Building capacity for sustainability transformations through transdisciplinary experimentation: Empirical evidence from a novel methodology deployed in 7 countries

Does contracting for labor-intensive forestry work advance equity in the Pacific West, USA?

Hydroponic needs assessment using qualitative interview methods: A grower perspective

This study presents a developmental research project entitled Uncle Brew Online Ordering System, a web-based solution developed to improve sales monitoring, product management, and customer feedback for Uncle Brew Coffee Shop located in Binaobao, Bantayan, Cebu. The system was designed to address issues encountered in manual operations, such as delays in order processing, inaccurate sales recording, and difficulty in managing inventory and customer transactions. The developed system includes key features such as an online ordering platform, an administrator dashboard for sales and inventory tracking, and a customer feedback module to enhance user interaction. The system was evaluated using the ISO/IEC 25010 Software Quality Model, focusing on functional suitability, performance efficiency, compatibility, reliability, and security. In addition, usability was assessed using the USE Questionnaire in terms of usefulness, ease of use, ease of learning, and user satisfaction. Results showed that the system achieved an overall mean rating of 4.94 (Very Satisfactory) in software quality and 4.94 (Strongly Agree) in usability. These findings indicate that the system performs efficiently, is reliable, and is highly acceptable to users. Furthermore, the system functionality evaluation also showed a high overall mean of 4.93 (Excellent), confirming that the system effectively performs its intended features such as order processing, product management, and dashboard monitoring. The study demonstrates that the implementation of a web-based ordering system significantly improves business operations by reducing manual errors, enhancing transaction accuracy, and providing a more convenient ordering experience for customers. The system proves to be an effective digital solution for supporting the growth and efficiency of small coffee shop businesses.

Subject. Methodological foundations for the development of types of entrepreneurial-oriented regions of Russia based on indicators of the functioning of small business. Objectives. To create a reproducible methodology that allows identifying the types of regions of the Russian Federation for targeting government support measures for small businesses. Methods. Systems, comparative, and statistical analyses, typologization, index method and normalization, methods of graphical and tabular data visualization, as well as the author-developed methodology for constructing a typology of entrepreneurial-oriented regions of Russia were used. Results. Testing of the methodology showed a logical distribution: highly developed regions (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Moscow and Leningrad Oblasts, Novosibirsk and Rostov Oblasts, Krasnodar Krai, etc.) are characterized by a high density of small businesses and turnover; industrial clusters (the Republics of Bashkortostan and Tatarstan, Sverdlovsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara, Chelyabinsk Oblasts, etc.) – a high proportion of manufacturing sectors and gross value added; growth regions (Voronezh, Kaluga, Vologda Oblasts, Primorsky Krai, etc.) demonstrate positive dynamics; resource-tourism regions (Republic of Crimea, Khanty-Mansiysk and Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrugs, Kamchatka Krai, Sakhalin Oblast, etc.) – seasonality and high gross value added with low processing volumes; weak regions (republics Ingushetia, Tyva, Altai, etc.) – low numbers of small business workers. Conclusions. The methodology provides an operational typologization with practical application: differentiation of support measures, prioritization of investments and monitoring of effectiveness. To improve the accuracy of the proposed typologization methodology, it is recommended to include qualitative indicators, expert verification of "mixed" cases, and regular updating of data.

Background Occupational diseases affect many workers in the United States, with Latinos disproportionately affected. Small businesses face barriers to implementing workplace health protections that community health workers (CHWs) may help overcome. The objective of this study was to determine whether a CHW-led industrial hygiene intervention could reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) exposure in small auto repair and beauty shops that primarily employ marginalized workers. Methods In this two-arm, parallel, cluster randomized trial, small business (≤25 employees) auto repair and beauty shops in Tucson, AZ were randomized to immediate or delayed intervention, stratified by sector. CHWs assessed shops and provided knowledge of controls and $300 for new ones. Total VOCs (TVOCs) were measured using photoionization detectors placed on or near participants. The primary outcome was the change in TVOCs at the shop level after the intervention, assessed across three timepoints with four workshift measurements per assessment. Mixed-effects models accounted for clustering by shop. Results We enrolled 38 auto repair shops and 46 beauty shops (73% Latino workers) and analyzed 846 workshift measurements at 236 shop assessments. Adjusted models showed a non-statistically significant intervention effect: auto shops experienced on average an estimated 28% TVOC increase (95% CI: −46% to 203%); beauty shops experienced on average an estimated 27% reduction (95% CI: −55% to 19%). Beauty shops had TVOC concentrations about 10 times higher than auto shops, and 87% of their assessments had ventilation rates below the recommended minimum. Conclusions Although not statistically significant, the CHW-led intervention may meaningfully reduce VOC exposure in beauty shops. High TVOC concentrations and inadequate ventilation in beauty shops highlight the need for targeted interventions and policy changes to improve the air quality in these underserved small businesses. Trial registration This trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT03455530 ) on March 6, 2018.

