Economic Goals Research Articles

Sustainable supply chain practices: Driving efficiency, reducing waste, and promoting circular economy models

As the world increasingly focuses on sustainability, supply chain management has become a vital lever for the realization of environmental, social, and economic goals. Also, linear supply chain models that are traditional in nature (such as extract, consume, and dispose) lead to serious environmental degradation along with an enormous amount of resource depletion. On the other hand, sustainable supply chain initiatives focus on waste reduction, resource efficiency, and circular economy approaches that prioritize reuse, recycling, and recovery. Integrating sustainability into these supply chain strategies can improve operational efficiency, drive costs down, and meet stakeholder expectations for business environmental stewardship. These strategies involve implementing green procurement practices, optimizing logistics to minimize their carbon footprints, and incorporating new technological solutions (like IoT and blockchain) to improve sustainability transparency and traceability. These practices allow organizations to trace materials throughout their lifecycle, support accountability, and promote closed-loop systems supporting circularity. In addition, the collaboration between stakeholders will determine sustainable initiatives; suppliers, manufacturers, and consumers to name a few. Implementing sustainable supply chain practices is not without its challenges, including high initial costs, technological barriers, and complex regulatory landscapes. Solving for these issues takes policy incentives, investment in innovation, and stakeholder engagement. The role of the key findings and challenges of sustainable strategies for supply chain practices in the development of a circular economy model. By examining case studies as well as emerging trends, it provides key takeaways for organizations striving to navigate the delicate balance between efficiency and sustainability, with the end goal of fostering a resilient and eco-conscious future for all.

Measuring the impact of the economic balance goals on the economic growth of the Iraqi economy for the period (1990-2023)

Achieving economic balance is a multifaceted and ongoing goal. Its achievement requires effective policy making and strategic investments capable of adapting to changing economic conditions. It is a dynamic goal that governments and policy makers around the world seek to achieve for the benefit of their countries by implementing a set of strategies and plans that will Achieving a more balanced and resilient economy, ultimately leading to greater prosperity and improved quality of life for the community. The research aims to determine the impact of the objectives of economic balance (national income, unemployment rate, inflation rate) on economic growth in the Iraqi economy for the period (1990-2023), and to determine the impact of inflation, unemployment, and national income as objectives of economic balance and how they affect economic growth. The researcher relied on the descriptive analytical method, The study also recommended the need for coordination and harmonization between monetary and financial policy so that there is no contradiction between the goals and the possibility of achieving stability, reducing inflation and unemployment rates, and achieving economic growth through testing the limits of co-integration within the autoregressive methodology of distributed time lag based on the existence of a long-term equilibrium relationship between the rate of economic growth and national income. And the rate of unemployment and inflation, although the decline in economic growth was mainly caused by wrong policies and the state’s control over the overall economic activity and the accompanying mismanagement and the inability to diagnose the effective factors in achieving development and the loss of the standards necessary to make appropriate economic decisions, which was reflected in the overall economic activity and was accompanied by that. High unemployment rates in the Iraqi economy.

Supply chain management: Balancing efficiency and environmental responsibility

Supply chain management (SCM) is a cornerstone of global commerce, driving efficiency and cost-effectiveness in production and distribution networks. However, the rising urgency of environmental sustainability has placed traditional SCM practices under scrutiny, as their reliance on linear models often leads to resource depletion, carbon emissions, and waste generation. Balancing efficiency with environmental responsibility requires a paradigm shift toward sustainable supply chain practices that integrate economic, social, and ecological goals. This approach emphasizes optimizing resource utilization, minimizing waste, and reducing the environmental footprint without compromising operational efficiency. This article explores the multifaceted challenges and opportunities of aligning supply chain efficiency with sustainability. It examines key practices such as green procurement, waste reduction, and the adoption of circular economy principles that promote recycling, reuse, and resource regeneration. The role of technology, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, and IoT, in enhancing supply chain transparency and efficiency is also discussed. Additionally, the article highlights the importance of collaboration among stakeholders—suppliers, manufacturers, policymakers, and consumers—in fostering sustainable supply chains. Global examples and case studies from industries such as manufacturing, retail, and agriculture illustrate the feasibility and benefits of sustainable SCM. Metrics for assessing success, barriers to scaling sustainable practices, and future directions for innovation and policy are examined. By integrating efficiency with environmental responsibility, sustainable supply chain management emerges as a vital strategy for achieving long-term economic resilience and environmental stewardship.

