Strategic Priorities Research Articles

Green Productivity and Energy Efficiency Optimization in the Transformation of Intelligent Manufacturing: Challenges, Opportunities and Strategies

Against the backdrop of escalating climate change and resource scarcity, fostering high-quality productivity and reducing pollution/carbon emissions have become national strategic priorities. China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) announced in 2021 its commitment to advancing new digital infrastructure, aiming to complete the construction of green, intelligent, and secure digital systems by 2025. This study employed mixed-methods research, combining sampling surveys with 1,092 valid questionnaires and on-site interviews. It conducts a multidimensional analysis to study how new digital infrastructure can facilitate the co-development of green productivity in smart manufacturing enterprises. Model validation was achieved through field investigations and data analytics to predict/optimize green productivity and energy efficiency. Using enterprise-level pollutant/carbon emission data, the research analyzed mediation effects with green finance and green technology development as mediating variables. Case studies of smart manufacturing firms revealed that green finance and technological advancements significantly enhance pollution/carbon reduction synergies enabled by new infrastructure.

STRATEGY AND TACTICS OF INNOVATION MANAGEMENT IN THE PROCESS OF SELF-SUFFICIENT DEVELOPMENT OF THE DAIRY PROCESSING BUSINESS: CURRENT STATE AND PROSPECTS

The article aims to identify strategic and tactical priorities for managing innovation activities in the milk processing industry. The relevance of this topic stems from the critical role of dairy processing enterprises in ensuring food security, stable economic performance, and social well-being, particularly under conditions of market volatility, limited access to external financing, and structural challenges in the agro-industrial complex. Innovation is considered a key factor in achieving sustainable competitiveness, increasing productivity, and developing value-added chains in the sector. The research methodology is based on a combination of statistical analysis, economic diagnostics, and structural-functional and system-based approaches to enterprise management. This combination makes it possible to assess both quantitative and qualitative parameters of innovation activity and resource utilization. Particular attention is paid to evaluating the effectiveness of existing innovation practices, the scale and structure of capital investments, and the availability of financial and institutional support for innovation at the enterprise level. The study reveals a significant imbalance between material and intangible investments, a low degree of innovation in production and management processes, and underdeveloped mechanisms for integrating innovations into operational, financial, and strategic decision-making frameworks. It has been established that innovation activity in the sector is susceptible to internal resource constraints, the depreciation of fixed assets, and increasing external market pressures from import competition and price volatility. These factors hamper the ability of enterprises to initiate, develop, and scale innovation. Based on the analysis, the authors propose a classification of innovation strategies aligned with business development objectives and adaptable to various organizational readiness and resilience levels. These include leadership strategies, preservation models, enhancement approaches, and frameworks for radical transformation. Furthermore, the article outlines a set of tactical tools designed to facilitate the effective implementation of innovations, including mechanisms for technological modernization, cost efficiency improvements, supply chain flexibility, product quality upgrades, and market positioning enhancements. Emphasis is placed on the practical aspects of aligning innovation efforts with business goals, using resource-efficient methods and monitoring systems to ensure successful outcomes. The practical significance of the research lies in developing a structured, action-oriented framework for innovation management that supports both the long-term sustainability and short-term adaptability of milk processing enterprises. This integrated approach helps increase their economic resilience, strengthens their competitive advantages, and expands their potential for integration into global value chains and international markets.

The Case for Genomic Surveillance in Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa has made remarkable strides in genomic surveillance, with more than 50% of countries now equipped with an in-country sequencing capacity and 98% actively contributing data to public genomic repositories. Catalyzed by the momentum of the COVID-19 pandemic, these advancements have extended far beyond SARS-CoV-2 to address a broader spectrum of public health threats, including antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and other emerging infectious diseases. This review explores these transformative achievements, identifies remaining gaps, and outlines strategic priorities for embedding genomics into the continent’s health systems. With a focus on sustainability, equity, and cross-sector collaboration, it positions Africa as a driver of global innovation in pathogen surveillance, uniquely leveraging its genetic and epidemiological diversity.

