Search Results (1,090)

In the increasingly competitive landscape of higher education, student satisfaction and loyalty are recognized as essential components for institutional sustainability and long-term success. This study aims to examine the interrelationships between service quality, technological innovation, student satisfaction, and student loyalty within higher education institutions in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Grounded in relationship marketing theory and the expectancy–disconfirmation paradigm, the research develops and tests a structural model that investigates the impact of perceived service quality on technological innovation, student satisfaction, and loyalty. The data were collected from 448 undergraduate students studying in the faculties of education at five leading private universities in TRNC, selected based on their international academic rankings. The analysis, conducted using structural equation modelling (SEM), reveals that service quality significantly and directly influences technological innovation, student satisfaction, and student loyalty. Additionally, technological innovation has a positive but comparatively weaker effect on student loyalty. Among the variables, student satisfaction emerges as the strongest determinant of loyalty, serving as a key mediator in the relationship between service quality and loyalty. This research contributes to the higher education literature by extending the traditional service quality–loyalty framework with the inclusion of technological innovation. The findings offer practical insights for university administrators, emphasizing the importance of delivering high-quality educational services combined with continuous digital innovation to enhance the student experience and foster long-term student commitment. Full article

The EU power market system has successfully maintained a centralized governance structure ensuring stable electricity supply and affordable prices for over two decades. However, the ongoing energy transition towards carbon neutrality has exposed critical governance limitations, leading to challenges in community projects implementation. Given that Heating and Cooling (H&C) accounts for more than 50% of the EU’s energy consumption, community H&C initiatives can drive local energy transitions and support renewable integration. This study analyzes the best practices from European community energy initiatives, supplemented by insights from the Energy Leap project. By employing a comparative analysis approach, the study proposes a technically sound and regulatory feasible governance model, alongside a robust ecosystem support framework. The proposed framework introduces new roles and new forms of partnerships between communities—private entities and consumers—taking advantage of the benefits offered by the operation of Energy Communities (ECs), enhancing community engagement and regulatory adaptability. These insights offer practical guidance and contribute to effective policymaking in support of the EU’s energy transition objectives. Full article

Cross-docking operations in Eastern and Central European markets face increasing complexity amid persistent uncertainty and inflationary pressures. This study provides the first comprehensive comparative analysis integrating economic efficiency with sustainability indicators across strategic locations. Using mixed-methods analysis of 40 bibliographical sources and quantitative modeling of cross-docking scenarios in Bratislava, Prague, and Budapest, we integrate environmental, social, and governance frameworks with activity-based costing and artificial intelligence analysis. Optimized cross-docking achieves statistically significant cost reductions of 10.61% for Eastern and Central European inbound logistics and 3.84% for Western European outbound logistics when utilizing Budapest location (p < 0.01). Activity-based costing reveals labor (35–40%), equipment utilization (25–30%), and facility operations (20–25%) as primary cost drivers. Budapest demonstrates superior integrated performance index incorporating operational efficiency (94.2% loading efficiency), economic impact (EUR 925,000 annual savings), and environmental performance (486 tons CO₂ reduction annually). This is the first empirically validated framework integrating activity-based costing–corporate social responsibility methodologies for an emerging market cross-docking, multi-dimensional performance assessment model transcending operational-sustainability dichotomy and location-specific contingency identification for emerging market implementation. Findings support targeted infrastructure investments, harmonized regulatory frameworks, and public–private partnerships for sustainable logistics development in emerging European markets, providing actionable roadmap for EUR 142,000–EUR 187,000 artificial intelligence implementation investments achieving a 14.6-month return on investment. Full article

