Economic Changes Research Articles

Understanding internationalization variance within a sport brand: case study of the Sparta Prague ice hockey and football clubs

This article examines the internationalization of HC Sparta Prague (ice hockey) and AC Sparta Prague (football) by focusing on management decision-making. Using interviews with key personnel, it explores the varying levels of internationalization in these clubs, emphasizing their reliance on foreign players, the utility of foreign ownership, fan responses to foreign coaching, and marketing efforts toward foreigners. Football, being more global, is subject to ‘Europeanization,’ whereas ice hockey, centered in North America, is influenced by ‘Americanization’ and ‘eventification.’ Despite significant fan overlap and efforts at eventification, neither team has had success attracting Prague’s tourists and neither currently views it as an important market, instead focusing on the domestic Czech market. Both clubs have undergone various phases of ownership, from foreign investors to a return to Czech owners, reflecting broader social and economic changes in the region following the fall of communism. The article further discusses the influence of historical and cultural contexts on the acceptance and resistance to globalization influences, emphasizing the importance of preserving national identity and selectively integrating global elements within the modernization of sports. The study proposes that, despite the Sparta brand identity being heavily influenced by internationalization, it remains largely a Czech brand, and cultural sporting identity currently plays a more crucial role in resisting globalization than sport brand identity in Eastern Europe.

The Cartel Mystique: Race and the Social Construction of the Cannabis Grower

Racialization of the drug trade has been an ongoing feature of drug‐related moral panics for over a century. In the latter part of the twentieth century, public anxieties about ongoing economic changes made immigrants and Mexican drug cartels convenient scapegoats in the context of moral panics about cannabis and cannabis growers. In this research, I focus on the social construction of cannabis growers in the Emerald Triangle of Northern California, with a particular focus on the cartel grower construct. Through a content analysis of news media coverage, government and law enforcement reports, and field notes from personal communications with law enforcement officers and government officials, I identify racialized constructions of growers in the region. I also explore the relationships between local narratives and the broader cannabis discourse. In this “post‐prohibition” moment, this discourse impacts U.S. cannabis policy conversations and fuels anti‐immigrant rhetoric.

The importance of competitive potential in building the international competitiveness of food industry companies: Evidence from Poland.

The economic and social changes taking place in the environment mean that the conditions in which enterprises operate and compete are changing and demanding. This also applies to food industry enterprises, the economic importance is emphasized by many economists. The literature on this subject lacks research on the current factors influencing the competitiveness of food industry enterprises. Thus, the aim of the study was to adopt a multidimensional assessment of the importance of selected components of competitive potential in building the international competitiveness of food industry enterprises. The following research hypothesis was adopted: the key components of the competitive potential of food industry enterprises are intangible. To achieve the main goal and verify the research hypothesis, the empirical study uses information collected using a CATI survey among representatives of food industry enterprises in Poland. The analysis used descriptive statistics, the Mann‒Whitney test, the Kruskal‒Wallis test and exploratory factor analysis, which are rarely used in research on competitiveness. Research has shown that the most important component of competitiveness is intangible assets. The punctuality of deliveries, product quality, company image and relations with suppliers and recipients play special roles. According to factor analysis, four general factors related to competitive potential were distinguished: internal competences and activities, material resources, marketing and clusters, and the market. The results of the study fill a knowledge gap related to the current competitiveness factors of food companies. On a practical level, identifying competitive potential helps improve the ability to compete, better adapt to the environment and gain a sustainable competitive advantage in international markets.

A Financial Analysis and Valuation of Apple, Inc.

