Aims and Scope Managing Global Transitions (ISSN 1854-6935) is a scholarly journal that covers diverse aspects of transitions and welcomes research on change and innovation in increasingly digitalized and networked economic environments, from a societal, organizational, and technological perspective. The journal fosters the exchange of ideas, experience, and knowledge among developed and developing countries with different cultural, organizational, and technological traditions. Managing Global Transitions invites original scientific, research, and review papers advancing the field of transitions in societies, organizations, and technologies. The journal is published quarterly (in March, June, September and December) by the University of Primorska Press on behalf of the Faculty of Management.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Regional Disparities in Health-Seeking Behaviour in Nigeria: Evidence from the World Bank General Household Survey
Regional disparities in socioeconomic factors shape health-seeking behaviour (HSB). This study examined HSB across Northern and Southern Nigeria and the role of socioeconomic factors on HSB. Data was drawn from Wave 4 of the 2018/2019 post-harvest General Household Survey of approximately 5,000 households. Logistic regression and Chi-square (χ2) tests were applied. Findings show that health care is predominantly sought from private providers, especially in the South. No significant regional difference was found between formal and informal care use. Older adults rely on informal care providers such as traditional healers and faith-based centres. Household income significantly influences provider choice, while gender matters mainly in the North, where women utilise public more than private facilities. Longer distances and waiting times increase the likelihood of public facility use, and severe illness drives reliance on public providers. Policy should improve formal health care access for older adults, strengthen public facilities to manage severe illnesses and women’s health, especially in the North, and tighten oversight of private providers, particularly in the South, to ensure quality health care.
Copyright (c) 2025 Uche Abamba Osakede, M. Femi Ayadi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Empowering Social Protection in Developing Economies: The Role of Climate Finance; Insights from COP28
Global challenges resulting from climate change, economic distress, and social confrontation are rising. In this scenario, Social Protection (SP) provides a mechanism to deal with all such issues. This research study aims to analyse the impact of SP on Conference of the Parties (COP28) Climate Financing (CF). The study is based on a panel of 32 countries that met the CF criteria for a period of 19 years. To empirically validate the impact, the Two Step System GMM method has been used. This approach deals with the endogeneity issue and provides robust analysis to account for autocorrelation and heteroscedasticity problems. The results show that CF has a significant impact on empowering SP. However, in the case of low-income countries, the impact is negative. This paper offers a novel analysis of the COP28 CF and SP framework. The study also highlights the broader policy relevance of COP28 financing frameworks. It suggests the potential to inform global climate finance, enhance cross-country allocation, and guide the integration of climate-related funding with social protection beyond developing economies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Umar Suffian Ahmad, Ghassan H. Mardini https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Digital Transformation Leadership and AI Capabilities as Drivers of Sustainable Competitive Advantage: The Mediating Role of Organizational Agility in Spain’s New S-Curve Industries
The modern trend among various industrial companies to adopt digital technologies in their operations through digital transformation and reliance on artificial intelligence has become an imperative, especially with the increasing intensity of competition in global markets. To gain a realistic understanding of the role of digital transformation leadership (DTL) and AI capabilities (AIC) in achieving sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) for organizations, this study employs organizational agility (OA) as a mediating variable, based on data collected from 441 employees in Spanish ‘New S-Curve’ industries, which are innovative sectors achieving high growth returns within the framework of the ‘Spain 5.0’ national strategy. The statistical and analytical framework of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) revealed that DTL has a significant impact on SCA, while the effect of AIC was not significant. Furthermore, OA was found to be an important mediator, reinforcing the indirect effects of both DTL and AIC on achieving SCA for Spanish organizations.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abdelhak Alioune https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Mapping the Landscape: A Literature Review on Circular Economy Adoption
The circular economy (CE) has emerged as a strategic framework to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation through resource efficiency, waste reduction, and closed-loop systems. The current study uniquely integrates the PRISMA protocol with the 5W1H analytical framework and bibliometric triangulation to bridge conceptual, behavioural, and policy perspectives within CE research. This study conducts a systematic literature review of 332 peer-reviewed articles from Scopus and Web of Science, applying the PRISMA methodology and the 5W1H analytical framework. Bibliometric and thematic analyses reveal five core research themes: technological innovation, circular business models, policy mechanisms, behavioural insights, and supply chain optimisation. While the United Kingdom and India lead in scholarly and policy contributions, the CE research landscape remains fragmented. Key gaps persist in digital nudging, behavioural adoption, and sector-specific applications. The study emphasises the need for interdisciplinary approaches and model-driven frameworks to foster systemic CE transitions. By mapping conceptual trends, theoretical linkages, and regional participation, this study provides a novel integrative synthesis and actionable implications for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners seeking to accelerate CE adoption.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ankita Pandey, Himanshu Mohan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Impact of Job Loss on Household Income during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of a Quasi-Experimental Analysisin the Republic of the Congo