Sustainable Human Resource Training: A study of Scale Development and Validation

In the contemporary world, organizations are expected to introduce human resource management (HRM) practices which foster organizational sustainable development. The latter is based on the integration of environmental, social, and economic goals. Moreover, HRM practices should contribute to the common good. HR training has been found as a means to transfer sustainability theory into practice. However, to be called sustainable, HR training should not only promote employees’ sustainability-oriented behaviours but also be internally sustainable and contribute to common good. Such an approach has not been represented in previous research. Therefore, this study aims to develop a sustainable HR training construct. An exploratory sequential mixed method approach was adopted to develop and validate the measurement scale of sustainable HR training. Data were collected from employees working in different industries of Poland. This study established the second-order construct of sustainable HR training, which comprises equal training opportunities, long-term oriented training, integrated approach to training, focus on well-being, environmental-oriented training, and team building as its first-order dimensions. It also confirmed the nomological validity of the newly developed scale based on its relationship with a company’s sustainable performance. The current research enriched the sustainable HRM literature by offering a high-order sustainable HR training construct. Practitioners and policy makers may employ the designed scale in spurring HR training practices along with enhancing their sustainable performance.

Barriers to product return in a circular supply chain: a case from a retailing industry

Abstract The circular supply chain (CSC) plays a pivotal role in delivering sustainable products to end users, profoundly affecting organizational performance and societal welfare. In this ecosystem, effective Product Return Management (PRM) is crucial, as consumers play a pivotal role in returning used products for reuse or recycling. Despite its significance in waste reduction and attaining environmental and economic goals, scant research has explored product return barriers within CSC. This study bridges this gap by investigating and prioritising these barriers to enhance the circular economy. Employing a systematic literature review (SLR), we extracted and screened 13 product return barriers in CSC using the Grey Delphi method. Subsequently, we introduced an enhanced version of the Group Grey-Best–Worst Method (GG-BWM), a novel approach that harmonises expert judgments by addressing uncertainties through Grey Theory and incorporating both individual-level and group-level inconsistency ratios. The findings highlight lack of motivation, lack of consumer awareness, and lack of proper infrastructure as the most critical barriers. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis conducted across 11 scenarios emphasises the significance of our results. This study contributes to the group multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) methods and CSC literature, while offering actionable insights practitioners seeking to improve the effectiveness of their CSC strategies.

ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: CAUSAL RELATIONSHIP IN INDIA

Energy is a vital component of human development and is important for developing nations like India. In order to maintain the sustainability of the environment and guarantee the energy supply, global economic growth strategies are being reorganized with energy security and environmental sustainability as key priorities. An analysis of the relationship between India's economic growth and power consumption for the years 1960–2006 has been carried out using the Granger Engel causality model. The test's findings suggest that using electricity encourages economic growth. Over the past 20 years, there have been major institutional changes in the Indian power sector. With the support of ongoing governmental initiatives, the Indian electrical industry is poised for a significant transformation. Consequently, the study makes the case for additional power sector reforms and demonstrates how energy may act as a catalyst to accomplish a variety of social and economic goals.

Aligning Indonesia's economic goals with SDGS: Strengthening Qur'anic principles in Islamic finance

