Economic Functions Research Articles

A triple bottom line approach for designing a sustainable closed-loop supply chain network in fruit industry: A metaheuristic solution approach

In this study, the design of a sustainable closed-loop supply chain network for agricultural products with the goals of minimizing the cost and emission of greenhouse gases and maximizing the response to customer demand, and creating justice-based job opportunities, simultaneously, are aimed. The intended chain is based on the fruit supply chain study, which includes fresh fruits, concentrate, and vermicompost fertilizer. A mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model has been developed to achieve the triple bottom line. Due to the nature of the NP-hard problem, the proposed model is solved using metaheuristic approaches consisting of two renowned algorithms, NSGA-II and NRGA, and a relatively new algorithm called NSGA-III. It is worth noting that the parameters of the algorithms are adjusted to achieve the best performance in small, medium, and large-size problems exerting the Taguchi method. After comparing the results of the three algorithms based on the well-known criteria, NRGA is introduced as the superior algorithm. Ultimately, the results of sensitivity analysis indicate that appending the possibility of using vermicompost in gardens and considering several vehicles in the proposed sustainable supply chain boosts the values of economic and environmental objective functions to about 6.4 and 8.2%, respectively.

A game theoretic approach to contract-based enviro-economic coordination of wood pellet supply chains for bioenergy production

Wood pellets have gained global attention due to their economic availability and increasing demand for bioenergy as part of sustainable energy solutions. Management of the wood pellet supply chains, from feedstock harvesting to bioenergy conversion, is critical to ensure competitiveness in the energy markets. In this regard, wood pellets supply chain coordination can play a strategic role in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of bioenergy generation. This study proposes a contract-based coordination mechanism for wood pellet supply chains and compares its performance in alternative centralized and decentralized decision-making structures. A bi-level nonlinear game-theoretic approach with two economic and environmental objective functions is developed. It utilizes the concept of life cycle assessment in a Stackelberg leader–follower game to obtain the bioenergy equilibrium solutions. Further, this study examines the case of wood pellet supply chains in three remote Canadian communities. The aim is to showcase the practicality and significance of the proposed approach and interpret the findings. By focusing on these communities, the crucial role of supply chain coordination in fostering sustainable development, particularly, in the context of bioenergy generation is emphasized. The study colludes by advocating a number of avenues for future research.

Ethical Theories in Business Ethics: A Critical Review

Numerous ethical theories have been proposed as a foundation of business ethics, and this often brings about appreciable perplexity. This article seeks to identify specific problems for a sound foundation of this discipline. A first problem is this multiplicity of ethical theories, each with its own metaethics, often accepted without a serious discussion of their philosophical grounds. A second problem is the fragmentation of theories; some centred on duties or obligations, others on consequences, virtues, or moral sentiments. In addition, some theories focus on universal principles, while others take the singularity of each situation as their focal point. A third problem is that not every ethical theory covers the personal, organizational and societal dimensions of business ethics, and this introduces reductionism. These problems cannot be satisfactorily addressed through ‘ethical pluralism’, in which all theories are accepted, without falling into ethical relativism. ‘Ethical pragmatism’, which welcomes any ethical theory only on the basis of their practically, is also questioned. Furthermore, there is the problem of integrating ethics into business theory, which is often extrinsic to the economic function. After analysing these problems, the article concludes by exploring some proposals that might serve to build a sound and complete ethical theory which includes human goods (objective values), principles (or norms) and virtues. The necessity of reconsidering the human action for a closer integration of ethics into business theory is also suggested.

