One of the most frequently debated subjects in international forums is economic growth, which is regarded as a global priority. Consequently, researchers have turned their attention from conventional economic growth at a single average coefficient to divisible economic growth at levels of its value. Although the existing literature has discussed several determinants of economic growth, our article contributes to examining the sources of economic growth in African countries during the generations of reforms from 1990 to 2019 and in the context of economic vulnerability. The variables used in the analysis are gross domestic product, trade openness, financial development, and economic vulnerability. The study uses a quantile regression econometric model to examine these variables at different stages of reform. Quantile regression (QR) estimates for quantiles 0.05 to 0.95 showed mixed results: financial development is favorable to African economic growth at all quantile levels. However, economic vulnerability is a major impediment to economic growth at all quantile levels. In addition, it was found that a high degree of trade openness has a detrimental effect on African economic growth from quantile 0.5 of the dependent variable. Finally, another important result proves that financial development is a remedy for decision-makers against economic vulnerability.

Fujian Tubao, a defensive residential structure predominantly found in central Fujian, represents a significant cultural heritage of the region. However, with the rapid urbanization underway, Fujian Tubao faces the threat of extinction, presenting severe challenges to its survival and development. Identifying a sustainable development path for Fujian Tubao is crucial for preserving regional culture. This study uses Fuxing Bao, a quintessential example of Fujian Tubao, as a case study to explore conservation methods based on adaptive reuse. Through field surveys, questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and case studies, we analyze the historical background of the building, focusing on the current physical and social environment of Fuxing Bao. Our findings indicate that the current state of preservation of Fuxing Bao can meet the requirements for adaptive reuse. By integrating results from surveys and interviews with local villagers, we propose sustainable development strategies and conservation methods. This research offers a sustainable development model for Fujian Tubao and other traditional regional dwellings. By adopting an adaptive reuse perspective, it aims to better address the conflict between modern living and traditional architectural preservation, ensuring that these architectural spaces are properly protected and continue to play a unique role in contemporary society.

This study investigates the impact of perceived innovative leadership on team innovation performance, with innovation climate acting as a mediating variable. A quantitative research approach, including a survey of team members across various industries, was used to collect data. Analysis through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) reveals that perceived innovative leadership significantly positively influences team innovation performance, with innovation climate partially mediating this relationship. The findings emphasize the critical role of innovative leadership and a positive innovation climate in fostering organizational innovation, offering valuable insights for management practices. This paper also discusses the study’s limitations and provides directions for future research.

Regardless of the importance of accreditation and the role faculty play in a such process, not much attention was given to those in dental colleges This study aimed to explore faculty perceptions of accreditation in the College of Dental Medicine and its impact, the challenges that hinder their involvement in accreditation, and countermeasures to mitigate these barriers using a convergent mixed methods approach. The interviewees were faculty who hold administrative positions (purposeful sample). The remaining faculty were invited for the survey using convenience sampling. Quantitative data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests at 0.05 significance. A consensus was achieved on the positive impact of accreditation with an emphasis on the collective responsibility of faculty for the entire process. Yet their involvement was not duly recognized in teaching load, promotion, and incentives. Quality Improvement and Sustainability Tools and Benchmarking were identified as common themes for the value of accreditation to institutions and faculty. Global ranking and credibility as well as seamless service were key themes for institutional accreditation, while education tools and guidance or unifying tools were central themes for faculty. Regarding the challenges, five themes were recognized: Lack of Resources, Rigorous Process, Communication Lapse, Overwhelming Workload, and Leadership Style and Working Environment. To mitigate these challenges, Providing Enough Resources and Leadership Style and Working Environment were the identified themes. This research endeavors to achieve a better understanding of faculty perceptions to ease a process that requires commitment, resources, and readiness to change.

Our study investigates the relationship between firm profitability, board characteristics, and the quality of sustainability disclosures, while examining the moderating effects of financial leverage and external audit assurance. A key focus is the distinction between Big 4 and non-Big 4 audit firms. Using data from Malaysia’s top 100 publicly listed organizations from 2018 to 2020, we analyze sustainability reports based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards. Unexpectedly, our results indicate a negative association between firm profitability and board characteristics, challenging traditional assumptions. We find that non-Big 4 audit firms significantly enhance sustainability disclosure quality, contradicting the widely held belief in the superiority of Big 4 firms. Our finding introduces the “Big 4 dilemma” in the Malaysian context and calls for a reassessment of audit firm selection practices. Our study offers new perspectives on the strategic role of board composition and audit firm selection in advancing sustainability disclosures, urging Malaysian organizations to evaluate audit firms on criteria beyond the global prestige of Big 4 firms to improve sustainability reporting.

The transportation sector in India, which is a vital engine for economic growth, is progressively facing challenges related to climate change. Increased temperature, extreme weather conditions, and rising seas threaten physical infrastructure, service delivery, and the economy. This research examines efforts towards improving the climate resilience of India’s transport sector through policy interventions. Strategies encompass broadening the focus to cover the integration of sustainability, innovative technology deployment, and adaptive infrastructure planning. Multi-sectoral measures are proposed to guarantee longevity, equity and environmental protection. National transport infrastructure will be secured, people will be enabled to move sustainably, and India will take its position in the world economy as a climate-resilient country. Long-term resource management and promoting inclusive governance are critical to agri-transportation systems that can withstand the changing climate.