Abstract: Debt-for-nature instruments are financial transactions that allow countries to restructure and reduce foreign debt in exchange for investments in environmental conservation measures. Debt-for-nature instruments first appeared in the market in the 1980s; however, they have seen a recent surge in popularity, with transactions predominantly focused on marine conservation. These transactions have gained attention for their size, innovative nature and conservation focus. However, they have also faced criticism surrounding sovereignty, effectiveness and transaction costs. The analysis of a comprehensive and global sample of eight debt-for-nature instruments, with a detailed case study of the Belize transaction, indicates that such deals may be costly to negotiate, the use of blue bond labeling can be misleading, conservation benefits are limited, and they have limited replicability. On the positive side, these deals have introduced innovative structures to unlock additional funds for conservation. The best examples are structured with a larger financial commitment to nature and strong enforcement mechanisms. In some cases, the transaction laid the groundwork for future marine conservation funding and commitments. If debt-for-nature instruments are not a silver bullet for either environmental impact or debt refinancing, the benefits of recent transactions indicate a role for such innovative instruments in conservation finance.

Abstract: This research paper presents a novel comparative analysis of carbon taxation and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) regulations within the real estate sectors of Indonesia and Singapore. Through quantitative assessments, the study evaluates the effectiveness of these policies in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices in real estate development and management. The analysis reveals significant differences in policy implementation and outcomes between the two nations, offering insights into the efficacy of their respective approaches.

Abstract: The development of students’ skills, abilities, competences and knowledge is the basis for sustainable socio-economic development. Today we live in a world that is in continuous change, both economically and socially, which also determines a change in the requirements on the labor market and therefore graduates and higher education institutions must continuously adapt to these changes. Thus, higher education institutions must adapt their teaching strategies and educational offer, while students must develop new skills and competences. The purpose of this article is to analyze the extent to which the information, skills, attitudes and competences acquired by graduates of physical education and sports faculties during their years of study influence their income level, standard of living and job satisfaction. The article also aims to compare students’ perceptions of their skills and employers’ perceptions of students' skills and to identify which skills students need to improve. Thus, data were collected through two questionnaires, one distributed among 333 graduates from physical education and sports faculties in Romania and one to 11 employers working in the sports industry in Romania. The data obtained from the students were analyzed using SPSS and it was found that there is a significant correlation between the information, skills, competences, knowledge acquired during the years of study and income, standard of living, degree of satisfaction at work, confidence in one's own ability to successfully perform tasks at work, desire to change the field of work or desire to emigrate. Among the skills, abilities and aptitudes that students consider themselves to excel in are passion for sports, continuous desire for improvement, conscientiousness, teamwork, openness to new things and respect for hierarchies and regulations. At the opposite end, graduates consider that they need to improve their public speaking skills, management skills, ability to communicate in a foreign language, ability to sell themselves and ability to manage a project. By comparing with the perception of employers, it was found that graduates tend to overestimate their abilities.

Abstract: This article presents the problems related to insurance against natural disasters and the role and development of the insurance market in Bulgaria. The study focuses on the insurance market, as the insurance market plays a crucial role in the overall stability and functioning of modern economies, serving as a risk management tool. The review of the development of the insurance market in the country in this paper focuses primarily on property insurance against fire and other catastrophes, as the aim of this paper is to outline the challenges facing the development of the insurance market in terms of climate change and the fact that Bulgaria is in the top 10 countries most affected by climate change in 2022 in the world.

Abstract: The study examines the impact of customer-centric quality management systems (hereinafter referred to as QMS) on economic efficiency and customer satisfaction in construction companies in Kazakhstan. Using regression and cluster analysis, key factors such as quality management costs (QMC), customer satisfaction level (CSL), economic efficiency of QMS (EEQMS) and the company`s period of operation (PO) were analyzed. The results of the study show that customer-oriented companies that actively invest in quality management demonstrate high profitability and significantly higher levels of customer satisfaction. Cluster analysis identified three groups of companies with varying degrees of customer centricity and efficiency. Companies from the first cluster, which focus on service quality and customer satisfaction, achieved the best financial results. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing customer-oriented approaches to quality management to improve the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of construction companies.

Abstract:

As the debt stock level of Ghana keeps rising, partly due to the negative impact of COVID-19, a number of new taxes have been introduced in the 2021 budget statement alongside an upward adjustment of electricity tariff. State borrowing may significantly influence electricity tariff, as power generation and distribution are primarily undertaken by state-owned companies whose borrowings constitute a substantial portion of the country’ overall debt. Hence, this paper assesses the impact of state debt on electricity tariff in Ghana post COVID-19. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model and error correction model (ECM) are employed to test for the Granger causality between state debt and electricity tariff. Other variables such as inflation, exchange rate, and net energy import that have the propensity to influence electricity tariff are examined alongside. The results reveal that state debt has both short-run and long-run impacts on electricity tariff. Additionally, inflation rate, exchange rate, and net energy import have only long-run impact on electricity tariff. Meanwhile, exchange rate has short-run effect on state debt. The findings imply that effective debt management policies should be implemented by government to reduce borrowings, particularly when such borrowings are not invested into projects that can repay the debt at maturity. This study demonstrates that all the accumulated debts prior to and during the COVID-19 era are causing an inevitable upsurge in electricity tariff in Ghana. This provides an empirical clue to what the situation is likely to be in other developing countries.