The concept and system of functions of social protection for judges in Ukraine

The article aims to clarify a comprehensive understanding of social protection functions for judges in Ukraine. It explores the concept and system of these functions, which constitute an integral part of social relations and processes aimed at ensuring an appropriate level of social security for judges. The application of social protection measures by authorized subjects of social law reflects the socio-legal, democratic, and economic nature of the state's development, highlighting the significance of social protection for judges in guaranteeing their independence and the independence of the judiciary in Ukraine. Through a critical analysis of various scholarly perspectives on the structure of social protection functions, the article establishes that the system of social protection functions for judges consists of three main groups. The first group comprises the basic functions that encompass the primary areas of social protection for the population. These functions contribute to normalizing social security levels for different segments of society, taking into account the state's socioeconomic development. Key functions within this group include economic, social, political, demographic, and informational functions. The second group of functions pertains to judges as professional public servants. These functions encompass organizational, preventive, restorative, compensatory, adaptive-stimulating, social protection, and social rehabilitation functions. They recognize the specific needs and vulnerabilities of judges in their roles as employees and aim to provide the necessary support to ensure their well-being and effective performance. The third group of functions arises from the main functions of social protection and contributes to the comprehensive implementation of social protection for judges in Ukraine. These functions encompass control and prevention, innovation, ideological, and commitment, and they further enhance judges' social protection effectiveness and scope. In conclusion, the article summarizes the findings of the study, shedding light on the concept and system of functions of social protection for judges in Ukraine.

Uništavanje starih čaršija na Kosovu

The model of development for Ottoman-style cities in the territory of Kosova from the 15th century to the first decade of the 20th century revolved around a distinctive triad: the local market, the mosque, and the bazaar. In the early periods of ottoman rule, mosques were strategically built in places where there was local market. This was done intentionally, since these were places where a significant number of people gathered. The bazaars and other type of buildings, as part of the mosque complexes, played an important role in the formation and development of cities during the Ottoman period as well. Thus, directly impacting the formation and growth of cities. Among these elements, the bazaars held a special significance, as they became the reference point of cities. And this was due, mainly because of their character, which was of craft, commercial and economic importance. The bazaars were more than just places of trade; they became emblematic reference points for cities, drawing local citizens and people from surrounding regions, who integrated these bustling spaces into their daily lives. In addition to their economic and commercial functions, the bazaars held immense historical, social, and cultural importance. As the centuries passed, living and engaging with the bazaars became inseparable from the life of Kosovar cities, and these spaces became an integral part of the collective memory and identity of the inhabitants. Throughout the centuries, the bazaars in Kosova became inseparable from daily life, contributing to the region's unique charm and heritage. However, this rich historical fabric has suffered significant losses as many bazaar shops fell victim to destruction. The destruction occurred over time due to exposure to the natural elements and human interventions, but there were also cases of intentional and planned destruction. These intentional and systematic destructions started immediately after the conquest of Kosova by Serbia in 1912. Urban and spatial plans as well as various military armaments during the Albanian-Serbian war in Kosova from 1998 to 1999 were responsible for deliberate and systematic mass destruction of the bazaars. Although, the types and methods of destruction varied, the underlying purpose remained consistent. This was done with the aim to destroy, the cultural, social, and economic significance of the bazaars, to change the physiognomy structure, and style of the old traditional cities in Kosova. Thus, by destroying Albanian tangible and intangible heritage and replacing it with the conqueror's creations, the conquerors sought to erase the cultural identity and history of the local autochthonous population. This study aims to explore the motives, methods, and intentions behind the targeted bazaar destruction, drawing upon relevant documents, past evidence, and available literature. By understanding the reasons behind such destructive actions, it becomes possible to preserve and safeguard the remaining bazaar heritage and restore a sense of continuity with the past. Through this research, we can shed light on the historical, cultural and social values of these bazaars, emphasizing the importance of their conservation, protection, and promotion for future generations. By safeguarding these heritage sites, Kosova can maintain a link to it's past and continue to celebrate the legacy of its ancestors, fostering a deeper sense of identity and pride among its inhabitants.