Mapping the research landscape of livestock adaptation to climate change: a bibliometric review using Scopus database (1994–2023)

Climate change threatens global livestock production through rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme events. Enhancing livestock system resilience is now a strategic priority for adaptation practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders committed to food security and rural livelihood sustainability. Although research on livestock adaptation is expanding, a comprehensive synthesis of its thematic evolution, performance, and knowledge gaps remains limited. This study addresses this gap through a bibliometric analysis of 3,217 publications from 1994 to 2023, retrieved from the Scopus database. Analytical tools such as Biblioshiny and VOSviewer were used for data processing and visualization. Findings reveal a consistent growth in research output, particularly post-2007, with the United States, China, and France emerging as leading contributors. Prominent authors include Sejian V., Wang X., and Li Y., while influential journals comprise Agricultural Systems, Journal of Animal Science, and Tropical Animal Health and Production. Thematic trends indicate a shift from early physiological studies (1994–2003) toward genetic diversity and adaptive traits (2004–2013), and more recently (2014–2023), a focus on heat stress, methane emissions, and sustainable breeding. The current research landscape emphasizes genetic adaptation, precision breeding, and climate mitigation strategies. Future studies should deepen the exploration of methane mitigation through genetic selection and feed innovations, while integrating indigenous knowledge and interdisciplinary approaches. Policy support and sustainable management practices will be critical to ensuring the long-term viability of livestock systems under a changing climate.

Human Resource Development Efforts in Rural Karnataka - A Case Study at Halasinkaipura Village

In today’s rapidly evolving and highly competitive global business environment, talent management has become a strategic priority for organizations aiming to achieve sustainable growth, innovation, and long-term success. As businesses expand across borders and face constant market disruptions, the ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent is no longer a human resource function alone but a core driver of organizational performance. This paper explores an integrated approach to strategic talent management, emphasizing the seamless alignment of recruitment, employee development, and retention strategies with overarching business objectives. The study highlights the significance of adopting a proactive and data-driven methodology to identify, attract, and nurture high-potential talent in a globally diverse workforce. It also delves into the growing influence of technology in streamlining talent acquisition processes, the implementation of personalized learning and career development programs, and the establishment of an inclusive and engaging workplace culture that supports employee well-being and loyalty. Drawing upon a synthesis of contemporary research, global HR practices, and real-world case examples, the paper proposes a comprehensive talent management model tailored for global enterprises. It underscores how integrated strategies, supported by leadership commitment and continuous innovation, can help organizations create a resilient, future-ready workforce. The findings of the study affirm the necessity of investing in human capital, fostering agility in talent practices, and building systems that prioritize long-term employee engagement, productivity, and organizational alignment.

CEO Demographics and Corporate Cash Holdings: Evidence from Banking Companies in Indonesia

Purpose: The study examines the impact of CEO demographics on corporate cash holdings in the Indonesian banking industry, focusing on CEO tenure, age, education, and gender. The study considers how regulatory constraints, firm characteristics, and macroeconomic factors shape corporate liquidity decisions. Method: Using data from 46 banking companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) from 2004 to 2022, this study analyzes 637 firm-year observations. The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model assesses the relationship between CEO demographics and cash holdings, incorporating firm-specific and macroeconomic control variables such as firm size, leverage, working capital, inflation, and GDP growth. Findings: The result reveals that CEO tenure negatively affects corporate cash holdings, suggesting that longer-tenured CEOs may optimize liquidity management rather than hold excess cash. CEO education positively influences cash holding, reflecting a stronger understanding of financial management and risk mitigation. In contrast, CEO age shows an insignificant effect, implying that experience and strategic priorities may matter more than age alone. Female CEOs exhibit a negative influence on cash holdings, possibly due to a more cautious financial approach or external governance expectations. Novelty: The study contributes to the literature on corporate liquidity by integrating CEO demographic factors with firm-specific and macroeconomic contexts. It extends the application of the upper echelons theory in a highly regulated sector, demonstrating how leadership traits influence cash management decisions. The research offers valuable insights for regulators, investors, and corporate boards in evaluating CEO profiles when assessing financial policies and risk management strategies.

The Italian job: A case study of strategic international content creation

Over May–June 2023, a two-person communications team from McMaster’s Faculty of Humanities embarked on an ambitious content project: travel to Italy to document two archaeological digs and one potential institutional partnership affiliated with the Faculty’s Department of Greek and Roman Studies, producing content that supports a wide range of institutional priorities and needs. This paper will illustrate the rationale used to achieve project support from Faculty and institutional stakeholders and how the resulting content was used to support strategic priorities at many different levels within the institution. It will explore the planning and logistics involved with international content work, how collaboration between faculty and central communications personnel contributed to the success of the project, and offer some key lessons learned as the content was created and deployed. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.

