Labor Shortage Research Articles (Page 1)

Abstract Australian workers mobilised precociously to win the eight-hour day. Building workers in Melbourne secured the standard in 1856. They inspired and helped to lead a wider movement that shared in the victory over subsequent decades. By the early 1890s the “eight-hour day” was widely embraced as a social norm. Australian successes were contemplated in a range of international publications. Australian employees in several trades secured an eight-hour day from the middle 1850s. By the 1890s, Australian advances had attracted considerable international attention. But these precocious Australian successes have not yet been satisfactorily explained. The dominant explanations focus especially on a propitious environment in the middle 1850s, buoyed by the wealth of a gold rush and characterised by labour shortages. These accounts overestimate the persistence of favourable market conditions and underestimate the import of the political context and of creative and determined collective struggle. This article offers a new interpretation. It suggests that the Australian campaign for eight-hours is best understood as a social movement. It then applies five key concepts drawn from the field of social-movement studies to examine the campaign and to explain its successes: political opportunities; framing; strategy; repertoire; and mobilising structures. The article aims not only to explain the Australian eight-hours campaign, but also to demonstrate the value of concepts and approaches drawn from “social-movement studies” to the study of labour history. It is based on a substantial source base, including union records, scores of newspapers, parliamentary debates, contemporary pamphlets, and government reports.

Plantains are a strategic crop for food security in Côte d'Ivoire, however, the productivity of this crop is constrained by the arduous nature of agricultural work and a growing labour shortage. In order to explore alternatives, a study was conducted in Aboudé-Mandéké (Agboville) and Azaguié-Abbè to evaluate the effectiveness of small-scale mechanization in weeding. The experimental design, randomized in blocks with three replicates, included eight weed control treatments and 17 to 20 plants per replicate. The techniques tested included different types of brush cutters (portable and frame-mounted, equipped with wire or blade), a rotary tiller equipped with a rotary shredder, a Dendelion machete, an ordinary machete, and a herbicide. The results showed that the herbicide (T8) promoted the greatest average plant height (214 cm). In terms of working time, treatment T5 proved to be the most efficient (632.2 min/104 m²), followed by treatment T2 (portative brushcutter with blade). Inversely, the longest times were recorded with the Dendelion machete (T6) and the ordinary machete (T7). Moreover, the portative brushcutter with wire (T1) performed better than the portative brushcutter with blade (T2), while the brushcutter on frame with fire (T3) required more time than the brushcutter on frame with blade (T4). Mechanized weeding appears to be an effective solution for reducing labor intensity and working time, thus offering a promising response to the scarcity of agricultural labor.

For the last few years, cotton has been facing many constraints from sowing till harvesting. These constraints include natural, environmental, economic and marketing issues that cause severe impact on productivity and profitability of this crop. This study was conducted in Karimnagar district of Telangana to analyze the constraints in cotton cultivation and the adoption of production technologies. The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Jammikunta, has promoted improved agricultural technologies in the district through on-farm trials, frontline demonstrations, training programs, and exposure visits. A sample of 90 farmers was surveyed to assess the key challenges in cotton production. The major constraints reported were inadequate adoption of refuge crops, high incidence of sucking pests, suboptimal plant population, and severe weed infestation. Based on these findings, the study suggests strengthening awareness on the importance of refuge crops, conducting large-scale demonstrations on stem application methods for pest management, evaluating the effectiveness of post-emergence herbicides, and prioritizing mechanization through the use of cotton pickers. The study concludes with an emphasis on increasing farmers’ awareness about reducing input costs, ensuring timely technical guidance, creating awareness on refuge crop adoption, promoting stem application methods for sucking pest management, strengthening Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, and providing training on efficient fertilizer use. They also highlighted the importance of evaluating and refining cotton pickers to suit local conditions, thereby mitigating labour shortages. The results provide actionable insights for enhancing productivity and sustainability of cotton cultivation in the region.

This paper examines the economic implications of demographic transitions in China and the United States, focusing on three key dimensions: declining birth rates, population aging, and immigration. Drawing on secondary statistical data, international reports, and existing scholarly research, the study employs a comparative analytical framework to highlight both shared challenges and divergent policy responses. The findings indicate that Chinas sharp fertility decline, partly shaped by past birth control policies, has accelerated its aging process, leading to labor shortages and rising fiscal burdens. The United States, while also facing lower fertility, benefits from immigration flows that help mitigate demographic imbalances and sustain innovation. In both countries, aging populations exert mounting pressure on pension systems, healthcare, and labor markets, though the pace and severity differ significantly. The analysis further shows that policy interventions such as tax credits, family support measures, delayed retirement, and talent-oriented immigration reform may provide partial relief but cannot fully offset structural demographic trends. The paper concludes that demographic change will remain a critical determinant of long-term economic resilience in both nations.

