All global countries are interdependent and all aspects of the global economy operate synergistically. The COVID-19 pandemic gave a renewed sense of urgency to focus on the synergies between supply chain, climate change, COVID-19, and sustainable development as they affect business in Africa and how what occurs in one part of the world affects the whole world. This book examines this synergy and the reciprocal impact of businesses, government, and society. Featuring contributions presented at the 2022 Current Business Issues in African Countries (CBIAC) Conference held at Wagner College in Staten Island, NY, USA, this book explores topics such as agriculture, entrepreneurship, education, gender, and capital flows in Africa demonstrating the wealth of business opportunities across the continent.  

This book discusses the ways in which characteristics of innovative firms and innovative talents with core competence in Japanese, Korean, German, and American contexts are developed and nurtured, and compares innovative firms with a long history of business operations from these four countries. Firstly, the book examines innovation practices of long-lived Japanese firms and compares them with those of German, American and Korean firms. Based on extensive interviews with executives and field studies, it identifies the essential qualities of each country in which these innovative firms and innovative talents are found. It then focuses on theoretical and practical aspects, using the theoretical framework to define organizational and technological factors for long-term innovation success. Further, the book provides recommendations based on organizational practices for developing innovative talents in Japanese, German, American and Korean contexts. Intended for academics, students and practitioners in the areas of organizational theory and strategic management, this book clarifies the critical practices of long-lived innovative firms and organizational innovators.

Supply chain management has long been a feature of industry and commerce but, with increasing demands from consumers, producers are spending more time and money investing in ways to make supply chains more sustainable. This exemplary Handbook provides readers with a comprehensive overview of current research on sustainable supply chain management. Multi-disciplinary in scope, the Handbook includes contributions from over 70 expert authors from a variety of areas including management, engineering, accounting, policy studies, innovation, and marketing. Chapters analyze the three core areas of sustainable supply chain management: environmental, economic, and social. The Handbook explores broad themes such as globalization and general organization strategies as well as examining more particular topics including particular industries, social and regulatory dimensions, and technological advances. Scholars and advanced business and management students will greatly benefit from the depth of analysis in this Handbook as well as the suggestions for directions for future research and practice. Written in an accessible style, it is also ideal for practitioners and government agencies seeking solutions to practical issues regarding sustainable supply chain management. Contributors include: A.Y. Alqahtani, M.A. Ates, S.G. Azevedo, C. Bai, P. Beske-Janssen, C. Brix-Asala, L.M.S. Campos, V. Carbone, L. Carmagnac, H. Carvalho, H.K. Chan, H.S.Y. Chen, T.C.E. Cheng, S.K. Cho, J. Dai, N. Darnall, L. Ellram, B. Fahimnia, Y. Feng, S. Goodarzi, D.B. Grant, J.H. Grimm, C. Groening, S.M. Gupta, A. Gurtu, I. Haavisto, A. Halldorsson, J.S. Hofstetter, J. Hou, J. Hu, S. Hudson, S.E. Ibrahim, C.J.C. Jabbour, M.Y. Jaber, A.D. Joshi, A. Jug, R.U. Khalid, G. Kovacs, K.-h. Lai, S. Liedke, J.J. Lim, M.K. Lim, J. Liu, A.B. Lopes de Sousa Jabbour, E. Marsillac, L. Meade, S.A. Melnyk, V. Moatti, A. Presley, J. Rezaei, Y. Sadaat, J. Sarkis, S. Schaltegger, D.G. Schniederjans, C. Searcy, S. Seuring, S. Shaw, R. Sroufe, C. Sundgren, K.H. Tan, W. Tate, M.-L. Tseng, D.A. Vazquez-Brust, M. Varsei, A. Vilmar, J. Wehner, E.W. Welch, M.G. Yalcin, A.Z. Zeng, F. Zeng, Q. Zhu, Q. Zhu

The book reports on advanced topics in interactive robotics research and practice; in particular, it addresses non-technical obstacles to the broadest uptake of these technologies. It focuses on new technologies that can physically and cognitively interact with humans, including neural interfaces, soft wearable robots, and sensor and actuator technologies; further, it discusses important regulatory challenges, including but not limited to business models, standardization, education and ethical-legal-socioeconomic issues. Gathering the outcomes of the 1st INBOTS Conference (INBOTS2018), held on October 16-20, 2018 in Pisa, Italy, the book addresses the needs of a broad audience of academics and professionals working in government and industry, as well as end users. In addition to providing readers with detailed information and a source of inspiration for new projects and collaborations, it discusses representative case studies highlighting practical challenges in the implementation of interactive robots in a number of fields, as well as solutions to improve communication between different stakeholders. By merging engineering, medical, ethical and political perspectives, the book offers a multidisciplinary, timely snapshot of interactive robotics.

