This study considers the relationship between investment in the manufacturing and processing industries and economic growth in Vietnam. This study applies an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model to reassess the long- and short-term relationships between industrial investment and economic growth from 1998 to 2023. It has been found that in both the long and short term, investments in this sector have a positive and significant effect on economic growth. The results further show that labor negatively affects growth in the long run, but is favorable in the short run. The verdict for the role of exports is that more evidence is required before any conclusive analysis can be conducted. Reinvestment in the manufacturing and processing industries for further economic growth is evident in the foregoing analysis. On the other hand, this research provides insight into the optimization of the utilization of resources and future sustainability by the government.

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.

This paper uses existing studies to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) advancements enhance recruitment, retention, and the effective management of a diverse workforce in South Africa. The extensive literature review revealed key themes used to contextualize the study. This study uses a meta-narrative approach to literature to review, critique and express what the literature says about the role of AI in talent recruitment, retention and diversity mapping within South Africa. An unobtrusive research technique, documentary analysis, is used to analyze literature. The findings reveal that South Africa’s Human Resource Management (HRM) landscape, marked by a combination of approaches, provides an opportunity to cultivate alternative methods attuned to contextual conditions in the global South. Consequently, adopting AI in recruiting, retaining, and managing a diverse workforce demands a critical examination of the colonial/apartheid past, integrating contemporary realities to explore the potential infusion of contextually relevant AI innovations in managing South Africa’s workforce.

This study aims to examine the influence of employee and entrepreneur competencies on work efficiency and performance of export companies at the Nong Khai border checkpoint. The research conducted is a quantitative survey. The population for this study includes employees and entrepreneurs from the cross-border export service industry, exporters, and freight forwarder agents operating at the Nong Khai border checkpoint. A non-probability sampling method was employed to select participants. The sample size was Cochran estimated using Cochran’s formula. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 385 logistics employees and entrepreneurs selected through purposive sampling. The questionnaires were distributed to employees and entrepreneurs from the export entrepreneurial industry, cross-border export service providers, exporters, and freight forwarder agents at the Nong Khai border checkpoint. The findings revealed that employee and entrepreneur competencies have a direct influence on the work efficiency and performance of export companies. The study concludes that enhancing the competencies of employees and entrepreneurs positively impacts work efficiency and the overall export performance of the company. The research suggests that entrepreneurs should prioritize training and competency development for employees to further improve work efficiency.

The Urabá region, known for its banana production, faces significant challenges due to seasonal droughts that affect crop productivity. The implementation of innovative technologies, such as efficient irrigation systems, is presented as a potential solution to improve the sustainability and profitability of plantations. This study validates the implementation of an irrigation system in a banana (Musa spp.) plantation located in the region of Urabá, in order to meet the water needs of the crop during periods of drought. A case study was carried out in a banana plantation in the region of Urabá, considering the maximum and minimum monthly losses due to drought, and a random sample was used to measure the weight before and after the implementation of the irrigation system, in order to carry out an economic analysis. The study shows that the implementation of a sprinkler irrigation system increases the average weight of the harvested bunches by 20%, which is reflected in an annual increase of 30.3% of exported boxes, obtaining satisfactory results in terms of internal rate of return, cost-benefit ratio and return on investment. The implementation of irrigation systems makes it possible to increase competitiveness in international markets, especially in regions such as Urabá, where the use of these technologies is still incipient.

Divorce for female civil servants in Indonesia is more complex than for non-civil servants due to a pseudo-administrative process. This condition requires submitting a written application for divorce permission to their agency and proceeding through multiple lengthy stages. During this process, women must verbally disclose sensitive personal details to state authorities. Failure to obtain written permission or to report the divorce within a specific period can result in disciplinary action. This paper examines how female civil servants protect their privacy while seeking divorce permission, focusing on managing personal information, controlling divorce-related details at work, and handling the information turbulence that arises. The researcher collected data from 12 female civil servants at Indonesia’s Directorate General of Taxes (DGT) who had applied for divorce permission. The findings reveal the subjective experiences and strategies women civil servants use to manage sensitive personal issues. The quasi-administrative nature of the divorce permit process introduces complexities that extend beyond formal procedures. Regulations governing the submission of divorce permits, overseen by government agencies, often add to the burden these women face, neglecting their privacy and psychological well-being. Impartial individuals and gender preferences in the verification team can exacerbate distress. Therefore, revising the divorce permit regulations to enhance privacy and sensitivity is crucial. The study recommends early information about the process and communication training for maintaining privacy.