Purpose – This research examines the relationship between Islamic bank financing aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and economic growth, incorporating Qur'anic principles in Islamic finance.Methodology – Quarterly time-series data from Q1 2014 to Q1 2022 were analyzed using the cointegration and ARDL approaches. Data sources include the PSIFIs for Islamic Banks (IFSB Database), Indonesia's GDP (BPS), and the Financial Services Authority (OJK).Findings – Long-term analysis reveals that Islamic financing in SDG sectors such as SDG1 (No Poverty), SDG2 (Zero Hunger), SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG4 (Quality Education), and SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) positively correlate with economic growth, while SDG8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) shows an inverse relationship. In the short term, financing in SDG2, SDG3, SDG8, and SDG9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) positively impacts economic growth, whereas SDG6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) exhibits a negative association. These findings highlight Islamic finance's potential to address socio-economic challenges rooted in Qur'anic values, such as Surah al-Nisā’ [4]: 29 and al-Baqarah [2]: 261.Implications – Policymakers are encouraged to promote Islamic microfinance for SMEs and invest in rural sanitation infrastructure (SDG6). Furthermore, financing renewable energy projects (SDG7) aligns with sustainable development goals.Originality – This study bridges Islamic finance and sustainable development by integrating a Qur'anic perspective into the SDG framework, offering insights into leveraging Islamic finance to achieve sustainability and economic growth, while adhering to Islamic ethical principles.

Eco‐Transformation: Shaping the Future of Manufacturing With Green Technologies and Cleaner Production‐Practices

ABSTRACTIn recent years, we have seen a manifold increase in natural calamities resulting from the continual degradation of our environment. The overuse of fossil fuels and other natural resources has contributed towards increasing global warming. This research investigates the environmental challenges posed by the overuse of natural resources and the subsequent carbon footprint. It emphasises the critical need for green technology and cleaner production practices to overcome environmental challenges. Focusing on developing countries, it investigates the effects of green technology and cleaner production‐practices on energy efficiency, waste reduction and corporate sustainability in Pakistan's manufacturing industry. Through a cross‐sectional analysis, it investigates the influence of sustainable practices on corporate sustainability in diverse manufacturing sectors. The findings reveal a positive correlation between the adoption of green technology and cleaner production‐practices and a reduction in energy consumption, highlighting the significant role of resource commitment in enhancing the effectiveness of green technologies. However, the study notes a lack of significant impact of green technology on waste reduction and the broader concept of corporate sustainability, while cleaner production‐practices show a beneficial influence on sustainability measures. This study contributes to the understanding of sustainable practices in emerging economies and underscores the importance of top management support and resource allocation in achieving environmental and economic sustainability goals.

Promoting Sustainability in the Recycling of End-of-Life Photovoltaic Panels and Li-Ion Batteries Through LIBS-Assisted Waste Sorting

To promote sustainability and reduce the ecological footprint of recycling processes, this study develops an analytical tool for fast and accurate identification of components in photovoltaic panels (PVs) and Li-Ion battery waste, optimizing material recovery and minimizing resource wastage. The laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique was selected and employed to identify fluoropolymers in photovoltaic back sheets and to determine the thickness of layers containing fluorine. LIBS was also used for Li-Ion batteries to reveal the elemental composition of anode, cathode, and separator materials. The analysis not only revealed all the elements contained in the electrodes but also, in the case of cathode materials, allowed distinguishing a single-component cathode (cathode A containing LiCoO2) from multi-component materials (cathode B containing a mixture of LiMn2O4 and LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4). The results of LIBS analysis were verified using SEM-EDS analysis and XRD examination. Additionally, an indirect method for identifying fluoropolymers (polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)) employed to prepare dispersions of cathode materials was proposed according to the differences in wettability of both polymers. By enabling efficient material identification and separation, this study advances sustainable recycling practices, supporting circular economy goals in the renewable energy sector.

The Role of Ionic Liquids in Textile Processes: A Comprehensive Review.

Thanks to their unique physicochemical properties, ionic liquids (ILs) have moved from niche academic interest to critical components in various industrial applications. The textile industry, facing significant environmental and economic pressures, has begun to explore ILs as sustainable alternatives to traditional solvents and chemicals. This review summarizes research on the use of ILs in various textile processes, including dyeing, finishing, and fiber recycling, where their high thermal stability, tunable solubility, and low volatility are exploited to reduce resource consumption and environmental impact. The discussion also extends to the integration of ILs in textile waste recycling, highlighting innovative approaches to fiber dissolution and regeneration aimed at circular economy goals. Despite these advances, challenges such as high production costs and scalability remain barriers to the widespread adoption of ILs in the textile sector. Addressing these barriers through continued research and development is essential to fully realize the potential of ILs for sustainable transformation in textiles.

