Given that a global demographic transformation is occurring, the growing share of older employees creates important threats and opportunities to organizations all over the world. In this article, we offer a systematic literature review (SLR) and a bibliographic network analysis (BNA) in order to locate and evaluate the scholarly conversation on aging workforce and older employees from psychological, sociological, and economic perspectives. From SLR of 413 papers concerning the objectives of the study, and with the support of a BNA, the key areas of focus, theoretical models, and research gaps are identified. There is a growing concern about age diversity policies and age management practices within organizations. The literature highlights the importance of practices such as flexible working arrangements, ongoing development and inter-generational support to the performance and employment retention of older workers. Nonetheless, these approaches remain problematic and fragmented as definitional issues, including what it means to be an “older worker”, vary across disciplines and approaches. Future research avenues can be the role of new technologies such as LLM or Gen AI, hybrid working arrangements, and the intersection between the different nuances of diversity. This article offers a critical perspective to understand how organizations can effectively leverage research that responds to the challenges of an aging workforce in a sustainable perspective.
This study explores the impact of urban infrastructure development on mobility planning, with a particular emphasis on innovative public space management strategies that contribute to sustainable urban mobility. Focusing on district-level practices in Budapest, it examines how well-designed public spaces not only enhance mobility but also promote social inclusion, environmental resilience, and the creation of livable urban environments tailored to community needs. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research is based on semi-structured group interviews with municipal stakeholders, including mayors, urban planners, and transportation officials. Thematic content analysis reveals key challenges such as fragmented institutional frameworks, financial constraints, and entrenched car-centric urban cultures. Political priorities often favor private sector interests, limiting the scope for inclusive governance. Furthermore, inadequate institutional coordination and restricted public participation hinder the effective transformation of public spaces. Despite these obstacles, this study identifies functional solutions–such as modular street furniture, green parking areas, and multifunctional transit hubs-that successfully address urban mobility issues. Initiatives like the “Healthy Streets” approach and community-driven urban design demonstrate how integrated planning can foster sustainability and inclusivity. The uniqueness of this research lies in its focus on a region that has received limited scholarly attention in public space management literature. By documenting both challenges and successful interventions, it provides valuable insights for cities facing similar infrastructural and density-related constraints, offering replicable models for urban development.
This study aims to analyze the contribution of agritourism practices and the role of public policies to the sustainable development of Portuguese Baixo Alentejo region. The research defined a set of theoretical premises that assume that public policies and agritourism businesses contribute to the region’s economic, social, and environmental development. The adopted methodology follows a qualitative case study approach. A typological, non-statistical sample of six agritourism businesses was identified through the SABI database. To validate the theoretical premises, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the managers of these businesses. The analysis validated the premises related to economic, social e environmental development, and the premise related to public policies was partially validated. Results revealed a consensus on the environmental, economic and social contributions of agritourism, while perceptions regarding public policies revealed significant variability with the interviewees considering a weak contribution of these to sustainable development in the region. Despite the variability of some responses, the results suggest that agritourism and public policies contribute to sustainability in the Baixo Alentejo region. Nevertheless, the government’s contribution remains insufficient to support sustainable development fully.
Traditional retail sector SMEs are financially susceptible to risks and encounter considerable obstacles in obtaining financial resources. This study investigates the determinants and outcomes of FinTech adoption among traditional retail market SMEs operating in Indonesia, with a focus on how technological and financial factors affect access to finance and organizational performance. Data were acquired from 210 traditional market vendors using a quantitative research design and judgmental sampling. The research utilized Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the interrelations among critical constructs: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social impact, FinTech adoption, financial access, and the efficacy of conventional retail small and medium-sized enterprises. The findings demonstrate that all three antecedents significantly affect the adoption of FinTech. The implementation of FinTech significantly improves access in financial services, which in turn boosts business performance. These results highlight the strategic significance of cultivating digital financial ecosystems to enhance the competitiveness of SMEs in the traditional retail sector, promote financial inclusion, and strengthen economic resilience.
