Development Corporation Research Articles

Effects of Human Resource Management Practices on Corporate Entrepreneurship at a State Agency in South Africa

Organisations face rapid changes brought about by economic, political, social and technological changes. These changes compel organisations to review their business strategies and turn to CE as an ultimate source of competitive advantage. Furthermore, the human resource management (HRM) function is crucial in formulating competencies and supporting organisations in achieving their strategic objectives. This study sought to determine the effects of HRM practices on CE at a South African state-owned agency. The study adopted a qualitative single case study design using semi-structured interviews through Microsoft Teams. A purposive sample of nine top management and human resources employees participated in the study. The interviews were recorded and subsequently analysed using ATLAS.ti 23. The study shows that three HRM practices, namely, recruitment and selection, training and development, and performance appraisal, positively affect the adoption of CE at the North West Development Corporation (NWDC) in South Africa. The study provides practical guidance on how state agencies can effectively invest and promote entrepreneurial behaviour for optimal performance. The study contributes to the body of knowledge by proposing a revised conceptual framework for increasing CE in HRM systems for internal innovation performance by incorporating HRM practices. This framework includes HRM practices such as job design, recruitment, training, performance appraisal, and compensation. Furthermore, the study introduces organisational development as a strategic contributor to the successful implementation of this framework.

Exploring the Potential of the Blue Economy: A Systematic Review of Strategies for Enhancing International Business in Bangladesh in the context of Indo-Pacific Region

This systematic review aims to provide a methodical analysis of the Blue Economy in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly from the perspective of Bangladesh, focusing on its growth trajectory, key stakeholders, policy frameworks, technological advancements, trade and investment trends, as well as challenges and opportunities for international business expansion. The methods employed a comprehensive search of electronic databases, and inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to identify relevant studies for analysis. The results revealed that from 2000 to 2020, the Blue Economy sectors of the country, such as fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transportation, and tourism, saw notable development. International development agencies, corporations, academic institutions, governments, and civil society organizations are some of the major players in Blue Economy projects. The policy frameworks that facilitate the development of the Blue Economy include integrated ocean management, blue growth initiatives, maritime security and governance, and resilience and adaptation to climate change. Innovation and expansion in the Blue Economy sectors have been fueled by technological breakthroughs, such as autonomous underwater vehicles, renewable energy projects, remote sensing technologies, and marine biotechnology. Rising demand for sustainable goods and services, technical advancement, and regional collaboration have all contributed to an increase in trade and investment in Blue Economy industries internationally. The study concludes that there is significant potential for the Blue Economy in the Indo-Pacific region to drive economic growth, promote social progress, and ensure environmental sustainability. However, challenges such as regulatory complexity, access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation need to be addressed to fully realize this potential. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts from governments, businesses, academia, civil society organizations, and international development agencies, along with a focus on sustainable and inclusive development practices.

The mediating effect of financial reporting quality on the relationship between corporate social responsibility and corporate green innovation

Purpose This study aimed to examine the mediating role of corporate financial reporting quality in the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on corporate green innovation, based on the integration of stakeholder theory, opportunity cost theory, innovation diffusion theory and signaling theory. Design/methodology/approach A deductive quantitative approach was used as the research methodology. Following a survey design, questionnaire responses were collected from a purposively chosen sample of 308 employees in China. The data was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling, performed with SmartPLS4.0 software. Findings The findings show that CSR promotes green innovation, and that financial reporting quality mediates this relationship. It was further revealed that compared to employees’ CSR perception, consumers’ perception of firms’ CSR performance has a stronger positive effect on firms’ corporate financial reporting quality and green innovation. These findings provide insights into the impact of both internal and external CSR performance on corporate green innovation. Research limitations/implications This study only sampled Chinese employees, meaning that the findings may not be representative of other regions. Also, as this study employed only the questionnaire instrument, future research may collect data through multiple sources, including financial reports, surveys and interviews, to better understand and estimate variations in the positive impact of CSR on green innovation. Originality/value This study establishes the mediating role of corporate financial reporting quality in linking CSR to corporate green innovation. It further examines green innovation in multiple dimensions (i.e. product, process, organizational), while also measuring CSR in dual perspectives, namely internal (employee awareness) and external (consumer awareness). The results of this study offer guidance to firms in improving their green innovation in various aspects, thus promoting sustainability and environmental friendliness in corporate development.