Abstract: This paper will take an in-depth look at Apple's financial performance and provide a detailed comparative analysis with its main competitors. Apple, as the world's leading technology giant, has always been known for its innovative products and strong market influence. However, in an increasingly competitive tech industry, continued financial health is key to its success. This paper first compares the performance of Apple and its competitors in key financial indicators such as liquidity, debt repayment ability and profitability. This comparison not only reveals Apple's financial position in the industry, but also helps us understand its robustness in responding to market movements. Next, this paper analyzes Apple's financial report of the latest year in detail, and deeply discusses the change trend of its revenue, expenditure, profit and other key financial data. This analysis is able to capture Apple's financial performance and strategy in the face of global economic fluctuations and changes in market demand. Finally, this paper will discuss Apple's business strategy and the business risks it faces. This includes its product innovation strategy, market expansion plans and potential risks due to factors such as technological change, market competition and global policy changes. Through a comprehensive analysis of Apple's business model and go-to-market strategy, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on how Apple can maintain its leadership position in a dynamic market.

Drifting Away from the Roots: Genderfluidity as Diola’s Mangrove Fishing Strategies in Three Island-Villages of Northern Guinea-Bissau

AbstractBiodiversity loss, habitat degradation, globalization, and societal transformations are challenging rural, and especially coastal communities in Guinea-Bissau where mangrove-dependent livelihoods are exposed to increased vulnerability. The Diola, traditional farmer-fishermen of the northern island-villages, have witnessed swift societal changes following the country’s economic liberalization, climate change, and youth migration from rural areas. Despite historically being a secondary subsistence activity with more predefined gender roles rooted in tradition, mangrove fishing has become a major source of cash income. Yet, women’s mangrove fishing contributions are still overlooked, resulting in general assumptions of static female fishing identities with limited control over their income. We present three case studies of Diola women’s involvement in mangrove fishing through a mixed method approach that combines qualitative techniques and household surveys conducted between 2017 and 2023. Specifically, we explore: (1) diverging societal coping strategies and livelihood developments in three Diola villages; (2) the primary drivers behind village-specific societal transformations; (3) social dynamics and female roles in mangrove fishing-related activities and village decision-making; and (4) the political ecology of interventions. Our findings underscore the complexity of gender-fluid small-scale fishing strategies as female roles beyond fish trade defy cultural generalizations. Contemporary Diola women make autonomous personal and work choices that meet their current needs and add to their household budget to face new welfare demands. Inclusive resource governance needs more gender-specific data for meaningfully implemented interventions adapted to local circumstances, enabling an active participation of all genders in conservation practices and development.

Developing a Community-Based Carbon Footprint Questionnaire: Towards a Dynamic Understanding of How Personal Behaviour Interacts with Policy and Economic Change

Developing a Community-Based Carbon Footprint Questionnaire: Towards a Dynamic Understanding of How Personal Behaviour Interacts with Policy and Economic Change

التّحوّلات المجتمعيّة ومردوداتها على التّوجّهات القيميّة للعمّال

Societal transformations play a pivotal role in shaping and changing the values among workers. These transformations are influenced by several factors such as: economic development, technological changes, cultural and political shifts. This study aims to understand the relationship between cultural and social values and work behaviors, as well as individual performance in the workplace. It also examines how customs, traditions, and beliefs influence values such as commitment, discipline, and dedication to work. Additionally, the study seeks to identify the factors that affect work-related values in Libyan society by understanding the dynamics of societal transformations, and how they can directly or indirectly impact stability in the work environment.

Проблемы факультетов архитектуры строительных вузов Дальнего Востока РСФСР (1985–1991 гг.)

This article examines the challenges involved in the establishment and functioning of architecture faculties within construction universities in the Far East of the RSFSR during the period from 1985 to 1991. Based on an analysis of governmental programs from the era of perestroika, as well as an evaluation of the situation regarding construction development and personnel policies in the region, the author interprets the relevance of introducing the “Architecture” specialty into the educational curricula of construction universities in the Far East. By 1985, practically all major higher educational institutions in Khabarovsk Krai and Primorskii Krai had faculties dedicated to preparing qualified specialists for the construction sector, especially at the Far East Polytechnical Institute (FEPI) and the Khabarovsk Polytechnical Institute (KPI). However, issues regarding personnel in the field of architecture persisted. The political transition towards perestroika exacerbated these challenges, putting the functioning of the architectural specialty at risk. Up until 1990, the optimization of construction education occurred, which included the consolidation of educational programs and a reduction in the number of students accepted into these programs. Subsequent political and economic changes, reflecting the new realities in the country’s development, also resulted in ambiguous transformations within the educational structure aimed at training construction professionals. This article provides insights into how these dynamics impacted the education of architects and the effectiveness of architectural training during a time of significant societal change.