The rapid increase in waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) creates major environmental and governance issues in developing countries like Ecuador struggle because they with minimal formal collection and recycling rates. This research presents a potential sustainable management approach that tracks products through their life cycles while following circular economy principles that include product extension and material extraction and waste minimization. A systematic literature review (SLR) using the PRISMA methodology combined with a bibliometric analysis found essential global strategies and technological frameworks and regulatory frameworks. The analysis of articles demonstrates that information management systems (IMSs) together with digital technologies and consistent regulations serve as essential elements for enhancing traceability and material recovery and formal recycling processes. A WEEE management IMS model was developed for the Ecuadorian market through an analysis of the findings; it follows a five-stage development process, starting from the technological infrastructure setup to complete data visualization integration. The proposed model is designed to enable public–private–community partnerships using digital tools that promote sustainable practices. The combination of circular strategies with traceability technologies and strong regulatory frameworks leads to improved WEEE governance, which supports sustainable system transitions in emerging economies. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the availability, diagnostic reliability, and out-of-pocket costs of endometriosis diagnostic tools available on the private healthcare market in Poland. Methods: A desk-based analysis was conducted from a patient perspective to identify commercially available diagnostic tests for endometriosis in Poland. Data were collected in September 2024 using relevant keywords to simulate a patient search process. Identified tests were evaluated for their compliance with the 2022 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) guidelines. Key parameters, including sensitivity, specificity, and associated costs, were assessed based on the available literature. Out-of-pocket costs were compared between the private and public healthcare sectors. Results: Five diagnostic methods were identified in the private healthcare market: two imaging techniques (transvaginal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging) and three blood-based tests. None of the blood-based tests demonstrated sensitivity or specificity above 90%. Imaging techniques met this criterion. The cost of blood tests ranged from EUR 21.1 to EUR 467.77. The average private-sector cost for transvaginal ultrasound was EUR 111.64, representing a 482.6% increase compared to the public sector. Magnetic resonance imaging cost EUR 122.89 in the private sector, a 148.64% increase. Conclusions: The private Polish healthcare market lacks non-invasive diagnostic tests for endometriosis that achieve high reliability based on large study samples. Imaging tests, while reliable, pose significant financial barriers when accessed privately. Enhanced public access and clearer patient guidance are required to ensure timely and effective diagnosis. Full article

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are vital drivers of economic growth in Kenya, yet they face persistent barriers, including limited capacity, financial exclusion, and weak market integration. This study assessed the potential of universities as strategic hubs for MSME capacity building through a collaborative initiative between Egerton University and the KCB Foundation. Using the International Labour Organization’s Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) methodology, 481 entrepreneurs from Egerton, Njoro, and Gilgil were trained in a business development bootcamp. This study evaluated the training effectiveness, participant demographics, confidence in skill application, networking outcomes, and satisfaction levels. The results showed high participant confidence (over 95% across all regions), strong financial management uptake (85%), and mobile banking adoption (70%). Gilgil led in inclusivity and peer engagement, while Njoro showed stronger gender representation. However, logistical challenges caused 25% absenteeism in rural areas, and only 23% accessed post-training mentorship. These findings underscore the transformative role of HEIs in fostering sustainable entrepreneurship through localized, inclusive, and industry-aligned training. Policy recommendations include hybrid delivery models, tiered curricula for diverse skill levels, and institutionalized mentorship through public–private partnerships. This case demonstrates the value of embedding entrepreneurship support within university mandates to advance national MSME development agendas. Full article

High unemployment rates, inaccessible housing markets, and funding challenges create barriers to finding suitable housing for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who have less obvious support needs, also known as autistic adults. While public and community housing services in Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ) may be an option, a lack of accessible designs leaves families uncertain about future care options. This paper, part of the MBIE-funded Public Housing and Urban Regeneration: Maximising Wellbeing research programme in partnership with registered Community Housing Provider, Te Toi Mahana (TTM), takes an exploratory approach to ask how public and community housing can support and help enable semi-independent living for autistic adults. It investigates how design elements—such as dwelling layouts, material choices, colour schemes, lighting, acoustics, shared and community spaces, and external environments—impact the wellbeing of autistic adults. By extension, insights may also inform private housing design. The study focuses on autistic adults who may be considered ‘mid-to-high’ functioning or those who have been previously diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, whose housing needs are often overlooked. It develops guiding principles and detailed guidance points for public and community housing, informed by the literature, case studies, and data from a photo elicitation study and interviews undertaken with autistic adults in AoNZ. These guiding principles are tested through the speculative redesign of a large TTM site in Newtown, Wellington, AoNZ. Findings should be of interest to government agencies, housing providers, architects, stakeholders, and others involved in shaping the built environment, as well as autistic adults and their supporters, both in AoNZ and internationally. Full article

