Strategic Resource Management Research Articles

Analysis of marine diversity and anthropogenic pressures on Seixas coral reef ecosystem (northeastern Brazil)

Coral reefs, vital and ecologically significant ecosystems, are among the most jeopardized marine environments in the Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the northeastern coast of Brazil. The persistent lack of effective management and conservation has led to fragmented information on reef use and pressures, hindering the understanding of these ecosystems' health. Major difficulties and challenges include inadequate data, diverse anthropogenic pressures, and the complex interaction between marine species. This study sought to bridge this knowledge gap by conducting a comprehensive analysis of marine diversity and anthropogenic pressures, specifically focusing on Seixas coral reef near João Pessoa city, an area notably impacted by tourism. Utilizing 25 monitoring transects, subdivided into 1 m2 quadrants, the marine diversity was meticulously evaluated through innovative procedures including (a) sedimentological and geochemical field surveys, (b) application of Shannon-Weaver diversity and Simpson dominance indices, (c) cluster analysis, (d) species identification of macroalgae, coral, and fish, and (e) an examination of anthropogenic interactions and pressures on the coral reef. The assessment encompassed three distinct zones: Back Reef, Reef Top, and Fore Reef, and identified a total of 25 species across 15 genera and 10 fish families. The findings revealed the prevalence of brown macroalgae, fish, and coral, with heightened abundance of red macroalgae in the Fore Reef, which also exhibited the greatest diversity (2.816) and dominance (0.894). Original achievements include the identification of specific spatial variations, recognition of the anthropogenic factors leading to ecological changes, and the formulation of evidence-based recommendations. The study concludes that escalating urbanization and burgeoning daily tourist visits to the reef have exacerbated negative impacts on Seixas coral reef's marine ecosystem. These insights underscore the urgent need for strategic planning and resource management to safeguard the reef's biodiversity and ecological integrity.

CHALLENGES IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Purpose- The purpose of this study is to research some of the major problems and challenges in the construction industry that need to be addressed and solved by various stakeholders. Factors influencing technology use in building construction project management Inadequate risk management, lack of structure, poor communication, unrealistic expectations/bad forecasting, delayed cash flow and limited skills. Methodology- The study employs a quantitative study to explore the construction industry for building a competitive advantage. Findings- The analysis reveals that the construction industry faces various challenges that can impact project delivery, productivity, and overall performance. there are some common problems in the construction industry. Construction projects often encounter cost overruns due to factors such as inaccurate initial estimates, changes in project scope, unforeseen site conditions, and fluctuations in material and labor costs. Budgetary constraints can lead to financial strain and project delays. Delays in construction projects can occur due to factors like poor project planning and management, inclement weather, labor shortages, regulatory approvals, and issues with subcontractors or suppliers. These delays can result in increased costs, contractual disputes, and dissatisfaction among project stakeholders. Construction sites are inherently hazardous environments, and ensuring worker safety is a critical concern. Failure to comply with safety regulations, inadequate training, lack of safety protocols, and inadequate risk assessments can lead to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Effective communication and collaboration among project teams, including architects, engineers, contractors, and subcontractors, are essential for successful project delivery. Inadequate communication, misinterpretation of project requirements, and lack of coordination can lead to errors, rework, and delays. Maintaining high-quality construction standards is crucial, but the industry often faces challenges in ensuring consistent quality control. Conclusion - based upon the analysis findings it may be concluded that the difficulties can turn to competitive advantage with better strategic planning, risk management, and management of resources. The construction industry has a very important role in many countries for Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth. Keywords: construction industry, competitiveness, opportunities, JEL Codes: M11, M10, O10

