Managing Global Transitions

Integrating Happiness Research into Endpoint Indicators of Social Life Cycle Analysis

Stefan Mann, Melf-Hinrich Ehlers — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

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.

Reducing Food Waste and Boosting Profits through Inventory Management: The Case of Small Slovenian Bakeries

Špela Lipnik, Žiga Čepar — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

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.

Opportunities for Indian Women in Gig Jobs without Using Digital Platforms: The Importance of Vocational Training

Sayantani Santra, Amit Kundu — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

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.

Is the Environmental Kuznets Curve Still Relevant in the Modern Context? – Insights From Air Pollutants in Chinese Cities

Jun Wang, Shinah Park, Gulsah Akar — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

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.