In recent years, online retailing platforms (ORPs) have increasingly introduced private brand (PB) products as a new profit source, reshaping market dynamics and affecting their commission revenues. This shift creates a strategic trade-off for the platform: maximizing PB product profits while maintaining commission income from national brand (NB) retailers. This paper examines the platform’s pricing and quality strategies for PB products, as well as its incentives to introduce them. We develop a game-theoretic model featuring a platform and a retailer, and derive results through equilibrium analysis and comparative statics. Special attention is given to the platform’s strategy when market power is asymmetric and the PB product is homogeneous. The analysis yields three key findings. Firstly, the platform is always incentivized to introduce a PB product, regardless of its brand value. Even when direct profit is limited, the platform can leverage the PB product to increase competitive pressure on the retailer and boost commission revenue. Secondly, when the PB product has low brand value, the platform adopts a cost-saving strategy with low quality for extremely low brand value, and a function-enhancing strategy with high quality for moderately low brand value. Thirdly, when the PB product has high brand value, the platform consistently prefers a function-enhancing strategy. This study contributes to the literature by systematically characterizing the platform’s strategic trade-offs in introducing PB products, highlighting its varied pricing and quality strategies across categories, and revealing the critical role of brand value in supply chain competition. Full article

Improper stakeholder practices are considered a primary driver of food loss. This study aims to investigate the consequences of pre- and post-harvest practices on extending the shelf life of agro-food products, identifying which practices yield the highest marginal returns for quality. Using Fractional Regression Models (FRM) and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), the research analyzed data from 343 Egyptian grape farmers and intermediaries. Key findings at the farmer level include significant food loss reductions through drip irrigation (13.9%), avoiding maturity-accelerating chemicals (24%), increased farmer-cultivated area (6.1%), early morning harvesting (8.7%), and improved packing (13.7%), but delayed harvesting increased losses (21.6%). For intermediaries, longer distances to market increased losses by 0.15%, while using proper storage, marketing in the formal markets, and using an appropriate transportation mode reduced losses by 65.9%, 13.8%, and 7.9%, respectively. Furthermore, the interaction between these practices significantly reduced the share of losses. The study emphasizes the need for increased public–private partnerships in agro-food logistics and improved knowledge dissemination through agricultural extension services and agri-cooperatives to achieve sustainable food production and consumption. This framework ensures robust, policy-actionable insights into how stakeholders’ behaviors influence postharvest losses (PHL). The findings can inform policymakers and agribusiness managers in designing cost-efficient strategies for reducing PHL and promoting sustainable food systems. Full article

The European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act (EU AI Act) is expected to be a major legal breakthrough in an attempt to tame AI’s negative aspects by setting common rules and obligations for companies active in the EU Single Market. Globally, there is a surge in investments to encourage research, development and innovation in AI that originates both from governments and private firms. The EU recognizes that the new Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 is difficult for start-ups and SMEs to cope with and it announced the release of tools, in the near future, to ease that difficulty. To facilitate the active participation of SMEs in the AI arena, we propose a framework that could assist them to better comply with the challenging EU AI Act during the development life cycle of an AI system. We use the spiral SDLC model and we map its phases and development tasks to the legal provisions of Regulation (EU) 2024/1689. Furthermore, the framework can be used to promote innovation, improve their personnel’s expertise, reduce costs and help the companies avoid the proposed substantial fines described in the Act. Full article