Abstract—Managing a small business usually means juggling many responsibilities at the same time, such as keeping track of sales, checking inventory, and staying connected with team members. When these tasks are handled manually or with limited tools, it can slow things down, increase mistakes, and make it harder to see how the business is actually doing. This project introduces a web-based system that brings everything together in one place. It includes an online sales platform and an admin dashboard supported by an AI assistant. The system collects everyday business data, like sales and stock levels, and turns it into simple insights that can guide better decisions. It also makes communication easier by helping business owners draft messages for their coworkers, saving both time and effort. By combining smart automation, data insights, and AI support, the system aims to make running a business more organized, efficient, and easier to grow. Index Terms— Agentic AI, Generative AI, Intelligent Assis-tants, Task Decomposition, Tool Integration, Business Innovation, Entrepreneurship.

The digital economy is one of the central trends of modern global development. In addition, the small and medium-sized business segment is one of the main pillars of the economy. Digital transformation of businesses requires the integration of new business models, digital technologies and innovative solutions. State support plays a crucial role in this process, especially for small and medium-sized businesses, which often do not have sufficient financial or human resources for digital transformation. Various state programs implemented in Georgia aim to strengthen the digital skills of small businesses and develop the technological ecosystem. However, it is important to assess how effective these programs are in practice — how they affect business productivity, employment, regional development and the overall growth of the digital economy. The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of state support programs for digital small and medium-sized businesses in Georgia in the context of economic development. The objectives of the study are: to examine the structure and goals of the main programs implemented by the state; To analyze the impact of these programs on the digital level of business, employment and innovative activity; to identify problematic aspects of the effectiveness of the programs; to develop recommendations for improving state policy. The study is based on a mixed approach - a combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis. The study shows that Georgia's digital support programs actually contribute to the growth of small and medium-sized businesses, especially in urban environments. However, limitations in effectiveness are visible in various areas, including access to financing, digital skills shortage, lack of long-term monitoring, etc. The study showed that the programs contributed to the formation of a startup ecosystem, the development of digital services and employment growth, however, maximizing their effectiveness requires the implementation of structural reforms.

Abstract This research focuses on the design and implementation of a digital platform created to reduce the communication and information gap between customers and local spare parts retailers. In many local markets, most small spare parts shops still depend on manual inventory methods such as handwritten registers or memory-based tracking. These traditional practices often lead to incorrect stock information, which creates frequent problems for both shopkeepers and customers. Customers, in particular, face inconvenience as they are forced to visit multiple shops just to check whether a required spare part is available and affordable. This process wastes time, effort, and money, making the overall purchasing experience inefficient and frustrating. To solve this issue, the study proposes and develops a real-time, web-based system for spare parts availability and price comparison. The platform provides shopkeepers with a simple digital dashboard where they can update stock details, manage product information, and change prices instantly. At the same time, customers can use a single, easy-to-use interface to search for required spare parts, check real-time availability across nearby stores, and compare prices from different sellers without physically visiting each shop. The system is built using modern web technologies, including React.js with Next.js for the frontend, Node.js with Express.js for backend operations, and MySQL for database management. This technology stack ensures secure data handling, real-time updates, and scalability. Pilot testing of the system with selected local vendors showed noticeable improvements in daily operations. Shopkeepers experienced better inventory accuracy and fewer missed sales due to incorrect stock information. Customers reported a smoother and faster buying process, highlighting time savings and price transparency as major advantages. Additionally, the platform encouraged digital adoption among small business owners who previously had limited exposure to technology. Overall, the study concludes that the proposed digital platform improves efficiency, transparency, and customer satisfaction in the local spare parts market. Future enhancements may include secure online payment options, delivery and logistics support, and advanced analytics for predicting demand, further strengthening the system’s impact on the retail ecosystem. Keywords: Spare parts, real-time inventory, price comparison, digital platform, local vendors, inventory management, customer convenience.

ABSTRACT This investigation examines mediating influence of IT Innovation in connection amongst SCM strategies and organization’s success. In Irbid, Jordan, 207 small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) provided data for the collection. PLS-SEM was used to identify suggested propositions. Results show that degree of data sharing with strategic alliances along with suppliers had no effect upon the performance of the organization. Moreover, there was a notable impact on organization performance from interior supply chain procedures, lean practice along with excellence of information distribution. Furthermore, supply chain management five practices all meaningfully and constructively impacted IT Innovation. In the meantime, the connection between organization performance and five supply chain management techniques was strongly and favorably mediated by IT Innovation. The results of this investigation will support the performance improvement of SMEs’ administration.