This study evaluates the average monthly income loss associated with COVID-19-related job losses in households in the Republic of the Congo (ROC). Firstly, the propensity score matching (PSM) method is used for the estimates. Secondly, endogenous switching regression accounts for the unobserved effect. The data used are from the survey on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the living conditions of Congolese households conducted in 2020 by the National Institute of Statistics of the ROC. The results show, on the one hand, that the PSM method underestimates the assessed impact and, on the other hand, that the increase in household income loss attributed to job loss due to COVID-19 is 232,432.9 XAF on average per month. These results imply several measures (reducing the costs imposed on employers, subsidies, etc.) and the adaptation of labour market regulations to the new realities.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ted Cléophane Ngassa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
The Relationship Between Ease of Doing Business Indicators and Foreign Direct Investment in Africa
This study examines the impact of the business environment on foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into Africa, utilising panel data from 39 African countries over the period 2005–2019. Institutional and regulatory dimensions are captured through selected indicators from the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index. A dynamic panel data approach is employed, applying the one-step difference Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) estimator to address potential endogeneity, autocorrelation, and unobserved heterogeneity. The results indicate strong persistence in FDI, with lagged inflows exerting a significant positive effect on current levels. Among the business environment indicators, registering property is positively and significantly associated with FDI, highlighting the importance of secure property rights. Conversely, getting credit shows a significant negative relationship, suggesting that inefficiencies in credit markets may deter investment. These findings underscore the need for policy reforms aimed at streamlining property registration and enhancing credit market infrastructure to foster a more conducive environment for sustained FDI inflows and economic development.
Copyright (c) 2026 Darlington Chizema, Ewert P. J. Kleynhans https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Impact of CSR, Green Finance and Green Innovation on Environmental Performance of Banks in India
In an era of growing environmental challenges, the role of banks in promoting sustainability is critical. This study examines how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), green finance, and green innovation influence the environmental performance of Indian banks. Guided by legitimacy theory and the natural resource-based view, survey data from 379 bank employees were analysed using structural equation modelling. The results reveal that robust CSR initiatives, effective green finance practices, and innovative green strategies significantly enhance banks’ environmental performance. These findings contribute to theoretical understanding and offer practical insights for improving sustainability in the banking sector. The study recommends that banks in emerging economies strengthen internal resources by investing in CSR, adopting green finance, and fostering green innovation to boost environmental performance. Such efforts align with global sustainability goals, positioning banks as key players in environmental protection and responsible finance.
Copyright (c) 2025 Maryam Meraj, Mohammed Afzal, Manpreet Kaur, Jahangir Chauhan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Analysis of the Effect of Eco-Efficiency on Asset Return in Food and Beverage Manufacturing Companies Listed at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
This article examines the effect of eco-efficiency on corporate return on assets (ROA). The paper aimed to analyse whether corporate eco-efficiency performance (represented by energy consumption, water consumption, carbon emission and waste generation) affects the performance of ROA. Data on the eco-efficiency and ROA was collected from fourteen food and beverage companies listed in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange for a period of ten years (2012 to 2021). Using the STATA Software, the data was analysed by applying the Generalised Method of Moment (GMM) statistical technique, which enhanced the statistical analysis robustness. Findings from the GMM analysis showed different results. On the one hand, the results indicate that energy and water consumption in the food and beverage companies have a positive (but insignificant) effect on ROA. On the other hand, the results show that waste generation has a negative (but insignificant) effect on ROA; and that carbon emission has a negative and significant effect on ROA.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dimakatso Hellen Malapa, Collins C. Ngwakwe https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
The Impact of Demographic Dynamics on Household Saving in Pre-COVID-19 South Africa
This paper examines the effect of demographic dynamics on household saving in pre-COVID-19 South Africa, across all nine provinces of South Africa. The study used panel autoregressive distributed lag (PARDL) and Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality methods. The results revealed a longrun relationship between demographic dynamics and household saving in South Africa, showing that the White working age population had a significant effect on South Africa’s household saving in both the long-run and short-run, while the Black and Coloured working age population groups significantly impacted household saving only in the long-run. However, the Asian/Indian working age population had no effect on household saving in either the long run or short run. The Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality analysis revealed a bidirectional causality running between Asian/Indian, Black, and Coloured population groups and household saving, while a unidirectional causality was found running from the White population group to household saving.