Achieving coordinated development of multi-functional urban agriculture in Xiamen, China

Urban agriculture's multi-functional coordinated development is an important approach for achieving sustainable development in urban areas. This study developed a comprehensive theoretical framework for evaluating, diagnosing, and optimizing multi-functional urban agriculture by integrating a TOPSIS evaluation model with the coordination degree model and the obstacle degree model. The framework was applied in Xiamen, China to identify the obstacles that impede its coordinated development. Subsequently, four optimized modes for the coordinated development of urban agriculture were proposed. Results showed that: (1) Urban agriculture in Xiamen exhibits the characteristics of "sound social function, moderate economic function, and poor ecological function". (2) The main obstacles affecting the coordination of urban agriculture's multi-function in Xiamen are the average grain crop output, level of agricultural mechanization, arable land carrying capacity, and amount of carbon sequestration. (3) Four optimized development modes for urban agriculture in Xiamen are identified. Through formulating customized strategies that align with the distinctive optimization development mode of each district can promote the sustainable development of urban agriculture in Xiamen. In conclusion, this framework provides a valuable tool for policymakers to explore effective strategies for promoting the multi-functional development of urban agriculture in China and can be expanded to other highly urbanized regions.

Advertising – a Necessary “Elixir of Life” for Capitalism: On the Critique of the Political Economy of Advertising

This contribution aims to lift the ideological veil of apologetics and pseudo-criticism on advertising with the help of a reality-based systematic analysis that contributes to a materialistic theory of advertising. The content-related and methodological basis of such a theory is a Critique of the Political Economy of Advertising oriented towards the critique of capitalism and academic knowledge originally presented by Karl Marx and current societal analyses based on it. In this context, the academic objective is to consider the economic, political, and societal functions of (media) advertising. In doing so, the elementary economic and ideological functions of advertising for the existence and further development of the market economy and capitalist economic and societal systems become recognisable. Advertising then no longer appears as a necessary evil but as a necessary "elixir of life” for the media industry, the economy, and capitalism as a whole. Based on the applied critical political-economic analysis, it becomes clear that on the level of capitalism as an economic and societal system, advertising thus contributes economically and ideologically to the stabilisation of the systemic foundations of capitalist societies (the capital-labour relationship, the regime of accumulation; the economic, societal, and political [advertising] functions of the media). It is shown that a Critique of the Political Economy of Advertising – especially from the point of view of the necessarily growing importance of advertising for media production – also contributes to the development of a Critique of the Political Economy of the Media.

Conceptualization of Region-Specific Comprehensive Ocean Management Re-gime (COMR) for Maritime Economic Exploitation

The history of the global economy is the history of global international trade; whoever could command the oceans could control the wealth of that Era, e.g., Phoenicians and Arabs commanded the world before Europe’s colonial expeditions through seas. When the Cold War Bipolar Era ended, the USA has been enjoying the benefits of globalization through military presence and hegemony across oceans in the unipolar Era. The Indian Ocean is said to contain most of the significant sea trade routes of the world, and the Bay of Bengal in the Northeast does the same more precisely while interfacing with the South China sea. Regional peace and stability is a precondition for the sustainability of international maritime trade and other blue economic functions. Here, this research is to propose region specific COMR (comprehensive ocean management regime) model to achieve blue economic objectives sustainably for the BOB (Bay of Bengal) maritime-littoral region. This research examined coastal and ocean initiatives like Maritime Protected Areas and Integrated Coastal Zone Management for their challenges at policy, management and operation levels leading towards a conceivable solution, choosing to make a few insinuations to the nations and areas of the world. Sectoral data that has been aggregated might be confusing, and quantitative data lacks validity and precision. In an outcome, in the deficiency of quantitative data, the presentation is created qualitatively. Moreover, the study also uses the Delphi method to address the research objectives of this study because, to establish a consensus, the Delphi technique includes obtaining expert opinion through a series of progressive and iterative investigations.

