find strong evidence that a good institutional environment strengthens the effects of input trade liberalization on both of the intensive and extensive margin of employment adjustment. As an extension, this paper further demonstrates that input trade liberalization promotes industrial productivity growth significantly, and the improvement of the job reallocation efficiency is one of the important channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the dynamic interaction of Japan's total factor productivity (TFP), GDP, stocks of domestic and foreign private and public as well as mission-oriented R&D, called GBARD in OECD statistics, in a vector-error-correction model (VECM) for Japan with stock data for the period 1987–2016. Permanent policy changes show the following main results: (i) GBARD as well as private and public R&D each encourage growth rates of the other R&D stocks and of TFP and GDP, and (ii) all have high internal rates of return; (iii) Japan's R&D policies affect and are affected by foreign R&D; in particular, Japan's public R&D has a positive impact on European private R&D, whereas other OECD countries' R&D has a negative one. Japan's R&D policies should be supported by education policies enhancing especially the number of PhDs and IT personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study seeks to assess the knowledge level of local construction workers regarding health and safety measures on construction sites. Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative research approach was employed, using interval Likert-type scales to measure data. A purposive sampling technique was employed for the study. One hundred and fifty questionnaires were distributed, with 122 returned and deemed valid for analysis. Descriptive statistics, relative importance index, Pearson Correlation, and structural equation modelling were utilised for the study. Data analysis was conducted using Amos 28 through structural equation modelling. Findings: The results indicate that the level of knowledge in construction health and safety practices directly and indirectly affects project performance and productivity. Higher levels of knowledge were associated with higher compliance with construction health and safety practices, leading to increased project performance and productivity. Compliance with health and safety measures directly influenced project performance and productivity. Additionally, the level of knowledge had a positive indirect effect on project performance and productivity. Research Limitations: Primarily, the sample was confined to construction workers within specific regions of Ghana, which may limit the applicability of the results to other geographic areas or contexts. Additionally, using self-reported data through questionnaires could introduce bias, as participants may respond in ways they perceive as socially desirable rather than reflecting true behaviours and knowledge levels. Practical Implication: Construction firms and authorities should prioritise safety training and tight safety regulations. Knowledge and compliance boost project performance and efficiency, making them a compelling financial case for investment. Companies could integrate advanced training modules and ongoing learning opportunities to maintain safety knowledge and compliance leading to more efficient and safer construction methods. Social Implications: The study shows substantial social consequences for construction worker health and safety. It emphasises the need for improved education, regulation, and compliance to reduce workplace injuries and fatalities. Originality/value: It contributes to understanding the relationship between project performance and productivity in a complex construction environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economics of business and increased focus on operating efficiencies are leading mobile telecom service providers to outsource non-core business process elements, infrastructure systems, and customer service, although the trade-off on the influence of business process outsourcing (BPO) on the firm’s productivity is still inconclusive. Few empirical studies or research have been conducted to analyze the influence of BPO on the firm’s productivity levels in the mobile telecom operators of Southern African developing countries. This research tries to redress the existing knowledge gap and the limited body of literature by providing both descriptive and empirical evidence on the influence of BPO on the firm’s productivity levels of mobile telecom operators. A structured closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect raw data from 210 employees. Descriptive and chi-square tests were conducted to establish the statistically significant relationship between business process outsourcing and the firm’s productivity levels. The results reflect a statistically significant relationship between the implementation of BPO and the firm’s productivity. The study has practical implications for service and industrial practitioners, managers, scholars, and government policymakers in that they can strategically plan their BPO practices and link those practices to the organizations' productivity performance. Further research can be conducted in other industries in order to do comparison studies confirming lessons gained across industries on the effect of BPO on a firm’s productivity levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The economy is currently experiencing developing conceptual instability and a flurry of views. This structure imposes external demands on businesses and, most importantly, on the people who operate as the enterprise's main engine. The company's top management has the primary responsibility for easing internal decision-making factors that are causing pressures to escalate. If this doesn't happen, external pressures may become exponential internal pressures that ultimately lead to the company's destruction as it finds itself at the cross-point of the pressures. The working perspective of the irrational and the bidirectional hierarchical relationships, as well as the interactions between technological evolution and human resource management, are all covered in this paper's 360-degree view of a company's productivity ecosystem. Additionally, we try to identify certain potential standard traps that might have an impact on the company's medium- and long-term viability as well as short-term productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the productivity spillovers from the UK government's decision to use extensive property tax reductions as a key instrument to stimulate innovation in smaller businesses and drive local growth. To capture the complex interaction and clustering of hierarchical effects, we apply non-parametric Random Effects Expectation Maximisation algorithm that complements more standard econometric estimators, namely matching to control for endogeneity and control functions to estimate total factor productivity. These approaches enabled us to incorporate various contextual configurations in comparing the recipients of these reductions to non-recipients with regard to productivity, in which the UK has experienced a considerably worse performance than its peers since the great recession. Contrary to policy assumptions and business community expectations, we show that generic tax reductions, when significant, are mostly associated with lower productivity and thus have been unsuitably chosen as a policy mechanism to stimulate productivity growth. We further show how instruments that are not built for causality could be beneficial for policy evaluation. Plain English Summary: Reductions in small business property tax will not solve UK productivity problem. We investigate the productivity spillovers from the UK government's decision to use extensive property tax reductions as a key instrument to stimulate innovation in smaller businesses and drive local growth. We incorporate various contextual interactions in comparing the recipients of these reductions to non-recipients with regard to productivity, in which the UK has experienced a considerably worse performance than its peers since the great recession. Contrary to policy assumptions and business community expectations, we show that generic tax reductions, when significant, are mostly associated with lower productivity and thus have been unsuitably chosen as a policy mechanism to stimulate productivity growth. Thus, the principal implication of this study is that instead of generic tax incentives based on building and land value, policy should be more nuanced and targeted, enabling the inclusion of finer-grained characteristics. We also contribute to methodology development by showing how configuration approaches, centring on non-linearity and equifinality, could be enabled through the application of machine learning to study organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The U.K. insurance industry has a dominant international presence, suggesting strong competitiveness and performance. Yet, its efficiency and productivity has rarely being investigated. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of insurers' performance in the U.K. insurance market from 1996 to 2017, using stochastic frontier analysis to measure efficiency scores and productivity at the firm level. Results show the U.K. insurance industry could improve by about 40% in terms of cost efficiency and by 70% in terms of profit efficiency. In addition, our model reveals a higher cost efficiency score compared to profit efficiency, implying that there are higher inefficiencies on the income side of the insurance industry as measured by our profit function. In terms of total factor productivity (TFP) growth, we report a steady decline over time while on average is negative. By decomposing TFP growth into its underlying components, we reveal that the reported negative trend in TFP growth over time has mainly been driven by the enhanced competition that resulted in a drop in markup, while the scale and cost efficiency has also driven TFP growth down. However, from a positive point of view, we report evidence of both β‐convergence and σ‐convergence in cost and profit efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]