In the contemporary operating environment of energy companies, workforce efficiency increasingly relies not only on professional knowledge and technical skills but also on employees’ social and emotional competencies. This article substantiates the role of emotional intelligence as a factor in enhancing workforce efficiency and as a component of human capital within energy enterprises, and develops an approach for its assessment. The research methodology integrates direct, behavioural, and outcome indicators, constructs an integrated emotional intelligence index, normalises indicators, applies weighting coefficients, and employs regression analysis. The proposed approach was tested using a simulated example of the Joint Stock Company ‘Energy Company of Ukraine’. The results indicate high internal consistency of the emotional intelligence subscales, hierarchical differentiation of their levels across employee groups, and statistically significant correlations between emotional intelligence and work performance, the generalised employee effectiveness indicator, absenteeism, and error rates. These findings demonstrate that emotional intelligence is a measurable managerial resource that influences the quality of interactions, process stability, productivity, and the effective utilisation of human capital within energy enterprises.
Major public policy reforms in developing and middle-income states frequently falter not at the design stage, but during implementation. In South Africa, the National Health Insurance (NHI) represents one of the most ambitious post-apartheid policy reforms, aimed at advancing universal health coverage through a single-payer system. Despite sustained political commitment and extensive policy development, progress in implementing the NHI has been slow and uneven. Existing scholarship on the NHI has largely focused on financing models, constitutional debates, and health equity outcomes, with comparatively limited attention to the public administration and policy implementation conditions shaping reform feasibility. This article addresses this gap by examining the policy implementation barriers constraining the rollout of the NHI, with particular attention to governance arrangements, administrative capacity, and intergovernmental coordination within South Africa’s public sector. The study adopts a qualitative research design, drawing on document analysis and semi-structured interviews with key informants from government, civil society, academia, and the private health sector. The analysis is guided by Policy Implementation Theory and institutional perspectives to assess the alignment between policy ambition and administrative capability. The findings reveal that NHI implementation is undermined by weak policy–administration alignment, fragmented accountability across government spheres, bureaucratic inertia, uneven institutional capacity at provincial and district levels, and ambiguities within the policy and legislative framework. These constraints are further reinforced by the persistence of a dual public–private health system, which complicates coordination and operational integration. The article recommends strengthening intergovernmental coordination mechanisms, clarifying implementation authority, and investing in administrative and managerial capacity as preconditions for large-scale policy reform. It concludes that the challenges facing the NHI are primarily institutional and administrative rather than technical or financial. The study contributes to the scholarship on public administration and policy implementation by positioning the NHI as a case of implementation failure rooted in state capacity constraints, offering transferable insights for the governance of complex social policy reforms in middle-income countries.
This research aimed to evaluate the role of taxation as a complementary climate financing instrument to bolster climate mitigation and adaptation efforts in the Zimbabwean context. The study employed a critical documentary review, analysing academic journals, legislative frameworks, international reports, and other publications on climate financing. Documentary sources were complemented by insights from interviews done with key informants in the environment and climate sector. The research findings revealed that Zimbabwe has been implementing carbon taxation over the years, but its effectiveness in driving significant emissions reductions and funding targeted climate interventions has remained very limited. Specifically, there are concerns regarding its limited scope, integration into the consolidated revenue fund, and fundamental questions about its efficacy in achieving national climate goals. Overall, the study observed volatility in climate-related revenue streams on the one hand and discrepancies between policy mandates and actual fiscal allocations to finance climate action on the other. With these observations, the study recommends that the government formulate a comprehensive national climate finance policy, supported by an enabling act of parliament, to link tax systems to climate resilience explicitly. Such a policy should be expected to mandate the strategic allocation of carbon tax and other climate-related revenues to dedicated climate funds in a transparent and accountable manner. Furthermore, there should be clear, measurable targets for climate resilience, coupled with strict monitoring and oversight of tax resource utilisation to maximise the effectiveness of financial resources in strengthening Zimbabwe's capacity for climate action.