The politics of student loan in Turkey: regimenting the youth through authoritarian debtfarism

ABSTRACT The mass-scale expansion of student loan schemes in Turkey over the last two decades has been accomplished by a governance technique which the article defines as authoritarian debtfarism. By restructuring the Credit and Dormitories Institution (KYK) as subordinated to the executive and insulated from democratic intervention, the authoritarian neoliberal state in Turkey has sought to fulfil its new economic function, i.e. enabling the societal reproduction of the youth by increasing their financial dependency on credit money. The state-led student loan expansion in Turkey emerged in a tuition-free higher education setting without a sophisticated financial infrastructure and in an economic environment marked with perpetual graduate unemployment as well as inflationary pressures on repayment amounts. Based on a detailed interrogation of the official documents and in-depth interviews with defaulters, this article argues that authoritarian debtfarism has imposed a rigid market discipline over the university youth by using non-transparency and arbitrariness as its governance mechanisms. Consequently, future labour of the graduates is put on hold through a long-term debt relation, compelling them to integrate into labour market precariously as a new segment of the relative surplus population.

Identifying the dimensions of gender justice in the Iranian Ministry of Sport and Youth

In modern times, sports have attracted the attention of different societies. Social, economic and political functions are one of the reasons. In Iran, the role of the Ministry of Sports and Youth is very important in managing sports in the country. Justice has been supposedly one of the pillars of ethical management in organizations, along with performance improvement. One example of justice in organizations is gender justice. The aim of this study was to provide valuable information to sports activists in the country by identifying the dimensions of gender justice in the Ministry of Sports and Youth and identify ways to expand gender justice according to employees' perceptions. The current research is practical in terms of purpose and qualitative in terms of method, employing a thematic analysis strategy. The sample consisted of 7 management experts and sociologists who had studied, researched, or gained experience in the field of the present study (gender justice in organizations). The researchers used a semi-structured interview, which is suitable for qualitative research in terms of flexibility and depth. The "Inter Coder Reliability (ICR)" method was used to measure the reliability of the interviews conducted. The data were coded using MAXQDA2018 software. The results showed that perceptions of gender justice include 3 main themes (distributive justice, procedural justice and interactional justice) and 19 sub-themes. The expansion of gender justice in the Ministry of Sports and Youth, as the country's sports policy organization, can seemingly be effective in improving performance. It also has positive social and cultural effects on all sports areas of the country.

Apartament z widokiem na apartament z widokiem. Współczesny rozwój bazy noclegowej w powiecie tatrzańskim z perspektywy lokalnej społeczności

An apartment with a view of an apartment with a view: Contemporary development of accommodation facilities in Tatra County from the perspective of the local community The rapid growth in the number of individual tourist trips to the towns and villages of Podhale, observed nowadays in combination with changes in visitor preferences, in particular the growing share of short stays, higher expectations in terms of standards offered by accommodation facilities and a greater interest in renting separate apartments, coincides with the growing demand for properties to be purchased in tourist resorts in Poland for investment purposes. These processes trigger the expansion of accommodation opportunities, particularly by increasing the number of facilities that offer apartments: houses for rent, self-catering apartment buildings, and aparthotels. Recognising the new trends in the development of accommodation facilities in Tatra County that lead to spatial, social, and economic changes, a study was carried out, aiming to: 1) verify the availability of accommodation facilities, in particular including the scale of the phenomenon of apartment rental of apartments (the data were obtained from available statistical and spatial databases, a field inventory and the Booking.com website), and 2) examine the problems caused by the contemporary development of the accommodation infrastructure in local communities (the data were obtained during interviews with representatives of local communities, n = 74). The study demonstrated well-developed accommodation facilities in Tatra County, characterised by uneven spatial distribution, a large share of informally operating facilities and a rich offer of apartments for rent. The development of accommodation facilities, triggered by mechanisms of the free market, helps to satisfy the fluctuating tourist demand, and consequently to maintain the economic function of tourism in the region. However, on the other hand, it causes numerous spatial and social conflicts. In particular, it leads to excessive intensification of development, dwindling of landscape values, and destruction of cultural heritage (including the vanishing of traditional architecture). Furthermore, it may result in reduced availability of accommodation facilities operated by local residents, as well as in tourism gentrification of Zakopane and loss of the traditional highland character of villages of the Podhale region.