Does financial market liberalization promote corporate radical innovation? Evidence from China

This paper investigates the impact of financial market liberalization on corporate radical innovation using Chinese non-financial firm-level data from 2000 to 2022. The results show that increased financial market liberalization promotes corporate radical innovation by alleviating financing constraints, enhancing capital allocation efficiency, and improving credit allocation quality. These findings remain robust even after replacing variable measurements, changing model specifications, and addressing endogeneity concerns. The positive impact of financial market liberalization on corporate radical innovation is more pronounced for firms facing higher financing constraints, governance efficiency, information asymmetry, marketization, and capital intensity. Our study underscores the critical role of thoughtful financial market reforms in driving high-quality corporate development.

Uncovering corporate greenwashing: a predictive model based on Chinese heavy-pollution industries

Purpose As the global emphasis on environmental consciousness intensifies, many corporations claim to be environmentally responsible. However, some merely partake in “greenwashing” – a facade of eco-responsibility. Such deceptive behavior is especially prevalent in Chinese heavy-pollution industries. To counter these deceptive practices, this study aims to use machine learning (ML) techniques to develop predictive models against corporate greenwashing, thus facilitating the sustainable development of corporations. Design/methodology/approach This study develops effective predictive models for greenwashing by integrating multifaceted data sets, which include corporate external, organizational and managerial characteristics, and using a range of ML algorithms, namely, linear regression, random forest, K-nearest neighbors, support vector machines and artificial neural network. Findings The proposed predictive models register an improvement of over 20% in prediction accuracy compared to the benchmark value, furnishing stakeholders with a robust tool to challenge corporate greenwashing behaviors. Further analysis of feature importance, industry-specific predictions and real-world validation enhances the model’s interpretability and its practical applications across different domains. Practical implications This research introduces an innovative ML-based model designed to predict greenwashing activities within Chinese heavy-pollution sectors. It holds potential for application in other emerging economies, serving as a practical tool for both academics and practitioners. Social implications The findings offer insights for crafting informed, data-driven policies to curb greenwashing and promote corporate responsibility, transparency and sustainable development. Originality/value While prior research mainly concentrated on the factors influencing greenwashing behavior, this study takes a proactive approach. It aims to forecast the extent of corporate greenwashing by using a range of multi-dimensional variables, thus providing enhanced value to stakeholders. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study introducing ML-based models designed to predict a company’s level of greenwashing.

Does corporate greenwashing affect investors' decisions?

Greenwashing creates a misleadingly positive image for corporations while leading to the misguidance of investors' behaviors. Based on the sample of Chinese A-share listed companies for the period 2008–2021, this paper investigates the impact of corporate greenwashing on investors’ decisions. The empirical results indicate that (i) greenwashing significantly improves short-term returns on corporate stocks, but reduces long-term returns; (ii) in the short term, investors are influenced by expressive manipulation rather than selective disclosure, but this impact is not sustainable, and both have an impact in the long term. These findings provide a new risk reminder for investors’ behaviors and have practical significance for government to promote the green development of corporations.

EMPLOYEE PERSPECTIVES ON AI UTILIZATION IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CHHATRAL GIDC IN GUJARAT STATE: A SURVEY-BASED STUDY

Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionised the industrial industry by bringing with it the promise of greater productivity, accuracy, and competitiveness. The purpose of this survey-based study is to investigate how employees feel about the use of AI in manufacturing enterprises in Gujarat State, India's Chhatral GIDC (Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation). The purpose of the study is to learn more about the attitudes, beliefs, and difficulties that employees have when integrating AI technologies. Structured questionnaires were used to gather data from a representative sample of employees in Chhatral GIDC's manufacturing sectors. The results shed important light on the variables affecting the adoption of AI, emphasising how organisational environment and local dynamics affect employee reactions.

The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Total Factor Productivity

With the advent of globalization, modern enterprises, as crucial pillars of socio-economic development, directly influence their own economic benefits and societal stability. In an increasingly competitive market, enterprises should not only pursue the maximization of economic benefits but also fulfill their social responsibilities, thereby shaping a positive social impact and gaining wide recognition across various sectors. Thus, the concept of corporate social responsibility has emerged, becoming an indispensable part of corporate development strategies. Concurrently, total factor productivity, as a key indicator of enterprise production efficiency, is crucial for long-term development. Improvements in total factor productivity not only enhance a company's competitiveness but also drive overall socio-economic progress. Therefore, exploring the impact of corporate social responsibility on total factor productivity not only helps to understand the intrinsic connection between the two but also provides strong theoretical support and practical guidance for achieving sustainable development.