Copyright (c) 2025 Afamefuna Emmanuel Nwogbo, Joel Hinaunye Eita, Sivan Chetty https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Shaping Stability: Can the Finance-Growth Nexus Achieve It?
This paper assesses the tripartite link between a country’s financial (in) stability, its level of financial development, and economic growth. Using a panel of 21 countries over the period 2001–2020 and using the IMF Financial Market Index to proxy financial development, we find (i) that financial stability varies positively with the development of the financial system, and (ii) that the relationship between financial stability and economic growth depends critically on the level of financial development of each country. These results show that in the absence of financial development, the impact of economic growth on financial (in)stability will have different effects. In addition, we performed a subsample analysis by dividing the overall sample into two subsamples based on stability levels. We find that financial development enhances stability more in the more stable subsample, while growth does so in the less stable subsample.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ahmed Mahmoudi, Mohamed Torra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Information and Communications Technology and Financial Development as Catalysts for Gender Equality in Brazil’s Agricultural Sector
In this study, we examined the effects of information and communications technology (ICT) and financial development on mitigating gender inequality in Brazil, using autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approaches, between 1991 and 2022. The ARDL bounds test was employed to find the presence of co-integration within the series of data. Both in the short run and the long run, financial development has a significant negative impact on gender disparity; this means that policies aimed at enhancing women’s financial and consumption services should be promoted in the short run. In the long run, we can conclude that ICT developments lead to a decrease in gender inequalities, which may imply the need for strategic, long-term planning to increase ICT infrastructure, especially in deprived areas. This includes subsidising affordable internet, skills training for women in the ICT field, and promoting women’s participation in the technology industry. In addition, the impact of optimal financial development varies over time; hence, there is a need for flexibility and sustainability in financial development. Policy makers should therefore continue to strengthen and enhance financial inclusion initiatives, as well as regularly follow up on the impact of these initiatives on gender equality.
Information and Communication Technology
Copyright (c) 2025 Freiderick Yohanna Letong , Mehdi Seraj, Fatma Türüç Seraj, Huseyin Ozdeser https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Agricultural-Induced Environmental Kuznets Curve for South Africa: A Threshold Regression and ARIMA Forecasting Approach
The purpose of the paper is to examine the impact of the agricultural sector on agricultural emissions in South Africa. To this end, we estimate an agricultural-induced environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) for South Africa between 1990 and 2022 using conventional and threshold regression frameworks. Our regression estimates reveal a ‘humped-shaped’ relationship between agricultural production and agricultural emissions, whereby agricultural production produces lower agricultural emissions above threshold estimates of 4,876 and 6,100 metric tons of CO2 emissions. Further investigations show that the South African economy has consistently remained above these thresholds since 2010. Moreover, a forecast analysis of the time series using ARIMA models shows that agricultural production is (emissions are) on an upward (a downward) trajectory. However, the forecasting analysis also shows that the South African agricultural sector is not scheduled to reach the net-zero emissions target by 2050. Altogether, these findings imply that whilst South Africa had followed a trajectory of sustainable development prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the current trajectory may not be sufficient to attain the 2050 Sustainable Development Goals.
Copyright (c) 2025 Andrew Phiri, Rasaq Raimi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Integrating Happiness Research into Endpoint Indicators of Social Life Cycle Analysis
Endpoint indicators for social life cycle analysis (S-LCA) are still less consolidated than those for environmental LCA. There is a broad consensus that human well-being should be the overarching goal of social sustainability and therefore also of S-LCA. However, to date the two major databases for S-LCA are restricted to a multiplication of working hours with a quality- or risk-adjusted factor. This paper aims to evaluate the congruence between this technical pragmatism and well-established findings of happiness research. The analysis starts with the argument that evidence and consequentiality are necessary criteria for any variables used. It is then shown that some of the variables such as poverty are not consequential, while the unit of working hours lacks any evidence about a relationship with subjective well-being. The analysis concludes that a simple pointbased endpoint indicator would be more appropriate for S-LCA than the current hour-based indicator.
Copyright (c) 2025 Stefan Mann, Melf-Hinrich Ehlers https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Reducing Food Waste and Boosting Profits through Inventory Management: The Case of Small Slovenian Bakeries
This article explores the role of inventory management in reducing food waste and improving economic performance in selected Slovenian bakeries, contributing to a more efficient, environmentally responsible and sustainable economy. Using semi-structured interviews with key bakery personnel and an in-depth analysis of business documentation, our study applies the Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) model and Newsvendor model to test the following two hypotheses: (H1) improving inventory management at Bakery 1 can reduce total annual procurement costs by more than 15% without causing spoilage or raw material waste, and (H2) minimizing food waste at Bakery 2 may not necessarily align with maximizing profit. The findings confirm that applying these models can enhance production and procurement planning, demonstrating that while cost reductions and waste minimization are achievable, they may not always be fully aligned. The study underscores the importance of strategic inventory management in balancing financial and environmental objectives in small bakeries.
