Investment In Human Capital Development Research Articles

Strategic Human Resource Management Practices and Organizational Innovation: Evidence from Small and Medium Enterprises in India

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the strategic human resource management practices and organizational innovation: evidence from small and medium enterprises in India. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Research on SHRM practices and organizational innovation in Indian SMEs indicates a positive relationship between SHRM adoption and innovation outcomes. Training initiatives are particularly vital, enhancing innovation capabilities by building human capital. Additionally, fostering a supportive organizational culture promotes creativity and experimentation. Aligning HRM strategies with organizational goals and promoting continuous learning further enhances innovation performance. Overall, SHRM practices play a critical role in driving innovation and competitive advantage in Indian SMEs (Agarwal & Yadav, 2018). Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Resource-based view (RBV) theory, social exchange theory & dynamic capabilities theory may be used to anchor future studies on the strategic human resource management practices and organizational innovation: evidence from small and medium enterprises in India. Develop tailored HRM training programs for SMEs in India, focusing on building capabilities related to creativity, problem-solving, and innovation among employees. Advocate for government policies that promote investment in human capital development and innovation capabilities among SMEs.

A study on comparison of economic and scientific performances of BRICS countries

PurposeThis study investigates the correlation between economic development and scientific knowledge production indicators in the BRICS countries from 2000 to 2020, highlighting the importance of human resources, natural resources, and innovation. Addressing a gap in the existing literature, this study aims to contribute significantly to understanding this relationship.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a descriptive statistical approach, this study utilizes GDP and per capita income as economic indicators and scientific data from WoS and SCOPUS databases, focusing on scientific document production and citations per document.FindingsThe analysis reveals a strong correlation between economic development and scientific performance within the BRICS nations during the specified period. It emphasizes the interdependence of economic progress and scientific prowess, underscoring that they cannot be considered independently.Research limitations/implicationsHowever, limitations exist, notably the reliance on specific databases that might not cover the entire scientific output and the inability to capture all factors influencing economic and scientific development.Originality/valueUnderstanding this interdependence has crucial originality. Policymakers and stakeholders in BRICS countries can leverage these insights to prioritize investments in human capital development and scientific research. This approach can foster sustainable economic growth by reducing reliance on natural resources.

Does Remittance Inflow and Foreign Direct Investment Spur Economic Development in Developing Countries? Insights from Nigeria

Given the rising inflows of remittance and foreign direct investment into developing countries, the study examined their importance on economic development in Nigeria using the ordinary least squares method and time series data collected from secondary sources, and the Error correction models (ECM) were estimated. Findings showed that remittances and foreign direct investment impacted positively and significantly on economic development and the exchange rate negatively influenced economic development. Thus, recommended that the government should remove strict transaction costs of remitting money to expand the overall inflow of remittances and more personal remittances should be encouraged for investment in human capital development. Additionally, improvement in the investment climate for existing and expected foreign investors, relaxation of the strict laws on profit repatriation, and the improvement in the macroeconomic environment by curbing security challenges, social unrest, and corruption will encourage foreign investors to increase their investments. It also recommends that the government take advantage of these inflows to stabilize the volatility of the exchange of the domestic currency.

Future-fit and Innovative School Leadership in the African Context: Lesson for Sustainability in Underdeveloped and Developing Countries

ABSTRACT This study explored a future-fit scoping review from the perspective of leadership in schools within the context of Africa. A qualitative method was adopted for the study following a search of four databases, using specific key terms. Sequel to the search, articles were retrieved, coded and thematically analyzed. The findings of the study showed that while past colonial practices influence the current practices in the education system and societies of countries in Africa, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, together with its challenges, influences the envisaged future. Thus, curricula revision for alignment, and investment in human capital development and technology is needed.