Strategic Entrepreneurship Under the Chaos Theory

Purpose: The research aims to test the relationship between chaos theory and strategic Entrepreneurship in the Iraqi National Security Advisory, as well as the research clarifies the results by showcasing the applied side of the research. Theoretical framework: The research concentrates on 3 main points, which are: (I) The Chaos Theory, (II) Strategic Entrepreneurship, (III) The applied side of the research. It tries to analyze the relationship between these variables by reviewing the introduction, which includes the research problem and hypotheses, as well as reviewing the results and discussions that prove the hypotheses. Methods: Put questions and goals derived from it, to define its hypothetical model with two main hypotheses The research community was (144), while the research sample was (133) from the leaders of the National Security Advisory (Deputy National Security Adviser, general managers, assistant directors general, consultants, department directors, and division directors), to distribute to them (the questionnaire) that was designed by relying on the survey data were analyzed after adopting the descriptive, exploratory approach, on the two statistical packages (SPSS V.28 & AMOS V.25), so that the analysis of its data concludes with identifying the most prominent result of the National Security Advisory’s tendency to improve its Entrepreneurship. Stimulating entrepreneurship and innovation should be part of regulatory agendas that tend to encourage and drive the adoption and dissemination of technologies (Matheus Eurico Soares de Noronha and Et. al., 2023: 26). As it is at the top of the hierarchy in security decision-making and organization before voting on it in the National Security Council headed by the Prime Minister and whose membership constitutes the relevant security and sovereign ministries within the structure of the Iraqi government. One of the reasons for adopting the title of the research was to come up with a clear scientific analytical vision about what the intellectual presentation of chaos theory provides, and the intellectual contributions in the field of strategic Entrepreneurship for the leaders of the National Security Advisers, as well as knowledge integration in bridging potential chaos gaps from the perspective of culture, Entrepreneurship capabilities, and wisdom in disposing of resources and according to priorities. And the goals of the organization and the method of applying innovative ideas concerned with proactively developing creative directions, and on this basis, the research problem was formulated with a main question, was the National Security Advisory able to employ chaos theory in improving its strategic Entrepreneurship? Uniqueness: The strategy is based on the adoption of chaos theory in general, and its dimensions of strange attractor/butterfly effect, bifurcation point, feedback, and self-regulation, as well as adopting strategies to improve the dimensions of strategic Entrepreneurship represented by the employment of strange attractor/butterfly effect, bifurcation point and feedback in improving entrepreneurial culture, and adopting those Dimensions as dimensions of chaos theory in improving entrepreneurial Entrepreneurship, to resort to the strange attractor/butterfly effect, self-organization, and bifurcation point to improve the level of strategic resource management, as well as employing the strange attractor/butterfly effect, bifurcation point and feedback in improving its ability to apply innovation to develop creativity.

Employee and customer loyalty: two targets, one endeavor?

PurposeRecently, leading scholars suggested that firms should align strategic and tactical human resource management efforts to cope with growing turnover rates, and that the human resource management field should broaden its scope by embracing the views of all stakeholders. In this research paper, the authors aim to present a study inquiring about the influence of the implementation of an employee experience strategy on employee loyalty and the effect of employee loyalty on customer loyalty in a firm operating in the service sector.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used longitudinal data collected yearly from 2020 to 2022. Overall, 766 employees participated in the longitudinal study. The authors also analyzed cross-sectional data from 166 employees and their customers.FindingsThe study’s results suggest that implementing an employee experience strategy increases employee loyalty. The study’s findings also indicate that organizations implementing such a human resource management strategy reach employee and customer loyalty.Originality/valueThere is a lack of evidence about the positive effect of the alignment of an employee experience strategy and tactics on different organizational stakeholders. This study provides insights for scholars and practitioners willing to use the employee and customer experience framework to positively impact organizations.