In recent years, the industrial sector has increasingly relied on technology for monitoring the operating status of production and processing equipment as a measure to address labor shortages. In the plastic molding industry, which is the subject of this study, efforts have been made to track operational conditions by installing a variety of sensors capable of detecting different types of problems. Furthermore, it is evident that so-called DX manufacturing, in which sensor-derived information is utilized to achieve efficient production through digital technologies such as AI and the Internet of Things, will become mainstream in the future. In this study, attention was directed to the cobwebbing phenomenon, a defect observed in injection molding, with a particular focus on its monitoring technology. Although the diameter of the threads pinched during the cobwebbing phenomenon is approximately 0.1 mm, early detection is critical because the defect can cause mold damage and deterioration. To address this issue, strain data were obtained from a mold equipped with a strain gauge, and discrimination technology was investigated by comparing the normal state with the pinched state using the Mahalanobis distance, a pattern recognition method. The results indicated that it may be possible to detect a thread with a diameter of about 0.05 mm if it becomes trapped during molding, and certain mold features that enhance discrimination accuracy were identified. Therefore, this study reports an example of monitoring technology for the entrapment of cobwebbing, specifically foreign matter entering during the molding process.

Traditional puddle-transplanted rice cultivation faces increasing constraints due to climate change, declining water availability and acute labour shortages. Additionally, the management of nurseries for transplanting is labour intensive and requires intensive care and supervision, further complicating its adoption under modern agricultural conditions. In response to these challenges, alternative rice establishment techniques are being explored to sustain productivity while using reduced resource inputs. Among these, direct seeded rice (DSR), including wet and dry seeding methods, offers a viable and sustainable alternative. Specifically, dry direct seeded rice has emerged as a promising technique that conserves water, reduces labour requirements, minimizes greenhouse gas emissions and enhances adaptability to climatic variability. With appropriate agronomic management, DSR can achieve yields comparable to conventional transplanting methods. Despite being farmer-friendly and cost-effective, its widespread adoption is constrained by challenges in weed control and crop establishment. Recent advancements in precision technologies, mechanization and integrated crop management have shown strong potential to overcome these barriers, leading to improved productivity, profitability and resource-use efficiency. This review consolidates research evidence and technological interventions on DSR, emphasizing its agronomic practices, advantages, challenges and future prospects. The findings not only demonstrate the eco-efficient and resource-conserving nature of the DSR package but also underline its practical relevance for farmers and its policy significance in promoting sustainable rice intensification. The article aims to provide comprehensive insights into DSR while offering directions for innovations that can accelerate its large-scale adoption across diverse agro-ecological regions.

The construction industry is critically reliant on efficient supply chains to ensure better project management, success, and profitability. This research examined the critical and ongoing challenges within the construction supply chain, with a particular emphasis on the persistent shortage of truck drivers and its far-reaching implications for construction logistics. Utilizing a structured multi-phase approach, the research integrated a comprehensive literature review, bibliometric analysis, and an empirical case study involving commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The literature review established the current state of knowledge on transportation labor shortages. At the same time, the bibliometric analysis revealed four key thematic clusters that collectively define the primary areas influencing construction supply chain performance. The case study reinforced these findings by highlighting key factors contributing to driver shortages, including demographic shifts, challenging working conditions, regulatory barriers, and geopolitical disruptions. The paper concludes with practical implications for industry practitioners, policymakers, and supply chain managers, emphasizing the necessity of integrative operational and strategic responses to build resilient and sustainable construction supply chains and logistics systems, with a specific focus on truck driver shortages. By examining both academic literature and field-based perspectives, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of how labor shortages, particularly in transportation, can destabilize construction supply chains and identifies the most effective measures to support their foundations.