Cyber security and its role in the financial sector: threats and protection measures

The paper examines the critical role of cybersecurity in the financial sector and the challenges facing financial institutions in today's digital world. The conceptual apparatus of cyber security as an important component of the national security of the state, as well as the most common cyber threats and attacks in the financial sector, were studied. The definitions of the concept of "cyber security" proposed in scientific sources are detailed with the main stages of its provision in financial institutions. Attention is focused on the need to develop an approach to cyber security as an element of risk management, which will help financial institutions reduce the number of threats and losses and maintain the stability of their activities in the conditions of cyber warfare. The paper also examines the main safeguards that financial institutions should take to ensure their cyber security. The role of technologies, proactive monitoring, creating a culture of cyber security and other factors in ensuring the safety and stability of financial systems is analyzed. In addition, the paper examines current trends in cyber security and innovative approaches to protecting financial institutions from complex and distributed threats. It highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration and information sharing for early detection and prevention of cyber threats. An important aspect of the paper is the emphasis on the need to constantly update and improve cyber security strategies, as threats are constantly evolving and financial institutions must be ready to respond to new challenges. The conclusions emphasize the fact that the financial sector plays a key role in maintaining the economic liquidity and functionality of the state. Cyber-attacks that cause service disruptions or data loss can lead to irreparable losses in financial activity, which will have a negative impact on the global economy. In addition, cyber threats can undermine the confidence of customers and investors, which, in turn, will lead to an outflow of assets and a decrease in the reputation of the financial institution. That is why the financial sector is subject to strict legal regulation and standardization of the cyber security system. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in sanctions and fines, as well as the loss of relevant licenses and permits.

Tracking free-ranging sheep to evaluate interrelations between selective grazing, movement patterns and the botanical composition of alpine summer pastures in northern Italy

Extensive sheep pasturing in alpine regions has a long tradition and fulfils numerous sociological, economic and ecological functions. The effects of sheep grazing on the floristic composition and vice versa depend on various factors. Knowledge of potential interrelations is crucial to developing adequate management systems to maintain pasture productivity and its unique biodiversity. The aim of the present study was to discuss the potential interrelations between movement and selective grazing behaviour of free-ranging unherded sheep and the botanical composition of high-altitude mountain pastures in northern Italy. General movement patterns were determined by using GPS tracking. The floristic composition of areas roamed by the sheep was analysed by collecting physical data during the summer of 2022. The energy content of ingested herbage biomass was determined based on faecal samples. Ranging between 2296 and 3015 m above sea level (a.s.l.), the average altitude used by the sheep was 2654 m a.s.l. Correlation analyses showed that the sheep used significantly higher altitudes with increasing temperature and sunshine duration and with decreasing air humidity and rainfall. A clear selective grazing behaviour was revealed, namely a preference for species with better nutritional attributes. Poa alpina was the most preferred species, while areas dominated by Nardus stricta were avoided. Furthermore, the sheep showed an uphill migration over the season, possibly caused by the delayed start of grassland growth at higher altitudes. Analyses of faecal samples revealed sufficient energy contents, presumably as a result of the targeted selection of nutritious plant species. Future studies should evaluate the feeding value of herbage on offer in order to validate the current results. The study highlights the opportunity of animal tracking in remote areas and provides indications for selective grazing of sheep under conditions of free choice.