ESG Performance, Environmental Uncertainty, and Firm Risk

ABSTRACTThe growing concern over sustainable development has raised critical questions about the role of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance in shaping organizational outcomes. While prior research underscores the importance of ESG, there is limited understanding of its impact on firm risk, particularly under varying levels of environmental uncertainty. Using a data set of 9201 observations from Chinese listed companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges from 2006 to 2022, this study investigates how ESG performance influences firm risk and the moderating effect of environmental uncertainty. Our findings reveal that ESG performance reduces firm risk by lowering environmental penalties, easing financing constraints, enhancing corporate reputation, and improving access to government subsidies. Additionally, environmental uncertainty strengthens the negative impact of ESG performance on firm risk. These results highlight the critical role of ESG performance in mitigating corporate risk and offer practical implications for firms, investors, and policymakers seeking to align corporate strategies with sustainable economic development goals.

Macroeconomic Determinants of Effective Corporate Tax Rates: The Case of the Slovak Republic

The effective corporate tax rate is a critical measure reflecting a nation’s fiscal policy and its attractiveness to foreign investment. This study investigates the relationship between macroeconomic determinants and effective corporate tax rates, focusing on Slovakia’s competitiveness within the European Union from 2004 to 2022. Using a panel regression model, the research identifies significant correlations between nominal tax rates, unemployment, government debt, and effective tax rates. Our findings reveal a consistent downward trend in both nominal and effective tax rates across EU member states, with Slovakia maintaining relatively lower effective tax rates compared to older EU members, thus enhancing its fiscal competitiveness. However, discrepancies persist among member states, influenced by differences in tax policies, enforcement, and exemptions. The study underscores the complex interplay between fiscal policies and macroeconomic conditions, highlighting the importance of aligning effective tax rates with broader economic goals. Policymakers are advised to consider reforms that balance tax competitiveness with fiscal sustainability, ensuring that effective tax rates reflect intended policy outcomes. This analysis offers valuable insights into tax policy dynamics within the EU and provides a framework for designing strategies to attract investment while maintaining economic stability.

ETHNICITY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP: A COMPARATIVE STUDY FROM BALANGODA TOWN

Political and economic progress as well as social reconciliation are essential for the development of a country. Through this research, the effect of ethnicity on business development was studied. Many economic development goals can be achieved through the development of enterprises in a country. But depending on ethnicity, entrepreneurs who face different problems can be seen. Accordingly, the primary objective of this study was to identify the effect of ethnicity on entrepreneur activities. There, the research was conducted using 250 entrepreneurs of Balangoda town consisting of different ethnicities. A simple random sampling method was used to select the sample. According to the results of the research, it was clear that ethnicity has a positive effect on entrepreneurial activities. Accordingly, the factor of ethnicity should be considered in order to create a more effective product by encouraging entrepreneurs. Also, it is important to consider all ethnic groups in formulating policies and laws related to business activities so that they all get benefits. It can achieve social reconciliation, and it will directly lead to economic development.

Mapping of Circular Construction Ecosystems’ Characteristics: Interconnections, Relationships, and Synchronization of Stakeholders at the Micro, Meso, and Macro Scales

The application of circular strategies in the architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) sector has been extensively researched, demonstrating the significance of technical approaches. However, research also focuses on the organizational challenges that arise within circular networks. Recent studies emphasize the importance of collective action in fostering cooperation across the value chain to achieve circular economy (CE) goals. Nevertheless, a considerable amount of research, including EU policies, tends to concentrate on “end-of-pipe” solutions, while failing to adequately address the socio-ecological challenges inherent in the transition to a CE. This study aims to explore collective activities and work in circular construction ecosystems at the macro, meso, and micro scales, identifying their interconnections. The findings of the literature review indicate that a successful transition to a CE requires a deeper commitment from stakeholders, which is influenced by the structure and relationships within the ecosystem. The increasing complexity of these ecosystems necessitates a redefinition of stakeholder roles and competencies, emphasizing a collective perception of value. Given the lack of tools and research on collaboration, we propose developing a map of circular construction ecosystems to improve the visualization and understanding of their dynamics.

