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The main purpose of this study is to investigate the role of Lean and Six Sigma initiatives on continuous quality improvement in the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) accredited hospitals. In particular, it investigates the relationship between top management support and teamwork. It also examines the influence of teamwork on Lean and Six Sigma initiatives. In this study, 450 survey questionnaires were distributed to twelve MSQH-accredited hospitals' staff using the Stratified Random Sampling method and received 251 useable responses constituting a 55.78 per cent response rate. The reliability and validity of the research variables were tested based on internal consistency, construct validity and discriminant validity by applying the SmartPLS 3.3.4 software. The relationships among various variables in the model were tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Overall, the study's findings reveal that Lean and Six Sigma initiatives positively and significantly impact the continuous quality improvement of MSQH-accredited hospitals. The findings also indicate that top management support has a positive and significant relationship with teamwork and vice versa, i.e. teamwork significantly affects Lean and Six Sigma initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the shifts in investor sentiment during the Russia–Ukraine war and its consequent impact on market volatility. By employing a comprehensive dataset that includes the S&P 500 index, historical Bitcoin prices, the Investor Sentiment Index, the Industrial Production Index, and the US Consumer Price Index, this study applies several econometric models such as generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) models, regression analyses, vector error correction models (VECM), and the Granger causality model. The analysis spans from January 2021 to March 2023. The findings indicate that investor sentiment significantly influences returns in both stock and cryptocurrency markets, having a positive effect. These results underscore the importance for investors and policymakers to monitor investor sentiment during periods of conflict to understand its potential impact on financial markets. This research offers valuable insights that can guide investment decisions and inform policy interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro, small, and medium‐sized enterprises (MSMEs) are fundamental to the economy of Bangladesh, significantly contributing to job creation and poverty alleviation. Securing financing is essential for the growth and development of the MSME sector. This research investigates the entrepreneurial environment in Bangladesh, highlighting challenges and opportunities to enhance youth entrepreneurship. By analyzing secondary data from 2010 to 2022, the study employs a multiple regression model to examine the statistical relationship between MSME financing and economic growth. Gross domestic product Regression Equation Specification Error Test per capita is the dependent variable, loans to MSMEs are used as a proxy for MSME financing, and the unemployment rate is included as a control variable. The results indicate that MSME financing has a substantial positive impact on economic growth, while the unemployment rate has a significant negative effect. The study suggests implementing blended finance funds and a variety of supply, demand, and financial solutions to strengthen the MSME ecosystem in Bangladesh, thereby supporting national development goals and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this research article is to explore the behavioural intention of consumers to use app-based shopping for green-tech products in the emerging economy of Bangladesh. The study investigates the indirect effects of perceived ease of use, usefulness, perceived delivery and perceived security on the behavioural intention to use app-based shopping for purchasing green-tech products by considering the mediating role of perceived trust. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative research approach was applied to collect data from the respondents who had previously used app-based shopping for green-tech products in Bangladesh. An online, self-administered survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 348 respondents. The survey data was analysed using SmartPLS-4 to measure the reliability and validity of the constructs. In addition, partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to test the research model and hypotheses. Findings: The study's results reveal that perceived usefulness, ease of use, security and delivery positively and significantly influence perceived trust, leading to a higher behavioural intention to use app-based shopping for green-tech products. Additionally, perceived trust significantly mediates the relationship between the behavioural intention to use app-based shopping and perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived security and perceived delivery. Practical implications: The study's findings have important implications for app-based shopping services to support customers interested in purchasing green-tech products in an emerging economy. The results also indicate that green-tech product companies must adopt new service delivery channels and ensure consumers' convenience and cost and time savings. The present research findings suggest that green-tech product companies need to ensure that they integrate digital technologies into their services for secure and timely delivery of products, improving customer convenience. Originality/value: The study's findings can be insightful for app-based shopping service providers to foster their businesses by focussing on developing a positive trust perception in the consumer's mind, leading to a positive intention to use the app-based shopping services. The present study will enrich the current literature by investigating how consumers' perceived trust affects their behavioural intention to use app-based online shopping for purchasing green-tech products. It will also expand the existing knowledge on app-based shopping by exploring how perceived delivery impacts perceived trust, which subsequently affects customers' intentions to adopt the purchase of green-tech products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green nanotechnology, an emerging field, offers economic and social benefits while minimizing environmental impact. Nanoparticles, pivotal in medicine, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, are now sourced from green plants and microorganisms, overcoming limitations of chemically synthesized ones. In agriculture, these green‐made nanoparticles find use in fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, and fungicides. Nanofertilizers curtail mineral losses, bolster yields, and foster agricultural progress. Their biological production, preferred for environmental friendliness and high purity, is cost‐effective and efficient. Biosensors aid early disease detection, ensuring food security and sustainable farming by reducing excessive pesticide use. This eco‐friendly approach harnesses natural phytochemicals to boost crop productivity. This review highlights recent strides in green nanotechnology, showcasing how green‐synthesized nanomaterials elevate crop quality, combat plant pathogens, and manage diseases and stress. These advancements pave the way for sustainable crop production systems in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study applies the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model to explore the factors that potential users may prioritize when intending to use blockchain technology in accounting. Primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire from 217 respondents. Both factor analysis and regression models were applied to achieve the study's purposes. The findings indicate that respondents consider privacy, usefulness, cost, and facilitation issues when intending to use blockchain technology in accounting to