Lifelong learning: The red-headed stepchild of Lebanon’s National Strategy for Older People

Decades of governmental neglect mark the socio-political realities of older people in Lebanon. They endure poverty, illiteracy, ageism, exclusion from healthcare and social security, and are absent from public spaces. Against the backdrop of these realities and Lebanon’s ageing population, the Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs, in collaboration with other stakeholders, recently developed the first-ever National Strategy for Older Persons in Lebanon 2020–2030 (NSOP). This strategy aligns itself with regional and international efforts promoting older people’s health and social and economic participation, aims to reduce social disparities, achieve justice and equal opportunities, and promote positive welfare. In light of the paucity of scholarly works examining local policies on the intersection of ageing and adult education policies, this paper proffers a strategy analysis of the NSOP with particular interest in the stature it affords lifelong learning. To that end, two research questions are raised: (1) How does the NSOP imagine the role of lifelong learning in fulfilling its agenda? (2) What disconnects exist between the NSOP’s vision of ageing and the imagined role of lifelong learning in realising it? Answers are sought via a double-layered manifest and latent analysis of the NSOP document. Conclusions suggest the NSOP’s prescription and description of lifelong learning opportunities, including goals, provision and programming, are shorthanded and ambiguous. The NSOP’s ‘radical ethos’ also staggers on normative ageing ideals enshrined in existing cultural values yet claims to defy them. This policy discussion problematises the ableist and economic function of lifelong learning within the NSOP and, thereafter, the latter’s potency in mitigating the doomsday scenario older people in Lebanon endure. Ultimately, action mechanisms on policy, governance, capacity-building and research levels are suggested.

ASSESSMENT OF LAND DEGRADATION USING REMOTE SENSING APPROACH

Land degradation leads to the alteration of ecological and economic functions due to a decrease in the productivity and quality of the land. Land degradation over Minna, Niger State, was assessed using geospatial techniques. Studies between the rainfall and NDVI used on human-induced and climate-induced land degradation were correlated. Landsat imageries on a decadal scale (2000–2019) were processed and classified using a maximum likelihood classifier. NDVI trends are not by rainfall dynamics to human actions. Averagely low, about 24.14%, correlation was found between the observed land degradation and the precipitation factor, yielding more than 50% congruence in degradation induced by human activities. The study discovered that the built-up and bare surfaces are increasing. The long-term changes in built-ups were 96% between 2000 and 2019; conversely, a sharp decrease in vegetative lands at about –19.38%. Based on the terrain analysis, locations have less steep and moderate slopes in the study area due to continuous urban expansion and demographic pressure. Consequentially, over time, available lands not degraded within the study areas would be reduced. The study recommended a proper land management system of land use allocation and land cover activities.

THE EFFECT OF HOUSEWIVE INCOME CONTRIBUTION PALM OIL FARMING WORKERS IMPLEMENTATION OF FAMILY FUNCTIONS

This research aims to uncover the impact of the contribution of income by housewives working as palm oil plantation laborers on family income and to analyze the implementation of family functions by these housewives in Bukit Kerikil Village, Bengkalis Regency. The research method employed is quantitative research using a census sampling technique. Data was collected through questionnaires, observations, and documentation. The results of the study indicate that the contribution of housewives working as palm oil plantation laborers to family income is quite significant, with the majority of respondents contributing between 41% and 50% of the family's income. Despite the insufficient income of their husbands, these housewives work as palm oil plantation laborers to help meet the family's needs. The research also evaluates the implementation of family functions by these housewives. The results show that family functions, including religious, affectionate, protective, reproductive, socialization, and economic functions, are generally well-implemented. However, some respondents believe that the implementation of affection and economic functions in their families still needs improvement. In conclusion, housewives working as palm oil plantation laborers in Bukit Kerikil Village make a significant contribution to family income and can perform family functions well. Despite facing challenges in balancing work on the plantation and household responsibilities, their efforts to achieve family welfare are commendable.