The study examines the legal and organizational challenges of ensuring the principle of political impartiality of the civil service in Ukraine, taking into account European standards of public administration, the experience of European Union Member States, and approaches developed in the case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). The main purpose of the article is to analyze the content of the principle of political impartiality of civil servants, determine its role in ensuring the professionalism, stability, and effectiveness of the state apparatus, and develop proposals for improving the legal regulation of this area in Ukraine. The results of the study demonstrate that political impartiality of the civil service is one of the key guarantees for the functioning of a democratic governance system, as it ensures the separation of political activities from the professional performance of administrative functions. The analysis of academic approaches and ECtHR case law indicates that the interference of political factors in the activities of civil servants may create risks to the principles of the rule of law, the independence of public administration, and equal access to civil service. At the same time, the ECtHR in its case law emphasizes the need to maintain a balance between the rights of civil servants, in particular freedom of expression and freedom of association, and the requirements of loyalty, impartiality, and proper performance of official duties. The study provides a comparative analysis of the regulatory approaches of Ukraine and selected European Union Member States regarding the protection of political neutrality of civil servants. It has been established that European civil service models are based on combining the political accountability of public authorities with the administrative independence and professionalism of civil servants. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between the principle of political impartiality and the requirements governing the conduct of civil servants as an element of their administrative and legal status. The methodology of the article includes the analysis of Ukrainian legal acts, international standards in the field of public administration, ECtHR case law, and scholarly works of Ukrainian and European researchers, as well as the application of a system of scientific research methods. The comparative legal method was used to examine the specific features of regulating political neutrality of the civil service in foreign countries. The hermeneutic method made it possible to reveal the content of the legal provisions of the Law of Ukraine “On Civil Service” in the context of implementing the principle of political impartiality. The systemic and dialectical methods enabled the identification of the interrelationship between political processes, personnel policy, and the functioning of the state apparatus. The authors substantiate the need to understand political impartiality of the civil service in a broad sense, which involves not only establishing requirements for civil servants but also defining the limits of political influence on the state apparatus and the responsibility of entities authorized to make personnel decisions. The study concludes that further improvement of Ukrainian legislation in the field of civil service is necessary by strengthening guarantees of political neutrality, ensuring transparent recruitment procedures, and developing a professional civil service in accordance with European standards of good governance and ECtHR practice.
Any country that achieves long-term success emphasizes innovation and the adoption of new technologies in all aspects of life. In this sense, each country's current status necessitates self-sustainability factors. Of course, emerging countries like India must prioritise sustainability in order to overcome any obstacles. This Covid-19 epidemic provides everyone a valuable lesson about self-reliance. The Government of India has announced the Atamanirbhar Bharath package, which helps to prevent commercial problems and supports self-sufficiency in Bharath. The Aatmanirbhar Bharath package is primarily concerned with the revitalization of MSMEs. The Aatmanirbhar package supports the development of diverse skill sets and provides a platform for research and innovation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prospects generated by the Aatmanirbhar Bharath package for self-reliant MSMEs and the preservation of MSMEs' innovation through Intellectual Property Rights status. The authors make an effort to assess the impact of Aatmanirbhar Bharath on creative MSMEs and start-ups. The paper's findings are based on the collecting of primary and secondary data as well as the use of descriptive statistical methods such as Anova and Correlation.
The study aimed to explore men’s experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) by women in the Jozini Municipality, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The study was informed by three main research objectives: to explore men’s experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the Jozini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal; to identify the types of intimate partner violence (IPV) experienced by men in the Jozini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal; and to develop strategies to reduce IPV) experienced by men in the Jozini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal. The model that underpinned the study was the Social Learning Model by Bandura. The study used an interpretivism research paradigm which enabled the participants of the study to narrate their daily lived experiences. Hence, the study used the qualitative research method during data collection. Twelve (12) men who had experienced IPV were interviewed by the researchers. The findings showed that IPV means an intimate partner who may use insulting words, deprive the other partner of sexual intercourse and not allow the other partner to see and be visited by his/her family members. The findings also demonstrated that men do not report cases of IPV to the relevant authorities but only to the in-laws and family members. Additionally, it was discovered that men do not report cases of IPV to authorities because they are not taken seriously and end up being ridiculed in the very centres from which they seek help. It was noted that in instances where men do report cases of IPV to the police station, men tend to receive gender-stereotyped treatment because IPV is widely viewed as an issue affecting only women. The study recommended the most crucial strategies for eliminating IPV against men would be to conduct research on IPV against men, and raise awareness campaigns on IPV against men, to mention a few.
Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is one of the most heinous forms of violence against children in the world and one that has remained an issue which has been a thorn in the flesh of criminal justice systems and child protection agencies. To address this social vice bedeviling Africa, this study examines the changing dynamics of paedophilia-related offences and child sexual exploitation (CSE) in South Africa in the post-COVID-19 operational environment, with a focus on police operational safety. Significant social and structural upheavals brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic included heightened socioeconomic vulnerabilities, limited mobility, and increasing digital participation, all of which changed the trends and frequency of child exploitation offenses. These developments have continued in the post-pandemic era, creating a more complicated police environment marked by the growth of internet exploitation, international criminal networks, and heightened expectations on law enforcement to conduct investigations. Using a retrospective review methodology, this study examines how changes in the operational environment have affected the types of child sexual exploitation offenses as well as the circumstances in which police officers work by synthesizing previous research and documented patterns. The role of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in addressing these changing dangers is given specific attention, particularly the specialist units in charge of sexual offenses, child protection, and family violence. The study demonstrates the increasing significance of inter-agency cooperation, digital investigative skills, and international cooperation in combating crimes against children that are made possible by technology. The well-being of officers, the efficacy of investigations, and the larger criminal justice response to child abuse are all significantly impacted by these dangers. The study duly recommends investing in digital forensic skills, bolstering institutional support, and creating complete occupational health frameworks that are adapted to the requirements of investigating child exploitation offenses in a South African post-COVID era.
This paper, explains how governance structures can be employed to shape inclusive education reforms, which will help achieve long-term social mobility and institutional sustainability. The paper examines the impact of various governance models on the achievement of inclusive education policies, especially among the disadvantaged groups. The research aims at studying the connection between governance structures and learning outcomes in the different educational systems through qualitative case studies and quantitative policy analysis. The results indicate that the decentralized, participatory forms of governance with the active participation of local communities and stakeholders are more likely to lead to more successful and sustainable reforms. In addition, the synergy of governance across several domains, such as education, health, and social welfare, is crucial to facilitate the complex needs of marginalized groups and enhance their access to education. Another finding of the study is that the success of inclusive education reforms in the long term is strongly connected to the ongoing stakeholder involvement, the availability of efficient monitoring systems, and the responsive policy-making processes. Governance structures can ensure the reforms are context-specific and will be more sustainable over time by establishing enabling conditions of cooperation and local ownership. This paper concludes that reforms in inclusive education can become the drivers of social mobility and institutional sustainability when it is underpinned by robust, flexible, and inclusive governance models. The findings can be very useful to policymakers and educational administrators who want to plan and introduce reforms that can lead to equitable educational opportunities and benefits in the long run for society.
Climate change education requires pedagogical approaches that connect environmental knowledge with concrete sustainability practices. However, climate-related topics in schools are often delivered primarily through theoretical instruction, limiting students’ opportunities to translate environmental concepts into practical action. One potential strategy to address this gap is the integration of Indigenous knowledge with experiential learning. Indigenous Natural Dye practices, which utilize plant-based pigments derived from local biodiversity, represent a contextual learning resource that can connect environmental science concepts with sustainable production practices. This study investigates how an Indigenous Natural Dye microlearning model implemented through a combination of indoor and outdoor learning environments can promote students’ climate action intention. The research employed a quasi-experimental mixed-methods design involving a group of secondary school students participating in a structured microlearning program. The learning model consisted of a sequence of short instructional modules that integrated classroom-based conceptual learning with field-based experiential activities. Indoor learning sessions focused on introducing key concepts related to climate change, sustainable consumption, and environmentally friendly production systems, as well as the ecological importance of plant-based resources. Outdoor learning activities involved direct engagement with local biodiversity, including plant identification, observation of natural pigment sources, extraction and processing of plant-based dyes, and small-scale dye application practices using locally available materials. Through these activities, students were encouraged to explore the environmental implications of synthetic dyes, the sustainability potential of plant-based alternatives, and the role of local ecological knowledge in sustainable resource use. Quantitative data were collected using a climate action intention questionnaire consisting of eight behavioral indicators related to environmental awareness, sustainable consumption, support for indigenous environmental practices, participation in environmental activities, and long-term commitment to climate action. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the mean scores of students’ responses in indoor and outdoor learning contexts. Inferential statistical analysis using independent t-tests was conducted to determine whether significant differences existed between the two learning environments. Qualitative data were obtained through field observations and structured student discussions during outdoor activities and were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns related to students’ environmental perceptions, inquiry processes, and behavioral intentions. The results indicate that both indoor and outdoor learning environments contributed to the development of students’ climate action intention. However, outdoor learning consistently produced slightly higher mean scores across most indicators, suggesting that experiential engagement with environmental practices strengthened students’ motivation to participate in climate-related actions. Significant differences were found in two indicators: Support for Indigenous Natural Dye Utilization (t = 2.24, p = 0.026) and Environmental Participation in Indigenous Dye Activities (t = 2.05, p = 0.041). These findings indicate that students who participated in outdoor experiential activities demonstrated stronger support for the use of indigenous plant-based dyes and greater willingness to engage in environmental practices related to sustainable resource use. Other indicators, including energy and resource conservation intention, sustainable consumption, and long-term environmental commitment, did not show statistically significant differences between the two learning contexts, although the outdoor learning condition still showed a positive trend. Qualitative findings further support the quantitative results. Thematic analysis revealed several key patterns in students’ learning experiences. First, direct interaction with plants increased students’ ecological awareness by allowing them to observe the relationship between local biodiversity and sustainable material production. Second, hands-on experimentation during pigment extraction stimulated inquiry-based thinking, as students discussed differences in color intensity, plant characteristics, and dye stability. Third, the learning activities encouraged students to reconsider everyday consumption practices by recognizing that plant-based dyes represent an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic chemical dyes. Finally, collaborative field activities fostered a sense of collective environmental responsibility, with students expressing interest in planting dye-producing plants and maintaining green areas within the school environment. The findings of this study provide several practical implications for climate education. First, the integration of Indigenous Natural Dye practices into microlearning modules offers an operational framework for connecting climate education with local ecological knowledge. Second, combining indoor conceptual instruction with outdoor experiential learning can create a more balanced pedagogical approach that supports both cognitive understanding and practical engagement with environmental issues. Third, the structured microlearning format enables educators to implement climate-related activities in manageable segments that can be integrated into existing science or environmental education curricula. Overall, the results demonstrate that Indigenous Natural Dye microlearning implemented through integrated indoor and outdoor learning environments can serve as an effective strategy to strengthen students’ climate action intention. By linking climate change concepts with tangible sustainability practices based on local biodiversity, this approach can contribute to the development of environmentally responsible attitudes and behaviors among students. Future research should expand the study to larger and more diverse educational settings, incorporate longitudinal designs to evaluate long-term behavioral changes, and explore the integration of other indigenous ecological practices in climate education programs.
Gender mainstreaming has been widely adopted as a global strategy for achieving gender equality since its formalisation at the Beijing Platform for Action in 1995. Originating from feminist critiques of development and governance, it has evolved from a marginal concern into an institutionalised framework embedded within international organisations, national governments, and local governance systems. Despite its institutionalisation within policy frameworks, particularly in countries such as South Africa with progressive constitutional and legislative commitments to equality, its implementation remains uneven and frequently ineffective. This article advances a theoretical analysis of the relationship between the absence or inadequate application of gender mainstreaming and the persistence of gender blindness. The article interrogates the paradox between progressive gender policies and persistent gender inequalities in practice. It highlights how bureaucratic inertia, limited capacity, fragmented accountability, and the depoliticisation of gender discourse contribute to ineffective mainstreaming and, consequently, gender-blind outcomes.
