Search Results (312)

This study develops and empirically grounds the Human-Centered Transformation Framework (HCTF), an integrative model explaining how talent management (TM) functions as a dynamic capability aligning digital transformation (DT) and sustainability (SUS) within traditional manufacturing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European Union. Integrating the Resource-Based View, dynamic capabilities theory, and Organizational Culture Theory, the framework was constructed through structured theory-building and validated using a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design. Quantitative data from 203 manufacturing SMEs across Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia (78-item survey; Cronbach’s α = 0.84–0.91 across six constructs) provide statistical support for the framework’s core propositions, while qualitative interviews with 18 senior executives offer explanatory depth on the mechanisms through which TM enables transformation integration. Findings indicate that TM practice intensity is positively associated with both digital readiness (β = 0.42; p < 0.001) and sustainability maturity (β = 0.36; p < 0.001), with transformational leadership and learning-oriented organizational culture operating as significant mediating and moderating variables respectively. The study contributes a context-specific theoretical synthesis extending prior integrative TM models to the twin transitions context, while acknowledging limitations including the cross-sectional design and Central European sample. Full article

Sustainable human resource management (HRM) has attracted growing attention as a new paradigm for enhancing organizational resilience. However, prior studies mainly examined the effects of individual practices, offering a limited explanation of how organizational resilience emerges as an integrated mechanism. To address this theoretical gap, we conceptualize sustainable HRM as an integral talent management process in which multiple practices operate interdependently and investigate the configurational mechanisms through which organizational resilience is generated in Japanese firms and discuss these from the perspective of socioformation. Based on six analytical dimensions derived from a tertiary literature review, we conducted a crisp-set qualitative comparative analysis (csQCA) using securities report data from 36 listed Japanese companies. The results revealed that organizational resilience is not achieved through a single best practice, but rather points to a new form of integrated human resource management aimed at sustainable value creation. From a socioformation perspective, employees are viewed not merely as productive inputs but as agents capable of continuous development through sustained investment in human potential. From this perspective, sustainable social development cannot be reduced to well-being or inclusion indicators alone but also encompasses ethical, collaborative, territorial, and interdisciplinary dimensions of transformation. The findings clarify the theoretical role of integral talent management in sustainable value creation and provide practical implications for human-centred management. Full article

This study maps competency requirements for two representative frontline marketing roles in China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, NEV sales consultants and livestreaming hosts, and examines their alignment with current vocational education standards. Using a market-oriented, data-driven design, recruitment texts were collected from Zhaopin across more than 20 major Chinese cities. Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) identified competency themes, which were then organized into work-process task domains and visualized as position–task–competency mappings. Mapping these demand-side requirements to national teaching standards reveals relatively strong alignment for sales in market insight and sales strategy, but also gaps in omni-channel lead operations, customer experience management, and operational coordination; livestreaming roles show systematic gaps across the entire work process, particularly in on-air control, customer conversion process design, and data-driven optimization. Building on the identified gaps, the study proposes a position–task–competency-to-curriculum translation pathway to support modular updates in NEV marketing talent development within vocational education and training. Full article

Sustained innovation is pivotal for establishing long-term technological advantages and ensuring corporate sustainability, which holds particular significance for “specialized, refined, unique, and innovative” (SRUI) enterprises that concentrate on niche segments and are innovation-intensive. Grounded in signaling theory and principal–agent theory, and situated within the practical context of financing constraints, this paper investigates how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance contributes to sustaining innovation in such firms. Using panel data from Chinese SRUI enterprises between 2010 and 2023, we measure sustained innovation along two dimensions: sustained innovation input and sustained innovation output. The results demonstrate that ESG performance significantly enhances sustained innovation among SRUI enterprises. Mechanism analysis reveals that ESG operates through three pathways: optimizing talent structure, mitigating managerial myopia, and strengthening working capital management. Heterogeneity tests further indicate that the positive effect of ESG on overall innovation sustainability is stronger with a younger management team and lower government subsidies. Moreover, in firms with heightened climate risk perception, ESG strongly promotes the sustained innovation input but exhibits a weaker effect on the continuity of innovative output. In enterprises with stronger big-data technology application capabilities, ESG significantly improves the continuity of patent output yet does not significantly affect the continuity of innovative input. This study extends the literature on the economic consequences of ESG from the perspective of sustained innovation, while providing new mechanistic evidence for understanding how highly specialized small and medium-sized enterprises build long-term innovation capacity. Full article

Amidst global economic volatility and technological disruption, enhancing supply chain efficiency remains critical, yet the fragmented theoretical frameworks, opaque mediation mechanisms, and neglected contextual heterogeneity in understanding how new quality productivity forces (NQPFs) drive this transformation constitute a critical research gap. This study empirically examines NQPF’s impact on supply chain efficiency and its underlying mechanisms, addressing three core problems: first, the lack of a holistic NQPF framework integrating digital, green, and talent dimensions; second, insufficiently explored mediating roles of technological innovation; and third, unaddressed heterogeneity across ownership types, industries, and regions. Using 2012–2022 panel data from Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listed companies, we employ robustness tests, mediating effect models, and heterogeneity analyses. The results reveal that the NQPF significantly improves supply chain efficiency, primarily through technological innovation—which accounts for 84.6% of the variance—acting via technological innovation, management restructuring, and digital transformation. Crucially, heterogeneity analysis reveals stronger effects in state-owned enterprises, nonhigh-tech industries, and Eastern China, whereas high-tech sectors face integration challenges. Our originality lies in three aspects: integrating the NQPF’s multiple dimensions into a unified theoretical framework; empirically clarifying the “black-box” mediation of innovation; and providing granular evidence for differentiated regional/industrial policies to bolster supply chain resilience. Full article