enhance data reliability and reduce the workload of auditors. Bangladesh, a developing country, has immense opportunities to ensure a transparent society by applying blockchain technology in accounting, with cooperation from stakeholders such as firms, the government, regulatory authorities, and users of accounting information. It is expected that the findings of this study will help the concerned authorities to formulate appropriate strategies for the implementation of blockchain technology in the field of accounting in Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Innovation contributes to economic growth by generating new ideas and improving production processes. At the same time, countries with high economic growth have the freedom to promote innovation. This article aims to examine the causal relationship between innovation and economic growth. Method: An innovation index was constructed using factors of innovation, utilizing principal component analysis. The study used Granger causality to investigate the causal relationship between innovation and economic growth. The sample comprised 34 OECD countries during the period 1961–2018. Results: The results showed that the United States had the highest innovation index, while Luxembourg had the highest economic growth. The study found both unidirectional and bidirectional causal relationships between innovation and economic growth. Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of innovation in driving economic growth and provides insights into the complex and dynamic relationship between these two variables. The findings could be useful for policymakers in designing effective strategies to promote innovation and foster economic growth in their respective countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has been losing international competitiveness in labor‐intensive industries due to various factors, including the trade war with the United States and globalization. Vietnam, however, has rapidly expanded its labor‐intensive exports. The paper proposes to explore the future of labor‐intensive industries in Vietnam due to the U.S.‐China trade war. The paper examines export performance data from United Nation Comtrade for 10 specific labor‐intensive industries that serve the U.S. market between 2000 and 2020 to assess the possibility of Vietnam overtaking China's position as the world's largest manufacturer. Using situation analysis, the paper compares the competitive advantage of Vietnam in labor‐intensive industries due to the U.S.‐China trade war. The paper found that China's competitiveness was negatively impacted for the final two periods, while Vietnam's competitive advantage increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper intends to know the influence of COVID‐19 on the stock markets and economic activities across the world. To achieve the purpose, daily panel data of 12 selective countries covering four continents from January to April 2020 have been collected. The impact on stock markets has been measured by applying the event study method, while the panel vector autoregressive model has been applied to measure the impact on economic activities. The stock index of each country, purchasing managers' index, COVID‐19 variables, namely the number of lockdown days, restriction in internal movement, restriction in international travel, fiscal measure, and confirmed cases have been used. The study observes the serious negative impact of the pandemic on stock market returns. European stock markets are the worst sufferer compared to others. All pandemic variables have a negative impact on stock markets; moreover, lockdown days and restriction on movement have a negative impact on economic activities. This study considers such countries which significantly represent the world economy and are a serious victim of COVID‐19 pandemic. The outcome‐based recommendations will help governments, regulatory authority, and policymakers to combat the crisis in different dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the empirical data of heavily polluting companies in Bangladesh from 2010 to 2019, this paper conducts an empirical analysis of the application effect of green accounting in the sustainable development of heavily polluting companies. Among 212 listed companies under Dhaka Stock Exchange, the study discovered that the effective implementation of green accounting has significantly improved the sustainable development capabilities of heavily polluting companies; there is a significant positive correlation between the quality of social responsibility information disclosure and the sustainable development capabilities of heavily polluting companies; the quality of social responsibility information disclosure can be positively adjusted the relationship between the implementation of green accounting and the sustainable development capabilities of heavily polluting companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Islamic banks in Malaysia must conform to Shariah rules in their operations. Islam's prohibition of usury is the main justification for the necessity of Islamic banks (IBs). Indeed, the implementation of Shariah governance through the Shariah Supervisory Board (SSB) is essential to monitor and govern the operations of IBs for ensuring the integrity, credibility and transparency of IBs. Failure to conform to good Shariah governance practices will result in the IBs' failure to uphold Shariah in their operations. The objective of this paper is to examine the Shariah governance practices of IBs in Malaysia. This study employs content analysis to identify the extent to which the Shariah governance is being practised by IBs. A disclosure checklist was developed based on a review of previous studies and regulations, namely the Guidelines of Financial Reporting for Islamic Financial Institutions (GP8-i) 2005, Islamic Financial Services Act (IFSA) 2013 and Shariah Governance Framework (SGF) 2010 and Exposure Draft of SGF 2017. It consists of five dimensions: i) Shariah Committee; three control functions under Shariah governance, ii) Shariah Risk Management, iii) Shariah Review, iv) Shariah Audit and v) Transparency and Disclosure. The findings suggest that IBs were more likely to disclose Shariah committee attributes, whereas Shariah control function items (Shariah risk management, Shariah review, Shariah audit) and transparency and disclosure were less likely to be disclosed, indicating that IBs seem to be heavily dependent on the competency of SSB members rather than the Shariah compliance mechanisms. This study contributes to the interest of IBs and the Shariah Committee themselves to consider various mechanisms of Shariah governance practices to garner trust and confidence of a wide range of stakeholders. Future studies can be carried out to suggest best practices of Shariah compliance mechanisms in relation to the SGF issued by the Central Bank of Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xi Jinping's new era of socialist economic thought, rooted in the great practice of China's economic construction, systematically explains the issue of China's economic development and reform, and clearly answers the important questions of how the economic situation is to be judged, how to judge the development stage, how to determine the development goals, and how to do economic work. Xi Jinping's new era of the socialist economy with Chinese characteristics, system integrity, broad depth, logic and strict, each aspect of the discourse has a creative and vital point of view, forward-looking strategic deployment and "four beams and eight pillars" of the key initiatives. Combining the in-depth study of Xi Jinping's new era socialist ideology with Chinese characteristics and the spirit of the Party's 19th National Congress, this paper tries to sort out Xi Jinping's new era socialist economic thought with Chinese characteristics from five aspects, such as direction theory, goal theory, epistemology, strategy theory, and bottom-line theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]