The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between sponsorship and the performance and development of early career athletes transitioning from junior level to professional sports, because this issue has not been fully explored in the Czech Republic. The reason is the almost absolute absence of financial or material support for such early-career athletes, when their transition from junior categories and the entire junior category is almost always exclusively financed and supported by their parents and families. We also emphasise the absolute absence of legislative provisions that would give supporters of such athletes at least a tax or other advantage. The research is based on research of Cardenas (2023), Hong and Fraser (2023) and Moolman and Shuttleworth (2023) and aims to assess how financial and material support provided by sponsors can enhance an athlete’s performance and long-term career trajectory. A mixed method approach was adopted, combining quantitative analysis through surveys and performance data with qualitative interviews. Data from 173 early career athletes from various disciplines were analysed using t-tests and ANOVA statistical methods to assess financial stability, access to better training, and community participation. Results indicate that sponsorship significantly contributes to better performance metrics, with sponsored athletes showing a 20% improvement in competition results compared to nonsponsored athletes. Furthermore, sponsorship financial support improved training opportunities and access to elite facilities, which was shown to increase athletes’ performance by 15%. However, some challenges related to sponsorship obligations, such as marketing commitments, were highlighted by athletes, underscoring the pressures that sponsorship can introduce. The implications of this study suggest that effective sponsorship strategies can play a vital role in an athlete’s career development, offering not only financial stability but also opportunities for personal branding and increased community engagement. Another implication is a possible consideration for legislators in the context of preparing a legislative framework enabling tax or other benefits for companies and organisations sponsoring or supporting these young athletes. More research is recommended to explore the long-term impact of sponsorship on athlete mental health and career sustainability, as well as the differences in sponsorship effects across various sports disciplines.
Rising fuel prices can affect driver behavior and thus the number of accidents, which is a key road safety issue. The aim of this paper was to assess and quantify the relationship between fuel prices (FP) and the number of road accidents in Europe. Content analysis of statistics from the countries was used to collect data, which were examined using Ramsey resets and Poisson distributions and then processed using negative binomial regression (NB), cluster analysis and visualization using contour plots. The results show that in Germany and Poland there is a statistically significant low negative correlation between fuel price and the number of traffic accidents, while in the Czech Republic and Denmark the relationship is weaker and statistically insignificant. In Iceland, no significant correlation was found. The contribution of this paper is to provide important insights that can be used in the development of transport policies and regulations to improve road safety. The main limitations include the difficulty of data collection, as many countries do not publish detailed statistics, and the low number of accidents in Iceland, which makes it impossible to perform a robust analysis for this country and may cause generalization of the results.
Empirical evidence suggests that generational cohorts display behavioral differences due to rapid advancements in science and technology and enhanced living standards. However, systematic studies examining the behaviours of different generations and their impact on creativity and its various antecedents are scant. This study was undertaken to bridge this gap in the literature by focusing on how generational differences could impact a few behavioural antecedents and employee creativity. The antecedent behaviours examined include self-efficacy, organizational commitment, employee empowerment, and work engagement. Data for the study was collected online using structured, standardized questionnaires. Data were collected from 432 samples and analyzed using Smart-PLS. The results show that most of the proposed antecedents impacted creativity. However, generational differences did not moderate the relationship between the antecedents and creativity. The study will interest scholars and social scientists, as it is the first to be conducted in Saudi Arabia. The study also discusses the implications and limitations. It is expected that the findings of this study will trigger more studies.
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.
In June 2023, the European Union (EU) enacted the Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR), which requires agricultural products to enter and leave its territory free from deforestation. The regulations apply to seven commodities: cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya, wood, and their derivate products grown or raised on land subject to deforestation or forest degradation will be banned from entering the EU market. EUDR will have a significant impact on Vietnam’s Exports of Agricultural Products. Coffee, rubber, wood, and wood products are the main industries in Vietnam affected by this regulation, as the country exports a substantial portion of these products to EU markets. This article examines the impacts of the European Union Deforestation Regulation on Vietnam’s coffee supply chains, discusses possible unintended effects on coffee farmers and farming households, and explores strategies to mitigate these negative impacts while highlighting specific challenges that may arise. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding and management of Vietnam’s agricultural exports, particularly in the coffee sector. Additionally, the article gives some recommendations for improving Vietnam’s laws and policies on deforestation-free products.
This comprehensive review examines recent innovations in green technology and their impact on environmental sustainability. The study analyzes advancements in renewable energy, sustainable transportation, waste management, and green building practices. To accomplish the specific objectives of the current study, the exploration was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines in major academic databases, such as Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and ScienceDirect. Through a systematic literature review with a research influence mapping technique, we identified key trends, challenges, and future directions in green technology. Our aggregate findings suggest that while significant progress has been made in reducing environmental impact, barriers such as high initial costs and technological limitations persist. Hence, for the well-being of societal communities, green technology innovations and practices should be adopted more widely. By investing in sustainable practices, communities can reduce environmental degradation, improve public health, and create resilient infrastructures that support both ecological and economic stability. Green technologies, such as renewable energy sources, eco-friendly construction, efficient waste management systems, and sustainable agriculture, not only mitigate pollution but also lower greenhouse gas emissions, thereby combating climate change. Finally, the paper concludes with recommendations for policymakers and industry leaders to foster the widespread adoption of green technologies.
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