This study examines the relationships between proactive decision-making, perceived time poverty, and career sustainability within Kazakhstan’s evolving labor market. Guided by the Social Cognitive Model of Career Self-Management and Conservation of Resources theory, the research investigates how proactive career behaviors influence time poverty and sustainable career outcomes, while accounting for demographic differences. The study aims to assess whether proactive decision-making reduces time poverty and enhances career sustainability, and how these relationships vary by gender and age. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 400 employed adults in Kazakhstan using validated survey instruments on a six-point Likert scale. Structural equation modeling was used to test three core hypotheses: (1) proactive decision-making is negatively associated with time poverty, (2) proactive decision-making is positively associated with career sustainability, and (3) time poverty is negatively associated with career sustainability. Results supported all hypotheses. Proactive individuals reported less time poverty and greater career sustainability. Time poverty significantly undermined sustainable career development. Moderation analysis revealed that younger individuals and women were more susceptible to time poverty’s negative effects, while older adults and men demonstrated greater resilience. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to promote proactive career strategies and mitigate time-related barriers across demographic groups.
This study investigates the price dynamics of nitrogen fertilisers employing the Producer Price Index (PPI) as the indicator for price trends. Focusing on the United States—one of the world’s largest producers and traders—the research utilises historical PPI data from 1976 to 2023 to assess long-term price behaviour and forecast future price movements. To achieve these objectives, the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model was applied to analyse historical PPI with the primary aim of identifying patterns within the time series. The results confirmed an upward trend in the PPI and significant price volatility in recent years. However, the final ARIMA model of the research determined a statistically significant moving average (MA) process at lag 2 with a negative value. This parameter suggests that price shocks tend to be partially offset by corrections based on error terms that occurred two periods earlier. The findings underscore the utility of predictive modelling in addressing challenges within the agricultural supply chain. Simultaneously, the price movements reflect the nitrogen fertiliser market’s volatile and often unpredictable nature, which is influenced by a variety of economic, geopolitical, and environmental factors. These insights can be valuable for producers, policymakers, and stakeholders across the agricultural supply chain.
Social responsibility has become a growing priority for both companies and consumers worldwide. While firms are expected to align profitability with societal well-being, consumers increasingly prefer products and services from companies that demonstrate strong social and environmental responsibility. This study investigates how Portuguese consumers perceive and behave regarding corporate social responsibility, aiming to deepen understanding and increase scientific information on this crucial subject. Based on a sample of 154 valid responses, collected in an online questionnaire, this study concludes that consumers intention to purchase products and services produced by socially responsible companies is influenced by consumers’ sociodemographic characteristics, access to information, perceptions and attitudes towards social and environmental issues. Findings also allow to suggest that consumers’ purchasing intention influences their socially responsible behavior. With these conclusions, this research aims to help policymakers implement efficient measures and policies that, on the one hand, encourage companies to be more socially responsible, and, on the other hand, promote greater awareness and encourage citizens to consume in a more responsible and sustainable way.
In today’s highly competitive educational environment, institutions face increasing pressure to enhance their global presence and competitiveness and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into educational processes shows significant potential in improving institutional performance and student satisfaction. One promising application is the use of chatbots to address students’ growing demand for instant responses and efficient support services. The study develops the basis of a Quality Function Deployment (QFD) framework tailored to a Higher Education Institution (HEI) AI chatbot. Data collection is conducted through special focus group discussions involving 267 students, organized into 59 sessions. To process and analyze the data, a multi-method approach is employed, incorporating content analysis to identify recurring themes, word cloud visualizations to assess attribute frequency, descriptive statistical methods to summarize key findings, and an importance-frequency mapping technique to highlight critical service quality dimensions and their prioritization. The findings pinpoint students’ primary expectations, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, reliability, broad knowledge, accuracy, up-to-dateness, understandability, speed, accessibility, security and data protection. The results provide a foundation for the strategic integration of AI in higher education and offer actionable insights for chatbot design aligned with student priorities.
