This study examines the bottleneck effect of logistics performance on Vietnam’s imports, utilizing bilateral trade data from 2007 to 2022. We evaluate the impact of logistics performance on imports of Vietnam using the augmented gravity model and a random effects estimator. Our findings reveal that the minimum logistics performance between Vietnam and its trading partners has a significantly positive impact on the Vietnamese imports. The magnitude of its bottleneck effects is much larger than the influence of Vietnam’s individual logistics performance or deviations in performance with its trading partners. Recognizing the impact of logistics bottlenecks on international trade enables policymakers to develop more effective and efficient logistics-related policies for enhancing bilateral trade with trading partners.

E-commerce plays an important role in many organizations and businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Although the body of scientific knowledge carries significant research in addressing the main drivers and challenges of e-commerce among SMEs, the Saudi market was untouched, especially after the official Saudi government classification of SMEs back in December of 2016. Therefore, this study aims to explore the most common factors and challenges of SMEs when utilizing e-commerce in Saudi Arabia. It focused on Jeddah City as the second-largest city and the main seaport of the country. This research is based on a quantitative survey carried out among 63 firms, due to the difficulty in reaching a larger number of participants who had dedicated time and budget. The examined factors were collected from the literature and classified using the Technology, Organization, and Environment Model (TOE). Out of 63 firms, only six were adopting e-commerce. This led us to focus more on the challenges that hindered the remaining 57 from utilizing e-commerce. The analysis results uncovered the status of e-commerce among a sample of Saudi SMEs and showed that the knowledge and awareness level of e-commerce potential for businesses play a significant factor in reaching this incredibly low number.

Purpose: This research examines the intricate interplay between Business Intelligence (BI), Big Data Analytics (BDA), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the realm of Supply Chain Management (SCM). While the integration of these technologies has promised improved operational efficiency and decision-making capabilities, concerns about complexities and potential overreliance on technology persist. The study aims to provide insights into achieving a balance between data-driven insights and qualitative factors in SCM for sustained competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach: The research executed interviews with ten Arab Gulf-based consulting firms. These companies’ ability to successfully complete BI projects is well recognised. Findings: Through examining the interplay of human judgement and data-driven strategies, addressing integration challenges, and understanding the risks of excessive data reliance, the research enhances comprehension of the modern SCM landscape. It underscores BI’s foundational role, the necessity of balanced human input, and the significance of customer-centric strategies for lasting competitive advantage and relationships. Practical implications: The research provided information for organizations seeking to effectively navigate the complexities of integrating data-driven technologies in SCM. The research is a foundation for future studies to delve deeper into quantitative measurement methodologies and effective data security strategies in the SCM context. Originality: The research highlights the value of integrating BI, BDA, and AI in SCM for improved efficiency, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction, emphasising the need for a balanced approach that combines data-driven insights, human judgement, and customer-centric strategies to maintain competitiveness.

The main long-term goal of international communities is to achieve sustainable development. This issue is currently highly topical in most European Union (EU) countries due to the ongoing energy crisis. Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), which can be integrated into the building surface (roof or facade), thereby replacing conventional building materials, contributes significantly to achieving zero net energy buildings. However, fire safety is important when using BIPV as a structural system in buildings, and it is essential that the application of BIPV as building facades and roofs does not adversely affect the safety of the buildings, their occupants, or the responding firefighters. As multifunctional products, BIPV modules must meet fire safety requirements in the field of electrical engineering as well as in the construction industry. In terms of building regulations, the fire safety requirements of the BIPV must comply with national building regulations. Within this article, aspects and fire hazards associated with BIPV system installations will be defined, including proposals for installation and material requirements that can help meet fire safety.

The coronavirus pandemic has reinforced the need for sustainable, smart tourism and local travel, with rural destinations gaining in their popularity and leading to increased potential of smart rural tourism. However, these processes need adjustments to the current trends, incorporating new transformative business concepts and marketing approaches. In this paper we provide real life examples of new marketing approaches, together with new business models within the context of the use of new digital technologies. Via hermeneutic research approach, consisting of the secondary analysis of the addressed subject of smart rural tourism in adversity of the COVID-19 and 6 semi-structured interviews, the importance of technology is underscored in transforming rural tourism to smart rural tourist destinations. The respondents in the interview section were chosen based on their direct involvement in the presented examples and geographical location, i.e. France, Slovenia and Spain, where presented research examples were developed, concretely within European programmes, i.e. Interreg, Horizon and Rural Development Programme (RDP). Interviews were taking place between 2022 and 2023 in person, email or via Zoom. This two-phased study demonstrates that technology is important in transforming rural tourism to smart tourist destinations and that it ushers new approaches that seem particularly useful in applying to rural areas, creating a rural digital innovation ecosystem, which acts as s heuristic rural tourist model that fosters new types of tourism, i.e. smart rural tourism.

Renewable energy is gaining momentum in developing countries as an alternative to non-renewable sources, with rooftop solar power systems emerging as a noteworthy option. These systems have been implemented across various provinces and cities in Vietnam, accompanied by government policies aimed at fostering their adoption. This study, conducted in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam investigates the factors influencing the utilization of rooftop solar power systems by 309 individuals. The research findings, analyzed through the Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) model, reveal that policies encouragement and support, strategic investment costs, product knowledge and experience, perceived benefits assessment, and environmental attitudes collectively serve as predictors for the decision to use rooftop solar power systems. Furthermore, the study delves into mediating and moderating effects between variables within the model. This research not only addresses a knowledge gap but also furnishes policymakers with evidence to chart new directions for encouraging the widespread adoption of solar power systems.

Cultural tourism, an important component of the wider tourism industry, has received significant attention due to the complex interplay between cultural heritage and tourism experiences. This form of tourism invites tourists to discover the arts, traditions, and lifestyles of diverse communities, thereby enriching intercultural encounters. Examining the rapidly evolving field of cultural tourism research, this article looks at its many facets, highlighting its growth, thematic focus, and global importance. In order to better understand the wealth and highlight the body of work, this study undertakes a bibliometric analysis of the concept of cultural tourism. This exploration employs bibliometric searching of journals indexed in the web of science database from 1996 to 2023, using the biblioshiny software in rstudio. This approach provides a global perspective, revealing a prolific and multidisciplinary production of the concept of cultural tourism. The study identifies a total of 369 articles published between 1996 and 2023, involving 781 authors and 244 journals. The results underline the widespread engagement with the subject across diverse scientific communities and geographical regions.

The study’s objective is to identify the challenges and limitations faced by the current vocational education system in preparing graduates in the era of the industrial revolution in the evolving job market in Tangerang, Indonesia. The study primarily examines vocational high schools and adopts a quantitative and quasi-experimental research approach, using control groups to conduct pre- and posttests. The experimental group experiences demonstrations, whereas the control group receives explanations. Instructors employ a blend of demonstration and explanation techniques to explain equipment operation before allowing students to engage in vocational training. The study, led by students in various engineering fields, evaluates technical competencies, work ethics, and foundational knowledge using tests and observations. Job preparation is assessed using the minimal completeness criteria (MCC), which focuses on the importance of proper knowledge, attitudes, and skills. The results indicate that vocational teachers have the potential to play a pivotal role in introducing cutting-edge, technology-based teaching methods, therefore enabling students to make well-informed decisions about their careers. This research enhances vocational education by incorporating practical skills and attitudes with academic knowledge, effectively addressing the changing requirements of the work market.