ENHANCING UTILIZATION OF HEALTH FUNDS INSURANCE THROUGH THE ACCOUNTABILITY CONTROL MODEL

The Aceh People's Health Insurance Fund (known as JKA, JaminanKesehatan Aceh) is an investment by the Aceh’s Government in the public health sector that requires continuous monitoring and control to ensure the provision of quality medical services. This study aims to develop an accountability control model in the strategic resource management of JKA, which is considered appropriate to identify the suitable and efficient level of control in managing JKA funds by hospitals in Aceh. The research framework is developed based on theoretical arguments emphasizing the need to utilize an appropriate control model that focuses on monitoring the responsiveness of health care providers to the expectations, desires, and demands of health service users. Additionally, the study also tracks financial and non-financial administration compliance aspects, as well as the achievement of stakeholder missions in the utilization of JKA funds. Despite the integration of JKA funds with the National Health Insurance program under the Social Security Administrating Body, service issues persist, and potential for improvement remains. In this study, the Performance Measurement System (PMS) control model is employed as a moderator of the JKN-JKA hospital control system, which consists of two strategic resources, namely human resource control and physical resource control, with a focus on JKA utilization performance. The utilization of the control model is categorized into two continuums, namely diagnostic control and interactive control. Respondent data were obtained through purposive sampling based on the research objectives. The sample for this research comprises hospitals, health centers, clinics, and optical facilities providing JKA health services in North Aceh and Lhokseumawe City. The study results provide empirical evidence that the utilization of a diagnostic and interactive control model enhances the performance of JKA fund utilization. This finding implies the applicability of the PMS control model for health service providers in Aceh.

Resources and regulation of resource conservation at various stages of the object's life cycle

The relevance of research. At present, the system of regulation of economic activity in Russia belongs to the mobilization type. Among the economic tasks of the mobilization period, one can single out the task of building new external and internal economic contours of the interaction between production, consumption and investment. Among the new economic phenomena of the current period, it should be noted the growing role of resource conservation in the context of maximizing the involvement of internal reserves in the economic turnover. Sustainable and at the same time progressive development of an enterprise of any form of ownership and type of economic activity is associated with effective decisions on the use of resources. In general, the strategic and current management of enterprise resources is the area of competence of the quality management system, one of the functions of which is resource management. An integral element of a comprehensive quality institution is standardization as an open, dynamic and adaptive system. On the territory of the Russian Federation, the problem of resource saving in the construction process is of particular relevance, since most of the country's territory is located in areas with a harsh climate, which requires an increased volume of resource consumption, in particular, those related to the thermal protection of objects. The purpose of the work is to identify the essence of the concepts of "resources" and "resource saving" and to summarize recommendations for organizing the handling of biosphere and technosphere resources in the "design-construction-operation" system. The object of the study is the national standards of the Russian Federation, federal laws and by-laws that regulate the process of resource saving at all stages of the creation of construction products. The subject of the study is design and construction activities carried out according to the criteria of energy saving and material saving in accordance with the environmental policy and guidelines. Research result. The authors present a classification of national resources in the concept of resource saving. The potential resources of enterprises as part of the external and internal circuits are considered as the basis for the study of resource saving. The authors of the article also developed a Matrix of standards governing resource saving at the stages of the life cycle of the creation and operation of an industrial/residential facility

SWAT based Bi-objective framework for improving the degree of consumer satisfaction in urban water allocation system under streamflow uncertainty

A long-term perspective of climate change patterns leads to the strategic management of limited water resources and consequently achieves the maximum level of social satisfaction between the various sectors in a water allocation system. Therefore, this study first adopts Soil &Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to simulate future climate change patterns [2020–2050 and 2051–2080] under Representative Concentration Pathway (RCPs) scenarios, and then the extracted SWAT output is applied as the initial data in a bi-level programming model in which the manager of the upper level (MUL) tries to maximize the level of social satisfaction between sub-areas while the lower level manager (MLL) focuses on maximization of multi-sectoral social satisfaction. Also, historical data collected from Zayandehrud basin, Iran as a case study are considered for calibration, validation, and subsequently projecting the runoff data for mentioned periods. Based on the output related to the regional hydrological cycle under the [RCP4.5/2020–2080 & RCP8.5/2020–2080] scenarios, the study area is strongly affected by drought and relative temperature increase. Accordingly, due to the shrinkage of water resources in the basin, the highest degree of consumer satisfaction is related to the domestic sector as the smallest recipient of water resources. Thus, with the development of adaptation measures such as the use of demand reduction leverage for the effective use of limited water resources, the challenge of demand dissatisfaction for both the industrial and agricultural sectors is significantly improved.