The digital mental health (DMH) industry has grown drastically over the last decade; yet, many DMH products have failed to demonstrate meaningful clinical outcomes, in large part due to lack of scientific evidence. This viewpoint paper highlights an example of how early-stage DMH companies can prioritize science as a strategic advantage. We discuss Moment for Parents, an artificial intelligence-driven maternal mental health app built entirely with support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. We illustrate the advantages and challenges of building a science-backed product with federal funding. Benefits include credible evidence generation, independence in product development, and enhanced market differentiation. We also discuss the challenges of navigating the SBIR ecosystem, including grant writing and administrative demands, and aligning business objectives with federal research priorities. By showcasing both the promise and complexity of SBIR funding, this viewpoint paper offers actionable insights for founders and chief executive officers who aim to prioritize science in the DMH space.

Retail banking occupies a central place in the financial ecosystem, serving millions of individuals and small businesses with a wide array of products and services including savings accounts, personal loans, credit cards, mortgages, and digital banking platforms. This report investigates the multifaceted relationship between retail banking product offerings and customer relationship management (CRM), examining how banks design, deliver, and continuously improve their services to attract and retain customers in an increasingly competitive marketplace. The study analyses the role of personalized banking offers, digital innovation, and data-driven insights in reshaping customer expectations and banking behaviour. It further explores how effective CRM strategies, omnichannel service delivery, loyalty programmes, and customer satisfaction mechanisms contribute to sustainable business growth. Through case analysis and review of current banking practices, this report highlights the challenges banks face—including regulatory compliance, customer data privacy, digital disruption, and rising service expectations—and offers actionable recommendations for enhancing the retail banking customer experience. Keywords: Retail banking, customer relationship management, CRM, banking services, digital banking, personalized offers, customer satisfaction, loyalty programmes, omnichannel banking, financial products, customer retention, service quality, NPA, banking innovation, regulatory compliance.

ABSTRACT We provide evidence of a political lending cycle in U.S. presidential elections characterized by an increase in credit supply by large banks in swing states. The credit expansion is independent of the incumbent's party, revealing a non‐partisan preference for political continuity. Growth in mortgage and small business loans is substantial, but does not affect credit quality.

Banks’ lending technology hinges on their handling of soft and hard information in dealing with different types of credit demand. Through assembling a novel data set on banks’ investment in information technologies (IT), this paper provides concrete empirical evidence on how banks adapt their lending technologies. We find investment in communication IT is associated with improving banks’ ability to produce and transmit soft information, whereas investment in software IT helps enhance banks’ hard information processing capacity. We exploit policies that affect geographic regions differentially to show causally that banks respond to an increased demand for small business credit (mortgage refinance) by increasing their spending on communication (software) IT spending. We also find that the entry of fintech induces commercial banks to increase their investment in IT—more so in the software IT category. This paper was accepted by Bo Becker, finance. Funding: Z. He acknowledges financial support from the John E. Jeuck Endowment at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, as most of the work was done while he worked at the University of Chicago. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2024.04608 .

Small enterprises in the United States may face heightened exposure to financial misconduct due to limited resources, lean staffing, and informal operational structures that can constrain the effectiveness of internal oversight mechanisms. Despite the recognized importance of internal audit functions in deterring and detecting fraud, empirical evidence on how specific audit deficiencies relate to fraud vulnerability in U.S. small enterprises remains limited. This study examined the relationship between internal audit weaknesses and perceived fraud risk among small enterprise owners and managers in the United States, with particular focus on deficiencies in audit independence, monitoring frequency, segregation of duties, and documentation practices. A survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 250 respondents selected through snowball sampling using an electronic questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. Simple regression analysis was employed to test the hypothesis that internal audit weaknesses are positively associated with perceived fraud risk. The findings revealed a statistically significant positive association between internal audit weaknesses and perceived fraud risk (β = 0.850, p < 0.001), with the model explaining approximately 73.1% of the variance in perceived fraud risk. Inadequate monitoring, poor segregation of duties, and insufficient documentation were identified as the most commonly perceived deficiencies linked to fraud vulnerability. The study concludes that deficiencies in internal audit structures are associated with heightened perceived fraud vulnerability in U.S. small enterprises. These findings have practical implications for small business owners, policymakers, and accounting professionals seeking to strengthen governance and financial accountability in resource-constrained organizational settings. Limitations relating to sample generalizability and the perceptual nature of the data are acknowledged.