The Role of Social Investment in Human Capital Development

The role of social investments in the development of human capital in Ukraine has been studied. The social and economic reality of the category of human capital, its main warehouses, the significance of human capital for the economy, as well as the problems of its development in Ukraine are examined. The main problems of state-owned investment policy in direct investment of human capital are highlighted. Ways have been identified that can become a victorious power for the implementation of state policy to promote social investment in human capital. The role of social investments in the formation of human capital is analyzed. The main elements of human capital have been seen. The names of the benefits of investing in human capital for the practitioner, the pioneer of that power. The dotality of social investment in human capital and its significance for the development of welfare has been outlined.

The The Adequacy of Human Capital for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Era in the Mining Industry in Zimbabwe

This paper examined the adequacy of human capital in the fourth industrial era. This has been prompted by the fact that human capital has been regarded as the key driver of value creation, financial performance, and sustainability. However, concerns have been raised regarding the adequacy of the phenomenon under study, particularly in emerging economies such as Zimbabwe. This paper adopted a qualitative critical literature review approach and thematic analysis was utilized for data analysis and interpretation until a point of saturation was reached. The findings revealed that the adoption of industry 4.0 technologies in the Zimbabwean mining industry was still in its infancy and there was limited investment in human capital development. The study also highlighted several challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to funding, and a shortage of skilled labor. The study recommended that policymakers should prioritize investment in human capital development, including upskilling and reskilling programs, to ensure that the mining industry is well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities presented by Industry 4.0.

Assessing impact of a Mandela Washington Fellowship Institute for African entrepreneurs

The development of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has been slow compared to the rest of the world, and a lack of investment in human capital development emerges as a prevalent reason. Oklahoma State University provided a six-week-long entrepreneurship education program (EEP) for participants from SSA; many had agricultural or food businesses. Approaches to entrepreneurship education is a well-debated topic in the literature, including how best to evaluate such. We conducted a study in which 12 entrepreneurs were interviewed about nine months after the program’s end. Transcripts were analyzed using Epoche, horizontalization, phenomenological reduction, and imaginative variation. Themes, sub-themes, and an essence emerged. The themes were improvements, changes, and challenges to their business models; self-improvement and empowerment; and social change. Building the capacity of socially responsible entrepreneurs for a new Africa was the phenomenon’s essence. Future research should assess the impact of business knowledge attainment on the long-term success of entrepreneurs and identify learning experiences motivating them to practice social entrepreneurship. EEPs should stress rigor and an ethos of accomplishment, conduct site visits, and provide opportunities for community service. Interventions to negate the marginalization frequently experienced by women entrepreneurs in developing contexts are also discussed.

Gender Diversity and Human Capital Efficiency in Australian Institutions: The Moderating Role of Workforce Environment Quality

We examine the relationship between board gender diversity and human capital efficiency and further consider the moderating role of workforce environment quality from the perspectives of profit-making and loss-making firms. Using a sample of 2700 firm-year observations from listed Australian firms for the period 2008–2019, we found a positive relationship between the presence of females on boards and human capital efficiency which was more pronounced for loss-making firms as against profit-making firms. Additionally, the relationship between gender diversity and human capital efficiency was moderated by the quality of workforce environment with the moderating effect being more pronounced for loss-making firms as compared to profit-making firms. Board gender diversity plays a substitutive role in the management of human capital efficiency for loss-making firms where investment in human capital development is limited.

Diversity Towards the Human Capital Development and Staff Job Satisfaction in Tertiary Institutions in Kogi State

This study aimed at Human Capital Development (HCD) and Job Satisfaction (JS) in public tertiary institutions in Kogi State. The study applied a descriptive research survey. The sampling method used in this study was a multi-stage sampling technique. A sample size of 123 was chosen. The quantitative data obtained from respondents using a questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Correlation Matrix and Ordered Probit Regression. Findings showed a statistically significant and positive relationship between HCD and Staff Job Security in Public Tertiary Institutions in Kogi State and that HCD significantly affects the JS of Staff in higher institutions in Kogi State. The study concluded that through HCD, Public Tertiary Institutions could enhance JS. The study recommended that the management of Public Tertiary Institutions should increase investment in HCD to facilitate improved job security of staff in Kogi State. The government should also provide adequate funding support to adopt best practices in HCD in Public Tertiary Institutions in Kogi State. Furthermore, the management should adopt any strategic measure to increase commitment to HCD as it positively affects the JS of Staff in higher institutions in Kogi State.