Governance of densification and climate change adaptation: How can conflicting demands for housing and greening in cities be reconciled?

Urban green spaces are important for climate change adaptation, in particular to reduce the negative impacts of heat waves on human well-being. However, in growing cities urban green spaces are under pressure due to increasing housing demand and densification. Municipalities face the challenge of addressing both the housing shortage and the need for climate change adaptation on limited space. This study assessed the barriers that hinder successful integration in urban policymaking. More specifically, it analyses structural conditions impeding or promoting climate resilient urban development in growing, densifying areas. Based on interviews with urban and green space planning officers and policy analyses, we investigate current discourses and the interrelations between actors, power, resources and regulations. Our results show that improved cooperation between individual administrative departments, as well as administration and politics is decisive for better integration of green spaces in urban planning, negotiations with investors and sustained citizen involvement. Certain departmental structures and working routines can help to promote such cooperation. We show that it is not the availability of resources alone that is key for integration, as commonly suggested. Instead, transparent communication, the co-development of rules and resolutions with the public, and strategic external resource management are needed for solving conflicting demands for densification and greening in cities. We conclude with recommendations for research, policy and practice.

Strategic resource management in private, public, and mixed-owned organisations in cities: the power of strategic urban networks

Strategic resource management in private, public, and mixed-owned organisations in cities: the power of strategic urban networks

Формування системи стратегічного управління фінансовими ресурсами інноваційного розвитку підприємств

The article emphasizes the relevance of applying a strategic approach to planning, attracting, and effective use of financial support for the sake of implementation of innovation and technological projects of domestic enterprises in the face of modern challenges and threats. It is stated that the innovation activity of economic entities is integral when it comes to strengthening their competitive positions and ensuring sustainable and efficient functioning. At this, such activities require proper financial support. Accordingly, the issue of harmonizing the course of innovation processes and their financial and resource provision requires the application of principles and instruments of strategic management. In accordance with this, the study solves the problem of scientific substantiation of methodological and applied provisions regarding the formation and implementation of a system of strategic management of financial resources for innovative development of domestic enterprises. It is shown that the leading elements of such a system are: 1) actualized approach to the strategic nature of management of financial resources of enterprises; 2) development of the conceptual and methodological-applied basis of strategic management of financial support for innovative development of economic entities; 3) building of and adhering to a set of principles of strategizing when forming and using financial support for innovative business development; 4) identification of strategic priorities of the policy of long-term financial support of innovation activity of economic entities; 5) diversification of sources of formation of financial resources to support the processes of innovative development of enterprises. It is concluded that the most rational method of harmonizing the sources of formation of financial provision with the course of the processes of innovative development of enterprises on the basis of building a strategic matrix of management of financial resources, which is based on the stages of the innovation process of enterprise, namely, fundamental and applied research, design development, marketing, production and sale of innovative products (services).

ДРАЙВЕРИ ТА ІНСТРУМЕНТИ ЦИФРОВИХ ТРАНСФОРМАЦІЙ В УПРАВЛІННІ

Management in the digital format has undergone significant changes compared to traditional approaches. To adapt to the modern market environment, it is essential to have a system that facilitates analysis, optimization, and strategic planning. Organizations are transitioning to the digital format of strategic and operational management of business processes and resources. A distinctive feature of digital management is a shift in focus towards organization, communication, and interaction both within the company and with the external environment, facilitated by digital technologies, online tools, and collaborative platforms. Digital technologies and management tools help companies respond more swiftly to changes in the market environment, encourage an innovative approach to problem-solving, and enable rapid modification of strategies and plans. Remote work and global communication enable collaboration with colleagues, partners, and clients regardless of geographic location, forming global teams and engaging experts from around the world. Data analysis and data-driven decision-making allow for collecting and analyzing large volumes of data concerning company activities, the market, and consumers. This aids in making informed decisions and refining strategies. Digital communication channels ensure effective communication within the company and with external contacts. Process automation reduces the time and effort spent on administrative processes. The implementation of digital tools and new work formats attracts young, talented professionals. These key aspects of digital management interact with each other, facilitating efficient communication, collaboration, and information exchange. They enable adaptation to changes, making work processes more flexible, productive, and successful in the digital environment.