What they live for: Adaptive strategies of Virginia’s small-scale commercial fishermen in a changing industry

Small-scale commercial fishing communities around the world are facing a number of social, ecological, and economic challenges that are likely to persist or increase in prevalence with ongoing environmental changes and competing uses of marine resources. This research uses semi-structured interviews to assess the impacts of varying economic, ecological and social changes on individual decision-making and resilience in Virginia’s small-scale commercial fishing industry. Similar to nationwide trends, Virginia’s small-scale commercial fishing industry has shifted in response to changes in management, species abundance, and participation with impacts on social identities and cultural norms, job satisfaction, resource dependence, and the future of the commercial fishing industry. As a means of coping with the inherent volatility of commercial fishing, fishermen have implemented adaptation strategies, including diversification within and outside of commercial fishing, that enable continued participation in the commercial fishing industry. Interviews reveal that Virginia’s small-scale commercial fisheries are deeply embedded within the social identities of fishermen and fishing communities in the state. Therefore, it is valuable to managers and researchers to consider the economic and societal consequences associated with declines in small-scale commercial fisheries and more importantly, to understand why these declines are occurring. Managers can expand on these results to create workforce development strategies that ensure the long-term sustainability of Virginia’s commercial fishing industry and preserve the commercial fishing livelihood for the future.

The spatial correlation of economic institutional change in China and its impact on economic growth: A social network analysis approach.

Economic institutional change is a vital driving force behind the rapid rise of China's economy. However, the incremental approach to economic institutional change has caused unbalanced transformation and economic growth. To this end, we adopted the entropy method to measure the economic institutional change index, and employed social network analysis to reveal its spatial correlation characteristics. We then applied QAP analysis to empirically demonstrate the impact of China's economic institutional change on regional disparities in economic growth. The findings indicated a gradual increase in the level of economic institutions over time and a spatial gradient between the eastern, central, and western regions. Moreover, the spatial correlation network of China's economic institutional change is stable and gradually improving. Nevertheless, the role of provinces in the process of economic institutional change varies: the eastern coastal provinces play a dominant role, the central and western provinces benefit to a lesser extent, and some provinces in northeastern China play a "bridging" and "intermediary" role. Regional differences in China's economic institutional change have widened the regional disparities in China's economic growth, and the impact of each dimension of economic institutions on regional disparities in economic growth is characterized by phases.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Saudi Arabia’s Governance

Why does the Saudi government utilize artificial intelligence? The research questions whether the more the Saudi government utilizes artificial intelligence (AI), the more it endures authoritarianism or not. In fact, an analytical research design based on a neo-institutional approach is applied to the case study. The research examines the concept of isomorphism by addressing the motivations for AI utilization in Saudi Arabia, the outcomes of AI on Saudi Arabia’s authoritarian practices, Saudi citizens’ insights into AI applications in Saudi Arabia, the relationship between legitimacy and stability in the presence of AI in Saudi Arabia, and the impact of culture and cognitive bases on Saudi organizational behavior toward AI in Saudi Arabia. The research concludes the following: Saudi Arabia applies artificial intelligence as a democratic state in economic changes and as a computational power to keep the political sphere unchangeable. In other words, the more the Saudi government utilizes artificial intelligence, the more it becomes a digital authoritarian tool.