Circular Economy and Green Marketing: A Path Toward Zero-Waste Consumerism

The growing urgency of addressing environmental challenges has propelled the concepts of circular economy and green marketing to the forefront of sustainable business strategies. This paper explores their synergistic potential in fostering zero-waste consumerism, emphasizing the shift from the traditional linear economic model of "take, make, dispose" to a regenerative framework that prioritizes resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainability. Circular economy principles advocate for designing out waste, keeping materials in use, and regenerating natural systems, while green marketing focuses on promoting environmentally friendly products and practices to align with consumer values.This study examines the integration of these concepts, highlighting successful strategies employed by businesses to minimize ecological footprints while maintaining profitability and consumer satisfaction. It delves into innovative practices such as eco-design, product lifecycle extension, and closed-loop supply chains, showcasing how green marketing can effectively communicate these efforts to environmentally conscious consumers.The paper also addresses key challenges, including regulatory barriers, consumer skepticism, and the trade-offs between environmental and economic goals. By analyzing case studies, current trends, and policy frameworks, this review identifies actionable insights for businesses aiming to adopt circular and green marketing practices.Ultimately, the findings underscore the transformative potential of these approaches in driving systemic change toward zero-waste consumerism. The integration of circular economy principles with effective green marketing not only enhances brand loyalty but also contributes to global sustainability goals. This review advocates for collaborative efforts among businesses, policymakers, and consumers to realize the vision of a zero-waste future, thereby fostering a sustainable and resilient economy.

Sustainable Additive Manufacturing: An Overview on Life Cycle Impacts and Cost Efficiency of Laser Powder Bed Fusion

This overview study investigates integrating advanced manufacturing technologies, specifically metal additive manufacturing (AM) and laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) processes, within Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 frameworks, to enhance sustainability and efficiency in industrial production and prototyping. The manufacturing sector, a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption, is increasingly adopting technologies that reduce environmental impact while maintaining economic growth. Selective laser melting (SLM), as the subsection LPBF technologies, is highlighted for its capability to produce high-performance, lightweight, and complex components with minimal material waste, thus aligning with circular economy goals for metal alloys. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) analyses are essential methods for evaluating the sustainability of any new technology. Sustainable technologies could support the concepts of the factory of the future (FoF), fulfilling the requirements of digital transformation and digital twins. This overview study reveals that implementing AM—specifically SLM—has the potential to reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing. It underscores the ability of these technologies to promote sustainable and efficient manufacturing practices, thereby accelerating the shift from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0.

Marketing with a social conscience: strategic windows for aligning societal marketing with corporate identity

PurposeThis study proposes a conceptual framework for strategically integrating societal marketing (SM) into corporate identity to effectively represent a firm’s SM programs to stakeholders. The framework is crucial for firms to align their SM efforts with their identity in a manner that minimizes, if not eliminating, the accusations of dishonesty, such as greenwashing, brownwashing, or greenhushing.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on corporate identity theory and synthesizing the literature on SM, the study identifies three levels of corporate identity (strategic, operational, and functional) and three dimensions of SM’s alignment with business objectives (direct, indirect, and remote). Subsequently, the study develops a conceptual framework based on an interaction between corporate identity levels (strategic, operational, and functional) and dimensions of SM’s alignment with business objectives (direct, indirect, and remote) to identify strategic windows to represent SM to stakeholders.FindingsThe study identifies nine strategic windows at the strategic, operational, and functional levels of corporate identity to represent a firm’s SM programs to stakeholders. At the strategic level, CSR, corporate citizenship, and sustainability programs may be utilized to represent SM programs to stakeholders when SM respectively aligns with business objectives remotely, indirectly, and directly. At the operational level, environmental safety, stakeholder marketing, and business/marketing ethics programs serve this role. At the functional level, philanthropy, cause-related marketing, and green marketing are identified to represent SM to stakeholders, depending on the respective alignment of SM with business objectives remotely, indirectly, and directly.Research limitations/implicationsThe study implies that firms can minimize corporate misrepresentation of SM programs, especially when diverse stakeholder expectations demand varied representation of SM across levels of corporate identity. Additionally, firms can mitigate stakeholder confusion and misinterpretation by highlighting the differing degrees of alignment between SM and their economic goals when competing firms promote SM programs in the same context.Practical implicationsThe study implies that firms can selectively prioritize different SM programs at different contexts depending on how stakeholders’ expectations are satisfied by the interaction between levels of corporate identity and dimensions of SM.Originality/valueThis paper advances corporate marketing research on corporate identity by proposing strategic windows to integrate SM into corporate identity for effective representation of SM programs to stakeholders.