Assessing the impact of U.S. economic aid and military support on the strategic dynamics of Pakistan’s foreign policy: a study of diplomatic relations and public sentiment

The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach to address a gap in the existing literature by investigating the impact of U.S. economic assistance, shifts in U.S. military backing, diplomatic disagreements, and public opinion on Pakistan’s foreign policy decisions. Previously, there was a focus on isolated aspects of this relationship, such as economic or military factors. The regression results indicate that U.S. economic aid (− 0.46, p < 0.001) and diplomatic disputes (− 0.31, p < 0.025) have a negative impact on Pakistan’s foreign policy decision-making, whereas changes in U.S. military support (0.25, p < 0.013) positively influence it. The results imply a negative impact of U.S. economic aid, indicating that Pakistan’s policy autonomy is limited due to increased economic dependence. On the other hand, modifications to U.S. military assistance demonstrate a noteworthy positive impact, indicating that increased military collaboration supports assertive policy initiatives. Qualitative results show that Pakistan views the alignment with the U.S. as a way to get financial, military, and diplomatic support from the U.S., enhancing its influence and strategic position in the area. Financial considerations, such as maintaining trade advantages and receiving financial backing from the U.S., influence Pakistan’s decisions about its foreign policy. Pakistan would have to reassess its strategic priorities if U.S. economic aid was cut back or modified. Conditionality allows the United States to achieve certain policy objectives, like counterterrorism cooperation, human rights reforms, and regional stability, by linking aid to desired outcomes. The validity of dependency theory and military support’s effect on asymmetric coalitions illuminate bilateral power dynamics. The research suggests bilateral frameworks, varied economic partnerships, and increased military cooperation to decrease dependency and boost policy autonomy. The findings illustrate aid-politics dynamics by integrating quantitative and qualitative data and contributing to foreign policy analysis literature.

The College of Radiographers' Education and Career Framework (fourth edition): Exploring the guideline implementation gap across England using Normalisation Process Theory.

The College of Radiographers' Education and Career Framework (fourth edition): Exploring the guideline implementation gap across England using Normalisation Process Theory.

Optimal Location of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Vertiport Using a Three-Stage Geospatial Analysis Framework

Recent advancements in aviation and automation technologies have catalyzed the emergence of Urban Air Mobility (UAM), an innovative transportation paradigm involving the use of automated vertical take-off and landing aircraft for intra-city passenger travel. Despite growing global interest, the development and application of integrated geospatial frameworks for UAM infrastructure planning—particularly vertiport siting—remain limited. Thus, this study proposes a three-stage geospatial analysis framework, which consists of (1) Suitability analysis, employing multi-criteria decision-making techniques; (2) Regulation analysis, which screens out parcels restricted by aviation safety standards, land-use policies, and other statutory constraints; and (3) Location-allocation analysis, which spatially optimizes vertiport distribution in accordance with urban master plans and strategic transport priorities. Then, this framework is empirically applied to two South Korean UAM pilot sites—Busan and Jeju. The findings reveal that high-suitability areas are predominantly concentrated in dense urban cores with strong multimodal connectivity and mixed land-use configurations. However, a significant proportion of these zones are rendered infeasible due to regulatory exclusions, such as military flight paths and restricted airspace. Additionally, areas with lower suitability—often home to marginalized populations—raise critical equity concerns. This study contributes to the advancement of urban geospatial analytics by presenting a replicable methodological framework for vertiport site selection, while offering strategic insights to inform early-stage UAM deployment initiatives.

The Impact of Data Element Marketization on Green Total Factor Energy Efficiency: Empirical Evidence from China

Given the escalating severity of climate change and environmental degradation, the transition to green and low-carbon energy has become a strategic priority for China’s economic development. Green total factor energy efficiency (GTFEE), which captures energy utilization efficiency while accounting for environmental constraints and desirable outputs, has emerged as a key indicator for evaluating green energy transition performance. Data element marketization (DEM), as a vital institutional innovation, provides new impetus for accelerating the transition to green and low-carbon energy. This study leveraged the establishment of China’s data trading platforms as a quasi-natural experiment to systematically assess the effects, mechanisms, and spatial heterogeneity of DEM on urban GTFEE. The findings reveal that DEM has a statistically significant positive impact on urban GTFEE in the short term, while demonstrating a gradual diminishing marginal effect over the long term. Furthermore, this study uncovered heterogeneous effects based on factors such as city type, urban energy intensity, and new-energy pilot, as well as urban government governance capacity. Mechanism analysis demonstrated that DEM enhances urban GTFEE by accelerating the generation of data elements and fostering their deep integration with artificial intelligence (AI). Spatial analysis indicated that, while DEM significantly improves GTFEE in local cities, it generates negative spillover effects on neighboring cities due to the persistence of the digital divide.

DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A NATIONAL E-LEARNING PLATFORM FOR BELARUS

The integration of e-learning systems at a national level has become a strategic priority in ensuring inclusive and resilient education, especially in the post-pandemic era. This study presents the design, development, and pilot implementation of a national e-learning platform tailored to the Belarusian context. Employing a design-based research (DBR) approach, the study progressed through four phases: needs assessment, system architecture, implementation, and evaluation. Mixed methods were used, including surveys (n=200), interviews, usability tests (SUS), and backend performance monitoring. Results show high system usability (SUS scores above 70), strong technical reliability (uptime &gt; 97%), and increasing student engagement across pilot schools. Teachers reported improved planning, while students experienced greater access and autonomy in learning. The system’s modular architecture and cloud scalability ensure adaptability across diverse regions. In contrast to previously fragmented systems in Belarus, this platform enables centralized governance, pedagogical standardization, and data integration. The study contributes new insights into scalable digital education models in low- to middle-resource countries and aligns with global goals for equitable and quality education. This research also provides a replicable framework for other nations seeking to develop national digital learning infrastructures.

Uncovering Coral Health: A Comprehensive Exploratory Analysis of Florida Keys Reef Ecosystems

This report presents a detailed exploratory analysis of coral reef health in the Florida Keys using long-term monitoring data from the Coral Reef Evaluation and Monitoring Project (CREMP) spanning 2000–2022. Key findings highlight a dramatic decline in stony coral cover, with many regions showing reductions from over 30% to under 10%. The analysis reveals a consistent loss in coral species richness, particularly in the Upper and Middle Keys, while some sites in the Lower Keys demonstrated relative resilience. Notably, octocorals, previously considered climate-resilient, are now showing increased sensitivity to sea surface temperature anomalies. Correlation analyses underscore the complex interplay between coral density, biodiversity, and thermal stress. Spatial patterns identify ecologically stable reefs, such as Looe Key, as strategic priorities for conservation. The study concludes with policy recommendations that emphasize integrated climate adaptation, marine protected area (MPA) expansion, nutrient pollution control, and community-led reef restoration.

Directions of Development of Ukrainian Tourism in the Context of Military Realities and Post-War Recovery Processes

The purpose of the work is to consider the priority areas of tourism development during the war period and the use of cultural heritage promotion tools to develop strategies for adapting the Ukrainian tourism industry to the post-war recovery processes. The research methodology is determined by integrated approaches to interpreting tourism types and the use of a complex of socio-cultural and polysystem analysis methods, which combine the method of cultural modelling, systematisation of materials and generalisation, and the comparative method. The scientific novelty of the research lies in identifying strategic priorities for ensuring the implementation of key tasks for the development of regional tourism in the context of military operations on part of the country’s territory and the expansion of tourism activities in the post-war period using mechanisms for activating types of tourism based on the identification and presentation of elements of tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Conclusions. A key factor in the successful implementation of tourism development programmes at the regional and local levels in the context of the impact of military realities in Ukraine is the development of a flexible adaptation strategy aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the tourism industry in new conditions, which can be most fully realised through the presentation of the full spectrum of traditional and modern cultural heritage; joining certified European cultural routes; developing programs and strategies for the development of specialised types of tourism at the regional and local levels, in particular gastronomic tourism.

Age of U.S. public firms, proximity to the past patent portfolio, and innovation

Abstract Previous studies have documented that firm age has a negative effect on innovation. While firm rigidity has been thought to explain this negative effect of age, it has not been measured empirically. Using the USPTO patent database, this study empirically unpacks the black box of firm age effects on innovation among U.S. public firms. We empirically measure the degree of reconfiguration in firms’ patent portfolio proximity. Our findings reveal the mediating role of rigidity in terms of adhering to the same technological focus in shaping the relationship between firm age and innovation. Furthermore, we highlight a trade-off between invention quality and quantity. Specifically, the greater patent portfolio proximity to firms’ own past is associated with diminished invention quality, albeit an increase in invention outputs. The empirical results provide a managerial implication that a sustained focus on the same technological area leads to diminished invention quality. As firms age, altering the R&amp;D focus emerges as a crucial strategic priority, enabling them to produce higher-quality innovation outcomes.