A pathway towards corporate sustainability: Does media attention matter?

Examining informal institutional drivers of corporate sustainability is crucial. This study employs a sample of A-share listed firms in China from 2007 to 2020 to empirically examine the relationship between media coverage and ESG performance. It is demonstrated that media attention enhances corporate accountability, especially the print media and positive attention. And environmental investments and green innovation are the main mechanisms. It also reveals that media attention has a greater impact on larger firms, those with better internal controls, firms located in the eastern region, and manufacturing firms. Our findings help deepen the understanding of media's role in corporate development and highlight how informal institutions can promote sustainable economic growth in developing countries.

Sustainable development goals and corporate strategy: Bridging the gap

Abstract This paper investigates the intricate relationship between corporate strategy and sustainable development goals (SDGs) as outlined by the United Nations. Building upon extensive literature review, the research hypothesizes that corporations can significantly contribute to sustainable development while enhancing their long-term viability through strategic alignment with SDGs. To address this hypothesis, the research poses the following research questions: How do corporations currently integrate sustainable development goals into their strategic planning processes? What are the key challenges and opportunities associated with aligning corporate strategy with sustainable development objectives? What are the most effective strategies and practices that corporations can adopt to maximize their impact on sustainable development while ensuring their own long-term sustainability? The primary objective of this paper is to provide insights and guidance for corporate executives, policymakers, and stakeholders seeking to navigate the complex terrain of sustainable development within the corporate sector. Specifically, the research aims to analyze the current state of corporate strategy with regard to sustainable development goals through a comprehensive literature review, as well as to identify key challenges and opportunities faced by corporations in aligning their strategies with sustainable development objectives. The research proposes actionable strategies and best practices for corporations to effectively integrate SDGs into their strategic decision-making processes. By synthesizing findings from the literature review and empirical research, this paper aims to contribute to both academic discourse and practical understanding of how corporations can play a proactive role in advancing sustainable development goals while ensuring their own long-term success.

Development of creative industries in the regions on the example of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)

The paper examines the report of the chief economist of the Russian State Development Corporation Andrei Klepach «Why the population in the East is declining and what to do to combat this trend». Based on the competent analysis of the country’s chief economist, the regional state of the creative economy was examined with a focus on training and supporting students and young personnel for the creative industries. It is the creative industry that currently has the highest rate of youth involvement. Russia has all the necessary prerequisites for a dynamic pace of development of creative industries, as well as a number of successful examples of creative work not only in the central part of the country, but also in the regions. In 2019, the Government of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) approved the Concept for the development of the creative economy of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) until 2025, becoming the first subject of Russia where a strategic document on the development of the creative economy was adopted at the regional level. On April 27, 2024, the Decree «On the development of the creative economy of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)» was adopted. By 2030, it is planned to employ over 70 thousand Yakut citizens in the creative industries; new businesses will be created in science and education, information technology and cinema, design, art and architecture, with the subsequent commercialization of creative potential. The introduction of new educational programs adapted for the implementation of student projects and startups in the creative industries sector has a positive impact on the development of the creative sector of the economy.

Modification of Risers in Buried Pipe Irrigation System to Improve their Performance

This study identified the problems associated with the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of risers in buried pipe irrigation systems and proposed a modified design. The problems of buried pipe irrigation systems were assessed by inspecting three deep tube wells (DTWs) supplying water through buried pipes with twenty-five outlets. One DTW of the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) with five outlets in Netrokona, and one with fifteen outlets in Bara Kailati village and one with five outlets in Bali Bazar, both in Netrokona Sadar, were selected. Data were collected from farmers, field staff, and management authorities by employing pretested questionnaires and field investigations. Site visits revealed that the primary problems were the water leakage through outlets and cracks in the riser structure around the outlet. These problems were due to unsuitable outlet design of the buried pipe system. To overcome these problems, the riser design has been modified structurally, that may lead the buried pipe to suitable and durable performance of buried pipe irrigation system and reduce water losses. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 22(2):225-230, 2024

Autonomous Bus Transit Simulation In The Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC) Area

The Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC) area is a tourism area located in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia and has now become one of the main tourist destinations in Bali. Adopting autonomous transit bus technology in the BTDC area will show commitment to innovation and a modern image of tourism in Bali, after the Bali Provincial Government showed its seriousness in supporting the use of electric vehicles in tourism areas. The aim of this research is to find out the working steps of the electronic system for simulating an autonomous transit bus and produce a prototype of an autonomous transit bus. The research was carried out using the research and development (R&D) method which focuses on development with the aim of expanding or exploring further a theory or its application with certain developments. The results of the research show that the working steps of the electronic system for simulating an autonomous transit bus prototype are with a control system using the tracking principle of line tracer sensors with a line follower algorithm in passenger bus type mass transportation in tourism/BTDC areas. The autonomous transit bus prototype has been successfully tested by testing motor driver, motor reaction, object detection, and trajectory tracking without experiencing any problems

Pengaruh Struktur Modal dan Pertumbuhan Perusahaan terhadap Nilai Perusahaan dengan Profitabilitas sebagai Variabel Intervening (Studi Pada Perusahaan Infrastruktur Sub Sektor Konstruksi Berat dan Teknik Sipil Terdaftar di BEI Periode 2018-2022

This research aims to analyze the influences: (1) capital structure influences the value of the company, (2) corporate growth influences corporate value, (3) capital structures influence profitability, (4) corporate development influences profits, (5) profitability influences company value, (6) profitability is able to mediate the influence of capital structure on the company's value, (7) profitability can mediate company growth influence on company value. The population of this study is the entire infrastructure company of the heavy construction and civil engineering sub-sector listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange for the period 2018-2022. The samples were selected using the purposive sampling method of 18 companies. Data analysis used in this study is internal model and hypothesis testing with the help of software SmartPLS (Partial Least Squares) version 3.2.9. PLS (Partial Least Square). The results of the research showed that the capital structure had a negative and non-significant impact on the company's value, the growth of the company had a positive and insignificant effect on the value of the enterprise, the structure of the capital had an negative and significant impact on profitability, the development of a enterprise had an positive and significant effect on profitability, the profitability had an adverse and significant influence on the corporate value, profitability was able to mediate the influence of capital structures on the business' value, and profitability were capable of mediating the impact of the growth and value of an enterprise.

Governing innovation-driven development under state entrepreneurialism in China

While global production networks stress the role of lead firms, state entrepreneurialism highlights the role of the state in governing innovation-driven development. However, there is a gap in understanding how the state institution configures and operates to achieve its strategic development goals. This paper fills this gap by examining market means of park management. It shows that Zhangjiang Science City in Shanghai reinvented its development agency – a park development corporation to mobilize finance and govern development. Jiangbei in Nanjing focused on coupling with a multinational lead firm – the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Rather than thinking of innovation governance as state-commanded, we reveal they are market-based operations. At the same time, they extend the state capacities into industrial governance.

The Impact of Mandatory Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure on Enterprise Risk-Taking: Facilitative or Constraining?

Using Chinese A-share listed companies from 2006 to 2013 as the research sample, this paper empirically examines the impact and mechanism of the mandatory CSR disclosure policy on Chinese firms’ risk-taking by combining the difference-in-differences (DID) approach. This study finds that the implementation of the policy increases firms’ operating costs and leads to an increase in their financing constraints, which ultimately creates a disincentive for firms to take risks. Second, we also find that, relative to firms that do not disclose CSR reports, the sales revenues, R&D investment and investment levels of firms subject to CSR disclosure are significantly reduced, which may be the result of firms’ tendency to operate conservatively. In addition, heterogeneity analyses suggest that the dampening effect of mandatory CSR disclosure policies on risk-taking is stronger for firms with higher financing costs and for non-state-owned firms. This study further explores the mechanism of the impact of mandatory CSR disclosure on firms’ risk-taking, which will help the government to formulate and improve the information disclosure policy regarding driving the transformation of corporate development in the future.

