The current business environment characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) advances numerous challenges for organizations. To respond effectively to these changing demands, traditional approaches to solving problems often prove inadequate in this dynamic context. A new approach, the ProCESS methodology, was developed and tested in the last three years within an Erasmus+ consortium in four European countries. This approach stimulates unconventional thinking and the finding of creative solutions for real-world business challenges. The aim of this perspective paper is to present the research data collected in two Romanian companies by testing ProCESS methodology. In the discussion section, the paper highlights the potential of this methodology that uses various artistic tools like drawing, music, modeling, or meditation to encourage participants to tap into their sensory, emotional, and spiritual sides for finding new and unexpected solutions. The paper also discusses potential influences on organizational culture and employee well-being.

While extensive research has explored interconnectedness, volatility spillovers, and risk transmission across financial systems, the comparative dynamics between Islamic and conventional banks during crises, particularly in specific regions such as Saudi Arabia, are underexplored. This study investigates risk transmissions and contagion among banks operating in Islamic and conventional modes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Daily banking stock data spanning November 2018 to November 2023, encompassing two major crises—COVID-19 and the Russian-Ukraine war—were analyzed. Using the frequency TVP-VAR approach, the study reveals that average total connectedness for both banking groups exceeds 50%, with short-run risk transmission dominating over long-term effects. Graphical visualizations highlight time-varying connectedness, driven predominantly by short-run spillovers, with similar patterns observed in both Islamic and conventional banking networks. The main contribution of this paper is the insight that long-term investment strategies are crucial for mitigating potential risks in the Saudi banking system, given its limited diversification opportunities.

The debate on relocating Indonesia's national capital from Jakarta stems from critical issues such as overpopulation, social inequality, environmental degradation, and natural disaster risks. These challenges highlight the need to reassess Jakarta's viability as the nation's administrative center. This study evaluates Indonesia's readiness to address the complexities of relocation by analyzing Jakarta's socio-economic, political, cultural, and geographical conditions. Using a systematic literature review (SLR) with a qualitative approach, the research explores key questions: Do Jakarta's conditions necessitate relocation? What challenges might arise from the move? How prepared is Indonesia to tackle these challenges? The SLR process includes defining questions, sourcing literature from reputable databases, applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, and synthesizing data for analysis. Findings reveal Jakarta's multifaceted challenges, including social disparities, environmental degradation, disaster risks, and governance issues, which emphasize the urgency of considering relocation. However, the study also identifies significant hurdles, such as high costs, logistical complexities, potential social conflicts, and environmental risks at the new capital site. Relocating the capital is a strategic and complex undertaking that requires meticulous planning. Indonesia must weigh Jakarta's current issues, address potential relocation challenges, and ensure readiness for risk mitigation and sustainable development. Comprehensive and thoughtful planning is essential to achieve a successful and balanced transition.

The integration of Big Earth Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized geological and mineral mapping by delivering enhanced accuracy, efficiency, and scalability in analyzing large-scale remote sensing datasets. This study appraisals the application of advanced AI techniques, including machine learning and deep learning models such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), to multispectral and hyperspectral data for the identification and classification of geological formations and mineral deposits. The manuscript provides a critical analysis of AI's capabilities, emphasizing its current significance and potential as demonstrated by organizations like NASA in managing complex geospatial datasets. A detailed examination of selected AI methodologies, criteria for case selection, and ethical and social impacts enriches the discussion, addressing gaps in the responsible application of AI in geosciences. The findings highlight notable improvements in detecting complex spatial patterns and subtle spectral signatures, advancing the generation of precise geological maps. Quantitative analyses compare AI-driven approaches with traditional techniques, underscoring their superiority in performance metrics such as accuracy and computational efficiency. The study also proposes solutions to challenges such as data quality, model transparency, and computational demands. By integrating enhanced visual aids and practical case studies, the research underscores its innovations in algorithmic breakthroughs and geospatial data integration. These contributions advance the growing body of knowledge in Big Earth Data and geosciences, setting a foundation for responsible, equitable, and impactful future applications of AI in geological and mineral mapping.

Using the Intercultural Competence and Inclusion in Education Scale (ICIES), this study examines variations in intercultural competence and inclusion between mainstream and multiethnic high schools. The sample consisted of 384 high school students, aged 17 to 18, from both rural and urban areas in Western Romania, enrolled in grades 11 and 12. The ICIES demonstrated strong reliability, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.721. Exploratory factor analysis revealed three distinct dimensions: Intercultural opportunities and activities, Comfort in diverse settings, and Cultural reflection and values. Independent samples t-tests identified significant differences between mainstream and multiethnic schools across several items, with students in multiethnic schools reporting higher levels of intercultural competence and inclusion. These findings highlight the critical role of multicultural educational settings in fostering students' cultural awareness and inclusive attitudes. This study provides actionable insights for enhancing multicultural education practices and policies, including teacher training programs, inclusive curricula, and extracurricular initiatives that promote intercultural engagement and reduce intergroup biases.