In the context of globalization and urbanization, rural development faces many challenges, such as population loss and uneven distribution of resources. This paper analyzes the similarities and differences in sustainable rural development strategies between China and Europe through a comparative perspective. China has optimized land use by relying on land policy innovations, such as the household contract responsibility system and the “separation of three rights”, as well as the construction of small towns; while Europe focuses on private ownership and market mechanisms, and supports agricultural and rural development through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Using literature review, comparative research and policy analysis, the study shows that the policy innovations in China and Europe, each with its own focus, have been effective in promoting agricultural output and rural social development. Particularly noteworthy is that the “three rights” policy has increased agricultural productivity through the liberalization of management rights, while the European CAP has contributed to the diversification of the rural economy and environmental protection through continuous reforms. This study emphasizes that through policy innovation and international cooperation, combining the strengths of China and Europe, it is possible to provide a new model of sustainable development for the global countryside. Specifically, through the establishment of Sino-European R&D centers for agricultural science and technology, exchange of talents, and cooperation in green infrastructure development, technology transfer and application can be accelerated, cultural exchange and understanding can be promoted, and the sustainable development agenda for global rural areas can be jointly advanced.

Smallholder paprika farmers in Zimbabwe contribute to local economies and food security but face supply chain challenges like limited market access and poor infrastructure which lead to post harvest losses and unpredictable prices. To survive, these farmers must adopt sustainable value networks to reduce operational costs and improve performance. This study sought to establish the effect of sustainable value networks on the operational performance of smallholder paprika farming in Zimbabwe. This study, using a positivist research philosophy and a quantitative approach, surveyed 288 smallholder paprika farmers in Zimbabwe. Exploratory factor analysis and partial least squares structural equation modelling were used to validate the constructs and test the hypothesised relationships. Results demonstrate a moderate level of implementation of value networks in smallholder paprika farming characterised by successes and challenges. The findings illustrated resource sharing among smallholder farmers, facilitated by initiatives, such as recycled seed exchanges and financial support through village savings and loan associations. However, results show that challenges persist, particularly with market access and financial support. Results indicate that there is a significant awareness and implementation of green supply chain management practices among smallholder paprika farmers even though they do not have access to resources and live in rural areas. The findings demonstrate that value networks significantly influence the adoption of green supply chain management practices, which in turn positively impact operational performance, environmental performance, and social performance. Green supply chain management practices were found to mediate the relationship between value networks and environmental performance, social performance, and operational performance, underlining the critical role of sustainable practices in enhancing performance outcomes. While environmental performance showed a positive effect on operational performance, the direct influence of social performance on operational performance was found to be statistically insignificant, suggesting the need for further exploration of the factors linking social benefits to operational efficiency. The research contributes to both theory and practice by presenting a sustainable value network model for smallholder paprika farmers, integrating value network, green supply chain management practices and environmental performance to enhance operational performance. Practical implications include policy recommendations to strengthen collaboration between smallholder farmers and other stakeholdersand address power imbalances with intermediaries. Future research should extend the study to other agricultural sectors and incorporate more diverse stakeholder perspectives to validate and generalise the proposed sustainable value network model.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an important concept of modern economic theory. In the last few decades, it has become an increasingly popular marketing tool used by companies. Consumers too want to see more CSR activities, especially those focused on environmental protection. The petroleum industry produces both toxic and non-toxic waste at almost all stages of production. While petroleum companies satisfy market demand, they also want to meet consumers’ moral and ethical demands. In this light, CSR has become vital for the development of industry. This paper looks at CSR in the petroleum industry, and its effect on customer satisfaction and subsequently toward the customer repurchase intention in Malaysia. The starting point of this paper is the Stakeholder Theory. It then examines CSR endeavors within the oil and gas sector and its link to customer repurchase intentions. It also looks at the established hypotheses between the activities of CSR (Economic Responsibility, Legal Responsibility, Ethical Responsibility, Philanthropic Responsibility), customer satisfaction and repurchase intention. This paper aims to learn about the customer’s sense of fulfilment with the CSR activities, and what could be the reaction base on the customer’s expectation.

This project analyzes the evolution of the manufacturing sector in Portugal from 2009 to 2021, focusing on the variations in the number of active companies across various subcategories, such as food, textiles, and metal product industries. The goal of this analysis is to understand the dynamics of growth and contraction within each sector, providing insights for companies to adjust their market and operational strategies. Key objectives include analyzing the overall evolution in the number of companies, identifying subcategories with notable changes, and providing a comprehensive analysis of observed trends and patterns. The study is based on data from PORDATA 2024, and the research employs temporal trend analysis, linear and quadratic regression, and the Pareto representation to identify patterns of growth and decline. By comparing annual data, the project uncovers periods of growth and decline, allowing for a deeper understanding of the sector’s dynamics. The findings also highlight variations in periods of economic crises and during the Covid-19 pandemic, and recommendations for action are presented to support businesses resilience and continuity. These results are valuable for companies within the manufacturing sectors analyzed and policy makers, guiding strategic decisions to navigate the complexities of the market dynamics and to ensuring long-term organizational sustainable success.

This research aims to analyze the contribution of the Industrial World Business program in improving the work skills and work readiness of people with disabilities through the Systematic Literature Review method. The involvement of businesses and industries in developing inclusive programs for people with disabilities is an important key to bridging the skills gap and employment opportunities. This research identifies various programs, best practices, and challenges in implementing these programs. Based on the results of the literature reviewed, it was found that inclusive job training programs significantly improve the technical and non-technical skills of people with disabilities while strengthening their readiness to face a competitive job market. On the other hand, there are still obstacles in the accessibility and adaptation of training programs that must continue to be optimized. However, to achieve greater inclusivity, improvements are still needed in terms of accessibility, program adaptation, and efforts to reduce discrimination in the world of work. It is hoped that the results of this research can become a basis for policymakers, industry players, and educational institutions to continue to develop inclusive programs and empower people with disabilities in the world of work. Collaboration between industry and vocational service providers is critical to improving employment outcomes and facilitating a successful transition from education to employment for people with disabilities.