Exploring Economic Development Strategies for Canadian Indigenous Communities Post-Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has strongly impacted the Indigenous Canadian economy. Indigenous enterprises exist in every industry, from small proprietorships to major organizations employing thousands of people. The research concerning the effects of such peculiarities on Indigenous corporations is sparse. This research aimed to examine how the pandemic affected development companies by comparing pre-epidemic forecasts to the trajectory of Indigenous-owned firms after two years of the pandemic and analyzing its singularities. The study was conducted by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) and supported by mixed methods techniques such as surveys, interviews, and non-participatory observations obtained from ten distinct Canadian Indigenous Economic Development Corporations, revealing a reality in which Indigenous businesses confront significant challenges in terms of access to public finance, human resources, community well-being, company diversification, and innovation. The result compared pre-pandemic forecasts and analyses that found Indigenous enterprises failing to recover and move ahead on company diversification and innovations, public finance, human resources, and sustainable development.

Deployment of Security Management Technologies in the Hospitality Industry in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria

This study examined the technologies being deployed for security management in selected hotels in the Lagos metropolis and investigated factors influencing the deployment of the technologies. It also assessed the effectiveness of the security technologies in the hospitality industry with a view to improving the standard of hotel security management in the metropolis. A multistage sampling technique was adopted to select fifty (50) hotels in Lagos state that were registered with the National Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Abuja. Three classes of hotels namely; 3-, 4-, and 5-Star were purposively selected. Data were collected through the administration of fifty (50) copies of questionnaire to the security managers, general managers, personnel managers, and other staff of the hotels. The questionnaire elicited information on the types of security technologies used, factors influencing the deployment of the devices and effectiveness of the technologies on quality of service. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that Close Circuit Television (CCTV) (100%), access pass for cars (92.9%), badges (81.0%) and lightings (97.6%) were the most used security technologies in the hotels. The study also showed that across the three classes of hotels considered, (3-, 4- and 5-Star hotels), most of the respondents considered training (4, 4.0 and 4.2), level of knowledge and expertise (4.3,4.7 and 4.0), user acceptance (4.0, 3.7 and 4) benefit consideration (4.1, 3.7 and 4.0) and location of the hotel (3.7, 3.5 and 4.6) respectively as factors that influenced deployment of security technologies on a five-point Likert scale. In addition, the result showed positive and significant relationships between quality of service and size of hotel (r=0.385, p<0.05), and among variables such as cost benefit consideration (r=0.330, p<0.05), coverage area (r=0.420, p<0.05), cost of maintenance (r= 0.335, p<0.05), user acceptance (r=0.317, p<0.05) and customers’ attitude toward the device (r=-0.437, p<0.05). Finally, the result showed that quality of service achieved through the deployment of security technology had significant effect by increasing efficiency (β=0.947), reliability (β=1.359) and improved security (β=1.058) The study concluded that security technologies deployed by the hotels were effective as it increased efficiency, improved security, and reliability.

Judicial reforms and corporate governance: The contribution of circuit courts to ESG performance improvement

This study uses empirical data from Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listed companies from 2010 to 2022 to examine the effects of circuit courts establishment on corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of corporations. The findings show that circuit courts significantly enhance ESG performance, particularly in smaller private enterprises and in less-marketized regions. Analyst attention, earnings forecast divergence, and financing constraints could all moderate that influence circuit courts to varying extents. This research not only reveals a new perspective on the role of circuit courts in fostering sustainable corporate development but also provides empirical evidence to aid policymakers in using legal and institutional reforms to further enhance corporate ESG performance.

Microlearning: A Concept Analysis.

With an overall rise in technology adoption, the information-seeking behaviors of today have become instant and single-focused, and demand convenience for learning and the acquisition of knowledge. Digital technologies expand the reach of learning and allow for the development of innovative and creative methods of teaching. The use of microlearning has been gaining popularity in academic and professional development settings and corporate training. Currently, there is no standardized definition of microlearning. Using Walker and Avant's method of concept analysis, a comprehensive overview of microlearning is provided through identifying the concept and describing its uses, attributes, exemplary cases, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents. Seven attributes associated with microlearning are single focus, bite-sized, asynchronistic, accessibility, flexibility, interactivity, and multimodal delivery. A proposed definition is a self-directed, on-demand, teaching strategy where small single-focused interactive content is presented to learners asynchronously, using technologies that accommodate multimodal delivery, and access where and when convenient for the learner. This analysis will assist informatics and nursing educators in understanding how microlearning, as a strategy, fits into the electronic learning landscape, is supported by digital technologies, and adds portability to leverage in an on-demand asynchronous way providing targeted learning for use in all areas of clinical practice.