Oral history methods can reveal drivers of landscape transformation: Understanding land‐use legacies with local and traditional knowledge in Central Europe

Abstract Ecosystems and landscapes shaped by the intricate relationship between people and their natural environment embody the impact of many different past land‐use practices and historical events. However, in some regions, classical historical records of landscape change do not exist or are insufficiently detailed. Local communities' ecological memory can play an important role in filling this gap by reconstructing the socio‐ecologically relevant indirect drivers and their interactions, as well as identifying vegetation characteristics that are legacies of previous land‐use practices. We studied a rapidly transforming cultural landscape in Transylvania (Romania) by conducting 144 oral history interviews covering the last 70 years (before, during and after collective farming). The interviews revealed complex interactions of indirect drivers. Country‐scale political and economic changes affected the landscape with crop outflow during the collective system (1962–1989), resulting in labour outflow to cities from the 1960s. The latter reduced the time and attention devoted to haymaking and affected population ageing. Together with other drivers, this demographic change led to a major transformation of the traditional landscape by the 2010s. We identified 47 vegetation characteristics as land‐use legacies related to grasslands and classified them into general legacy types. Our results support that there was an opportunity to innovatively revive the traditional cultural landscape after the fall of communism, when local knowledge, and willingness to manage the landscape were still present, but financial assets and government support were lacking. The indirect driver interactions led to the abandonment of traditional hay meadow management, resulting in a homogenising landscape with simplified land use dominated by sheep grazing and increasingly dependent on agricultural subsidies. We found that many vegetation characteristics of the studied species‐rich grasslands are only legacies of former land‐use activities, still known by locals but no longer applied. By creating knowledge partnerships, we can still learn about the past management and the functioning of such biodiversity‐rich cultural landscapes from the people who actively maintained them. We argue that this type of knowledge is essential to revive and adapt practices for protecting and managing species‐rich habitats across European cultural landscapes and for supporting the planning of appropriate conservation management and subsidy schemes. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Enhancing Students’ Knowledge-Based Economy Skills at Sultan Qaboos University

This study examines the readiness of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) students for the knowledge-based economy, focusing on their awareness, perceptions, and skills. As Oman transitions towards a knowledge-based economic model, understanding and enhancing students’ preparedness has become crucial. This research employs a quantitative approach, utilizing a questionnaire distributed to SQU students across various colleges and academic levels, achieving a 66.04% response rate. The key findings reveal that while many students consider knowledge economy skills very important, some express neutral awareness about these skills. Students ranked creativity and innovation (85.82%) and critical thinking and problem solving (85.11%) as the most essential skills. The study identifies significant relationships between enhancing students’ knowledge-based economy skills (ESKBE) and both awareness of the knowledge-based economy (AWS) and the impact of technology on education and employment (ITEE). Students generally view the knowledge economy positively, with 55% agreeing it will have a positive societal impact. However, they recognize challenges, including resistance to change (53.5% agreement) and limited access to education and training (49.3% agreement). The need for government involvement in addressing these challenges was strongly emphasized (54.3% agreement). Based on these findings, the study recommends that SQU enhance its curriculum to explicitly develop key skills, improve awareness of knowledge economy demands, further integrate technology into educational practices, strengthen industry partnerships, promote lifelong learning initiatives, and engage more actively with policymakers. This paper also provides a unique look at higher education’s role in the changing economy, as seen through graduates. It offers empirical evidence for the necessity of universities to change to serve the knowledge economy and, at the same time, make a case on how complex this transformation is. The results matter not only for SQU but also—in a more general sense, at least as far as knowledge-based economies are concerned—globally with respect to higher education institutions.

Quantitative assessment of PM2.5-related human health impacts at the provincial level in China and analysis of its heterogeneity affected by economic structural transformation