БІБЛІОМЕТРИЧНИЙ АНАЛІЗ ДОСЛІДЖЕНЬ ІЗ ТЕМАТИКИ ВАРТІСНО-ОРІЄНТОВАНОГО УПРАВЛІННЯ БІЗНЕСОМ В УМОВАХ ВОЛАТИЛЬНОСТІ РИНКІВ

This work is devoted to the analysis of scientific research, the subject of which is related to value-oriented business management in conditions of market volatility. The effectiveness of doing business and the growth of its value directly depends on the adoption of balanced management decisions, especially in the conditions of transformation of socio-economic relations and the influence of destabilizing factors on them. The results of the analysis showed that the methods of value analysis and business process engineering are especially in demand in companies. The main goal of this study is to reveal the content of scientific works related to value-oriented management at an enterprise in unstable business conditions with the possibility of establishing further directions of research. The main research tools are the scientometric database Scopus and Web of Science, and the VosViewer program. 1857 publications from 1983 to 2023 were selected for analysis. In the process of studying the material, it was established that the noticeable growth of publishing activity is observed from 2002 to 2022, when the number of works on the subject under study increased by 2600%. On the basis of such terms as "value based management" and "value engineering", the analysis carried out in the VosViewer program showed 13 clusters of keywords that characterize the subject of the study. The largest cluster concerns studies of mechanisms of strategic planning and resource management in the value engineering system at the enterprise. The thematic area of the next largest cluster is the perception of economic and social risks in conditions of uncertainty and innovative transformations. The third cluster in terminological content concerns control over the business management process and its earned value. Therefore, the close relationships between the researched subjects indicate the importance of taking them into account when making tactical and strategic decisions in the system of value-oriented business management in conditions of market instability, characterized mainly by changes in the socio-political and economic environment.

Navigating Financial Landscapes A Qualitative Study On Cash Flow Volatility, Intellectual Capital, Human Capital, And Tax Compliance Awareness

This study aims to investigate the dynamics between cash flow volatility, intellectual capital, human capital, and tax compliance awareness within financial landscapes. The research model incorporates these key components to comprehend their interplay and implications. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select participants from diverse financial sectors. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically to extract patterns and insights. The findings reveal intricate relationships among cash flow volatility, intellectual capital management, human capital development, and tax compliance awareness. Notably, organizations with robust intellectual and human capital frameworks demonstrate better adaptability to cash flow fluctuations and exhibit higher levels of tax compliance awareness. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the multifaceted factors influencing financial dynamics and highlights the importance of strategic resource management in fostering financial resilience and compliance.

Modern problems of the state subsurface management system and possible solutions

Aim. The presented study aims to investigate the existing models and problems of subsurface management regulation in Russia in the context of economic development priorities. Tasks. The authors describe subsurface as an object of state regulation and control; identify problems in subsurface management; define theoretical models of subsurface management; substantiate the need to reorganize the current Russian subsurface management model; provide recommendations for the formation of mechanisms to support economic entities that implement environmentally friendly subsurface management systems and digital technologies; justify the need for strategic subsurface management. Methods. This study uses general scientific research methods (analysis, synthesis, tabular method, grouping) and methods of strategic analysis. Results. Several problems in Russia’s existing state subsurface management system are considered and recommendations for overcoming them are given. It is established that the current licensing model of subsurface management needs to be enhanced by strengthening the contractual component (which includes creating a mixed model). The problem of developing an environmentally friendly subsurface management system is revealed and issues in the industry’s digital transformation are investigated. Conclusions. Nowadays, subsurface management is one of the key complex objects in the public administration system. It is based on an extensive system of legal relations between the government and subsurface users. The main problems in the field of subsurface management include imperfection of the current model of state regulation, incomplete formation of a system of environmentally friendly subsurface management, insufficient development of digital platforms and technologies within the industry, and lack of strategic management. These problems can be solved by implementing the following recommendations: developing mixed models of subsurface management (a combination of concession/contract and concession/license models); implementing the concept of circular economy in subsurface management; conducting an environmental modernization of the technologies used; making a transition towards digital management of the mineral resource base; enhancing the production of domestic geological and mining equipment; conducting a strategic exploration and strategic management of subsurface resources.