The U.S. agricultural sector is undergoing a paradigm shift driven by the convergence of smart agriculture practices and Industry 4.0 technologies. Rising demands for food security, sustainability, and resource efficiency are compelling stakeholders to adopt advanced tools that integrate data-driven decision-making with traditional agricultural management. This paper explores how industrial engineering tools, such as process optimization, lean methodologies, predictive analytics, and systems modeling, can be combined with smart agriculture and Industry 4.0 technologies to significantly improve agricultural productivity in the United States. Key enabling technologies include the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, blockchain, and cyber-physical systems, which collectively allow for real-time monitoring, precision farming, predictive maintenance of agricultural machinery, and supply chain optimization. By applying industrial engineering methods such as value stream mapping, simulation modeling, and queuing theory, agricultural operations can be systematically streamlined to minimize waste, reduce downtime, and optimize input usage (e.g., water, fertilizer, energy). Case studies and simulation results presented in this paper demonstrate that integrating Industry 4.0 frameworks with industrial engineering tools in U.S. farms can increase crop yields by up to 18%, reduce resource wastage by 25%, and enhance overall operational efficiency by 20%. Furthermore, the adoption of smart agriculture practices supported by data-driven MIS (Management Information Systems) can improve resilience to climate variability and labor shortages. While challenges remain in terms of high upfront costs, interoperability of digital platforms, and farmer training, the proposed framework offers a structured roadmap for modernizing U.S. agriculture and enhancing food security. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on agricultural digital transformation and highlight the critical role of industrial engineering tools in accelerating smart agriculture adoption.

Vegetable growing plays a key role in ensuring food security and is an important economic sector in most countries of the world, but it faces the problem of labor shortages and low production efficiency. Automation of technological processes is considered as the main way to solve these problems. The article provides an overview of modern solutions in the fi eld of automation of vegetable cultivation. Based on the analysis of Russian and foreign developments, the key advantages and economic effects of the introduction of such systems have been identified, including cost reduction and increased productivity.

Aquaculture has emerged as a pivotal sector in addressing global food security, promoting rural development, and supporting sustainable economic growth, especially in coastal and developing regions of China. However, investment projects in aquaculture are increasingly exposed to multifaceted risks stemming from dynamic external environments. This study employs the PEST (political, economic, social, and technological) analysis framework to systematically identify, categorize, and analyze these external risks. Through a combination of policy reviews, expert interviews, and industry data analysis, this paper provides a comprehensive risk profile across four dimensions: policy uncertainty and regulatory constraints, economic volatility and market competition, social resistance and labor shortages, and technological gaps and disease vulnerability. Based on the PEST analysis, a set of tailored risk mitigation strategies is proposed, including policy adaptation, financial hedging, community engagement, and technological upgrading. The findings not only offer a structured approach to investment risk assessment in aquaculture projects in China but also provide practical recommendations for stakeholders seeking to enhance project resilience, improve investment efficiency, and achieve long-term sustainability. This paper contributes to the growing body of literature on aquaculture economics and risk governance by offering a macro-environmental perspective grounded in empirical insight.

This review critically examines advancements in sensing, control, and networking technologies for agricultural robots (AgRobots) and their impact on modern farming. AgRobots—including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), and robotic arms—are increasingly adopted to address labour shortages, sustainability challenges, and rising food demand. This paper reviews sensing technologies such as cameras, LiDAR, and multispectral sensors for navigation, object detection, and environmental perception. Control approaches, from classical PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) to advanced nonlinear and learning-based methods, are analysed to ensure precision, adaptability, and stability in dynamic agricultural settings. Networking solutions, including ZigBee, LoRaWAN, 5G, and emerging 6G, are evaluated for enabling real-time communication, multi-robot coordination, and data management. Swarm robotics and hybrid decentralized architectures are highlighted for efficient collective operations. This review is based on the literature published between 2015 and 2025 to identify key trends, challenges, and future directions in AgRobots. While AgRobots promise enhanced productivity, reduced environmental impact, and sustainable practices, barriers such as high costs, complex field conditions, and regulatory limitations remain. This review is expected to provide a foundation for guiding research and development toward innovative, integrated solutions for global food security and sustainable agriculture.

Introduction: Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) represent a transformative technology revolutionizing various industries, from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and service sectors. These robots, equipped with advanced sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and navigation systems, can operate independently in dynamic environments without human intervention. The emergence of AMRs has significantly impacted traditional workflows, offering enhanced efficiency, flexibility, and safety in diverse operational settings. The development of AMRs stems from the increasing demand for automation solutions to address challenges such as labor shortages, rising operational costs, and the need for faster and more accurate task execution. Unlike traditional industrial robots confined to fixed locations or predefined paths, AMRs possess the capability to navigate complex environments, adapt to changing conditions, and collaborate seamlessly with humans and other machines. The significance of research in the field of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) extends across various domains, reflecting their transformative impact on industries, economies, and society as a whole. Understanding the importance of research in this field is essential for harnessing the full potential of AMRs and addressing the challenges and opportunities they present. Technological Advancements: Research in AMRs drives technological advancements, leading to the development of more sophisticated sensors, AI algorithms, and navigation systems. These advancements enhance the capabilities of AMRs, enabling them to operate in complex and dynamic environments with greater autonomy, efficiency, and safety. Industrial Automation: AMRs play a crucial role in industrial automation, revolutionizing manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics operations. Research in this area focuses on optimizing AMR deployment, task allocation, and coordination to improve productivity, reduce costs, and streamline processes in diverse industrial settings. Robo Navigator 3000, Auto Rover X, Smart Path Pro, Nav Bot Elite, Intelli Scout. Battery Life (hours), Navigation Accuracy (%), Maintenance Requirement (Rating), Noise Level (dB). The results indicate that Smart Path Pro achieved the highest rank, while Auto Rover X received the lowest rank being attained. “The value of the dataset for Autonomous Mobile Robot lies, according to the Weighted Sum Method (WSM), demonstrates that Smart Path Pro achieves the highest ranking.”

