Vol. 2 No. 1 (2024)

Open Access

Article

Divestment of foreign direct investment and domestic investment in developing countries agriculture

Charlotte Badu-Prah, Francis Yao Srofenyoh, Ferguson Korbla Gidiglo, Akua Agyeiwaa-Afrane, Kofi Aaron Aboa-Offei Agyei-Henaku, Justice Gameli Djokoto

Divestment of foreign direct investment has accompanied foreign direct investment. The literature on the interface of foreign direct investment and domestic investment in the agricultural sector is limited. None of these addressed the effect of agricultural foreign divestment on agricultural domestic investment. This paper filled this gap by assessing the direction and extent of the effect of agricultural foreign divestment on agricultural domestic investment in developing countries. The panel data of 50 countries, covering 1995 to 2020 and making up 619 observations, was fitted to fixed and random effects as well as generalised estimation equation estimators. We found agricultural foreign divestment crowded out agricultural domestic investment in developing countries. Economic managers in developing countries must work towards strong macroeconomic indicators, as these have collateral benefits for enhancing agricultural domestic investment.

Open Access

Article

Sample selection in social science research: A holistic approach to methodological rigor

Mohammad Rashed Hasan Polas

The present study investigates the crucial elements of sample selection in social science research, thoroughly examining the nuances of sampling techniques, categories, and factors. The paper offers a thorough overview of the procedures involved in sampling strategies, with a particular emphasis on non-probability and probability approaches. It also discusses the critical role that sample size determination plays, taking into account variables like cost, ethics, statistical power, accuracy, and generalizability in addition to type I and type II errors. The paper also closely examines how several elements, such as research objectives, design, analytical instruments, and resource constraints, affect the choice of the ideal sample size. The topic of choosing the right data analysis software and how it affects choices about sample size is covered in detail. In the last section of the study, the ideas of power, effect size, and minimum sample size in statistical analysis are thoroughly explored, with a focus on partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Open Access

Article

Social business, artificial intelligence, and sustainability: An integrated approach for the future

Federico de Andreis, Ubaldo Comite, Alba M. Gallo, Diana M. Andone, Giacomo Ciaschi

The paper scrutinizes the social business model in light of current and impending challenges within the capitalist system. It emphasizes the integration of this model into a civil economy oriented toward public well-being, illustrating how it effectively addresses environmental, social, and economic issues while ensuring economic sustainability. The strategic utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize resources and enhance production efficiency is explored as a pivotal element in achieving sustainable development goals. The article then presents a case study—Madri Leone, a winery in Puglia, Italy—run by two sisters. This case study serves as a concrete example of success, combining family tradition, social commitment, and sustainable practices. In summary, the primary objective of this contribution is to demonstrate the compatibility of the social business model with the current and future socio-economic context. It highlights the model’s potential to contribute significantly to the resolution of social and environmental challenges while maintaining economic sustainability.

Open Access

Article

Challenges in evaluation standards for public investment projects (PIP) in Lao PDR: Evaluation of quality of life by a combination of OECD, ADB, and PCAP evaluation approaches

Bounthasin Xayalath, Souvikane Hanpasith, Phothasin Saleumsack, Soulivanh Chansombuth

Minority people are living in society in Laos, and the Lao government is struggling to promote their lives. In rural areas, minority people are having difficulties accessing good food and safe drink intake (GFSDI). In this survey, the author 1) investigated the GFSDI of minority people by using logistic regression and to find the effectiveness and efficiency of the PIP projects via the result of GFSDI; 2) used an evaluation approach modified from OECD, ADB, and PCAP, which is called the mixed economic evaluation ‘ECEVA’, to find the effectiveness and efficiency of the PIP projects by employing ECEVA and AECEVA. The author used the primary set of data collected from the field survey by interviewing 518 villagers who were minority people and worked with the PIP projects in 11 provinces. As a result, the AECEVA showed that PIP projects were quite effective and efficient in supporting the quality of life of minority people in rural areas. Interestingly, the result of logistic regression also showed that the GFSDI of minorities could demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the PIP projects in Laos.