Abstract:

Balancing tourism seasonality remains a significant challenge in the management of tourist attractions. Despite existing research on the impact of seasonality from the perspectives of tourist intention cognition and spatial theory, gaps still exist in the relevant literature. This study examines 16 5A-level scenic spots in China with peak-season, flat-season, and off-season, utilizing 8,385 tourist reviews from Ctrip.com as data. The LDA topic model is employed to analyze Tourism destination image (TDI) under seasonality of destination, and the spatial levels (SL) model is combined to analyze the spatial hierarchy of these images. The findings reveal an association between TDI and the SL under seasonality of destination. For instance, peak-season TDI themes (e.g., 'viewing the scenery') exhibit a support level of 0.789, while off-season themes (e.g., 'relaxed itinerary') reach 0.682, reflecting tourists’ prioritization of functional versus psychological dimensions across seasons. The proposed TDI-SL correlation theory bridges supply-side spatial resource allocation with tourists’ perceptual dynamics, offering a novel framework to rebalance seasonal demand-supply gaps through strategic spatial planning and image recalibration. Practically, this framework guides destination managers to design season-specific strategies, such as optimizing crowd management in peak seasons or promoting immersive experiences in off-seasons.

Abstract: This study examines the cultural dimensions of Romania and Tunisia using Hofstede’s 6D model, analyzing their impact on organizational behavior and decision-making in multinational corporations (MNCs). Through qualitative research, surveys were conducted among 10 employees from a Tunisian health insurance company and a Romanian recruitment company. The findings reveal high power distance in both countries, with Romania being more hierarchical. Both societies demonstrate collectivist tendencies, though Romania exhibits moderate individualism. Uncertainty avoidance is strong in both contexts, affecting flexibility in business operations. Masculinity and indulgence scores indicate a balance between competition and quality of life. These insights contribute to cross-cultural management practices and international business strategies.

Abstract:

This study investigates the role of information boundaries in organic food packaging and their impact on consumers' purchase intentions, aiming to uncover how packaging information design can drive sustainable consumption. Although previous research has extensively explored factors such as background color, shape, and positioning, the influence of information boundaries has received less attention. Through three experiments involving 766 participants, this study delves into the psychological mechanisms influencing sustainable consumption. Experiment 1 explores how information boundaries (presence vs. absence) affect purchase intention and confirms that health perception mediates this relationship. Experiment 2, using virtual brands to eliminate brand familiarity bias, further validates the positive effect of information boundaries on purchase intention through heightened health perceptions. Experiment 3 investigates the moderating role of certification label structures, showing that information boundaries enhance purchase intentions when ingredient-level cues are presented, whereas boundary-free designs are more effective for product-level cues. Our research demonstrates that driving consumer purchases of organic products through strategic packaging design contributes significantly to achieving sustainability goals. These findings provide actionable insights for businesses and policymakers aiming to develop packaging strategies that promote long-term sustainability and environmentally responsible consumer behavior, ultimately contributing to the achievement of global sustainable development goals.

Abstract:

This study investigates the dynamics between energy consumption, trade openness, industrialization, technological innovation, and population density in shaping environmental sustainability in Saudi Arabia and Tunisia. Employing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, the research evaluates short- and long-term relationships using data from 1991 to 2023. Key findings reveal that Saudi Arabia's CO2 emissions are predominantly influenced by energy use and trade openness, underscoring the challenges of its fossil-fuel-reliant economy. Conversely, Tunisia demonstrates a faster adjustment to long-term equilibrium, with industrial modernization and trade-related factors reducing emissions. Population density impacts environmental outcomes differently across the two countries, reflecting the influence of urban planning and energy efficiency. These results emphasize the need for tailored sustainability policies, with Saudi Arabia focusing on renewable energy adoption and industrial policy reform, and Tunisia enhancing trade regulations and energy efficiency. The study contributes to the comparative literature on sustainability, providing valuable insights for policymakers and researchers aiming to balance economic growth with environmental preservation in resource-diverse economies.