In the digital economy, the effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) is crucial for maintaining supply chain stability (SCS) in sports enterprises (SEs). Leveraging systems theory and supply chain management theory, we construct a dual machine learning model (DML) to empirically assess the impact of AI on the SCS of SE. This analysis is based on panel data from 45 Chinese listed SEs over the period 2012–2023. The results indicate that AI significantly enhances supplier stability but notably reduces customer stability in SE. Talent attraction emerges as the primary mechanism, while logistics efficiency fails to fulfill its anticipated role. The impact of AI on SCS in SE exhibits heterogeneity based on enterprise type and profitability status. Our findings offer valuable insights for harnessing the potential of AI and fostering its deeper integration into the supply chains of SE. Full article

Astronomical spectra, which encode rich astrophysical and chemical information, are fundamental to understanding celestial objects and universal laws. The advent of large-scale spectroscopic surveys, generating tens of millions of spectra, presents significant challenges for efficient data processing and analysis. To address these challenges, we develop an AI-powered platform (named “SpecZoo”) for spectral visualization and analysis. This platform integrates modern information technology and machine learning to lower the barrier to spectral data utilization and enhance research efficiency. Its core functionalities include interactive visualization, automated spectral classification, physical parameter measurement, spectral annotation, and multi-band/multi-modal data fusion, all supported by flexible user and data management systems. It has become an essential tool for the National Astronomical Data Center, directly supporting spectral data processing and research for major projects including LAMOST, SDSS, DESI, and so on. Furthermore, the platform demonstrates strong potential for science-education integration, providing a novel resource for cultivating talent in astronomy and data science. Full article

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) play a fundamental role in the socio-economic development of Ibero-America. However, they face structural and contextual challenges that constrain their sustainable growth. This study analyses the key determinants of MSMEs’ growth in the region using a quantitative approach based on a Random Forest model applied to a dataset of 1796 observations collected by a team of researchers from different universities affiliated with the Foundation for Strategic Analysis and Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (FAEDPYME). The results reveal that sound corporate governance, effective human talent management supported by strong organisational communication, the development of skills to reduce the digital divide, innovation, and environmental perception constitute hierarchically significant factors for business development and sustainability. Relevant patterns that enable business sustainability are discussed, and a basis for the formulation of public policies aimed at strengthening the productive fabric is provided. This study offers empirical evidence that contributes to the ongoing discussion on innovation and sustainability among MSMEs in Ibero-America. Full article

Fire safety in high-rise talent apartments, which is vital for safeguarding strategic human resources, was investigated to enhance evacuation resilience. A coupled fire-evacuation model was established using PyroSim and Pathfinder. This study analyzed multi-factor management strategies, including occupant vertical distribution, evacuation speed, evacuation priority settings, panic psychology, and guide intervention. Additionally, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model was developed using simulation data obtained under non-panic conditions to predict evacuation time and explore intelligent algorithms. Results show that the evacuation stairwells are the primary bottlenecks. Panic psychology significantly reduces evacuation efficiency, with severe panic increasing total evacuation time by up to 71.1%. The combined strategy CS4, integrating Pyramidal Vertical Distribution (VD7) and Organized Segmented Speed Control (ES6), reduced evacuation time by 17.42%. Guide intervention effectively mitigates the negative impact of panic. The ANN model achieved a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.8695, confirming its predictive capability. Visibility was identified as the key parameter determining the Available Safe Egress Time (ASET). This study demonstrates that an integrated “hard–soft combination” strategy, complemented by intelligent modeling, offers an effective approach to building a resilient evacuation system for high-rise talent apartments. Full article

Gen Z is an emerging talent entering the world of work with distinct characteristics, expectations, preferences, and aspirations compared to previous generations. Therefore, there is growing interest in understanding Gen Z’s entry-level experiences, particularly the psychosocial experiences of this unique generation as they transition into the world of work. Hence, the purpose of this study was to explore the psychosocial experiences of entry-level Gen Z newcomers in South African organisations. This study used a qualitative research approach, drawing on a social constructivist perspective. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect data on the lived experiences of nine Gen Z employees who had recently entered the workforce. A conventional content analysis approach was used to analyse the qualitative data. Salient psychosocial factors influencing the psychosocial experiences and professional adjustment and transition of Gen Z newcomers into the world of work were identified. This study indicated that organisations should focus on onboarding processes, supportive line managers, reasonable workloads, promoting work–life balance, providing meaningful work, supporting career management and development, creating diverse and inclusive work environments, promoting employee well-being, and providing technologically advanced and modern job tools to enhance positive psychosocial experiences of Gen Z newcomers in the workforce. This study sheds light on the psychosocial factors that promote positive psychosocial experiences among Gen Z newcomers, offering unique insights into the growing literature on the Gen Z generation. Full article