Unveiling the Marvels of Indian Wetlands: Distribution, Ecological Importance, Challenges, and Conservation

Comparable to tropical evergreen forests or coral reefs, wetland ecosystems are among the most dynamic and productive ecosystems on the planet. A region's dynamism may have a substantial impact on its ecological sustainability. Exploring the distribution, range, categorization, ecological functions, biological variety, and dangers to India's wetland diversity is the goal of this article. The management of irrigation water, groundwater, fisheries, non-timber forest products, water supply, recreation, and pollution control through carbon sequestration, flood control, nutrient cycles are just a few of the essential ecological services that wetlands typically provide for sustainable development in many areas. However, the growing anthropogenic activity in and around the wetlands put them under ongoing stress, which is seen as a reduction in area and has a severe impact on their hydrological, ecological, and economic functions. Wetlands are one of the most imperilled ecosystems due to the global decline in their number. India has 75 wetlands that are currently recognised as Ramsar sites, with a total coverage of roughly 1.09 million hectares and an estimated 757.06 thousand wetlands, making up around 4.7% of the total land area. India has the most wetlands in South Asia, and it sustains nearly a fifth of the region's total biodiversity. Unfortunately, between 35–60% of India's wetlands have been lost over the course of the last 40 years, necessitating the creation of new conservation techniques and a rethinking of the laws governing their protection.

Agent-based sensor location strategy for smart irrigation of large crop fields

Efficient monitoring of large crop fields is important to ensure the optimal use of resources such as water in irrigation policies, but at the same time represents a challenge to determine the structure of the sensor network. A balance must be accomplished between the acquisition, operation, and maintenance costs of this sensor network with the amount of information that can be collected in real-time to support the optimal use of the resource, e.g., an optimal irrigation policy. In this study, a sensor location strategy is proposed based on an agent-based model (ABM) of the crop–soil system, a state estimation algorithm reconstructing non-measured variables, and an objective function balancing the convergence of the estimation technique and the costs of the sensor network. The ABM model describes the crop–soil dynamics and allows conveniently representing uneven landscapes where water exchanges take place between different portions of the land. Various state estimation techniques can be considered and an extended Kalman filter is implemented in the present study, whose error covariance matrix can be exploited to assess practical observability and observer convergence. Finally, an economic cost function combines the observability measure with the sensor costs in order to select an optimal or suboptimal sensor array. For validation purposes, a numerical simulation case study, corresponding to a rugged land located in Colombia, is used to test various scenarios including the variability of climatic inputs.

Global citizenship skills among Qatar University students

The concept of the borderless environment, in the 21st century, has intensified global citizenship education and attracted tremendous attention from researchers and educators. This article explores the level of global citizenship in Qatar University students. This cross-sectional quantitative study examines Qatar University students’ perceptions of global changes. Data was collected from 10 colleges at Qatar University using a survey method based on Morais and Ogden’s global citizenship framework, and its elements of social responsibility, global competence and global civic engagement. The results of the cluster and correlation analyses reveal that all three elements of global citizenship skills (i.e., social responsibility, global competence and global civic engagement) apply to Qatar University students, to varying degrees. The demographic variables and global citizenship components (social responsibility, global competence, and global civic engagement) reveal Qatari students’ global citizenship skills, perceptions of a broader world, sense of being part of the world community, responsibility for contributing to the well-being of that community, understanding of diversity, politics and culture, and social, economic, environmental and technological functioning. The implications of the findings suggest ways policymakers, faculty, teachers and curriculum developers can develop robust global citizenship education.

Is the concept of sustainable forest management still fit for purpose?

The concept of sustainable forest management was developed in the 1990s and puts ecological, economic and socio-economic ecosystem functions on the same level. However, society is now making new and complex, not necessarily mutually compatible, demands on forests, for instance in the fields of climate change, renewable energy and biodiversity conservation. Policy instruments that address these societal demands and translate them into legally binding regulations have far-reaching consequences for forest management and put pressure on the traditional, non-legally binding framework for international forest policy. Faced with these radical changes, we conclude there is a need for an in-depth review of the concept of sustainable forest management.