EOQ and Newsvendor inventory management models
Copyright (c) 2025 Špela Lipnik, Žiga Čepar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Is the Environmental Kuznets Curve Still Relevant in the Modern Context? – Insights From Air Pollutants in Chinese Cities
This study investigated the presence of EKC-like relationships between various socioeconomic variables and air pollution indicators across 151 Chinese cities, analysed by quadratic regression models and geographic weighted regression (GWR) analysis. The results present critical insights into the applicability and limitations of the EKC. Only Air Quality Index, Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), and Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) show statistically significant correlations with one socioeconomic variable, respectively, in an EKC-like pattern which is meaningful in reality. GWR coefficients serve as a diagnostic tool to identify those burdened cities where stricter emissions standards, greener industrial practices, or economic restructuring should be prioritized. The spatial dependencies challenge the EKC’s assumption of isolated environmental-economic dynamics. Stricter environmental regulations in developed areas often lead to the displacement of polluting activities to regions with laxer standards. Policy efforts in tackling air pollution should focus on directly reducing emissions through localized, technology-based interventions rather than relying on economic growth to eventually improve air quality. Spatially targeted policies informed by city-specific patterns are essential, as pollution outcomes are shaped by regional industrial structures, population density, and cross-boundary spillover effects.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jun Wang, Shinah Park, Gulsah Akar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Opportunities for Indian Women in Gig Jobs without Using Digital Platforms: The Importance of Vocational Training
Flexible working hours can provide a better option for Indian women entering the workforce. This can be accomplished by engaging in gig jobs without depending on a digital platform, as many individuals have limited access to technology. Casual labourers and self-employed workers are considered gig workers who can perform their jobs without utilising digital platforms. The Probit model identifies the factors that can enhance the likelihood of such gig jobs occurring without the use of a digital platform for Indian women. By employing a Bivariate Probit regression model based on Periodic Labour Force Survey data for 2022–23 and addressing endogeneity, the paper demonstrates that both formal and informal vocational training positively influence women’s participation in gig jobs without relying on any digital platform. However, the impact of informal training is more pronounced.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sayantani Santra, Amit Kundu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Access to Credit and Loan Repayment by Households of Non-Farmers in Nigeria: New Evidence from Binary Logit Regression
Access to credit is the desire of every developing economy as well as a coping strategy in starting up and expanding businesses. Hence, this study critically examines how access to credit responds to loan repayment by households of non-farmers in Nigeria. To achieve this purpose, some important variables like spending on transport, other business costs, salaries/wages and rent were included in the model. Other variables in the model include age and location for the households of non-farmers. The study shows that loan repayment by households of non-farmers and their place of residence are significant drivers of access to finance in Nigeria while other characteristics of non-farmers such as spending on transport, other business costs, salaries/wages, rent and age are muted throughout.
Copyright (c) 2024 Obed I. Ojonta, Jonathan E. Ogbuabor, Anthony Orji, Onyinye I. Anthony-Orji, Ndubuisi Chukwu, Emmanuel T. Ideba https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Productive Capacities and the SDGs: Critical but Nuanced Relationships
It is widely accepted that productive capacities are an enabler for the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs), but there is a dearth of literature empirically testing this view. This paper examines the relationships between productive capacities and the SDGs and reveals nuances that need to be accounted for in integrated development approaches. Using panel data time series models, with Driscoll-Kraay adjusted standard errors, we examine how enhancing the eight elements of the Productive Capacity Index (PCI) impacts the SDGs. We find that each of the SDGs has statistically significant relationships with multiple elements of the PCI, and the results highlight areas in which productive capacity enhancements accelerate progress on one or more SDGs but can also be inimical to others, particularly to goals related to the environment and income inequality. Our approach provides development practitioners with a new framework to better target SDG interventions.
