This study analyses the long-run relationship between, and the direction and magnitude of impact of sectoral economic growth and fiscal capacity on government health expenditure. The study was carried out to validates the Wagner hypothesis from sectoral perspective and revenue-expenditure hypothesis for South Africa for the period 1984–2020. Fully modified least squares and dynamic least squares and canonical cointegration regression were used to achieve the objectives of the study. Empirical regression results showed that there is a negative impact of the secondary sector GDP on public health expenditure. Thus, invalidating the Wagner hypothesis and suggesting that secondary sector GDP cannot serves as an answer for public health expenditure. However, there was a positive relationship between tertiary sector GDP and public health expenditure. The study make case for unceasing provision of an enabling environment that continuously support growth of the tertiary sector.

The primary purpose of the current study is to investigate the impact of entrepreneurial orientation on the international performance of SMEs. In addition, the study has also examined the mediating Role of social capital and global mindset in the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and the international performance of SMEs. The present business situation for Sustainability depends on the company’s capability and the existing capital, which comprises expertise, skills, and company capability, which force its ability to compete and utilize the valued resources with strategy. In organizational processes, a company’s abilities and capital enhance its performance, especially in profit earning and forming a strategy. According to the resources-based theory, the group of internal abilities and resources in the firm may produce competitive benefits and result in more excellent performance. We have used PLS path modeling in the present study to analyze the theoretical model. Entrepreneurial orientation is a resource that indicates the extent of a business’ proactive state, risk-taking innovativeness, competitive belligerence, and autonomy. Regarding the effect of social capital on international performance, the findings demonstrate a significant and positive correlation between the two variables regarding the effect of a global mindset on international performance; the findings indicate a significant correlation between the two variables. In general, the findings of this current study are consistent with those of previous ones, whereby the global mindset is indicated to play a significant role in achieving international performance for SMEs. The findings also align with the theory of contingency assertion about the global mindset, whereby the positive effect of intellectual intelligence on international performance is confirmed.

Many previous studies find no significant effect of health insurance on health outcome in rural areas of China. Many researchers believe this could be because of the characteristics of health care provision in those areas. In this paper, we aim to examine if urbanization will change the situation. Our research question focuses on if urbanization will change the participation and performance of health insurance on health outcome in a positive direction. Using a longitudinal sample drawn from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), we employed multiple estimation strategies for multiple waves to handle the potential selection bias. We find that urbanization factors such as population density, transportations and housing are associated with probability of insurance participation. That is, urbanization related factors tend to increase people’s willingness of insurance participation. We also conclude that urbanization improves the performance of insurance on self-reported health outcome. Results show that the health insurance has a significant positive impact on health production in urbanized areas. Health insurance in general increases the probability of health care utilization for all areas. However, it does not lead to a significant improvement in the health outcomes in under urbanized areas because of the health provision quality or characteristics of health insurance coverage in those areas.

Plastic products, including plastic packaging, were products whose increasing demand continued because the community still needed plastic as packaging. On the other hand, plastic waste, which was increasingly high and difficult to decompose, was a problem that needed to be solved together. This study aims to understand how plastic company packaging implements TQM, its environmental impact, and how plastic packaging companies are taking steps towards green manufacturing. This research used a qualitative phenomenological method to understand the problem based on the actor’s perspective. The data collection method was in-depth interviews with informants from 3 plastic companies in East Java, Indonesia, followed by observation and FGD. We carried out Triangulation, member checking, and professional involvement to determine the data’s validity, reliability, and trustworthiness. The results of this study indicated a management system that promotes quality as a business strategy and is oriented towards customer satisfaction by involving all members of the organization. TQM emphasized continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and employee involvement. By implementing aspects of TQM, plastic packaging companies could improve their production processes and reduce waste, increasing efficiency and profitability. In addition, TQM could also contribute to the company’s green performance by promoting environmentally friendly practices, including using electric machines to replace hydraulic machines, thereby reducing the use of electrical energy and CO₂ emissions. The use of solar panels was a step towards green manufacturing. Companies that adopt TQM principles are more likely to implement environmentally friendly initiatives such as reducing energy consumption and using recyclable materials and can demonstrate a commitment to corporate social responsibility. The company’s membership in EcoVadis and SMETA further strengthens the company’s direction towards Green Manufacturing and competitive advantage.

In the current digital age, financial development has seen substantial shifts, particularly in buying and selling activities that are now facilitated by digital technology or electronic transactions (e-commerce), which offer convenience at relatively low costs. However, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which play a crucial role in the economy, must adapt to these advancements to sustain and grow their businesses. Despite the widespread adoption of e-commerce, many MSMEs have yet to fully capitalize on this technology. Limited knowledge often leads to hesitation in embracing e-commerce opportunities. Consequently, this study seeks to explore how innovation, information management, and e-commerce adoption impact MSME performance and its implications for business sustainability. The research targets MSME owners and managers in the Jabodetabek area (Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi) and nearby regions, with a sample of 420 individuals selected through random sampling. Data was collected through an online survey (Google Forms) administered to MSME management. The survey items were tested for validity and reliability, and the data analysis was conducted using various regression analyses with SEM-PLS and Smart-PLS3. The study’s findings highlight the following key points: 1) E-commerce adoption significantly enhances information management, which supports MSME sustainability; 2) E-commerce adoption also improves performance through better information management, further promoting MSME sustainability; 3) While technology is important, e-commerce adoption is the primary factor driving MSME sustainability, with technology serving as a secondary factor.

How can social enterprises implement Total Quality Management (TQM) to tackle urgent social issues within their organizational framework while also ensuring their continued viability? To address this question, this study aims to explore the organizational approach to the adoption and implementation of TQM practices and their efficacy in mitigating pressing social challenges and maintaining financial sustainability. It adopts a qualitative multiple-case research design involving 3 social enterprises to explore the research phenomenon. Following qualitative research analysis process using NVivo, our findings highlight a prevalent, short-term outlook in managing TQM, hindering the full potential of TQM to achieve both social impact and organizational sustainability. More specifically, they expose a significant dissonance within the case organizations’ TQM implementations: the contrast between the current state, indicative of what it is, and the ideal state, indicative of what it should be. Altogether, the study advocates leveraging TQM for long-term excellence and alignment in social enterprises (as opposed to short-term mediocrity and disarray), thereby facilitating the achievement of both social impact and financial sustainability.