Rapid economic development has led to massive fossil energy consumption and emissions of air pollutants such as PM2.5, which have severely impacted human health and the environment. By uncovering the primary regions and pivotal sectors of PM2.5-related human health impacts (PM2.5-HHI) and evaluating the influence of economic structural factors on them, we can facilitate a more targeted strategy for managing PM2.5 pollution sources. This study employs a structural decomposition analysis method based on input–output analysis to evaluate the impact of China’s provincial economic structural transformation and changes in final demand on PM2.5-HHI in the years 2012, 2015, and 2017. Results indicated that PM2.5-HHI is primarily concentrated in economically developed provinces (e.g., Shandong and Guangdong), which is compared to Shanghai, Heilongjiang, Liaoning, and Hebei experienced negative growth in PM2.5-HHI during 2007–2017. The production-based PM2.5-HHI is primarily driven by energy-intensive sectors such as the production and distribution of electric power and heat power. By contrast, the building sector is key to driving consumption-based PM2.5-HHI. An increasing number of regions are reducing PM2.5-HHI by implementing production structure changes. Moreover, the driving effect of production structure changes on PM2.5-HHI growth is strengthening in Beijing and Tianjin. Changes in the final demand structure mainly led to the growth of PM2.5-HHI in areas with higher economic development levels, such as Beijing and Shandong, but this driving effect is weakening. The final demand–driven PM2.5-HHI shows an evolutionary trend of an increasing share driven by fixed capital formation and exports and a decreasing share driven by household consumption. Changes in emission intensity play a key role in decreasing PM2.5-HHI in each region. Alternatively, changes in the structure of emission sources have a relatively minor impact on PM2.5-HHI. To mitigate PM2.5-HHI, regional economic and resource endowment advantages should be used to promote regional coordinated development and strengthen green production-process innovation in energy-intensive industries. Meanwhcile, it is necessary to optimize urban construction planning and improve the energy efficiency of buildings.

Budgeting under martial law

In the conditions of martial law, the issues of ensuring the preservation of the national economy and further economic development are becoming relevant. An important condition for this is an efficient mechanism for the formation and implementation of the state budget. The budget formation mechanism is an important tool for ensuring sustainable economic develop­ment of the country while maintaining the stability of the budget system. The aim of the article is to determine the peculiarities of budgeting in the conditions of martial law. The research presented in the article is based on the hypothesis of the need to strengthen the financial potential of budgets of all levels at the expense of their revenues. Strengthening the income part will contribute to achieving economic stability and balance and determine the pace of social and economic development. The research methodology is based on general scientific and special methods. The main research methods are dialectical and institutional. Structural, compa­rative, method of scientific abstraction, analysis and expert evaluations were also used. Adap­tation of the budget formation system to social and economic changes and determination of priority directions for the further development of financial and budgetary relations require attention. For the thoroughness of the study, the structure of the revenue part of the state budget was analyzed during 2019–2023. The dynamics of attracting international financial aid and its share in the state budget were evaluated. In the course of the research, modern adaptation and transformation mechanisms implemented in budget policy under martial law conditions were determined. New approaches to the formation of the revenue part of the budget have been studied. On the basis of the conducted research, promising directions for improving the forma­tion of state budget revenues have been deter­mined, which will allow the budget system to function more effectively and efficiently. It is expedient to further improve the system of bud­get formation in terms of creating and imple­menting effective financial mechanisms of bud­get policy, with the aim of further social and eco­nomic development of the country. To increase the effectiveness of budget poli­cy in the conditions of martial law, it is necessary to strengthen the use of the principles of stability, financial and economic soundness, social jus­tice, and budget balance in the budget process

Unveiling the causal nexus between Saudi’s seaborne trade and economy: evidence from an ARDL model

An economy’s primary objective is to foster high economic growth, ultimately enhancing the well-being of its citizens. Recent economic strategies have increasingly emphasized trade-oriented policies to achieve this goal. This study delves into the nexus between Saudi seaborne trade (measured in tons) and gross domestic product (GDP), aiming to determine any causal relationship between these economic variables. Using datasets from the Saudi Central Bank and the General Authority of Statistics, this research employs rigorous unit root, cointegration, and causality tests to find the intricate interplay between trade and economic growth in Saudi Arabia. The empirical analysis highlights a robust long-term relationship between Saudi GDP and seaborne trade, suggesting cointegration. Specifically, the findings reveal a significant impact of economic growth on seaborne trade, as indicated by a trade elasticity of 1.08, which implies that changes in GDP yield a substantial shift in trade. For instance, a 1% increase in GDP corresponds to an approximate 1.08% increase in trade volume. The error correction mechanism also illustrates the dynamic adjustment process: deviations of Saudi seaborne trade and economic growth from equilibrium are corrected by 61% and 43%, in the subsequent year. Furthermore, Granger causality tests unveil bidirectional causality between GDP and trade, elucidating that economic growth changes precede trade volume alterations and vice versa. Thus, fostering international trade not only stimulates income but also bolsters the domestic economy of Saudi Arabia.