Tree-rich agroforestry systems, such as home-gardens in South Asia, offer many ecosystem services (ES) as do forests in different scales in regions across the world. Hence, they have the potential to restore ESs lost due to large-scale deforested and degraded landscapes. However, the restoration potential is highly determined by the provisioning ecosystem services (PESs) derived from woody tree species in such systems, which are crucial for the well-being of the inhabitants. Moreover, due consideration in public policy in this regard in many countries is missing due to a lack of information, especially the economic values of ESs on a macro-scale. This study estimated the monetary value of PESs derived from woody-tree species along with other major agricultural products in home-gardens in agro-ecological regions of Upper Mahaweli Catchment (UMC) in Sri Lanka. A resource assessment survey was conducted across 500 home gardens in eleven agro-ecological zones within the UMC, covering two major districts, to collect primary data. A market-based approach was used to value the PESs. The highest mean monetary value was generated from spice trees (37%), followed by timber trees (33%), food-producing (18%), fuelwood (7%), other tree-based products, including income from multipurpose tree species (3%), and medicinal products from trees (2%). The highest mean monetary value from spices was recorded from IU2 followed by IU3c , IM3a , WM2a , WU2b, WM2b and IM1a . Based on the results, it indicates that woody trees in home-gardens have a high capacity for restoring PESs lost due to the loss of tree cover in the UMC landscape. It further enhances the socio-economic well-being of the inhabitants through generating monetary income from woody tree species. However, comparatively high mean monetary values were generated from vegetables and ornamental plants, respectively, in agro-ecological regions of IU3d and IU3e located in higher elevations. It will be an incentive to reduce the woody tree cover of home-gardens. A special incentive package can be proposed for the home-garden owners, to enhance the tree cover of home-gardens further, for the ecological and socio-economic sustainability of the catchment landscape in the long run.
The modern global economy requires innovative strategies for sustainable development, as traditional approaches do not always meet the challenges posed by digitalization and environmental sustainability. The aim of the study is to assess the impact of hybrid models of strategic innovation management on sustainable development in six countries: The United Kingdom (UK), the United States of America, Japan, China, Germany, and Poland. The research employed the methods of quantitative analysis, panel data, and econometric modelling. The assessment was carried out using the least squares method to determine the relationship between variables. The study uses statistics from the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and national agencies. Key patterns in the development of the innovation economy and their impact on the level of sustainable development were identified. The results showed that the UK has the highest level of open innovation (OI) (39.3%), while the USA leads in R&D investment (3.34% of GDP). The obtained results confirm that digitalization, open innovation, and eco-technologies are key factors of sustainable development. Strategic innovation management should take into account an integrated approach to technological modernization, international cooperation and environmental responsibility. The obtained results can be used to form an effective policy to support innovation.
In an era defined by interlocking global crises, climate breakdown, widening social inequalities, democratic backsliding, and a pervasive decline in collective mental wellbeing, the relationship between higher education, graduate employability, and sustainable development demands urgent theoretical and empirical rethinking. This systematic review article explores how humanities education can be reconceptualised not as a relic of a bygone liberal tradition, but as a vital driver of emerging career pathways that foreground wellbeing, sustainability, and ethical responsibility. Drawing on a systematic synthesis of interdisciplinary scholarship from the humanities, education studies, sustainability science, labour market analysis, and wellbeing economics, the paper examines how core competencies cultivated through humanities education, critical and systems thinking, ethical reflection, cultural and historical literacy, reflexive communication, and narrative intelligence, align precisely with the complex, non-routine skill demands of contemporary and future-oriented professions.. The findings suggest that humanities graduates play a crucial, often invisible, mediating role between policy, communities, and institutions, fostering dialogue, enhancing ethical decision-making under uncertainty, and supporting genuinely inclusive forms of development. By aligning humanities education with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and wellbeing-oriented policy agendas such as wellbeing budgeting and social cohesion frameworks, the paper demonstrates how humanistic knowledge contributes simultaneously to individual employability and collective societal resilience. Ultimately, this research advocates for an expanded, future-facing, and politically courageous understanding of employability that integrates humanistic inquiry with sustainability imperatives. It underscores the importance of revaluing the humanities within higher education policy, curriculum design, and career development practice, not only as sites of cultural and intellectual enrichment, but as foundational to building ethical leadership, social cohesion, democratic health, and sustainable futures in an increasingly complex, fractured, and ecologically fragile world.