This study aims to help researchers quickly understand the latest research status of kiwifruit picking robots to expand their research ideas. The centralized picking of kiwifruit is confronted with challenges such as high labor intensity and labor shortage. A series of social issues including the decline in agricultural population and population aging have further increased the cost of its harvest. Therefore, intelligent picking robots replacing manual operations is an effective solution. This paper, through literature review and organization, analyzes and evaluates the performance characteristics of various current kiwifruit picking robots. It summarizes the key technologies of kiwifruit picking robots, from the aspects of robot vision systems, mechanical arms, and the end effector. At the same time, it conducts an in-depth analysis of the problems existing in automatic kiwifruit harvesting technology in modern agriculture. Finally, it is concluded that in the future, research should be carried out in aspects such as kiwifruit cluster recognition algorithms, picking efficiency, and damage cost and universality to enhance the operational performance and market promotion potential of kiwifruit picking robots. The significance of this review lies in addressing the imminent labor crisis in agricultural production and steering agriculture toward intelligent and precise transformation. Its contributions are reflected in greatly advancing robotic technology in complex agricultural settings, generating substantial technical achievements, injecting new vitality into related industries and academic fields, and ultimately delivering sustainable economic benefits and stable agricultural supply to society.

The aims of this study were to determine the effectiveness of market service fee collection management at Nanggalo Market in increasing the local revenue of Padang City, to identify obstacles, and to develop plans to improve performance All 12 traders, the head of the Nanggalo Market Technical Implementation Unit, fee collectors, and employees of the Padang City Trade Office were used as informants. Interviews, field observations, and document studies were used to collect the data. The data validity was tested using triangulation techniques and data sources. The data analysis used the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldana, which included data presentation, conclusion drawing, and data reduction. Although the target was achieved, the QRIS e-retribution system had a high level of merchant compliance. There are issues with centralistic planning, labor shortages, inadequate telecommunications infrastructure, lack of transparency, and lack of digital literacy. Therefore, even though the target was achieved, the retribution management of the Nanggalo Market is still not optimal overall. Therefore, a participatory forum and the improvement of officers are needed.

This research paper is based on a literature review that explores the context of organizational, production, and commercialization issues faced by coffee growers, the major challenges posed by global warming, and the emergence of new public policies in Mexico, along with some international experiences. The state of Guerrero stands out as an emerging coffee producer. However, this productive context is affected by economic pressures stemming from macroeconomic volatility, international price fluctuations, rising production costs, and labor shortages, in addition to the reduction of arable land due to climate change. On a social level, the migration of young workers to non-agricultural sectors has brought changes to the rural demographic and labor structure, leading to an aging workforce and increasing feminization of agricultural labor. These transformations are impacting community organization and local development. Therefore, comprehensive public policies are needed to support both the productive and social sustainability of coffee-growing regions, as well as strategies to promote labor inclusion and environmental conservation.

The phenomenon of population ageing poses a substantial practical challenge for Chengdu, primarily due to the incongruity between the citys ageing demographic structure and its prevailing socioeconomic system. The examination of the relationship between population ageing and regional economic development is of considerable practical significance. The present study analyses the current status and characteristics of Chengdus ageing population based on data from the citys Seventh National Population Census. The study employs a grey relational analysis model to empirically investigate the impact of population aging on Chengdus economy. The findings of the study indicate that population ageing is the most significant factor impeding labour supply in Chengdu. It is therefore recommended that Chengdu proactively prevent and mitigate labor shortages by vigorously developing the silver economy, promoting re-employment among the elderly, and actively improving various social security systems. The implementation of these measures is expected to mitigate the adverse economic ramifications of population ageing, thereby promoting healthy economic development in Chengdu.