The Link between Human Capital Formation and Economic Growth in East Africa

The East African Community members' strategy is focused on achieving smart, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth. This cannot be achieved without the major contribution of skills, knowledge, and innovation, commonly known as human capital formation. It is difficult to believe that these goals could be realized without a good education and training system, training development, better health sector infrastructure, a large diffusion of knowledge in the manufacturing and service sector, and a great effort to create a research-intensive agricultural economy. Most East African economies lack a number of these growth pre-take-off conditions. Employing neoclassical augmented Solow growth theory as the theoretical framework and using panel methodology, the study investigated the role of human capital resources as a factor in stimulating output growth in East Africa. The findings showed that human capital formation was positive and significant to economic growth in East Africa. This study argues that policies and strategies that advocate for accelerated public investment in human capital development will promote productivity growth and further stimulate resilient economic growth in the East African economies.

Investments in human capital development: analysis and evaluation of efficiency of use

The article presents the methodology of economic evaluation of the effectiveness of investments in human capital development. The methodology takes into account the specifics of formation and development of human capital in the agricultural sector of the Belarusian economy. This predetermined the need to develop detailed markers that comprehensively take into account the processes of formation, accumulation, capitalization and use of human capital. This methodological approach was tested on statistical data, which confirms its practical orientation. The results obtained testify to the decreasing efficiency of investment in the development of human capital in the agricultural sector of Belarus.

Machinery import, R&D spillover, and energy efficiency

The gap in demand and supply of energy across Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries has increased energy insecurity in the region. Therefore, power outages have become pervasive, causing unemployment and a decline in production output. Among the several energy-saving factors identified in the literature across developing economies, technological spillover driven by trade openness appears to be a prominent factor in improving energy efficiency. Thus, this study evaluates the impact of machinery imported from OECD and non-OECD countries and its corresponding research and development (R&D) spillover on energy efficiency performance in 18 SSA countries from 1995 to 2017. Using a stochastic energy distance function, we discover that aggregated data from OECD and non-OECD countries have no significant effect on energy efficiency performance across SSA countries. However, results from disaggregated data for OECD and non-OECD machinery imports show that OECD machinery imports improve energy efficiency contrary to non-OECD imports. Thus, technology spillover from OECD countries is advantageous for SSA countries to reduce long-term energy-based emissions. Furthermore, our results show that human capital has no significant effect on SSA energy efficiency. Consequently, the results possess some policy implications; for instance, policymakers responsible for promoting science and technology could increase investment in human capital development by developing technology and engineering expertise and increasing GDP allocation to R&D activities. For energy efficiency scores, we observe substantial differences in efficiency across SSA countries – implying potential improvements in energy efficiency across SSA countries.

Problems of human capital development in the context of digital transformations

Introduction. The article examines the issues of human capital development in the context of digital transformations. This topic is relevant and important for understanding the challenges and opportunities that arise in modern digital society, and it contributes to the development of strategies to enhance human capital development in this context. The purpose of the article is to identify and analyze the challenges faced by society and businesses in the rapid technological development and digital transformation. Methodology. The research methodology is based on a systematic analysis of scientific sources, statistical data, and expert assessments. A comprehensive approach is applied to study the problem, incorporating knowledge from economics, sociology, and management. Results. Key problems related to human capital development in the context of digital transformations have been identified. Specifically, challenges related to inadequate preparation and adaptation of employees to new digital technologies, changing skill and competency requirements, as well as risks of social inequality in access to digital opportunities and issues of government investment in human capital development. The obtained results provide a basis for the development of strategies and policies aimed at enhancing the level of human capital development in the context of digital transformations. It is established that only the collaboration of society, businesses, and government will be effective in ensuring sustainable human capital development and minimizing the negative consequences of digital transformations.