This research examines how the intersection of talent management and public policy impacts the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on workforce wellbeing. The positive and negative consequences of sustainable human social resource management on employee satisfaction, engagement, and productivity are documented. Additionally, the social value of equity and the expanded social impacts of implementing inclusive practices in positive human resource (HR) management are positively correlated. The positive effects of social equity, the value of national and global socially inclusive policies, and the extended social impacts of the United Nations SDGs on employee social inclusion and the holistic well-being of the workforce are documented. The positive consequences of wellbeing, which enhance the social equity-driven inclusion of public policy in the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, and the social inclusive SDGs themselves, are also documented. The research identifies relevant social metrics of social well-being, inclusive of employee well-being, and critiques talent management practices as inefficient. The value of human resources used, along with the extended social impacts of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the social inclusion and SDGs, is documented.
This study examines the representation of environmental themes in Sri Lankan school English textbooks from an ecolinguistic perspective. School text books, as the main material of Sri Lankan school education, are central to shaping learners’ attitudes. Hence, making such analysis is timely in the current environmental crisis around the world. English textbooks prescribed by the Sri Lankan national curriculum for Junior Secondary (Grades 6-9), Senior Secondary (Grades 10-11), and Post-Secondary/General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) were selected. Thus, altogether 07 text books were selected covering a range of content, and all of them have been in use since 2015/16, undergoing consecutive re-prints. From an initial 650 lexical items referencing the environment, 389 were identified as ecologically relevant. The selected list was further checked with Ecolexicon for their environmental relatedness, and 60 lexical items were further selected. A qualitative content analysis was conducted applying three main eco-linguistic concepts: ecological metaphors, framing of environmental issues, and ideologies of sustainability. These discourses contained the particular lexical items, or were related to them through semantic fields. The findings reveal that ecological metaphors construct a narrative of personal risk, vulnerability, and conflict. The framings of environmental issues highlight the severity, causes, and consequences of ecological degradation. The ideologies of sustainability view environmental protection as a proactive responsibility. However, a critical gap emerges when examining the pedagogical activities that accompany the environment-related lessons. While the content of the texts often reflects sustainability values, the tasks that follow are overwhelmingly focused on linguistic skills such as reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary building, and writing practice. Little emphasis is placed on cultivating ecological awareness, critical reflection, or value-based education that could meaningfully connect language learning to environmental action. This disconnect suggests that although the textbooks incorporate environmental discourse, they have not fully integrated sustainability education into English language teaching. The study recommends use of eco-pedagogical approaches in the English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom enriching both environmental education and English proficiency.
The critical threat of the risk of genocide became especially acute in the late twentieth and first third of the twenty-first century and has become a major influence on global security. The study is devoted to the specifics of the genocidal policy of the Russian Federation as part of the concept of the formation of Russian national ideology. The research methodology included analysis and synthesis, systematization, comparison, generalization, and abstraction. The analysis of the rhetoric of Russian officials and publications in the media and mass media allowed us to conclude that the idea of genocide is present, supported by the general national position of the Russian Federation and actively financed by the federal budget. The retransmission of the official ideology in the context of anti-Ukrainian materials contains calls for “restoring historical justice” and “denazification” of Ukrainians. The study examines the system of Russian “denazification” measures, which are accompanied by censorship, ideological pressure, and the destruction of its own political opposition against the background of the functioning of cross-cutting ideas of genocidal policy. The author substantiates the presence of a consistent policy of the Russian Federation towards Ukrainians, which has signs of genocidal intentions. The article proves that genocidal propaganda within the political narrative of the Russian Federation has a suggestive character, which ensures the consistent formation of ideological hatred towards the Ukrainian people in society. The destructive critical consequences of the genocidal ideology of the Russian Federation for the security of global geopolitical development are substantiated.
Entrepreneurship education and training (EET) is widely promoted as a strategic instrument to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and support inclusive economic development in emerging economies. However, empirical evidence on how EET translates into superior SME performance remains mixed, particularly in contexts characterized by institutional constraints and resource scarcity. This study aims to examine whether the effects of EET on SME performance operate primarily through entrepreneurial competence and entrepreneurial intention or whether EET exerts a more direct influence on business outcomes. The study draws on survey data from 400 SME owners in five cities in East Java, Indonesia. The relationships between EET, entrepreneurial competence, entrepreneurial intention, and SME performance were analyzed to test both direct and mediated pathways linking education to firm performance. The results show that EET has a positive and significant direct effect on SME performance and significantly enhances both entrepreneurial competence and entrepreneurial intention. Entrepreneurial competence also positively influences entrepreneurial intention. However, neither competence nor intention significantly affects SME performance, and neither variable mediates the relationship between EET and performance. These findings reveal a persistent intention–action gap under institutional weakness and resource constraints, where improvements in skills and motivation do not automatically translate into superior firm outcomes. The study demonstrates that education-driven capability building alone is insufficient to generate sustainable SME growth and highlights the need to integrate EET with broader ecosystem support to enable performance gains.