Copyright (c) 2024 David Tennant, Stuart Davies, Sandria N. Tennant, Patrice Whitely https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
International Trade and Economic Growth in an Oil-Dependent Country: Case of Nigeria
This paper examines the effect of disaggregated international trade on the economic growth of Nigeria. The data and specified model were analysed with Autoregressive Distributed Lag and Toda-Yamamoto techniques. It was found that both non-oil and oil exports enhance economic growth. However, non-oil and oil imports impede economic growth. Furthermore, overall causality results revealed that while non-oil and oil exports and non-oil imports had bi-directional causality with economic growth, nonoil imports did not have causality with economic growth. Consequently, the government should prioritise export-led policy to facilitate economic performance in Nigeria. Findings emphasised the need for the diversification of the economy for higher economic growth and sustainability in the long run. The paper enriches the literature on the relationship between international trade and economic growth in Nigeria by adequately disaggregating trade components to reflect the economic structure of the Nigerian economy. Also, it brings new empirical findings on the trade-growth relationship in an oil-dependent developing country. This study can provide a theoretical framework for research in countries that oil dependent.
Copyright (c) 2025 Oludayo Adekunle https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
The Shadow Economy, Mobile Phone Penetration and Tax Revenue in Sub-Saharan Africa
This study investigates the effect of the shadow economy on tax revenue and the moderating effect of mobile phone penetration in Sub-Saharan Africa. Using data on 26 SSA countries over 11 years and employing the system General Method of Moments (GMM) approach, the study reveals that the shadow economy has a significant negative effect on tax revenue in SSA, whereas mobile phone penetration has a significant positive effect on tax revenue. Again, mobile phone penetration plays a moderating role in the shadow economy–tax revenue nexus in SSA. Governments in the SSA region need to update their tax administration systems, construct and enhance infrastructure linked to emerging mobile technology, and implement best practices in tax regulations. Lastly, governments and telecommunications companies should implement some kind of consumer education in the informal sector to raise awareness of the advantages of using mobile phones for business transactions and the simplicity of paying taxes using a mobile device.
Copyright (c) 2024 Isaac Bentum-Ennin, Ebenezer Adu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Unveiling Organizational AI Adoption Patterns in Italian Companies through the Lens of the Diffusion of Innovations Theory
This paper investigates the adoption and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies within a sample of 237 Italian enterprises using the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory as the theoretical framework. It examines the characteristics of companies leading in AI adoption, evaluating their alignment with the innovator and early adopter profiles defined by Everett Rogers in 2003 within the DOI framework. The research emphasizes AI’s significant role in enhancing operational efficiency, fostering innovation, securing competitive advantage, and driving long-term growth. It also identifies challenges such as lack of skills, data management issues, and ethical concerns. Our findings contribute empirical evidence to the academic literature on the DOI theory, addressing the underexplored context of AI in Italy. The study provides a nuanced perspective on AI’s impact on employment and sets a foundation for future research, offering managerial insights for strategically deploying AI.
Copyright (c) 2025 Grazia Garlatti Costa, Francesco Venier, Roberto Pugliese https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
The Impact of Social Media on Business Performance of Women Entrepreneurs and their Empowerment: A Mixed Methods Study in the Context of Sri Lanka
The impact of social media on business performance of women entrepreneurs and their empowerment is examined in this research. Focusing on Sri Lanka, two research questions are addressed: (1) How are social media platforms empowering women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka today, and (2) How can the use of social media be improved to support women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka? A mixed-methods approach was used, with a survey (157 responses) and an online focus group (5 respondents) discussion. The statistical findings showed that business performance of women entrepreneurs mediates the relationship between use of social media and women’s empowerment. Qualitative analysis revealed that the use of social media transforms mindsets, facilitates knowledge sharing, provides motivation, supports business operations, promotes gender-neutral branding, and enables networking for women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka to enhance the performance of their businesses, leading to empowerment. To enhance support, social media platforms should prioritize motivation, targeted networking, professional courses, and robust security measures.
Copyright (c) 2024 Thilini De Silva, Henrik Hansson https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Work-Related Alcohol Consumption: An Analysis of Motivators and Responses across Cultures
While research into alcohol abuse is abundant, the science of how differing cultures view and respond to mild work-related alcohol consumption has been scientifically neglected. This article displays results from surveys conducted over a 7-year period and pivots around the cultural dimensions ‘Power distance’, ‘Individualism’, Indulgence’ and ‘Interpersonal trust’ which are correlated with motivators, responses and acceptance levels of mild work-related alcohol consumption. The strongest motivator for participating in mild work-related drinking was ‘To celebrate with colleagues’, which achieved significance with all cultural dimensions except power distance, which in contrast, achieved significance with the motivator ‘To bring out the real character’ of the counterpart. Power distance also correlated strongly with negative emotions regarding the refusal of a drink when offered by a senior. Altogether, 52 correlation tests were conducted of which 18 achieved significance. We believe that a better understanding of this topic will increase the likelihood of obtaining a harmonious workplace that lessens employee misunderstandings and conflict.
Copyright (c) 2024 Rune Ellemose Gulev, Gabriel Dukaric https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0