Specialized and special new “little giant” enterprises are characterized by specialization, refinement, uniqueness, and innovation. They have relatively strong innovation capabilities and enterprise vitality. However, they also face problems such as high innovation costs, long investment recovery cycles, and high risks of investment returns, which lead to information asymmetry and financing difficulties. Government venture capital is a policy fund provided by the government and established with the participation of local governments, financial institutions, and private capital. They can utilize fiscal policies to attract market funds and support the development of key industries. Therefore, in this study, the first through sixth batches of specialized and special new “little giant” enterprises listed on the A-share and New Third Board from 2013 to 2023 were taken as samples, and their investment behavior and investment effects were empirically studied using the multiple linear regression method. The investment behavior of government venture capital tends to target strategic emerging industries. The intervention of government venture capital can enhance the innovation of “little giant” enterprises and has an impact through the intermediary mechanism of R&D investment. This paper draws conclusions and puts forward relevant policy suggestions for supporting the development of “little giant” enterprises. Full article

Restrictive conditions that financial institutions require on credit allocation remain the main constraints to developing and creating new businesses. In this context, the concept of private equity came to fill this problem. However, because it is a riskier business, investors thoroughly assess before investing in a firm’s capital. This work aims to analyze the criteria of private equity investment and explore how Tunisian private equity investors make investment decisions. The methodology applied aligns with prior works studying investment criteria used by private equity investors. Results show that 100% of investors prefer to invest in firms that aim to achieve some growth and are in the development phase. In addition, under informational asymmetry between entrepreneurs and investors, the latter place greater importance on the business plan, information gathered during interviews with promoters, and information on the products. Full article

Institutional investors increasingly value alternative assets in strategic asset allocation, with private debt emerging as a key asset class. However, its shortage of market history has hindered the development of standardized proxy benchmarks. For that, many institutional investors still do not recognize or manage private debt as a distinct asset class. Thus, this study aims to develop an optimized benchmark that reflects the unique characteristics of private debt, thereby contributing to establishing private debt as an independent investment asset class for strategic asset allocation among institutional investors. This study seeks to address this gap by constructing a proxy benchmark for the Preqin private debt index, which, despite its comprehensive market coverage, has a three-month reporting delay. This study employs quarterly performance data for private debt indices, spanning 31 December 2006 to 31 March 2023, and is sourced from Bloomberg and the index providers’ websites. Using regression analyses with timely asset-based indexes, the research develops a multivariate model that integrates multiple indexes, demonstrating superior tracking performance compared to existing methods. The findings provide a practical framework for improving the recognition, management, and allocation of private debt in institutional portfolios, addressing the need for reliable and timely performance metrics in this growing asset class. Full article

In the context of increasing consumer environmental awareness (CEA), firms are progressively adopting corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies that seek to align profitability with environmental objectives. This paper develops a mathematical model to explore the implications of CSR under two distinct scenarios: one that incorporates both social and environmental impacts and another that focuses solely on environmental concerns. The analysis is situated within a spatial mixed duopoly, where a CSR-oriented firm competes with a purely profit-maximising rival. A game-theoretical framework is employed, in which the CSR firm’s objective function is modelled as a weighted sum of private profits and the environmentally driven welfare of consumers. Equilibrium analysis demonstrates that CSR engagement improves market outcomes relative to a benchmark without CSR and generates positive externalities for the non-CSR firm. Moreover, the scenario prioritising environmental impact alone yields superior sustainability and welfare outcomes for both consumers and firms, despite identical demand and product differentiation conditions. These findings enhance our understanding of how CEA interacts with CSR strategies in imperfectly competitive markets, offering valuable insights for managerial decision-making and the formulation of environmental policy. Full article

This study explores the adoption of green bonds within Saudi Arabia’s municipal sector, situated at the intersection of centralized governance, fossil fuel dependency, and ongoing sustainability reforms under Vision 2030. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this research integrates quantitative and qualitative insights from expert survey data to uncover key institutional, market, and stakeholder dimensions influencing green bond uptake. The findings reveal an emerging framework shaped by regulatory capacity, global integration, and risk perceptions. Rather than focusing solely on statistical outputs, this study highlights how governance structures, economic diversification efforts, and stakeholder alignment collectively shape the trajectory of green finance adoption. Practical implications include the need for harmonized regulatory frameworks, enhanced transparency through ESG standards, and stronger public–private collaboration. While focused on Saudi Arabia, this study offers broader lessons for green bond integration in similarly structured, resource-dependent economies. Full article