The competency level of safety professionals directly impacts the effectiveness of accident prevention and control within enterprises. Establishing a systematic talent development framework and knowledge architecture is the key pathway to enhancing corporate safety performance. This study focuses on the safety engineering education system in Chinese universities, aiming to systematically analyze the relationship between safety competency components, knowledge systems, and curriculum design. This analysis will establish a competency model and knowledge framework applicable to safety professionals. By collecting and organizing the core curriculum of this program, this study employs complex network analysis methods. Using Gephi software, a course network is constructed and visualized. Based on this, courses are categorized according to their knowledge content, thereby dissecting the competency model and knowledge framework embedded within the safety engineering talent development system of higher education institutions. The findings indicate that safety professionals should possess four core competencies: fundamental knowledge competency, safety management competency, occupational safety technology competency, and risk management competency. These encompass 24 key safety knowledge areas, which can be effectively cultivated through systematic study of 19 core professional courses. Starting from the educational system architecture, this research provides theoretical foundations and practical references for enterprises and universities in cultivating safety professionals, evaluating competencies, and optimizing curricula. Full article

Against the backdrop of the global sustainable development agenda and China’s “dual carbon” strategy, vocational education confronts an urgent mandate to nurture talents with professional proficiency and sustainable literacy. Thus, this study innovatively employed the sand table simulation teaching method in the secondary vocational course “Engineering Bidding and Contract Management”, integrating sustainability principles such as green procurement and life cycle cost analysis within a structured “learning–thinking–acting–reflecting” framework. The study aims to empirically explore the impact of this approach on the sustainable practice capabilities of secondary vocational students. Using a single-group pretest–posttest design, a 16-week intervention was conducted with 40 students. Data were collected via questionnaires, interviews, observations, and professional assessments, analyzed via paired t-tests. The results show that the method significantly enhanced students’ sustainable practical competencies: all posttest dimension scores exceeded pretest scores (p < 0.05, Cohen’s d = 2.201). This study verifies the effectiveness of sand table simulation teaching method in sustainable education and expands its application to engineering secondary vocational courses. It also provides a situational and operational teaching paradigm and empirical support for the integration of vocational education with SDGs. Full article

The growing importance of cross-border scientific collaboration reflects its role in strengthening regional innovation systems and supporting sustainable socio-economic development. This study examines cross-border scientific research collaboration between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, with particular attention to how institutional differences impact the sustainable development of such cooperation. Drawing on the analytical framework of the cross-border regional innovation systems (CBRIS), this study employs qualitative research methods—including fieldwork interviews, focus groups, and thematic workshops—to systematically examine the key challenges and emerging opportunities arising from institutional differences between the two regions. The findings show that there are significant institutional differences in four areas, including research integrity systems, scientific resource sharing mechanisms, project management processes, and talent development frameworks. These distinctions not only undermine the effectiveness of cross-border collaboration, but they also offer opportunities for institutional coordination and policy innovation meant to promote a more inclusive and sustainable regional research cooperation system. By analysing the experiences of researchers and research administrators, the study emphasises the crucial importance of institutional coordination in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the CBRIS. The results offer data-based evidence and policy insights that can inform the development of policy innovations to strengthen cross-border scientific collaboration and promote the sustainable evolution of the CBRIS. Full article

Within the context of sustainable educational workforce development, enhancing the retention intention of early childhood educators is essential for ensuring educational quality and long-term talent sustainability. This study surveyed 200 early childhood educators in Taiwan and developed a parallel mediation model to examine how workplace friendship influences retention intention through workplace well-being and job embeddedness. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were conducted using AMOS 24.0. The results indicate that workplace friendship does not exert a direct effect on retention intention; however, it significantly enhances workplace well-being and job embeddedness, which in turn fully mediate the relationship. In line with the JD-R framework, workplace well-being is conceptualized as a core psychological resource, while job embeddedness reflects a structural resource shaping employees’ attachment to their organization. These findings suggest that workplace friendship must be transformed into a psychological and structural resource in order to promote retention. By identifying workplace friendship as an initial social resource that fosters well-being and embeddedness, this study contributes to sustainable human resource management and supports the stable development of the early childhood education system. Full article

Leading agribusiness firms are pivotal to modernizing agricultural supply chains, yet evidence on how digital transformation translates into high-quality development remains fragmented. Using a 2024 sample of 30 Chinese national agribusiness leaders and the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework, we integrate grey relational analysis with DEMATEL to quantify interdependencies among conditions, and combine fuzzy-set QCA with necessary condition analysis to identify both configurational pathways and binding constraints. The results of the analysis indicate that high-quality development rarely stems from a single driver; it emerges from complementary bundles linking digital technologies and R&D investment with organizational readiness (e.g., talent and governance) under supportive external conditions (e.g., policy incentives and market pressure). The findings provide a configurational explanation of digital upgrading in agribusiness and inform differentiated digital strategies for managers and policymakers. Full article