This study examines socioeconomic gaps affecting productive and commercial dynamics in urban community contexts of Quito. From a territorial perspective, it explores conditions influencing the sustainability of small local businesses. The objective was to identify key productive and commercial weaknesses perceived by community actors. The research adopts a qualitative, descriptive approach, with a sample of businesses collected during university outreach activities. An anonymous survey was applied using EPICOLECT5 and textual analysis was conducted with Voyant Tools. Results reveal structural shortages, high dependency, and limited competitiveness, highlighting university engagement as a strategy for capacity building and inclusive territorial development processes locally.

When pumped from one production unit to another, molten cheese spread is a highly viscous liquid, which inevitably affects all hydraulic calculations for optimal pipeline characteristics. However, such calculations often miss out the effect of the viscosity on the pump efficiency. This article introduces a new method for determining the optimal pipe diameter to transport liquid media during food production. It takes into account the viscosity of the liquid and the technical characteristics of the rotary lobe pump. The research featured a lobe-pump hydraulic system for transporting highly viscous cheese spreads. The calculations involved the technical parameters of the lobe pump and pipelines, as well as electricity tariffs. To determine the annual electricity costs, we used electricity tariffs for small businesses as of June 2024 in three random regions of the Russian Federation. The parameters of different cheese spreads (55–95°C) came from scientific publications in the public domain. Among the various factors that affected the optimal pipe diameter, the greatest impact belonged to the temperature-related changes in viscosity. As the operation time of the lobe pump increased, so did the share of electrical energy costs. As a result, the optimal diameter of the pipeline increased significantly to compensate for the hydraulic pressure losses and energy costs. The optimal diameter also depended on the investment parameters. Bigger Life-Cycle values correlated with larger optimal pipe diameters, i. e., the reduced costs went down. Higher interest rates, on the other hand, correlated with smaller optimal pipe diameters, i. e., the reduced costs went up. In general, the overall efficiency of the pumping station depended quite strongly on all the factors featured in this research. The new method made it possible to determine the optimal pipe diameter for inter-operational transportation of cheese spreads in particular and highly viscous laminar fluids in general. It relied on viscosity values and lobe pump specifications. Numerically, it was based on a step-by-step calculation of economic and hydraulic parameters. The method demonstrated good prospects for food pipeline design.

A multi-objective genetic–Mamdani fuzzy reasoning framework for bias-resilient small business credit scoring

Can generative AI serve as an on-demand business adviser? A field experiment with hundreds of small business owners in Kenya found that AI access boosted revenues and profits by 15% for high performers — but caused a nearly 10% decline for those who had already been struggling. The culprit: Weaker performers followed generic or misleading AI advice because they lacked the judgment to filter it out. Leaders deploying AI at scale must design their rollouts carefully to avoid widening performance gaps.

The introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on 1 July 2017 marked a major shift in India’s indirect tax system. Before GST, businesses faced a confusing mix of central taxes (like excise duty and service tax) and state levies (VAT, entry tax, octroi, and various cesses). These overlapping taxes caused cascading costs, border delays, and administrative headaches, ultimately raising prices for everyone. GST replaced this fragmented setup with a single, destination-based consumption tax that applies uniformly across the country. The goal was simpler compliance, reduced cascading, and a truly integrated national market. A standout feature is the GST Council, where the Centre and states jointly decide rates, exemptions, and rules. This cooperative approach has strengthened federal coordination in taxation. Since rollout, GST has brought greater transparency and efficiency. The GST Network (GSTN) enables online filings, invoice matching, and better tracking, pulling many informal businesses into the formal economy. Removing state border checkpoints has sped up goods movement and lowered logistics costs. Revenue trends have been encouraging overall. Using principles from public finance theory alongside empirical revenue trends and institutional evaluation, the paper assesses whether GST has strengthened revenue generation, enhanced fiscal responsiveness, and contributed to long-term financial sustainability at the state level. Nationally, collections have grown steadily with a wider tax base, even after some rate rationalisations. For Uttar Pradesh, a large and diverse state, GST has supported rising own-tax revenue, reduced dependence on central transfers, and driven a surge in registrations often topping the country in new enrolments in recent months. Monthly collections frequently rank among the highest, reflecting stronger economic formalisation and activity. Still, challenges persist. Small businesses in UP and elsewhere find compliance burdensome monthly filings, tech requirements, and complex rules hit micro-enterprises hard. Early portal glitches frustrated users, and debates over revenue sharing and state fiscal autonomy continue. Overall, GST has created a more streamlined, transparent, and integrated indirect tax framework. It has boosted revenue mobilisation, eased inter-state trade, and laid the foundation for a national common market. For Uttar Pradesh, it has contributed to better fiscal performance and economic formalisation. Long-term success, however, depends on simplifying processes for small players, improving technology, and maintaining strong Centre-state cooperation.