Corporate Governance and Sustainable Development in Africa: Green Human Resource Management Approach

This paper is based on corporate governance and sustainability with a special focus on strategic and green human resource management and sustainability. The paper goes step by step to bring out the historical perspectives of corporate governance and sustainable development in Africa as well as the introduction of corporate governance and its relevance to sustainable development. Various corporate governance dimensions are well articulated to bring out how each dimension contributes to sustainable development. The study also discusses the highlights of strategic human resource management and how it connects to green human resource management in order to increase sustainability. Some anchoring theories to underpin the various topical issues have also been presented and towards the end tail, the role of women in board membership as an integral part of corporate governance is captured. It might be very difficult to have sustainable development without the full participation of women. This paper took the approach of a desk review of studies done on corporate governance and green human resource management for purposes of bringing out the sustainability component. The paper illustrates various dimensions of governance that can enhance sustainability through inclusivity, particularly of women in corporate board membership as well as public sector boards so that women can be part of strategic decision making. It further explores the use of legal rights and human rights as well as technology and innovation that can be leveraged to inculcate green human resource management practices with a view to capturing development for posterity which is critical for growth and advancement in economies in Africa.

Elements totality of innovative activity management

An important indicator of the socio — economic development of each country is the level of public welfare. At the same time, the level of decline in the life of various categories of citizens leads to the aggravation of the social needs of society, demanding quick solutions. Satisfying these needs at the state or municipal level is not always possible in a short period of time, which is connected with the limitation of means, the multi-level and bureaucratic nature of the system, and the lack of citizen initiative. Interest in innovations is relevant today due to the crisis phenomena in the economy of Ukraine due to the global crisis in the world due to the pandemic and military operations on the territory of the country. The development of mechanisms to encourage individuality in the process of development of the public sector is an effective way of increasing the social satisfaction of the population. The ineffective national innovation system of Ukraine, as a result of hostilities on the territory of the state, the loss of part of the territory due to the occupation of the Russian Federation, a number of restrictions on the acquisition of military equipment, the lack of sufficient funding for science and other reasons, the increase in the price of goods and services, logistical problems, the destruction of the transport infrastructure, this affected on the state and further development of industrial enterprises, led to the redistribution of shares of industries in the structure of GDP, a significant reduction in production volumes and chaotic structuring of the economy, such a high-tech, innovative one, as a result — the loss of foreign and Ukrainian sales markets, a massive reduction of workers and jobs, and migration highly qualified workers of the decline of industrial enterprises, which used to be the flagships of the state’s economy. The problem of the article is to identify the main stages, methods of organizational structures for the formation and implementation of target complex programs for the development of investment and innovation activities of enterprises, the implementation of which will contribute to the success of strategic management of economic resources of economic entities. The purpose of the article is to develop a proposal for the formation and implementation of a targeted, comprehensive program for the development of innovative activities of enterprises.