Mangrove ecotourism and social entrepreneurship: an integrated solution for sustainable community development

Abstract This research discussed how ecotourism and social entrepreneurship were two approaches that increasingly gained attention as strategies for achieving sustainable community development. Both approaches complemented each other and significantly benefited local communities and the environment. The mangrove forest area in Lembung Village, Galis District, Pamekasan, Madura, was identified as an exciting location for environmentally friendly and sustainable tourism, providing opportunities for local communities to utilize natural resources wisely while preserving them. This research explored how integrating mangrove ecotourism with social entrepreneurship could optimize economic, social, and environmental benefits, contributing to sustainable community development. A descriptive qualitative approach was used, presenting informants from ecotourism managers, Village officials, business people in the ecotourism sector, local communities, and visitors. The main findings revealed that mangrove ecotourism in Lembung Village, Pamekasan, not only functioned as a tourist attraction but also contributed to increasing local community income, improving infrastructure, and preserving the environment. Through collaboration among farmer groups, local communities, and various stakeholders, resource potential could be maximally utilized to achieve the desired social and economic goals.

Sustainable packaging operations: Balancing cost, functionality, and environmental concerns

Sustainable packaging has emerged as a critical focus in the intersection of environmental conservation and operational efficiency, as organizations strive to meet consumer demand for eco-friendly products while maintaining profitability. This study explores the triadic balance of cost, functionality, and environmental concerns in sustainable packaging operations, presenting insights into the strategies and innovations that can drive sustainable practices without compromising economic and practical considerations. Key challenges in sustainable packaging stem from the need to replace traditional materials with eco-friendly alternatives, such as biodegradable, recyclable, and reusable options, while ensuring durability, usability, and affordability. This research highlights the growing importance of lifecycle assessments (LCA) in evaluating the environmental footprint of packaging materials, as well as the integration of circular economy principles to optimize resource utilization. Advanced manufacturing technologies, such as 3D printing and digital design, are discussed for their role in reducing waste and enabling customized packaging solutions. The study also examines the role of collaboration across supply chains to develop cohesive sustainable packaging systems and the importance of consumer education in fostering adoption. Case studies of successful implementations in various industries, such as food and beverage, personal care, and e-commerce, illustrate how companies have innovatively balanced the competing demands of cost, functionality, and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, regulatory pressures and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives are identified as significant drivers of sustainable packaging innovation. This study concludes with a discussion on future trends, including the potential of nanotechnology and smart materials in enhancing packaging performance while minimizing environmental impact. The findings underscore the need for a holistic approach to sustainable packaging that aligns with economic goals, regulatory requirements, and environmental stewardship. By leveraging emerging technologies and fostering cross-industry partnerships, businesses can achieve sustainable packaging operations that support long-term environmental and economic resilience.

Fueling economies through credit and industrial activities. A way of financing sustainable economic development in Brazil

<p>As an emerging country preoccupied with preserving its resources for the future, Brazil aims to find the right balance between economic advancement and sustainability goals. In this context, we tackled the link between sustainable economic development and macroeconomic indicators related to domestic credit granted to the private sector, CO<sub>2</sub> emissions from industries, and annual inflation rate. By means of time series data analysis run for the period 1996‒2022 via three estimation methods (i.e., least squares, fully modified least squares, dynamic least squares), we found that annual GDP growth rate, control of corruption, and rule of law (as proxies for sustainable economic development) are significantly impacted by GDP growth rate and emissions. Therefore, access to financial resources and intensive industrial activities yielding emissions trigger economic growth, tend to strengthen control of corruption and the rule of law. Additionally, policy implications and future research directions are addressed.</p>