Akustische Basissignale für mobile Logistik-Roboter

Abstract Increasing economic requirements and changes in the labor market are driving the use of mobile robots in intralogistics. Human-robot interaction should therefore be made more intuitive. This article presents a human subject study on the usability of innovative acoustic signals for robots in nine interaction situations, augmented by interviews with domain experts. The central finding is the necessity of dividing signal types into vehicle-like motion signals and humanizing interaction signals.

Teacher education in Poland (1970–2024): policy development, legislation, and period-specific challenges

ABSTRACT This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of teacher education in Poland from 1970 to 2024, detailing socio-political and economic changes that have shaped educational policies. The study uses a historical and policy analysis approach, examining legislative documents, policy developments, and educational outcomes across three distinct periods – Socialist Era (1970–1989), Transition and Integration Era (1990–2004), and Modernisation and Reform Era (2005–2024). During the Socialist Era, centralised control and ideological rigidity resulted in a uniform system. Policy changes aimed to align education with socialist principles, often at the expense of flexibility and creativity. The Transition and Integration Era saw significant reforms driven by Poland’s move towards a market economy and European Union integration. This period focused on decentralising the education system, improving teacher qualifications, and aligning with European standards, though it faced challenges such as resource disparities and resistance to change. In the Modernisation and Reform Era, efforts have focused on improving teacher education quality through modernisation and adopting international best practices. There has been an emphasis on innovation, technology integration, and lifelong learning. Despite progress, issues like equitable resource distribution and the relevance of training programmes persist. The paper concludes with recommendations for further decentralisation, better resource allocation, continuous professional development, and integrating innovative teaching methods. These recommendations aim to guide future policy and enhance the effectiveness of teacher education in Poland. Implications for research include exploring the impact of these reforms on teacher effectiveness, policy adaptation, and practice improvement in education.

Mechanization of artisanal and small-scale gold mining in Guinea: Socio-technical trajectory of a rural mining site in Upper Guinea

Since the beginning of the 21st century, artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in West Africa has undergone intensification and significant development due to the introduction of increasingly mechanized extraction and processing method. Mechanization generates significant transformations in the socio-technical dynamics of artisanal gold mining. In the specific context of ASGM in Upper Guinea, the article argues that small-scale innovations (ie. ‘low noise’ or ‘low technological level’ innovations) are leading to a profound socio-economic transformation of the rural environment over a long period of time. We begin by describing and analyzing the impact of the introduction of minor innovations (metal detectors, solonins and fan motors) on ASGM practices. We then examine the political, social and economic changes brought about by the adoption of these new mechanized practices, again at the rural level. Finally, we discuss the transition toward a new socio-technical regime, questioning the reshaping of local governance and its impact on new configurations of land ownership and use in rural areas.

Difficulties In Assisting Students With Special Educational Needs In Armenian Schools During History Lessons

Inclusive education in Armenia has changed quite much over the years, which were stipulated by various historical, socio-political, and economic changes. The system of inclusive education is oriented toward mainstreaming students with special needs into the common educational process in schools with an equal attitude toward providing all of them with appropriate education. This study is aimed at analyzing the present situation, obstacles, and management peculiarities of inclusive education in Armenia during the History lesson from the viewpoint of the history teachers. Within this frame, the current study used qualitative research methodology as a content-based approach to combine thought, emotions, ideas, and attitudes. It was intended to understand the experiences of history teachers in working with students with special educational needs and go deep to have a richer understanding of the research question. The findings of the study revealed that Armenian inclusive schools are facing various challenges in appropriately supporting students with special educational needs in the History learning environment. These areas of difficulty involve inadequate teaching differentiation to cater to the different learning needs, failure to cope with various students' comprehension levels, and lack of one-on-one attention in a mainstream class. Inadequate resource provision, limited teacher training, and poor specialized support complicate the effective delivery of history education for such learners even further.