Issues and Challenges Pertaining to Skilled Manpower: A Study of MSME Sector in India

The issue of skilled manpower has become a global challenge in recent years. As the world economy continues to evolve, the demand for skilled workers across various industries has increased dramatically. This demand has been met with a shortage of skilled labour in many regions, leading to a significant skills gap that threatens economic growth and development. This paper explores the major issues and challenges facing skilled manpower, including the lack of access to quality education and training, inadequate investment in human capital development, and the difficulty of retaining skilled workers. Additionally, the paper will discuss the impact of technological advancements and changing business models on the demand for skilled labour. Finally, the paper will present strategies to address these challenges, including the need for increased investment in education and training, targeted immigration policies, and the adoption of innovative technologies to upskill and reskill the workforce.

Системні концепти оцінки інтелектуального потенціалу підприємств

The aim of the article is to form system concepts for assessing the intellectual potential of enterprises in modern economic conditions. According to the results of the carried out study, it is found that in today’s dynamic-transformational conditions, where one technology quickly displaces another, and products and services lose their relevance in a short period of time, only those enterprises that constantly produce new knowledge and implement it in new technologies and products achieve success. The most valuable asset in this process is the intellectual potential of enterprises, allowing them to form strong competitive advantages in the changing market of commodity competition and adapt to future competitive changes. Assessment of the intellectual potential of an enterprise is important for measuring its capabilities and determining vector directions for further improvement. The intellectual potential of the enterprise forms the strengths of the enterprise and produces innovative solutions to reduce the level of weaknesses, creates the basis for making sound management decisions and implementing the necessary measures to improve the overall efficiency of enterprise development. An assessment of intellectual potential can help in identifying areas where investment in human capital development, technology, and innovation can be made. By assessing the intellectual potential of an enterprise, management can develop strategies for using its intellectual assets and gaining a competitive advantage in the market. The practical significance of the obtained results lies in the fact that for a thorough and detailed assessment in order to effectively use the intellectual potential, it is necessary to consider other methods and approaches that exist in various forms of systems for assessing the potential of enterprise. In scientific research, as a rule, three main approaches to evaluation are considered: cost, performance, and comparative. Since these approaches were used in the assessment of intellectual capital, intellectual property rights and various forms of enterprise potential (including labor potential), it is appropriate and scientifically correct to consider them when assessing the corresponding intellectual potential.

Human Capital Development and Employee Job Satisfaction in Public Tertiary Institutions of Kogi State, Nigeria

This study aimed at Human Capital Development and the job satisfaction of staff in public tertiary institutions in Kogi State. The sample size (126) was selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, Simple & Stepwise Multiple Regression and Pearson correlation matrix were employed for data analysis. Finding showed that perceived safety culture in the institution and access to medical facilities have strong influence on job satisfaction of staff in the Public Tertiary Institutions in Kogi State. The study concluded that investment in human capital development is a panacea for issues relative to job satisfaction; and that Public Tertiary Institutions in Kogi State must give attention to social safety and health care. This study recommended that the management of Public Tertiary Institutions should increase investment in human capital development so as to facilitate improved career advancement, and sustain its safety culture and improve on access to medical facilities; as these are crucial for increased job satisfaction of staff in the Public Tertiary Institutions in Kogi State.

A Gender Differentiated Analysis of Healthy Life Expectancy in South Asia: The Role of Greenhouse Gas Emission.