ANALYSIS OF PLANT NURSERY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES AT VIKOM NURSERY BUSINESS IN LANGSA CITY

This research was carried out with the aim of identifying priority the strategy for developing the plant nursery business at the Vikom Nursery business located on Jl. Medan Banda Aceh, Gampong Teungoh, Kec. Langsa City, Langsa City. The research was conducted in October-November 2023. The method used was SWOT analysis. The results of the IFAS and EFAS matrices obtained alternative SO strategies with a score of 15.801, WO strategies with a score of 14.132, ST strategies with a score of 4.631, and WT strategies with a score of 2.962. The results of the research are based on QSPM analysis so that the main strategic priorities in developing plant breeding businesses at the nursery vikom are obtained, namely that business owners can apply for financial assistance through programs that have been created by the government to help MSMEs in Indonesia so that the results can be additional capital to develop their business. and adding more modern facilities and infrastructure. The suggestion in this research is to implement the main priority alternative strategies that have been produced in this research. After implementing the main priority strategies, business owners can also implement other alternative strategies in this research.

Strategic Co-Prevention Framework for Addressing Common Health Challenges Among Students in China

The concurrent rise in multiple health conditions among students, including myopia, obesity, spinal curvature abnormalities, and mental health disorders, represents a critical public health challenge. These interconnected health issues necessitate comprehensive prevention strategies that simultaneously address multiple conditions through synchronized behavioral and environmental interventions. In response to this need, the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration issued the Technical Guidelines for Co-Prevention of Common Diseases in Students on 30 April 2024, marking a significant advancement in China’s student health protection initiatives. The guidelines establish three core strategic priorities: enhancing surveillance of shared risk factors, implementing a systematic tiered approach to public health interventions, and developing an integrated, multisector prevention framework. This evidence-based, comprehensive initiative provides practical solutions for preventing comorbidities and enhancing overall student health outcomes. Further research is warranted to assess long-term effectiveness, explore regional implementation challenges, and support the development of standardized monitoring and evaluation systems.

Synchronization of marketing strategies with company restructuring

The object of this study is the process of interaction and further synchronization of marketing strategies of enterprises during restructuring changes. The problem addressed is the lack of a systematic approach to the synchronization of marketing strategies in the processes of enterprise restructuring. The main results reported here include methodological principles that were formed aimed at the synchronization of marketing strategies in the process of enterprise restructuring, which harmonizes marketing with increasing the level of market competitiveness of the enterprise; and a methodological approach that was devised to apply cluster analysis and Kohonen maps to assess the strength of synchronization of marketing strategies in the processes of restructuring; as well as a conceptual model of synchronization of marketing strategies in the processes of enterprise restructuring that was built considering measures to optimize marketing approaches for enterprises in different clusters, taking into account the strategic priorities of their further market development. Innovative methodological approaches to the implementation of marketing strategies in the mechanisms of enterprise restructuring have been substantiated and explained in detail. The application of cluster analysis based on Kohonen maps made it possible to identify three typological groups of enterprises according to the criterion of depth of application and direction of strategic development for each of the selected clusters. The results could be used in the processes of devising strategies for the transformation of enterprises in various domains of economic activity, in particular in the planning and implementation of restructuring measures aimed at increasing the level of competitiveness, digital modernization, development of production, and environmental responsibility. The proposed model of cluster analysis using Kohonen maps could be implemented in the activities of enterprises in various realms of economic activity to diagnose the level of marketing maturity and form targeted strategic decisions taking into account the specificity of the industry

Avoiding compliance panic and ESG anxiety: the solution is not more controls, it’s better governance

Many organizations have mistakenly treated ESG and sustainability reporting primarily as a compliance challenge, prioritizing metrics and internal controls over governance. In particular, what we call compliance panic has led to a misalignment of numerous new metrics with strategic priorities, unnecessary bureaucratic processes, and inflated operating costs. At a time when regulations are changing dramatically - such as the recent developments surrounding the European Union’s omnibus project - we believe it is essential to put the ESG challenge back on track. The solution is not to introduce more controls that are hastily adapted to new regulations in panic mode. The solution is better governance. We see effective governance as a prerequisite for success and outline a path from governance to soft controls and, ultimately, to hard controls. Based on empirical observations, we find that the current focus is excessively skewed toward hard controls, measuring an overwhelming number of data points. Instead, we call for greater emphasis on strategic considerations and alignment. Looking ahead, we propose a target operating model that strengthens governance and soft controls - such as attitude, behavior, and culture - complemented by a balanced set of hard controls. We advocate for asking the right questions throughout the process, particularly at the outset, as initial reporting establishes the baseline and commitments for future years. Rather than striving for perfect compliance from day one, we recommend thoughtful, incremental progress over time. Finally, we see untapped potential in leveraging the expertise and capabilities of internal audit functions.

Decoding the neuroimmune axis in colorectal cancer: From neural circuitry to therapeutic innovation.

Decoding the neuroimmune axis in colorectal cancer: From neural circuitry to therapeutic innovation.