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The main objective of the research study was to formulate the attitudes of SMEs that appropriately characterize the field of HRM. In a second step, these attitudes were compared in the three most important business sectors in the V4 countries. Data collection was carried out by the external agency MNFORCE using the "Computer Assisted Web Interviewing" in June 2022. The sample of 995 respondents consisted of SMEs belonging to the three most important sectors according to the number of respondents in each V4 country. The statistical hypotheses were tested using descriptive statistics and Z-scores at a significance level of α = 5%. According to our findings, SMEs in the V4 countries consider people in the firm as the most important asset, and statistically significant differences were found within the sample set. SMEs confirmed that they consider HRM as the most important area of corporate management. The empirical research showed the existence of statistically significant differences between the assessed sectors. In view of the previous results, the approach to staff performance appraisal and motivation can be considered appropriate. No statistically significant differences within the sample were found. The manufacturing sector demonstrated the best approach to each HRM claim in the V4 countries, followed by the trade and service sectors.

In today’s competitive and environmentally conscious industries, the ability of organizations to adapt and respond is more important than ever. This study focuses on overcoming the obstacles faced by the Iranian automobile sector by highlighting the significance of incorporating green supply chain techniques. The research intends to integrate organizational operations with environmental sustainability goals by utilizing a MULTIMOORA strategy for supplier selection. The Iranian automobile sector, facing substantial environmental challenges, requires a strategy framework for selecting environmentally friendly suppliers in order to sustain competitiveness and fulfill ecological obligations. The study develops a supplier selection model based on extensive research and expert knowledge. The Delphi and MULTIMOORA techniques are employed to assess and prioritize suppliers according to green criteria, assuring conformity with environmental goals. Data are collected by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature and engaging in conversations with industry experts in order to acquire information for the construction of the model. The results emphasize the crucial significance of trust-based relationships with suppliers, rigorous compliance with quality standards in new product development, and substantial investment in employee training and development. Sector analysts view these characteristics as crucial for promoting sustainability and gaining a competitive advantage in the Iranian vehicle sector. This study provides firms with strategic instruments to effectively negotiate the intricacies of green supply chain management, with a particular focus on the need for adopting sustainable practices while selecting suppliers in the dynamic and competitive context of the Iranian automobile industry.

The current energy crisis has shown all states that energy from renewable sources can be a determining factor in the states’ sustainable development. Several papers have studied the relationship between renewable energy consumption and economic development, finding various situations, but there is no consensus. Thus, this study aims to first investigate the causal relationship between economic growth and total and sectoral renewable energy consumption (European Union and each Member State, for 2004–2020) by testing various linear and non-linear regressions to choose the fit model. Second, the investigation extends to analysing the impact of renewable energy consumption by sector on economic development. A hybrid approach is used, namely structural equation modelling and artificial neural networks. The study findings indicate the effect and the meaning (directly or inversely) exerted by the three sectoral components on economic growth, with different intensities from one country to another. There is a significant influence on the consumption of renewable energy in the heating and cooling sectors and transport on gross domestic product at the European Union level and for most member states. Based on the obtained results, a series of theoretical, practical, and political implications are provided.