The sluggish progress concerning SDG-9 and SDG 13 has made South Asia an epicentre of household and ambient greenhouse gases emissions. Furthermore, the regional progress concerning attainment of SDG-3 is considerably low. The major research objectives are twofold. First, to explore the impact of GHGs emissions from agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing sector on disaggregated life expectancy. Second, to examine the mitigating impact of renewable energy use, trade integration, and human capital development for practice policy recommendations. These research objectives are realized by employing recently advanced cross-sectional auto regressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) model on panel data of five South Asian countries such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka from 1990 to 2019. The estimation outcome reveals that the emissions from transportation, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors significantly deteriorate healthy life expectancy of male and female healthy life expectancy in South Asia with different intensity. Especially, we find that long-run impact of GHG is more profound on male healthy life expectancy than female life expectancy. The result further shows that renewable energy and human capital substantially improve healthy life expectancy, whereas the effects of trade integration are insignificant. The finding of moderating variables shows that renewable energy, human capital development, and trade integration have high potential to reduce GHGs emissions. The findings of this study urge South Asia for investments in human capital development and renewable energy along with fostering regional integration to decrease GHG and improve healthy life expectancy.

Is resource abundance a curse for green economic growth? Evidence from developing countries

Green economic growth emphasizes the coordinated development of economy and environment under the constraints of resource-carrying and environmental capacities. Many developing countries rich in natural resources face more severe resource and environmental problems with relatively poor green growth performance. In this context, whether an abundance of resources hinders the growth of the green economy has become a significant issue of debate. Here, we use the non-radial distance function to calculate a green economic growth evaluation index and examine the relationships between resource abundance and green economic growth in 40 resource-rich developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. We also evaluate the mechanism and transmission pathway between resource abundance and economic growth. Our results show that an abundance of resources restrains the growth rate of the green economy in developing countries mainly via an “innovation effect” and a “technical leader transfer effect”, which promote resource-rich regions to undermine green economic growth. In terms of transmission, this effect exerts a negative impact on green economic growth by squeezing out technological spillovers from technological innovation, human capital investment, and opening up to the outside world. Therefore, governments should increase investment in human capital development, improving infrastructure for green technology research and development, and planning for the settlement of emerging industries and green industries. These strategies are conducive to the realization of green growth transition and sustainable economic development in developing countries.

Movers, Motives, and Impact of Illegal Small-Scale Mining: A Case Study in Ghana

Abstract This research unravels the agents and driving motivation behind the rise of illegal small-scale mining in Ghana and its impact. This is accomplished via a qualitative study using illegal small-scale mining in the Talensi and Nabdam districts of Ghana as a case study. At the forefront of this phenomenon are rent-seeking elites, whereas structural factors such as rising unemployment and high population growth, as well as opportunistic factors including low barriers to entry, get-rich quick syndrome, and political corruption/weak institutions are fueling it as well. Although there are some economic benefits of illegal small-scale mining, these benefits are undermined by factors associated with the Resource Curse Hypothesis (RCH) or the ‘Paradox of Plenty.’ We argue that most illegal small-scale mining communities are characterized by increased rent-seeking activities by diverse stakeholders particularly the elites, poor investments in human capital development, and weak institutional structures and processes. To sustainably address the illegal small-scale gold mining menace in Ghana, all efforts should be aimed at holistically dealing with the rent-seekers, especially the elites involved, eliminating their motives and removing the conditions that facilitate their involvement.

Peer Review Practices in Scientific Journals and Developmental Scholarship in South Africa: A Peer Reviewer Perspective

The development of science starts with investment in human capital development. Thus far arguments are that it is innovation and development of science which can assure the country of good economic, political and social development. A continuous investment in the youth in academia is a necessity to foster and continue the requirement and continuity of the development of science in academia to advance the society developmentally. This article is conceptual in approach and uses secondary literature to argue that the goal to pursue developmental scholarship, does not only lie with incapacity to mentor, but also lie with the complex peer review system which should enable the emerging researchers with an opportunity to enter the publication space. Therefore, the methodological perspective of the article is purely qualitative and based on scientific materials explored to answer the research question raised in the article. This article concludes that the goal of achieving the next generation of researchers in both academia and practice shall require a system which is highly developmental through a well-developed system of mentoring within the academic environment.
 
 Received: 19 August 2021 / Accepted: 6 October 2021 / Published: 5 November 2021