This paper discusses the role of administrative management in digital skills programs and its contribution to educational equity and social sustainability in the long term. Digital skills programs are required in bridging the digital divide and in providing equal access to education, but the problem of unequal access and the absence of inclusivity persist. The study aims to establish the extent to which administrative practices such as policy support, resource coordination, and program monitoring can be effective in increasing the effectiveness of these programs. It utilized a quantitative approach where the collected data was collected through a survey of a sample of 80 participants that included students, faculty, administrators, and industry mentors who participated in digital skills programs. The survey evaluated the effectiveness of the program, its accessibility, flexibility, and the incorporation of sustainability-based learning. The analysis of the data involved the reliability with the help of Cronbach's Alpha and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and ANOVA to test the effects of the program on educational equity and social sustainability. The results indicate that the access and flexibility of education are essential in fostering equity in education, where properly managed programs result in improved outcomes. The results of ANOVA also support the hypothesis that digital skills programs have a significant effect on long-term social sustainability with the F-statistic of 42.56 with p-value of 0.00002, which proves that the overall effect of digital skills programs is boosted by effective administrative management. This paper highlights the need to have effective administrative practices that can make these programs relevant to sustainable development and social equity.
P2P contract models have become particularly important in the current context of energy market transformation, driven by the growing role of renewable energy sources, decentralization of electricity generation, and digitization of infrastructure. Such models add new qualities to energy interaction, contributing to the formation of local energy communities, increasing market flexibility, and improving the energy independence of consumers. The purpose of this study is to analyze the technical, regulatory, and infrastructural factors in the implementation of P2P contracts in the international and Ukrainian contexts. The study focuses on distributed energy systems. The research methodology is based on an empirical and analytical approach using quantitative comparative analysis of official statistics and an interdisciplinary literature review. The study reveals significant differences in the implementation of P2P models between countries with advanced digitalization and countries with transition economies. In particular, Ukraine lags significantly behind in three key indicators: the share of households participating in P2P trading, the level of distributed generation, and the penetration rate of smart meters. It has been shown that the successful implementation of such systems in developed countries is due to a combination of technological maturity, regulatory support, and active community participation. The current value of this study lies in the formulation of proposals for the application of international experience in Ukraine, taking into account the specifics of Ukrainian regulation and infrastructure. The results of the study can be used to develop plans for the digital transformation of the energy community and to improve strategies for strengthening P2P efforts.
Historically most communities in sub-Saharan countries conformed to cultures that promote patriarchy. Patriarchal norms and values socialized in close and extended families prolong the disparities between genders. Most women are secondary victims of gender-based violence in South African. South African townships are residence to Black ethnic Bantu speakers who were historically marginalized and excluded from socio-economic opportunities. The exclusion continue to manifest as under representation of women in various economic sectors, which makes women dependent on males, which might be an intimate partner, spouse, or family member. The economic dependents on male counterparts made them vulnerable to threat of gendered violence. The purpose of the study focused on secondary victims’ perceptions of microaggression. The objective was to establish women’s safety perceptions in Soweto Township. The methodology of the study was a qualitative case study. Snowballing was used to identify forty female participants. Interview schedules were administered to all participants during a thirty-minute face-to-face interview. The study applied ethical considerations. The thematic content analysis conducted established three dominant themes termed fear of crime, gender, and township. Most participants perceived that the type of microaggression experienced was gender violence, and often occurred in public across the township context, and it contributed to their fear of crime. The study provides insight on the role of microaggression in the fearfulness of female residence in townships. The findings cannot be generalized due to sample size. The study recommended police visibility, which includes frequent foot patrols to address the fearfulness of secondary victims in the township.