Over the past two decades, the service economy has become the largest part of most industrialized nations economies according to key economic indices, such as contribution to GDP and employment. In parallel, the concept of service has been developed in different disciplines as a key theoretical construct that drastically impacts recent research initiatives. Management Information Systems for Enterprise Applications: Business Issues, Research and Solutions provide the conceptual and methodological foundations that reflect interdisciplinary concerns regarding research in management information systems. This book investigates the future of management information systems by means of analyzing a variety of MIS and service-related concepts in a wide range of disciplines, including computer science, software engineering, operations research, management of information systems, economics, management theory, marketing, business strategy, cognitive sciences, anthropology, humanities and the arts, as well as novel concepts and knowledge from related areas.

This book examines how digital technologies enable collaboration as a way for individuals, teams and businesses to connect, create value, and harness new opportunities. Digital technologies have brought the world closer together but also created new barriers and divides. While it is now possible to connect almost instantly and seamlessly across the globe, collaboration comes at a cost; it requires new skills and hidden 'collaboration work', and the need to renegotiate the fair distribution of value in multi-stakeholder network arrangements. Presenting state-of-the-art research, case studies, and leading voices in the field, the book provides academics and professionals with insights into the diverse powers of collaboration in the digital age, spanning collaboration among professionals, organisations, and consumers. It brings together contributions from scholars interested in the collaboration of teams, cooperatives, projects, and new cooperative systems, covering a range of sectors from the sharing economy, health care, large project businesses to public sector collaboration.

A team of interdisciplinary experts provides an up-to-date review of current theories, empirical research, and management strategies that will help organizations address workplace bullying through both prevention and intervention. Workplace bullying is a serious issue that can lead to anxiety, depression, substance abuse, absenteeism, sleep disturbances, and post-traumatic stress syndrome. This book has a simple goal: to help employers see bullying-and stop it. It does that by providing organizations with best practices, management strategies for bullying prevention, and protocols for investigating bullying complaints. Part I of the book overviews workplace bullying, discussing incidence, psychological dimensions, and explanatory models. It looks at reasons bullies do what they do, at the difference between a tough boss and a bully, and at the cost of bullying for organizations. Equally important are the book's insights into the impact of bullying on employees. Everyday problems of employees targeted by bullies at work are illustrated, including the resulting psychological distress that can lead to suicide. Part II of the work focuses on prevention and coping and on legislation that protects employees, including Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Finally, to help both employers and employees, the book offers sample anti-bully policies and bully awareness training programs, and also lists organizations concerned with workplace bullying. Takes a lifespan developmental approach to understanding workplace bullying Offers specific recommendations for preventing workplace bullying Shares and addresses real-life stories Provides sample policies and investigation formats Features chapters written by noted scholars, human resource professionals, psychologists, and attorneys

This edited collection captures current thinking about and future practices and strategies for human resource development (HRD). It brings together contributions from a number of leading academics, practitioners and consultants who are active in the debate about the future of HRD. As the world of work grows ever more complex, diverse and ambiguous, there is growing interest in how technology, globalisation, changing workforce demographics and talent development can play a greater role in developing organisations for the future. In this context, HRD is a critical tool to address current complexity and offer solutions to organisational learning needs. Split into two volumes covering technology and innovation as well as the role of HRD in disrupting management and organisational thinking, these books provide analyses of the role of HRD in addressing the needs of the digital revolution. Volume II offers a practical assessment of how HRD can drive change at an individual and organisational level through the adoption of various best practices. It provides the reader key insights into the HRD response to current issues and whether modern organisations should change their approach to learning and development. Together the two volumes offer a highly reflective, critical and insightful assessment on the foundations of HRD in the workplace.

Each new generation of upcoming professionals requires different strategies for effective management within the workforce. In order to promote a cohesive and productive environment, managers must take steps to better understand their employees. The Handbook of Research on Human Resources Strategies for the New Millennial Workforce is an authoritative reference source for the latest scholarly research on theoretical frameworks and applications for the management of millennials entering the professional realm. Focusing on methods and practices to enhance organizational performance and culture, this book is ideally designed for managers, professionals, upper-level students, and researchers in the fields of human resource and strategic management.

A seminal collection of research methodology themes, this two-volume work provides a set of key scholarly developments related to robustness, allowing scholars to advance their knowledge of research methods used outside of their own immediate fields. With a focus on emerging methodologies within management, key areas of importance are dissected with chapters covering statistical modelling, new measurements, digital research, biometrics and neuroscience, the philosophy of research, computer modelling approaches and new mathematical theories, among others. A genuinely pioneering contribution to the advancement of research methods in business studies, Innovative Research Methodologies in Management presents an analytical and engaging discussion on each topic. By introducing new research agendas it aims to pave the way for increased application of innovative techniques, allow ing the exploration of future research perspectives. Volume I covers a range of research methodologies within the realms of philosophy, measurement and modelling, and focusses on meta-modern mixed methods such as neurophilosophy, diagnostic measurement, and emotivity and ephemera research.