Effect of Financial Management Strategy on Sustainable Performance of Community-Based Organizations in Ainabkoi Sub County

The recognition of the importance of strategic management of resources in organization’s performance has been influenced by the intensification of competition and relative success of organizations where there’s need to put emphasis in finance, technology, people and assets. Therefore, this study sought to determine the financial management strategy and sustainable performance of community-based organizations in Ainabkoi Sub County. The study was informed by model building approach for financial forecasting. A descriptive research design was applied in this study. The target population for this study was all approximately 40 CBOs operating in different parts of Ainabkoi Sub-County. The study used stratified random sampling to select the respondents. Primary data was collected using self-administered semi-structured questionnaires. A pilot test was done before embarking on actual data collection activity in Kesses Sub- County to determine the validity and reliability of research instruments. The collected data using questionnaires was edited, coded and cleaned in case of any inconsistencies and entered into the computer with the help of excel spreadsheets software before being uploaded into a statistical package known as Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics included frequency tables, percentages and measures mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistics included correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. The study findings revealed that there was effect of financial management strategy on sustainable performance of community-based organizations (β1=.114, p=0.000). The study concluded that there exists a strong, positive and statistically correlation between financial management strategy and sustainable performance of community-based organizations in Ainabkoi sub-county, Uasin Gishu County. This implies that annual .......

The multimodal construction of political personae through the strategic management of semiotic resources of emotion expression

ABSTRACT This paper presents an analytical framework for analyzing how multimodal resources of emotion expression are semiotically materialized in discursive interactions specific to political discourse. Interested in how political personae are emotionally constructed through multimodal meaning-making practices, our analysis model assumes an interdisciplinary perspective, which integrates facial expression analysis – using FaceReader™ software –, the theory of emotional arcs and bodily actions (hand gestures) analysis that express emotions, in the analytical framework of multimodality. The results show how the multimodal choices that political actors make during discursive interactions allow them to build their political brand and make connections with the audience on an emotional level.

Impacts of climate change on rivers and biodiversity in a water-scarce semi-arid region of the Western Cape, South Africa

The Ecological Reserve (environmental flows) as defined under the South African National Water Act 36 of 1998 was designed to equitably manage water for river sustainability while maximizing economic and social welfare. We investigated the climate change impacts on the Ecological Reserve targets for a seasonal river in an agricultural catchment in the Western Cape region using the Habitat Flow Stressor Response method (which integrates hydrology, hydraulics, water quality, and ecological data) under projected climate scenarios (2041–2070). Current Ecological Reserve model outcomes for 3 sites on the Doring River were compared with the future hydrology using Global Circulation Models associated with four Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP 2.6–8.5). Climate predictions reflected reduced future flows, but the uncertainty band of predicted future flows overlapped with present day flows. Flood flashiness following heavy rains and the increased length of dry periods that are predicted would both contribute to increased erosion and geomorphological degradation, and further compromise biodiversity including the endangered fish populations and threaten both freshwater and estuarine ecosystems downstream. Salinity variation is predicted to increase in future leading to increased seasonal salinity stress and reduced use of abstracted water. We interrogate various options for mitigating the impacts including augmenting dry season flows, developing on-farm, catchment-scale, and strategic water resources management, and removing alien vegetation.

Circular Economy Initiatives: Strategic Implications, Resource Management, and Entrepreneurial Innovation in a Brazilian Craft Beer Ecosystem during the COVID Era

A new brewery is founded in Brazil every two days. Yet with climate change, drinking water is increasingly scarce. Previous studies have begun exploring the brewing industry, but an examination of circular economy initiatives in Latin America is lacking, particularly during the COVID era. This study analyzes strategic implications of circular economy initiatives, together with their role in the coevolution of the craft beer sociotechnical system in Brazil from a resource perspective during the COVID pandemic. Using a qualitative methodology based on analytic induction, 11 in-depth semi-structured interviews were carried out with key actors from the craft beer sociotechnical system in Guarapuava. For the content analysis, we triangulated the interviews with an analysis of 74 related documents. We found evidence of circular economy practices and sociotechnical transitions with the simultaneous coevolution of the system actors. Increasing rejection of the linear take–make–waste economy was observed as subject organizations largely adopted a regenerative model reducing operational waste. Hence, entrepreneurial innovation was apparently crucial for resource allocation during the COVID era. This work contributes to further understanding resource configurations in the circular economy, with practical implications for integrating sustainability into strategy, business models, and production.