Abstract Though high-value crops like fruits and vegetables are considered lucrative enterprises in developing countries, farmers face various risks related to the inputs and outputs of these production systems. Relatively higher initial investments, intensive care requirements in the face of farm labor shortage, and climatic and production risks challenge vegetable production. This study estimates the production function of commercial vegetable growers in Nepal, particularly emphasizing the effects of risk-related factors. The study uses a semiparametric smooth coefficient production function generalized by integrating the risk-specific variables, allowing the estimation with minimal functional form assumptions. Findings reveal that growers’ attitudes toward risk, perception of risk, and risk management skills affect vegetable production directly and indirectly through input-related decisions and selection. Vegetable growers who were relatively more risk-averse experienced lower productivity than less risk-averse or neutral growers. At the same time, growers who worried about production quality, pests, and climatic risks managed higher productivity than their counterparts. Finally, the study shows heterogeneous effects of risk-related variables across production quantiles; most commercial growers operate their farms around constant or slightly decreasing returns to scale.

The global construction industry is observing a significant revolution towards faster, cost-effective, and sustainable building techniques, with modular construction at the lead. This practice comprises off-site construction of building components, leveraging factory-controlled atmospheres to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and minimize on-site labor challenges. Prefabrication in contemporary architecture and civil infrastructure has been energized by innovations in digital design tools, Building Information Modelling (BIM), robotic manufacturing, and sustainable materials. These developments address current encounters such as housing deficiencies, rapid urbanization, labor shortage, and environmental dilapidation. The significance of modular construction has been highlighted during global disorders like the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing the significance of speediness and scalability in edifice. Modular construction methods, comprising panelized (2D), volumetric (3D), hybrid, kit-of-parts, and sub-component assembly, offer benefits such as faster construction timelines, better-quality control, and reduced on-site waste likened to traditional approaches. However, challenges such as site-specific limitations, lack of technical know-how, transport logistics, upfront design complication, public observation, and controlling compliance delay the prevalent acceptance of modular construction. Integrating software engineering, such as design optimization using Python, logistics optimization through route optimization algorithms, and manufacturing automation with control systems, can improve prefabrication procedures through automation and optimization. These technologies can modernize processes, advance efficiency, and address key challenges confronted in modular construction. Overall, with the right approaches and investments, modular construction has the possible to transform building design and delivery practices globally.

Type of the article: Research ArticleAbstractThis study examines how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kazakhstan perceive and prioritize global risks within an evolving resource-dependent economy. SMEs play a vital role in Kazakhstan’s economic development but remain highly vulnerable to macroeconomic instability, environmental shocks, and geopolitical uncertainty. The study aims to explore SMEs’ perceptions of global risks, assess how well these perceptions align with the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) global risk rankings, and identify key issues requiring policy attention.The paper employs a structured survey and qualitative risk assessment methodology to analyze data collected from 127 SMEs across all 20 regions of Kazakhstan. The survey, conducted in October 2024, included questions on the perceived likelihood and impact of global risks over a 10-year horizon. Risk categories encompassed economic, environmental, geopolitical, societal, and technological domains. Respondents assessed each risk on a five-point scale for both probability and severity.Findings indicate that inflation and labor shortages are perceived as the most critical risks by Kazakh SMEs, followed by environmental concerns such as extreme weather events and resource depletion. Geopolitical and technological risks were considered important but secondary. A risk matrix was developed to visualize the prioritization of these risks and support policy planning.The results reveal a significant gap between global risk assessments and localized SME perceptions, underscoring the importance of context-specific risk management strategies. Targeted government interventions in workforce development, financial support, and climate resilience are essential to strengthen the adaptive capacity of SMEs facing global challenges.

This study examines the status of the textile sector within the light industry of the Stavropol, Kuban, Circassian, and other areas of the North Caucasus during its existence as an administrative-territorial entity from 1927 to 1934. It identifies key factors contributing to the establishment of the region’s textile industry, including favorable climatic conditions, strong ties to agriculture, traditional economic practices (notably sheep farming), a sufficient resource base for the development of textile sub-sectors — especially wool production — and the availability of transportation routes. An analysis of the operational challenges faced by individual enterprises (such as wool spinning mills, cloth factories, and wool washing facilities) reveals issues such as labor shortages, inadequate technical equipment, and limited processing capacities for surplus raw materials. The findings demonstrate that the textile sector in the region was in a formative stage during this period. It was established that a primary objective was the construction or reconstruction of state textile enterprises (factories and wool washing facilities) capable of processing locally produced wool and generating adequate quantities of fabric products. It is noted that there were few textile enterprises in the region, primarily located in urban areas near transportation routes, which established robust production links with specialized facilities in other regions of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, as well as in other Soviet republics, thereby contributing to the strengthening of economic ties between different regions of the country.