Abstract: The premise of this research is to investigate the influence of ethical climate on the environmentally responsible behavior of employees within the hospitality sector in Pakistan. This study aims to further investigate the concept of regulated mediation by exploring the relationship between environmental information and motivational states. The study's methodology, approach, and design were carefully considered and implemented. The data was gathered from a sample of 290 front-line managers in the hospitality sector of Pakistan, employing a research instrument. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was employed to test the hypothesis. (1) The study results indicate a significant relationship between ethical climate and employees' green behavior. (2) Furthermore, the findings indicate that motivational states partially mediate the association between organizational climate and green behavior. (3) Additionally, the results clearly indicate that the influence of ethical climate on motivational states is moderated by environmental knowledge. The present study has significant significance for managers operating within the hospitality sector of Pakistan, as it highlights the relevance of organizational climate in enhancing their environmentally friendly practices. The present study adds to the current knowledge base by investigating the mediating influence of motivational states and the moderating impact of environmental awareness on the association between ethical climate and employees' green behavior within the hotel industry.

Abstract: The rapid digital transformation in higher education has highlighted the importance of adaptive learning environments and strategies that foster student resilience. This study investigates the influence of risk management and digital technology literacy on student resilience, with the modern learning environment as a moderating variable. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 475 undergraduate students across various universities in Indonesia through an online survey. Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) was employed to analyze the relationships between the variables. The findings reveal that both risk management and digital technology literacy have significant positive effects on student resilience. Moreover, the modern learning environment strengthens these relationships by providing students with reliable digital infrastructure and innovative learning strategies that amplify the impact of institutional policies and individual competencies. These results underscore the critical role of robust risk management, comprehensive digital literacy programs, and high-quality modern learning environments in fostering resilience among students. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of resilience by integrating institutional, individual, and environmental factors. Practically, it provides insights for higher education institutions to develop integrated strategies that enhance risk management frameworks, promote digital literacy, and invest in inclusive, technology-driven learning ecosystems to better prepare students for academic and professional challenges in the digital era.

Abstract: This paper establishes that pursuing a circular economy is central to the success of Vision 2030whereby Saudi Arabia has laid down its plan to shift from an oil-reliant economy to one that isinnovation and sustainability-based. This paper looks at the renewable energy policies of theKingdom with a special focus on renewable energy and green policies including the Neom project and Saudi Green Initiative. While notable progress has been achieved, certain areas require further enhancement, such as refining legislation, advancing technology integration, and fostering adaptability within organizational cultures. These aspects therefore require policy improvement, increased investment in, and public awareness of innovation. Additionally, given that Saudi Arabia is already leading the world in green hydrogen, with such ongoing visionary projects and effective collaboration across the region and the rest of the world, there is little doubt that the country is a solid part of the sustainability wave. This paper discusses the environmental, economic, and geopolitical impact of Saudi Arabian circular economy active strategies and future recommendations that can be implemented. Thus, Saudi Arabia can obtain economic diversification, keep its environment safe, and have a global impact – all in one century, becoming an example of 21st-century sustainability

Abstract: Renewable energy is very important for sustainable development. The transition from traditional energy sources to renewable energy sources is a current research topic. Within this framework, the purpose of the study is to analyze the determinants of renewable energy production for the period 2001-2021, specific to OECD countries. Since OECD countries have different levels of development, the threshold regression model was preferred. In addition, it was supported by panel causality test for the purpose of determine the direction of the relationship between the variables. The findings of the study show that GDP is directed more towards clean energy at higher OIP and IVA levels. Countries with lower OIP and lower IVA are more growth-oriented and directed more towards RES. Therefore, it is understood that at higher OIP and IVA, growth will be directed less towards RE and will reduce RES to a less significant extent.

Abstract: In this paper, we introduce the Bayesian Gibbs Slice Sampler (BGSS), a novel MCMC algorithm inspired in the Latent Slice Sampling (LSS) framework, where Bayesian inference is employed to refine the proposal distribution required to accommodate the single adjustment parameter. Unlike methods based on gradient calculations or those requiring complex, hard-to-optimize adaptive proposals, BGSS naturally incorporates Bayes’ theorem during the chain adaptation phase to learn about the target distribution. Subsequently, it generates nearly independent proposals derived from a conditionally univariate factorization of the parameter space, along with a QR decomposition, thus conferring substantial efficiency to the exploration process. The proposed sampler is both adaptable and computationally effective, matching the speed of LSS and delivering results on par with state-of-the-art approaches like the No-U-Turn Sampler (NUTS). We display its capabilities through simulated and real-world applications, highlighting an analysis of sovereign credit ratings and illustrating how BGSS can model the influence of macroeconomic fundamentals over multiple time horizons. Overall, BGSS strikes a favourable balance between performance and computational demands, making it a dependable tool for Bayesian inference in econometric contexts.

