Sustainable development (SD) is an approach that aims to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Education for sustainable development (ESD) is a key component in achieving this goal, as it equips young people with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to make sustainable decisions. This study investigated how preschool teachers in Saudi Arabia understood (SD) and the state of (ESD) practices. A survey was used to collect data from 230 Saudi preschool teachers. The findings revealed that 90% of teachers lacked awareness regarding SD. The overall evaluation of ESD practices among participants indicated a weak subpar status, with an average score of 2.49 out of 4. Notably, in ascending order, the following three dimensions had weak mean scores: the content aspect (2.38) had the lowest score, followed by the practice aspect (2.54) and the competencies aspect (2.58). Meanwhile, the values aspect (2.63) had an average outcome. Analysing the mean scores of ESD practices based on teachers’ qualifications and school types revealed significant differences, although no variations were observed based on experience. The primary obstacle to ESD implementation in pre-schools was the lack of awareness regarding SD/ESD. The study underscores the significance of expanding teacher training to promote ESD effectively in pre-school settings. The results highlight the need for professional development opportunities to improve ESD implementation in classrooms, educate Saudi preschool teachers about SD, and create instructional materials that align with the principles of ESD.
This study employed the theory of planned behavior to examine how green urban spaces influence walking behaviors, with a focus on Chongqing’s Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street. Using structural equation modelling to analyse survey data from 401 respondents, this study assessed the relationships between attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, walking intentions, and actions. The results revealed that attitudes toward walking (β = 0.335, p < 0.001) and subjective norms (β = 0.221, p < 0.001) significantly predict walking intentions, which strongly determine actual walking behavior (β = 0.379, p < 0.001). Moreover, perceived behavioral control exerts a direct significant impact on walking actions (β = 0.332, p < 0.001), illustrating that both environmental and social factors are crucial in promoting pedestrian activity. These findings suggest that enhancing the appeal and accessibility of urban green spaces can significantly encourage walking, providing valuable insights for urban planning and public health policy. This study can guide city planners and health professionals in creating more walkable and health-conducive urban environments.
Presently, any development initiatives without considering sustainability can barely be imagined. There has been a paradigm shift in the focus of the development partners from the mere development to sustainable development. However, the role of development partners in bringing sustainability in livelihood assets of the rural community has long been questioned. Hence, this study aims to explore the sustainability in the form of changes in livelihood assets of a local community in Bangladesh. This study considers the changes in livelihood assets of the community over the three-time frames - before, during, and after a project implemented by a national NGO called ‘UST’ and subsequently identifies the community’s capacity to sustain the project outcomes after the completion of the project. ‘Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF)’ developed by Department for International Development (DFID) was utilized in this study to analyse the vulnerability and livelihood issues of the community members. Data has been collected through focus group discussions, household survey and key informants’ interviews from three distinct villages of ‘Khutamara’ union in the ‘Nilphamari’ district of Bangladesh. The finding of the study states that all the livelihood assets such as the social capital, human capital, natural capital, financial capital, physical capital have positively changed due to the interference of the development partners. This study further finds that even after the completion of project tenure, such positive trends continue to exist among the community members indicating sustainable development. Moreover, political capital- a new type of livelihood has also emerged because of the project implementation which was not quite evident before the inception of the project. In addition, this study explored the unique phenomenon of the Shabolombee Gram, where the transformation altering farmers’, livelihoods does not come from the government or the private sector but originates from a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). Therefore, the government and its development partners may adopt and incorporate the Modified Sustainable Livelihood Framework (MSLF) to ensure the sustainable development.
Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) emphasizes the identification and exploitation of business opportunities, while entrepreneurial action learning (EAL) underscores the acquisition of knowledge through practical experience and continuous improvement. Breakthroughs in both aspects contribute to maintaining flexibility, adapting to changes, and enabling success in competitive markets. The key to the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) lies in a clear Entrepreneurial Orientation, a focus on Entrepreneurial Action Learning, and the cultivation of innovation spirit through continuous practice and experience accumulation, thereby enhancing entrepreneurial performance (EP). This study aims to explore the impact of Entrepreneurial Orientation on the Entrepreneurial Performance of SMEs, clarify the mediating role of Entrepreneurial Action Learning between Entrepreneurial Orientation and Entrepreneurial Performance, and investigate the variability of Entrepreneurial Performance among different industries. By means of data collection from 598 SMEs, data analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The analysis results indicate that entrepreneurial orientation has a positive impact on entrepreneurial action learning and entrepreneurial performance, and entrepreneurial action learning has a positive impact on entrepreneurial performance. The study also found that entrepreneurial action learning partially mediates the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and entrepreneurial performance. There are certain differences in entrepreneurial performance among different industries. This study enriches the relevant literature in the field of entrepreneurship. Additionally, research on entrepreneurial orientation, entrepreneurial action learning, and entrepreneurial performance in specific regional contexts is very limited, making this study valuable for subsequent research in related areas.
Climate Compatible Development (CCD), which aims to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and promote economic growth while adjusting to the effects of climate change, necessitates integrated policy approaches across several sectors. However, little attention has been given to the types of institutional structures collaborating and competing in conceptualizing CCD and understanding its functioning. This paper develops and applies a qualitative analysis to determine the compatibility of national and local policies and multi-stakeholder roles with the aims of the three dimensions of CCD (development, climate adaptation, and climate mitigation) using the mangrove governance case. Results indicate that mangrove governance policies currently support shifts towards CCD, especially by national governments. The existence of Ministry of Development National Planning that play roles in formulating climate change policy and development planning in Indonesia proved beneficial for CCD attainment. However, several regulations showed that political intervention and sectoral interests were present in multilevel governance toward CCD. Institutional challenges in this context were described, particularly in the existence of a hierarchy of statutory powers in Indonesia.
This study aims to quantitatively analyze the equity of social service space in urban parks in China, in order to explore the equity issues faced by different social groups in accessing urban park services. The research background focuses on the importance of urban parks as social service spaces, particularly in improving residents’ quality of life and well-being. Through a comprehensive literature review, the study examines the social service functions of urban parks, the relationship between parks and social psychology, and the theoretical framework of equity. The study employs quantitative research methods, collects data on urban park usage and resident satisfaction, and defines relevant analysis variables. The data analysis section reveals the basic characteristics of park service space usage and resident well-being index through descriptive statistical methods. Subsequently, quantitative analysis is conducted to evaluate the current status of equity in urban park service space and explore the key factors influencing equity. The study reveals a significant correlation between social psychological factors, resident well-being index, and equity in park service space. Finally, the research conclusion emphasizes the importance of improving equity in social service space in urban parks and provides specific policy recommendations. At the same time, the study acknowledges its limitations and suggests future research directions. This study provides insights for urban planners and policymakers on how to enhance equity in urban park services and offers important strategic guidance for improving overall well-being of urban residents.
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