Islamabad’s 2019 ban on single-use plastic shopping bags aimed to reduce plastic waste, but compliance is limited. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the ban as well as other factors in curtailing plastic bag use in Islamabad. Regression modeling within a rational choice framework analyzed survey data from 406 retailers across 18 selected urban and rural markets. We found that the subjective belief that a fine was unlikely (β = −16.10; t = −3.90; p < 0.001), likely (β = −24.99; t = −4.95; p < 0.001), or very likely (β = −43.84; t = −4.07; p < 0.001) for selling bags versus very unlikely was significantly associated with lower usage. Additionally, older retailer age (β = −0.25; p < 0.001) and more education (β = −0.77; p < 0.01) were associated with lower plastic bag usage. Business registration (β = −3.94; p < 0.10) and trade membership (β = −4.04; p < 0.05) also decreased use. Rural location (zone II: β = 13.28; p < 0.001) and plastic bags stock availability (β = 16.75; p < 0.001) increased use. Awareness, viewing bags as “Good”, unlikely fines and lack of substitutes lowered use. Results provide insights to inform more effective policies for reducing plastic waste.

This study develops an optimisation model to facilitate inter-facility medicine sharing in response to anticipated medicine shortages. These facilities include hospitals and medical representatives. We adopt the concept of collective response proposed in our study literature. The optimisation model is developed according to the real-world practices of inter-facility medicine sharing. We utilise case studies of particular healthcare networks to demonstrate the efficacy of the developed model. The efficacy encompasses the model’s application to real-world case studies, as well as its validity and reliability within a specific system. The results show that the developed model is able to determine which facilities should share the requested amount of medicines; and to reduce total lead times by at least one day compared to the ones obtained in the current practice. The model can be used as a decision-support tool for healthcare practitioners when responding to shortages. The study presents the managerial implications of medicine sharing at the network level and supports the development of collaboration amongst facilities in response to medicine shortages.

A precise risk assessment in a production line constitutes a significant item to identify susceptible areas where there is a possibility of product quality degradation. This also applies to the precast concrete production line in Indonesia that has a spun pile product. Based on a risk assessment activity conducted in this study, it is proposed to build a traceability model in order to maintain and even improve the spun pile product quality in Indonesia. The approach used was the Neural Network of the perceptron model for weighing and will result in a defined traceability path in the context of reducing defects and even failed spun pile products. The simulation result showed that the model has been able to detect risky path possibilities to reduce product quality. The accumulation result of high-risk and medium-risk paths in this study showed that closer to product finalization, the risk will be higher. It is evident that when assessing Indicators, the order from the highest accumulation value first is Curing & Demolding and Stressing & Spinning at 29% each, Casting at 14%, Forming & Setting at 14%, and lastly Cutting & Heading at 14%. Regarding the risk assessment for activities, the first position is Curing & Demolding and Stressing & Spinning with 30% each, the second is Casting and Forming & Setting with 15% each, and the third is Cutting & Heading with 10%.

Despite being controversial, teacher tenure policies are understudied, particularly in higher education contexts outside the Western world. Using semi-structured interviews with 15 university faculty members, this study explored how tenure systems influence the teaching practices, motivations, and job satisfaction of language teachers in Macau's universities. It was revealed that Macau implemented competitive, “up or out” tenure policies that were based on research output. Faculty were anxious as vague expectations heightened research priorities over teaching quality and student support. Requirements also strained collegial relationships as faculty goals focused on promotion. Veteran professors demonstrated resilience, maintaining intrinsic motivation despite policies. They advocated improving policies by promoting transparency, balancing workloads, accommodating disciplines, and communicating effectively. Using empirical data, this study identifies key policy implications for supporting teacher motivation while balancing inequality constraints. It provides empirical insight into optimizing tenure for teacher engagement and fulfillment.

The operational performance of container ports is crucial for efficient logistics and trade. However, there is limited understanding of how external integration through Customer and Supplier Integration (SCI-CI and SCI-SI) impacts port operational performance (POP), particularly in emerging markets like Oman. This study addresses this gap by examining the relationship between SCI-CI, SCI-SI, and POP, and explores the mediating role of supply chain management (SCM) practices in this context. Using the Resource-Based View (RBV) as the theoretical framework, the study employed a quantitative cross-sectional survey method. A total of 377 questionnaires were distributed to managers at Sohar and Salalah ports, with 331 usable responses obtained, representing an 88 percent response rate. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that SCI-CI and SCI-SI have significant direct and indirect positive effects on POP, and they directly influence SCM practices. SCM practices, in turn, significantly enhance POP. Notably, SCM practices partially mediate the relationship between SCI-CI and SCI-SI with POP. These findings underscore the strategic importance of external integration and SCM practices as internal resources for improving port performance. This research provides valuable insights for decision-makers and policymakers in optimizing port operations.