In the diverse world of wines, natural wines offer unique experiences through their minimalist approach and commitment to sustainability, reflecting the essence of grapes and the character of terroir. They embody producers’ dedication to traditional practices and resonate with evolving consumer values such as environmental responsibility, health consciousness, and authenticity. This study explores Portuguese consumers’ perceptions, awareness, and behaviors regarding natural wines, with a particular focus on sustainability, marketing communication, and consumption patterns. Data was collected in April 2024 through an online questionnaire distributed via Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, resulting in 200 valid responses from wine consumers residing in Portugal. The target audience consisted of individuals aged 18 and older with diverse educational and socioeconomic backgrounds. This exploratory, descriptive study employed frequency analysis to identify trends and patterns in consumer attitudes, enabling an interpretive understanding of motivations and preferences without the need for statistical inference. Findings indicate that natural wine consumers prioritize quality, origin, and sustainability, often associating these wines with artisanal and traditional production methods. While health benefits, such as fewer additives, are acknowledged, sustainability emerged as a stronger motivator for nearly half of the respondents. Despite this interest, the majority reported limited exposure to targeted marketing campaigns, revealing a communication gap in the sector. This research is one of the first to explore consumer behavior toward natural wines in Portugal, providing practical insights for producers and marketers. It enhances the broader understanding of sustainability-driven wine consumption and fosters the development of value-based, consumer-aligned marketing strategies.
This study aims to analyze the evolution of tax management in companies listed on Euronext Lisbon from 2017 to 2021 and to compare data on the national average effective tax rate (ETR) with the average ETR of the companies in the sample. The data was collected in the SABI database and manually through content analysis of the companies’ financial statements. A quantitative methodology was adopted in data processing, and an ETR variable was constructed to measure tax management: the lower the ETR, the greater the tax management. The results reveal significant variations in ETR values among companies and within observations about the same company. On average, and in the period under analysis, listed companies in the sample support an ETR of around 30
This research offers a novel approach to analyzing the green labor market by integrating labor demand, labor supply, and employment level data, a methodology previously unexplored, to the best of our knowledge. The study examines the changes and trends over time in the Portuguese labor market, focusing on five relevant green occupation. Given the lack of consensus in the literature on the concept of green jobs, various definitions and identification methodologies are presented. The identification methodologies for green jobs can be classified into two groups: one focused on activity sectors and the other on occupations, with the latter being used in this article. The primary sources of empirical research covering the last decade are registered labor supply and demand at the Portuguese public service of employment, the Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP), and the Personnel Tables, linked employer-employee micro data, collected by the Ministry of Labor (GEP-MTSSS). The empirical results show that green jobs in Portugal exhibit imbalances between supply and demand, with some occupations experiencing an excess of supply while others facing a shortage. The characteristics of employment in each of the occupations vary in terms of education level, gender, age, and wages. Green jobs represent a minor, but growing, component of the Portuguese labor market.
This study investigates how zoos can enhance visitor satisfaction and loyalty through quality-focused management approaches that extend beyond their traditional educational and conservational roles. Addressing a gap in the existing literature, which often neglects the quality management of the zoo experience, the research analyzes data from written reports submitted by international master-level students between 2019 and 2023 at the University of Pécs. These reports reflect personal experiences of zoo visits and provide information from zoo visitors. A word count analysis was done from the reports to identify key terms, which were then grouped into six thematic categories: (1) visitor experience, (2) activities and interaction, (3) operations and management, (4) additional services, (5) navigation and accessibility, and (6) expectations. The findings show that factors such as animal diversity, cleanliness, food service, interactive experiences, staff engagement, and accessible pathways significantly influence visitor satisfaction. The study highlights that visitors place greater emphasis on tangible and experiential aspects rather than on animal welfare per se. The research offers practical recommendations for zoo management, emphasizing the importance of balancing entertainment, educational value, and operational quality to meet visitor expectations. These results contribute to the development of quality-oriented strategies in zoo management.
Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Accounting has driven significant advances, reshaping practices and professional roles. Literature increasingly emphasizes a hybrid approach, where accountants use AI tools to analyze and interpret data, enhancing their decision-making capabilities. This study examines the implementation of AI in accounting and the perceptions of professionals, thereby contributing to the knowledge base on the development of AI. The study begins with a literature review to assess the presence of AI in accounting, followed by an empirical study conducted with Portuguese professionals. An interview guide was designed to verify whether findings from the literature align with real-world experiences. Results highlight the benefits of AI in accounting, such as increased precision, efficiency, and strategic insights. Proper AI implementation enhances multiple company areas and adds value to the profession. Continuous training is crucial for professionals to adapt to technological changes. However, challenges exist. Difficulty in recruiting interviewees and limited academic studies hinder deeper exploration. This research seeks to address this gap. Future research should examine AI’s role in specific accounting tasks, its impact on higher education, and how security and privacy challenges will evolve in light of the vast amounts of data being processed, which will influence accountants’ responsibilities.
The focus of this research is on the financing sources available to social enterprises in the European Union (EU). The main aim is to identify and compare the advantages and disadvantages of different financing sources and to draw conclusions that may be useful not only for social entrepreneurs but also for policymakers when considering the needs and mechanisms for supporting the social economy. The results show that public financing is one of the most important sources of funding for social ventures in most EU member states, especially in newer member countries. However, public funds are often limited and project-specific, so most social enterprises must combine income-generating activities with public support measures in order to sustain their operations. Furthermore, since awareness and recognition of social entrepreneurship remain low in much of the EU, governments should focus on developing initiatives and measures aimed at raising awareness and creating a stable legal framework that would expand the range of financing options available to support social ventures. Governments should also promote the development of hybrid financing models, as these have proven essential for social entrepreneurs. Specialized socially oriented banks and social entrepreneurship consultancy centers may offer potential solutions.
This study develops nowcasting models for major components of Indonesian household consumption, namely food and beverage consumption, transportation and communication consumption, and housing and household equipment consumption. We utilize a rich set of monthly indicators (2013–2023) encompassing retail sales, credit, savings, inflation, and payment system data to predict current-quarter consumption in the absence of official data. Four machine learning algorithms (Elastic Net, Random Forest, XGBoost, and Support Vector Machine) are implemented and evaluated. The aim is to identify the best performing model and the key drivers for each consumption component. The results show that the Random Forest model yields the lowest nowcast error (Root Mean Square Error) for all three consumption components, outperforming the other methods. This superior performance is attributed to Random Forest’s ability to capture nonlinear relationships in the data. Using data available through March 2024, our nowcasts indicate stable year-on-year growth in food and beverage consumption (3.63
Internationalization is extensively studied in academic literature and remains critical in today’s interconnected global economy. As globalization accelerates, companies increasingly look beyond their domestic markets to remain competitive and drive sustainable growth. Consequently, internationalization emerges as a key strategy for expanding market reach, enhancing competitiveness, and ensuring long-term survival in dynamic and competitive environments. This study analyzes the primary factors influencing internationalization strategies of Portuguese companies in the wholesale hardware sector. A survey conducted among companies in this industry gathers data on internationalization practices and entry modes. Logit regression models identify and quantify the impact of various factors, including market potential and cultural distance, on companies’ decision-making processes. Results indicate that market potential and cultural distance significantly influence the choice of international entry modes. While most hypotheses find support, linguistic differences do not significantly affect internationalization decisions. These findings offer valuable insights into strategic decisions of hardware sector companies and enhance understanding of internationalization processes, particularly in emerging market contexts.