Abstract: This study evaluates the service quality and customer satisfaction of Niazi Express, a leading transport company in Pakistan. Using the SERVQUAL model, the research examines key factors such as punctuality, cleanliness, pricing, and staff behavior that influence customer perceptions. A quantitative approach was adopted, collecting data from 200 passengers and 50 employees through structured surveys. Statistical analysis reveals that punctuality and staff behavior significantly impact customer loyalty, while issues like fare transparency and service inconsistencies remain concerns. Findings indicate that enhancing service quality can improve customer retention and competitiveness. The study recommends improvements in operational efficiency, employee training, and fare policies to align services with passenger expectations. By addressing these areas, Niazi Express can enhance overall customer satisfaction and strengthen its market position. Future research can expand this study by comparing different transport services or incorporating qualitative insights from customer interviews to provide a deeper understanding of service quality dynamics.

Abstract: Energy sustainability is a key strategic focus of organizations in the transition to renewable energy sources. The study conducted a systematic review of the literature published between 2020 and 2024 to identify organizational strategies that optimize energy efficiency and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Academic databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science were consulted, selecting 50 high-impact articles using inclusion criteria related to thematic relevance, timeliness, and methodological rigor. The results showed that digitization, circular economy, and technological innovation are fundamental pillars in energy sustainability. However, significant barriers, such as financial and regulatory restrictions, were identified that hinder the adoption of these strategies. Similarly, the integration of smart technologies and sustainable management models favors the optimization of energy consumption and compliance with environmental regulations. In conclusion, the implementation of these strategies not only contributes to the mitigation of climate change, but also improves the operational efficiency of organizations for the formulation of public policies and the possibility of opening new lines of research in energy sustainability.

Abstract:

There is growing urgency to address society’s complex issues, many of which are incorporated within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Higher education has a special role and a responsibility to support and promote these goals and to prepare students for the complex challenges they will face as future leaders. The SDG framework helps students understand SDGs, but special competencies are necessary to address them effectively. Sustainability competencies (SCs) impart the personal/emotional development missing from current programming, but higher education institutions (HEIs) have been reluctant to introduce them into the curricula. Meanwhile, graduating students are ill-prepared for the complex problems, like sustainability, they will face as new managers and leaders. Our research question focused on identifying essential evidence that would support the implementation of SCs in HEIs. Our purpose was to raise awareness of the need for action in improving sustainability education and to assist in moving the issue forward. To enhance reading, we have purposefully included multiple sections that capture and highlight the essential information. We employed a Scoping Review (SR) to scope out the relevant literature that supported a credible model for SCs and to determine whether consensus was evident among scholars for such a model. Contrary to a commonly expressed theme in the literature, the results revealed that scholarly opinion had converged around a framework proposed by Wiek et al. [96] and the 2021 update [62]. A thematic analysis identified key barriers preventing integration in HEIs, including the absence of a comprehensive policy to direct the implementation and sustain the change. We discuss these barriers and how they may be addressed. Integrating SCs into ME responds to SDG-4 (quality education). The results are intended to generate action regarding the need to integrate SCs in ME—sooner than later. The conclusions drawn respond to SDG-4 (quality education). The study serves to increase awareness of the issues and barriers preventing much needed transformation of ME in HEIs and to stimulate discussion and potential action. Further research may involve a systematic review to inform much needed policy and implementation.

Abstract: This research examines the convergence of trust and sustainability in supplier relationships within the Italian dining sector, emphasizing the essential importance of trust in forming and sustaining successful collaborations. With the increasing need for sustainable practices from customers and regulatory entities, understanding the dynamics of trust in supplier relationships is essential. This qualitative research, conducted via interviews with 51 stakeholders from diverse Italian eating businesses, highlights critical themes including trust, transparency, shared values, communication, and the obstacles encountered in establishing lasting relationships. The results indicate that trust is fundamental to enduring relationships, facilitating open communication and cooperative endeavors aimed at common sustainability objectives. Transparency in sourcing processes and the congruence of values between restaurants and suppliers are crucial for cultivating trust. Nonetheless, problems such as price competition and variable product quality may jeopardize these connections, requiring efficient communication to resolve issues and sustain alignment. Moreover, external factors, such as customer expectations and regulatory modifications, necessitate that both parties adjust their processes and improve teamwork. The study highlights the significance of proactive involvement and education in building trust and maintaining relationships. This study offers significant insights into the intricate relationship between trust and sustainability, presenting practical implications for stakeholders in the Italian dining sector and establishing a framework for further research aimed at improving supplier relationships in the context of sustainability.

Abstract: This article sorts out the poverty reduction mechanism of this pattern, and uses actual data from the top 10 provinces in China with the highest underwriting value in the "Insurance+Futures" pattern since 2016 to test it by a panel data model. The results show that the "Insurance+Futures" pattern has a significant effect on reducing poverty. By replacing the proxy variable for the dependent variable and changing the samples for testing, yet the results remained significantly valid, demonstrating the robustness of the conclusion.