In this research, we employed multivariate statistical methods to investigate the perspectives of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) concerning the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulation and their apprehensions related to EPR compliance. The EPR regulation, which places the responsibility of waste management on producers, has significant financial and administrative implications, particularly for SMEs. A sample of 114 businesses was randomly selected, and the collected data underwent comprehensive analysis. Our findings highlight that a notable proportion of businesses (44.7%) possess knowledge of the EPR regulation’s provisions, whereas only a marginal fraction (1.8%) lacks sufficient familiarity. We also explored the interplay between opinions on the EPR regulation and concerns regarding its financial and administrative implications. Our results establish a significant correlation between EPR regulation opinions and concerns, with adverse opinions prominently influencing concerns, particularly regarding financial burdens and administrative workloads. These outcomes, derived from the application of multivariate statistical techniques, provide valuable insights for enhancing the synergy between environmental regulations and business practices. EPR regulation significantly affects SMEs in terms of financial, administrative, and legal obligations, thus our study highlights that policymakers may need to consider additional support mechanisms to alleviate the regulatory burden on SMEs, fostering a more effective and sustainable implementation of the EPR regulation.
The construction industry is responsible for over 40% of global energy consumption and one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. Generally, 10%–20% of energy is consumed in the manufacturing and transportation stages of materials, construction, maintenance, and demolition. The way the construction industry to deal with these impacts is to intensify sustainable development through green building. The author uses the latest Green Building Certification Standard in Indonesia as the Green Building Guidelines under the Ministry of Public Works and People’s Housing (PUPR) Regulation No. 01/SE/M/2022, as a basis for evaluating existing office buildings or what is often referred to as green retrofit. Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) is used by the authors to detail the factors influencing the application of green building by analyzing several variables related to the problem studied, which are used to build and test statistical models of causal models. From this study, it is concluded that the most influential factors in the implementation of green retrofitting on office buildings are energy savings, water efficiency, renewable energy use, the presence of green building socialization programs, cost planning, design planning, project feasibility studies, material cost, use of the latest technology applications, and price fluctuations. With the results of this research, there is expected to be shared awareness and concern about implementing green buildings and green offices as an initiative to present a more energy-efficient office environment, save operating costs, and provide comfort to customers.
This study explores the factors that affect consumer adoption of reusable packaging in South Korea’s food delivery market. Adopting a mixed-method that includes interviews and an online survey of 137 consumers aged 18 to 30, the analysis, using an ordered probit model, reveals key drivers of the likelihood of switching to food delivery services using reusable packaging. Positive influences include environmental concerns, intention to take action on disposable packaging, willingness to pay extra, and awareness that reusable packaging does not require washing. However, challenges such as hygiene concerns and higher delivery fees deter consumers from switching to reusable package option. Demographic factors like living arrangements and gender show minimal impact. In response to the findings, the study suggests strategic solutions, including a pilot program, to overcome barriers and effectively demonstrate the benefits of reusable containers.
This article explores how the Quran provides a framework for deriving universal laws that guide human knowledge, behavior, and societal norms. It begins by raising three key questions: How does the Quran guide humans in deriving universal laws from revelation and the universe? What role does deduction play in understanding human behavior and societal norms as presented in the Quran? What are the differences between the “Sunnah of Allah”, the “Sunnah of the Messengers”, and the “Sunnah of past nations” in shaping human understanding of divine laws? The article explains that the Quran encourages humans to reflect on natural phenomena and human history to extract divine laws that govern the universe and human interactions. Through contemplation and deductive reasoning, individuals can derive legal rulings and societal norms from the Quranic text. Deduction, as explained by scholars like Ibn Manzur, involves extracting meanings from texts using reasoning and understanding, and it is considered a key method for understanding divine laws.
This study investigates the multifaceted challenges and barriers to implementing public auditor recommendations in Ghana’s public sector over an eighteen months period, aiming to enhance governance and accountability. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, the study involved semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including officials from the Ghana Audit Service, government ministries, and civil society organizations. The findings reveal a complex interplay of organizational, political, and attitudinal factors that impede effective implementation. Key challenges identified include the lack of clear implementation plans, insufficient resources, weak political commitment, and a pervasive culture of mistrust towards audit recommendations. The research underscores the necessity for a comprehensive and holistic approach to address these barriers, advocating for strengthened political leadership, enhanced accountability mechanisms, and improved stakeholder coordination. Additionally, fostering a sense of ownership and buy-in among implementation stakeholders is crucial for successful reform. The study contributes valuable insights into the systemic issues affecting public sector governance in Ghana and offers practical recommendations for overcoming the identified challenges, ultimately aiming to empower citizens and enhance governmental accountability. By addressing these barriers, the research highlights the potential for transformative change in the governance landscape of Ghana’s public sector.
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