Global lockdowns and regulations associated with the pandemic have impacted food markets as well as consumption behaviours. Consequently, this paper aims to analyse the changes and effects on consumer behaviour, the selection of foods and drinks, and the difference in the behaviour of the poor compared to the wealthy families in Slovakia. Three hundred ninety-two households participated in the cross-sectional questionnaire survey in 2023. The methodology was based on Principal Components Analysis and Cluster Analysis to research the connections between consumer behaviour during the coronavirus pandemic, with the amount of income and the risk of poverty. The outcome of the analysis showed that a decrease or risk of loss of income directly impacts consumer decision-making in the food market. Considering the study of the consumption of specific types of food, it can be concluded that the behaviour of poor and wealthy families is similar in buying fruits and vegetables in larger quantities and limiting the consumption of sweets and snacks, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The biggest difference (18.93
The changing economic environment poses many challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The lack of adequate skills and the introduction of new technologies are currently two of the key problems. This paper examines both problems and their relationship. The focus is on the adoption of digital technologies as a substitution for human resources to solve problems with skill shortages. Business characteristics and external factors can influence business decision-making regarding the skills shortage solution. The paper aims to identify factors associated with the adoption of digital technology to address skills shortages while also considering the potential effects of public financial and non-financial support. The analysis is based on the firms’ level micro-data from Flash Eurobarometer 537 (2023) with more than 15,000 respondent SMEs from 27 EU countries and 8 non-EU countries. It uses a set of statistical and machine-learning techniques. Logistic regression and random forests are used to identify factors associated with the adoption of digital technology to replace human resources. The results suggest that SMEs that substitute human skills with digital technologies are mainly older firms and members of industry clusters. Non-financial public support and direct financial support are positively related to the substitution of human labor by new digital technologies. Our study brings several new findings, which allow us to propose policy recommendations for using digital technology to deal with skills shortages.
Manufacturing companies increasingly aim to incorporate Smart Product-Service Systems (Smart PSS) to implement a servitization strategy. However, the transition from a traditional product manufacturer to a PSS presents significant challenges for organizations. Literature that holistically examines the specific challenges of Smart PSS implementation is scarce. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring the challenges of Smart PSS implementation. I apply case study research in the empirical context of the European machinery and equipment industry. In this context, I analyzed 20 interviews with key informants from companies that serve international markets and have several years of experience in providing Smart PSS. The findings were conceptualized according to the well-established Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework. My findings reveal in sum 9 dimensions of challenges. These include the categories of infrastructure, data management, leadership, mentality, resources, operations, economy, users, and relationship. Based on these findings I developed 9 hypotheses reflecting the impact of each sub-dimensional challenge on the benefits of a servitization strategy. The hypotheses were synthesized into a comprehensive theoretical model. The findings provide a number of contributions to both the existing servitization literature and practitioners.
This study investigates the effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) and Walking Around YouTube Videos (WAYV) in promoting cultural heritage tourism, focusing on experience quality and information quality. The research addresses the challenge of engaging Generation Z, a demographic critical for the future of cultural heritage preservation, as they show declining interest in cultural tourism. VR and WAYV have emerged as innovative tools with unique capabilities for engaging this tech-savvy audience. However, comparative analyses of these media regarding user experience and information delivery remain underexplored. A quantitative approach was employed, involving 252 undergraduate students from Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Indonesia. Respondents were divided into two groups: one experienced Borobudur Temple through VR, and the other via WAYV. Experience and information quality were measured using validated questionnaires, and data were analyzed using independent sample t-tests. The results indicate no significant difference in experience quality, with both media scoring similarly. However, a significant difference in information quality was observed, with WAYV outperforming VR. The findings reveal that while VR excels in creating immersive and interactive experiences, WAYV delivers more structured and accessible information. These complementary strengths suggest that the choice of medium should align with specific tourism marketing objectives. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on technology applications in cultural heritage tourism and provides actionable insights for practitioners and policymakers.