Open Access

Article

The contributions of corporate social responsibility in textile and apparel industry toward consumers’ purchase intention: Perceived quality and corporate image as mediators

Yan Cheng, Yan Zhao, Yu Zhao

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) plays a pivotal role in the development of enterprises and entire industries, serving as a communication bridge between business organizations and consumers. Grounded in the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), this study aims to investigate the contribution of CSR in the textile and apparel industry to consumers’ purchase intentions, with perceived quality and corporate image as mediators. To achieve this objective, the study first formulates hypotheses and a theoretical model based on relevant works. Subsequently, through an extensive review of literature and interview surveys, key indicators for CSR, perceived quality, corporate image, and purchase intention are identified, along with their corresponding scales. These scales are then distributed to consumers to collect questionnaire data, which is further integrated into a stepwise regression model and mediating model to test the theoretical model. The results provide insights into the contribution of various dimensions of CSR to consumers’ purchase intentions and validate the role of perceived quality and corporate image as mediators. There are two contributions to this work: (1) unveiling the important role of perceived quality and corporate image in connecting CSR and consumers’ purchase intention, offering a novel theoretical framework for the study of sustainable development in the textile and apparel industry and other industries or settings. (2) furnishing the textile and apparel industry with insights to better comprehend and respond to the relationship between CSR, perceived quality, and purchase intention, thereby achieving more substantial economic and social benefits.

Open Access

Review

The nexus between Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development Goals: A review

Bhavna Mahadew

This article focuses on the link between Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development Goals and, more precisely, how the former can be applied to achieve the latter. The solution to SDG-related issues may be one goal of AI applicability. There have been suggestions that the current status of artificial intelligence (AI) might serve hundreds of millions of people in both rich and developing countries by helping to resolve problems related to all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Examples include helping those who are blind or visually handicapped navigate their environment, detecting victims of sexual exploitation online, supporting relief operations in the event of a disaster, helping to detect diabetes early, and using image scanning to diagnose skin cancer. These are but a few examples of how AI works and how AI innovation can be advantageous. It also reviews how Artificial Intelligence can be applied to protect the environment, food production, the energy industry, and healthcare development.

Open Access

Review

The evolution of sustainable economic development: Trends, trade-offs and trajectories for balanced economic activities

Xi Wang, Jie Zheng

This study presents a systematic examination of the paradigm shift towards mechanisms facilitating sustainable economic development, which has been instigated by the recognized deficiencies in conventional growth models pertaining to social, environmental, and economic dimensions. The discourse encompasses critical topics, including sustainable growth policies, environmental economics, sustainable entrepreneurship, poverty reduction strategies, green marketing and branding, and sustainable tourism. While discernible progress has been achieved, persistent challenges in areas such as inequality, climate change, resource management, and poverty necessitate further scrutiny. Future research endeavors may delve into understanding the motivations shaping sustainable development mechanisms, refining metrics to assess the impact of environmental entrepreneurship, and formulating strategies to address the intricate challenges associated with multifaceted poverty reduction. This shift towards balanced economic activities that promote environmental and social wellbeing is indispensable. Systematic, sustainable transformation encompassing governance, empowerment, renewable energy, and investments aligned with socio-ecological goals is imperative. And the impetus for sustainability integration is currently propelled by technological innovation, evolving consumer preferences, and widespread adoption across diverse sectors. This evolution signifies a collaborative trajectory to strike a delicate balance between economic growth and ecological limits for an equitable and sustainable development mechanism in the future.

Open Access

Review

Digital green innovation economy for Industry 5.0

Xiaolu Lv, Yiran Wang, Lirui Liu, Shi Yin

In the context of current global economic development, Industry 5.0 and the digital green innovation economy have become hot research topics, and they are related to each other, providing new opportunities for sustainable development. Using the literature research method and a comprehensive analysis of relevant literature, this paper discusses the internal mechanism and realization path of Industry 5.0, enabling a green innovation economy, and concludes that the implementation of Industry 5.0 and the digital green innovation economy is of great significance in terms of resource efficiency, waste reduction, and carbon emission reduction. However, there are also challenges, such as technical barriers, regulatory issues, and funding needs. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the government, enterprises, and society need to work together to formulate appropriate policies and strategies to promote the integration of Industry 5.0 and the digital green innovation economy. This paper aims to emphasize the importance of a digital green innovation economy oriented to Industry 5.0, provide new impetus for future economic growth, reduce environmental pollution, promote sustainable social development, and lay a foundation for subsequent research.