Supply chains are significant in improving business efficiency. Sustainable supply chains help industries enhance their ecological, monetary, and social performance. Innovative research frameworks as well as the modelling of sustainability issues are significant to different stakeholder's perspectives. This book guides researchers and practitioners through developing effective sustainable supply chains to meet UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This book explores the unique socioeconomic challenges encountered by female leaders in China, India, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries where traditional cultural expectations and modernized values coexist. It provides insight into gender inequality and underutilization of female talent as well as ways to develop highly qualified women in organizations. Chapters from expert contributors analyze the similarities and differences between each Asian country, the organizational and institutional challenges for women in the workplace, and how they balance work-family relationships. It will appeal to researchers and students in human resource development, management, leadership, Asia studies, women's studies, and political science, among others.

This book presents a compilation of over 200 numerical problems and solutions that students can use to learn, practice and master the Inventory Control and Management concepts. Intended as a companion to any of the standard textbooks in Inventory Control and Management and written in simple language, it illustrates very clearly the steps students need to follow in order to solve a given problem. It also explains which solution methodologies can be used under which circumstances. Offering an ideal one-stop resource for mid-level engineering and business students who have taken Inventory Management or a related subject as an elective, this book is the only one students will ever need to prepare and gain confidence for their examinations in this subject.

This book offers a clear process for managers, professionals, and future leaders to help discover their personal meaning in life and apply it to their work. The author uses research outcomes and theories to refute the contemporary philosophy that stresses following an individual's passion alone when choosing a particular job or career. Instead, she recommends employing a personal meaning-oriented approach to life and work, and then becoming passionate about one's work organically. The book also highlights the positive outcomes to organizations and societies when individuals engage with finding meaning in work, focusing on physical and emotional health and satisfaction. The author provides numerous examples of leaders who have aligned their personal meaning and organizational mission, also known as "meaning-mission fit," and the relationship of this alignment to their emotional well-being. Together, the research, theory, and evidence in this book equip leaders and managers with an inspiring model to find their own meaning-mission fit, as well as create opportunities for the employees to do the same.

In the 'knowledge economy', it is widely recognized that the effective engagement and utilization of human capital and the other facets of intellectual capital are critical, if not the only means, to organizations' short-term success and long-term survival. Quantitative Multidisciplinary Approaches in Human Capital and Asset Management provides robust scientific research and multidisciplinary perspectives on the theory behind the governance of human capital and human assets. Focusing on insight from the diverse fields of economics, finance, accounting, IT, biology, and development, this timely publication is designed to fit the research needs of researchers, practitioners, graduate-level students, and executives seeking methods for managing intellectual capital in the new knowledge economy.

This book explores technological innovation in family firms, seeking to reconstruct the links between the heterogeneous dimensions of family businesses and their innovative behaviour. Building on and examining the traditional view of family firms as conservative, this book contributes to knowledge surrounding the puzzling role of family firms in technological innovation, with particular focus on the Italian pharmaceutical industry. The authors explore technological advances within the industry in connection with various features of family governance. This thought-provoking study is divided into two parts, the first part providing an overview of current literature on the topic, and the second part analysing the findings of empirical investigation in a specific industry setting. Practitioners and academics of business strategy will find this book extremely useful as it combines both solid theoretical reasoning and robust empirical analysis.

ISO 9001 is known throughout the world as the gold standard for quality process improvement, but quality assurances experts are also discovering the power of CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration). This text explores how these two models can be used together to improve process quality by quantum leaps. It shows how organizations can streamline their quality process improvement programmes by capitalizing on the similarities both models share while minimizing their differences. The authors demonstrate that organizations can save valuable resources and money as they improve quality by moving towards both ISO 9001:2000 and CMMI compliance certification.

This book brings out the innovations in textile wet or chemical processing to alleviate the environmental impacts arising from this sector. The major challenge in the textiles and fashion sector is that it requires a massive sustainable innovation to mitigate the huge environmental impacts arising from chemical or wet processing. This book also discusses innovations in eco-friendly methods for textile wet processes and applications of enzymes in textiles.

"Developing Women Leaders" answers the question "How do we best develop women leaders?" with practical solutions drawn from current literature and the author's personal interviews with high-achievers in major US companies and universities.Presents research-based, practical solutions to help people in organizations develop talented women
Describes what organizations and individuals need to know about leadership competencies, personality, and leadership styles
Explains gender-related issues that affect the behaviors of both women and men at work
Integrates first-hand accounts by high-achieving women and men from major US companies and universities about their leadership experiences
Separate chapters addressed to CEOs and Human Resource executives, managers, and women offer practical suggestions to implement in their organizations, using examples from some 'best practice' companies
Has relevance across the range of all organizations including Fortune 500 companies, academic institutions, non-profit organizations and small businesses
Has significance for every aspect of society - business, government, law, families, careers, and health

This transdisciplinary volume puts forward proposals for wiser, socially just and sustainable socio-economic systems in transition. There is growing support for the view that the end of capitalism is around the corner, but on which conceptual and ethical basis can we interpret these times? With investigations into feminist economics, post-growth environmentalism, socio-technical digital design, collaborative and commons economics, the editors create a dialogue between radical knowledge/practices and contemplative social sciences to transgress disciplinary boundaries and implement new visions of reality. This important book challenges our ways of thinking and outlines a pathway for new research. Chapter 13 of this book is available open access under a CC BY 4.0 license at link.springer.com